This year I joined my first ever quilt bee. I am so lucky to have joined a group that is so friendly and forgiving. :) Because, oops, it is only April and I am already behind. I know that is a huge Bee no-no, but I am going to chalk it up as a learning experience and get things straightened out by the end of this month and be back on track.
The April block was for Kate from Smiles From Kate. Her blocks were gnomes and trees and they were made with a method I hadn't tried before. I have to admit, I was really intimidated for some strange reason. They didn't seem hard, on the contrary, they were blocks with a lot of forgiveness and leniency built in. I guess it was just where I was emotionally and mentally that made me so scared to start them. I did talk with her and get permission to take my time with them. I didn't want to make blocks that I wasn't happy with or enjoying, so that is what I did. I took my time.
Witha good kick in the pants some prompting by my quilty friend Janice, who is also participating, I finally tackled the blocks this last weekend. And of course, she was right...there was nothing to be scared of. They were easy and fun.
I think I have mentioned it before, but I have a serious lack of low volume fabric in my stash. I think I will have to keep a look out for some good pieces the next time I hit up the fabric store. I did have some light greys on hand, and she mentioned grey in her colors so I went with it. If it is not Ok, I am hoping she will tell me so I can make another block *hint hint Kate*
I guess that is what doing a Bee is all about. Stepping outside your norm and trying new things. New methods, new colors, new styles, new deadlines. Hahaha. I don't have my turn until September, but I think I already know what I am going to do. I'll have to get that ready WAY ahead of time so I don't have to stress about it.
The April block was for Kate from Smiles From Kate. Her blocks were gnomes and trees and they were made with a method I hadn't tried before. I have to admit, I was really intimidated for some strange reason. They didn't seem hard, on the contrary, they were blocks with a lot of forgiveness and leniency built in. I guess it was just where I was emotionally and mentally that made me so scared to start them. I did talk with her and get permission to take my time with them. I didn't want to make blocks that I wasn't happy with or enjoying, so that is what I did. I took my time.
With
I think I have mentioned it before, but I have a serious lack of low volume fabric in my stash. I think I will have to keep a look out for some good pieces the next time I hit up the fabric store. I did have some light greys on hand, and she mentioned grey in her colors so I went with it. If it is not Ok, I am hoping she will tell me so I can make another block *hint hint Kate*
I guess that is what doing a Bee is all about. Stepping outside your norm and trying new things. New methods, new colors, new styles, new deadlines. Hahaha. I don't have my turn until September, but I think I already know what I am going to do. I'll have to get that ready WAY ahead of time so I don't have to stress about it.
On an entirely different topic. I have been struggling with my batting lately. I have always used Warm and Natural cotton batting. The last two quilts I have made have dark colored solids and they are picking up every single loose fiber there is. It is so hard to clean up after. Or take decent photos of for that matter. Does anyone else have this problem? How do you handle it? What is your go-to batting?
Linking up with:
Linky Party Tuesday with Free Motion by the River
This is lovely and sure enjoy the variety of background fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI was intimidated also...more so by rounding up the variety of fabrics than piecing the blocks...You are better then me, I made the block and mailed it, but have yet to blog about it. Thanks for the reminder! And BTW, you block is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWay to persevere and get it done and it is great, I love it!! I use Hobbs 80/20 all the time. And yes you can get some migration of fibers if using it on black fabrics:(
ReplyDeleteI have not used it yet but there is black batting for the dark fabrics.
Sometimes, we just need a little time. I procrastinate things that intimidate me all the time. You absolutely rose to the challenge. I've been following along as people have been making blocks for Kate, and yours is among my favorite.
ReplyDeleteDark fabrics do pick up and show lint. I use Quilters Dream Green and I have yet to use a black batting that is also available. Your block is cute and turned out great. I am glad you gave it a try. I bet Kate is going to like it just fine!
ReplyDeleteWonderful block Jen! It really is so cute and I'm sure Kate will just love it. You're right though--wonky is intimidating and I had a very hard time starting. Oh geez, I've got to get on that April block! Thanks for linking up to Wednesday Wait Loss. I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteKate definitely loves it. Lovely fabrics, there is already grey in the others so it will blend in just fine. I really like your choice of greens and reds too. I haven't used the black wadding available either, I am pretty sure it comes in Hobbs 80/20 which I have used a lot and if fine. Warm and Natural is my favourite but has become very expensive in the UK in the last year.
ReplyDeleteI love your block. I do find that dark fabrics attract fibres and white cat hairs and dust....I haven't tried black batting or green batting but they do exist.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness!! I KNEW you would rock this assignment. And you did. Super cute, Jen!
ReplyDeleteThose gnomes and trees are super cute! So glad you took on the challenge... Cause you did a fabulous job!
ReplyDelete