Some Bee Stuff...

One of the things that has been keeping me busy recently has been working on projects for my quilt bee.  Right now we're doing a HST Swap and a Quilt in a Box swap each month.  I had fallen a little behind on my blocks for the latter and spent the last couple of days catching up.  The idea behind the swap is that each person selects all of the fabric for their own quilt and puts it in a box.  That box then gets passed around to each bee member who will use it to make a 12.5" block.  We each picked our block pattern before we started the swap and we make the same block for each person.

I had 3 blocks to make this month, so I did a little assembly line sewing.  First, I cut out each block from that person's fabric.  There are quite a few pieces, so I needed a cheat sheet to keep them organized when I was cutting them out.  (I used the Thangles paper for the HST's and Monique Dillard's Fit to be Geese ruler for the Flying Geese units.)

Pieces for 3 different blocks

Several hours of chain piecing, ironing and cutting and I had all my units ready to join - HSTs, Flying Geese and Square in a Square.  It looks like a complicated block, but breaks down pretty easily.

All 3 blocks ready to sew together.

Another couple of hours later (give or take) and I was done!  I'm not sure how long I spent on these blocks, but I was enjoying myself so I didn't rush it.

Ann's Block

Bridget's block

Kathy's block

I really enjoy seeing how different the blocks look depending on the fabric choices.  I only have one more box to go before I'm finished with this project.  And actually, my bee has already finished passing my box around so I have all of my blocks back.  I'll have to share them sometime soon.

While I was busy sewing, Gabriel was taking advantage of the view from the window seat.  It's a great lookout spot to see what the neighborhood critters are up to.  (Excuse the chair, I'm in the process of hanging stuff on the walls.)

I've actually started to unpack a few boxes and am slowly trying to find the perfect place for everything.  I love, love, love organizing, so this is a lot of fun for me!

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 

Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)