July Bee Blocks

It feels good to have bee blocks done for July as there are some even more crucial end of the month deadlines I need to pay attention to. First up was making one more Starburst Cross block for the June FAITH Circle quilt. This block is by SewCraftyJess, and I'm really liking it! The quilt top layout has been up on my design wall all week, and I'm hoping to get the top and a backing pieced this next week.

For Mid-Century Modern bee, we were asked to make a house block. I thought I could wing it, so I did, though it was kind of fiddly for me. I hope it goes ok with the others in the 'neighborhood.'

The Always Bee Learning Bee is making Sparkle blocks, a pattern by Freshly Pieced. The two blocks were make with identical pieces, just arranged differently, which was very fun to see come together.


For FAITH Circle's July quilt, we're making Greek Cross blocks. This block pattern is by Fresh Lemons, and I remember using is when I made my Summer Sampler quilt two summers ago. (flashback here!)


And wouldn't you know, That Stash Bee's July blocks, the Arkanasas Traveler block, was also from the Summer Sampler, another one by Freshly Pieced. Now I have to confess, as lovely as it may be, this first block was a 'loser,' measuring only 12" square when I was done. I had checked the 1" marker on the pattern I printed, and it seemed to be right, but I guess not quiiiiite 1".

So I tried again, making sure I did not 'print to fit' and the next 2 blocks each came out a perfect 12 1/2". So beware and always double-check your print settings. This pattern is interesting in that it is a combo of regular piecing (the diamonds) and paper-piecing (the background). 
Ok, those are done. On to grandgirl's flower girl dress(!), a starburst cross quilt, City Sampler blocks, etc. etc. And the list goes on.

January Bee Blocks

My bee blocks were many and varied this month . . .

Always Bee Learning Bee - Toni asked for a Herringbone block using this tutorial from Holly at Bijou Lovely. I had never made this simple block, and it was straightforward and fun.

With our scraps, we were asked to make an improv block. Mine measures 7 1/2".

 

FAITH Circle of do.Good Stitches - I was really pleased when I saw that RhubarbPatch wanted us to make Sparkle blocks! I had made a quilt with the Sparkle QA last year, and I knew it was one of those blocks that looks innocent enough, but makes for a pretty striking quilt. To make the centers scrappy with solid hsts made them extra fun.

Mid-Century Modern Bee - This is a new bee starting this month, so I am enjoying meeting some new quilters. I admit that when I saw lollyquiltz's request, "Juicy Fruit" Churn Dash blocks, I thought, "wow!" Using Carla's own tutorial, I thoroughly enjoyed making this block, and love how four small blocks made up the one 12 1/2" block. Really can't wait to see this quilt come together.

 

New to me, this bee has decided to include 3 1/2' siggy blocks each month, using this tutorial. 

 

Modern Blocks Bee - Ellebee'squilts asked for "Piece of the Garden" blocks from Modern Blocks. I had never pieced hexagons like this, and was a bit apprehensive, but it went together pretty well. If we were comfortable doing so, we were asked to make different sized blocks, so I did mine at 75% of the template.

That Stash Bee - This is also a brand new bee and Mama Love Quilts started us off with her own tutorial for "Birds in the Air" blocks. Of course, I loved working with these Caribbean colors. Do check out Nicole's blog and see the variety of layouts available with this block.

 

And, this bee is asking for siggy blocks also, this time 5" ones. I used this tutorial.

Whew. As much as I enjoy these bees, it always feels good to get the month's blocks done.