Two's Company Quilt Bee

Blocks for Jackie

2012-02-15T07:13:00.001-08:00

I can't believe I already have my blocks for Jackie done and in the mail. I am having such a busy month. I just needed a break and felt like sewing these. Jackie, I took to heart your comment about the "wilder the better." I hope you like them. I didn't have much wild fabric in my stash, so I enjoyed going shopping for you. I really liked adding some of these fabrics into my stash. The only disappointing one in my book is the bottom triangle in the block on the lower left. It was a beautiful Japanese print. But, when I cut it, it just came out as a solid red. Oh well...a place for the eye to rest, right? :-) Hope you like them. They were fun to do. I can't wait to see everyone's all put together. Looking forward to seeing the rest!

Sorry the photo is kind of dark. I am having trouble finding good lighting. I'm rarely home when it is light out, and the sun rarely shines in Michigan in the summer anyway. LOL.

Stephanie (Mama Pea)

Block For Mary

2012-02-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Mary, it is done! Actually, I must confess... I finished it on the last day of January.

I have been procrastinating sending it out because I love it so much and it looks fantastic on my design wall. But alas, it will be in the mail tomorrow!

I love it and I hope you do too!

Until Next Time...

Blocks for Mary and Jackie

2012-02-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

When Jackie's block packet arrived in the mail, then and only then did I realize that I hadn't yet done Mary's block from the month before!

Seeing as how they were both foundation pieced, and given that I tend to procrastinate on things I'm not especially proficient at, I figured I'd better just jump in and do them both without stopping, or I'd just get even further behind.

So . . . I did . . . and here's Mary's . . .
And here are Jackie's! So glad to be done, and neither one of them was nearly as bad as I had myself imagining them to be. Whew!
Now I have the rest of the month to "rest on my laurels", meaning . . . to work on my Laurel Leaf quilt. I just got another block in the mail today -- thanks Jessica!

Block for Mary

2012-01-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

I had fun piecing this, thanks to Mary's vellum, Tara's cutting map and Jackie's excellent tutorial!

Still, it seems like it came out a little lop-sided. I may have cut one of the square blocks on the wrong line?? I've tried and tried to figure it out with no success. I ended up re-sewing the 4 blocks together in a different way. I'll go ahead and send it. Mary, maybe you can figure out where I went wrong. If you send more fabric and vellums, I'll be happy to do it over again!

Spinning Geese

2012-01-29T06:28:00.001-08:00

Hi Mary,
Here is my blog for you! This was fun to work on! I hope you like it and that I did okay. Thanks for the extra fabric. It was just the ticket! I can't wait to see how you finish this one! This will go out in the mail next week.

Stephanie

Mary's geese

2012-01-28T13:34:00.001-08:00

Here you go! It'll go in the mail on Monday!

February's Block

2012-01-28T05:49:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

First let me say that Mary and I did NOT coordinate with one another about our blocks... LOL! When I saw Mary's come through, I thought "wow everyone is going to be able to do flying geese in their sleep!"

Anyway, this is for me and it is February's block.

I am sure that you hadn't guessed that I might do something with paper piecing, right?

I did a very intensive tutorial on my blog today about this block, in particular, and how to paper piece it. You can find the tutorial by clicking here, and it will also remain in my left sidebar under the Tutorial Section entitled Paper Piecing Tutorials. You can always find it there for future reference.

I will be sending everyone's packets out on Monday. I am almost done getting them ready. I will be providing the background fabric and I would love for you to provide the red fabrics. If you have 12 different reds for 12 different geese that would be fantastic! I also included the template to cut the red flying geese! The scrappier the better! If you need some reds send me an e-mail and I will include some in your packet.

Oh, please do NOT join each individual section together. Each section is 6.5"when trimmed. Just send the 4 sections separately so that I can play!

As you can tell, I kind of like wilder prints. If you have them great, if not, no worries.

As always, should you have any questions send me an e-mail or call. Thanks in advance for all your hard work!

Mary, your blocks are slightly delayed and will be heading out next week!

Until Next Time...

geese!

2012-01-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

I was able to get my circle of geese quilt block done yesterday. This may be my best paper pieced block to date. Tara filled me in on all the tips and tricks that were shared here on the blog and some of her own from personal experience, too. Thank you, Tara! I was hesitant to cut out the shapes by templates, thinking it would be uber confusing (paper piecing is tricky enough to start with), but I learned that it actually helped a ton. I hate wasting fabric, so this was a great solution for saving fabric while paper piecing. Woo-hoo!

I added 3/8" seam allowance to all the pieces of the templates, then fit them together like a puzzle before cutting them out. In a few hours my block was completed!

Mary, I popped it in the mail today. And I left the trimming to you. :)

I'm Flying!

2012-01-25T06:02:00.000-08:00

My Flying Geese went better than I expected. Always have trouble with paper piecing, but was helped by cutting the shapes beforehand. Thanks for the tip!

Playing Catch Up

2012-01-15T14:32:00.000-08:00

Hello, ladies,

I hope everyone had a good holiday season! I've had a couple of these blocks done for weeks now, and yet haven't managed to mail them. I'm so very sorry!

First up we have Jessica's HST's Lovely, easy, and Done!

Next up are Helen's Snowballs. I have a bit of confusion as to if I was supposed to sew these four blocks together after seeing everyone else's posts, so I can unpick these seams if you would like! I did use all different red fabrics, though so it is scrappy!

And then, last, but certainly not least, is Shelly's block of torment. Just kidding, kind of. You should know that until I started this block, I hadn't done a stitch of applique. And never planned on trying. I've been practicing on some scrap fabric, and I would like to think that my skills have improved enough for me to jump into this for real, but your opinion matters, Shelly. Let me know if you think I need more practice.

It is straighter than the picture shows. This piece of fabric was beautifully pressed until I started holding it in a death grip while stitching.

And a close up. Are these stitches too visible? I feel like it looks like a really big, red millipede. Any advice?

So, Mary's block is up next and I'm very excited! I so appreciate the extention of time on your part, Shelly, and the patience on the part of Jessica and Helen, as well.

The thing about bees for me is that I want to put my absolute best work out there. I'm very happy to be a part of this group and will try to mail in a more timely manner!

Working on Mary's Block

2012-01-14T14:46:00.001-08:00

Gang,

I have to share with you what happened to me today. I decided to start working on Mary's block. I really enjoy paper piecing. I loved Mary's suggestion (and still do) of making a paper template of the pieces for the block. I decided to do that. I cut up a paper pattern, and I folded the fabric in four layers. I laid out the pieces on the appropriate colors, and I cut them out roughly. I tend to add a generous amount when cutting out shapes for paper piecing, because the funny angles can be deceiving about how much fabric you need. I decided I'd cut them all out and put piece #1 in a sandwich bag along with the pattern piece, #2 in another bag along with the pattern piece, etc. I started putting the pieces in the plastic bags.

That's when I saw piece #9 sitting on the table with no red fabric to go with it.

My first thought (after, "NO!"....) was, "Sh**! I already cut up all the red fabric."

Yep. Had to e-mail Mary and beg her for a little more fabric. (I felt like Oliver Twist...."Please, sir. May I have a little more?") LOL.

All I need is to cut out four of piece #9.

Mary was so gracious and is going to send it to me. How embarrassing.

Gang, I am really not totally inept. Promise!

I did sew one of the blocks, all for piece #9. It went together great. So, the strategy of precutting really worked great for me. Just make sure you get all the pieces laid out before you cut! haha! (And do cut generously, too! I cut at least 1/2" extra on all sides.) Having the pieces in plastic bags is a huge help. I use one out of the first bag, move it to a new pile, come back to the table after sewing, pull one from the second bag, etc. Really smooth.

I haven't used the vellum before for paper piecing. It's sweet. I think that will make tearing the paper off really easy.

Oh, and I asked Mary what the "extend here" part meant on the pattern piece. She said we should let the fabric "run wild" on that edge....that is, don't trim to the 1/4" line. I imagine it's so she can trim them when they are all done so they are the exact same size. Just thought I'd mention it.

Have fun paper piecing!

Stephanie

More Snowballs!

2012-01-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

I finished and took the pic, but then didn't mail or post here, ack! Step one, posting this, step two, in the mail today Helen! This quilt is gonna be fabulous.

It's Raining Snowballs!

2012-01-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

I finished these some time ago, and I believe Helen already has them in her possession. I just never took the time yet to show them to you.
I was a bit late, and I didn't even have an excuse such as the one Andrea has!

Helen's quilt is going to be fantastic! Scrappy and wonderful -- I'm excited to see it finished, Helen.

Snowballs for Helen

2012-01-10T20:13:00.000-08:00

I finished my snowballs for Helen last week and dropped them in the mail. But it's been a crazy hectic week, so I haven't had a chance to blog them yet. Helen, I hope you've received these already. They were fun to sew. Hope you like them!

Well, I am now caught up! Yippee! Now, let's hope I can keep it that way, Mary! Thanks for your patience, ladies!

Still having fun with this!
Stephanie

2012-01-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

This sweet pea joined our family in November.

We love having her with us, but it has put a bit of a crimp on my sewing time. I'm still adjusting to life as a mama first, a quilter (and everything else) second. Thank you to the lovely ladies who were so patient on their blocks while I trained my new sewing assistant.

Can't wait to see Jessica's quilt for her son all finished! What a great departure from our red and whites. Here's my contribution to the cause.

Sewing snowballs was a perfect winter activity! They're on their way Helen!

And finally....it looks like I'm the only one who is taking seriously Shelly's generously extended timeline on your appliqué block. It's up next!

Happy quilting in the new year all!

Here We Go - Mary on Lake Pulaski's January Block

2011-12-30T07:31:00.000-08:00

I knew you all love both applique and paper piecing so it was hard to choose...but.....

I chose

PAPER PIECING!!!!

ETA: 12 1/2 inch block - 12 inch finished block

Pattern is from www.piecebynumber.com
I washed all the fabric I'm sending so don't use anything else (let me know if you need more).
I've included the printed pattern on vellum so it's easy to remove
I printed out an extra copy of the design and cut one of them up so I could use it as templates for the fabric. I put the template on the fabric and cut slightly bigger around it for the seam allowance. I found that this method ensures that the fabric is the perfect size and is less wasteful than judging by eye.

If you have trouble tearing your paper off, simply spray lightly with water, wait a few seconds and it rolls right off.

Here are some great paper piecing tutorials:

http://machenundtun.blogspot.com/2010/05/circle-of-geese-block-tutorial.html

http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.com/2009/08/tutorial-paper-piecing-block.html

http://www.twiddletails.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=21
Have fun and email me if you have questions. You packet is going out in the mail today.
Happy New Year!

Leaves for Shelly

2011-12-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

My fingers are a bit sore, but with Helen's encouragement (thanks for coming over to sew today!), I pushed myself to finish this block for Shelly tonight, so it can get in the mail before the new year.
Sorry for the bad lighting in the pic, but I knew I should keep the momentum going and just get the blog post done now..

Shelly, please ignore my bloggy whining about this block, it really was a fun one to do, and I'm grateful for the challenge you gave us. I had forgotten how much I like applique and was excited to rediscover the style and my water soluble marking pen (hope i got all the blue lines out, btw). You have inspired me to add some applique to my current project, and if it turns out half as cute as your laurel leaf quilt will be, I'll be satisfied.

Can't wait to see all the blocks together.

Jessica's Blues and Browns

2011-12-29T08:10:00.000-08:00

Hello again, all! I stayed up last night and worked on Jessica's blocks. I got half of the block sewn together before I went to bed. I got up this morning and finished it. I figured since I'm in "sunny" (not so much today--and brrrr, it's cold!) Florida, I would take the photo outside on a bush near our hotel.

This was a fun, quick and easy block to put together. (I just realized the block us upside down in this photo. Sorry!) I hope you like it, Jessica. Like I said, I went shopping for some fun blues yesterday to add into the block. I was SOOOO disappointed that I had to find a quilt shop here in Ft. Myers and had to fabric shop. I surfed on the net to see what was here and found a place called Quilt Lover's Hangout. When I got in there, I realized they were just featured in the most recent issue of Quilt Sampler's Ultimate Shop Hop, where they feature 10 of the best quilting stores in America. For good reason! It's a great shop! I was in a hurry to get back and sew, so I didn't spend too much time looking around. I'm planning to go back, though. :-) I'll do a review of the shop after that.

I also got to christen my new Featherweight on this block. That was really fun. So, this is the first block I've sewn on it. (I'll blog about that on my own blog shortly. I couldn't get the second photo to load properly here, so you'll have to check it out at www.peasinapod.typepad.com if you want to see it. Sorry!)

Anyway, thank you, too, Jessica for your patience, understanding, kindness, graciousness, etc. on my tardiness. You guys are great. I will look for a post office and get this in the mail to you!

Best,
Stephanie

Bringing up the rear...

2011-12-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

I finally finished Shelly's block. I want to thank Shelly for being so gracious, kind, patient, and understanding with my tardiness. It really wasn't that this was too difficult. It was just that my life went haywire with all my traveling at work over the past few months. I knew it was coming....it wasn't unexpected. My inability to "handle it" was somewhat unexpected for me. I apologize to everyone for getting so behind....especially to Shelly and Jessica.

I used scraps from the cowboy quilt I made a few years ago. I blogged about it here, if you want to see it. I thought these scraps should belong to Shelly. It just seemed right. :-) I hope you like it, Shelly. I'm sending along some of my little leftover scraps. If you need more, just let me know.

I really think this is a beautiful block, and I cannot wait to see how Shelly puts it together. It's going to be amazing. I loved sewing all the applique parts on by hand, too. I love handwork.

We had a long car ride to Florida for the holidays. I had already had all the leaves sewn on one branch. I did the second branch in the car on the first day of driving. That night in the hotel room, I made the rest of the leaves (I use the starch method...sorry, Shelly, my needle-turn skills really suck). I finished sewing them on during the second day of our trip. It really helped make the car ride pleasurable. So, thanks, Shelly!

Now, I'm on to Jessica's blocks. I am in Florida and forgot to bring some blue scraps with me. So, I had to go shopping today for some fabric for you. Oh, darn! (LOL) Found a GREAT quilt shop here, so thanks for that! I sewed up all the half-square triangles tonight and have two of the four rows put together already. I should have your block done in the next day or two.

Next, I need to find a post office so I can get these blocks off to you gals. More soon!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

Stephanie

Snow Balls for Helen

2011-12-27T09:52:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed working with your lovely, delicate whites. This will be one beautiful quilt!

Here's To You Helen!!

2011-12-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

Going in the mail tomorrow:

From Jessica

2011-12-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

Jessica delivered her delightful Snowballs in person. No snowball fight, tho. My aim is not good enough to take her on, and besides she is such a sweetheart. Can you read the words on her fabric? "Thrifty - Kind - Obedient - Love - Cheeriest - Friend"... That's Jessica, thank you very much!!!

For Helen

2011-12-18T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Beautiful red and white blocks just in time for Christmas!

They will be on their way to you tomorrow, Helen! I hope you will enjoy them and that they will make a great addition to your quilt.

Merry Christmas!

Until Next Time...

Two Colors for Jessica

2011-12-09T14:50:00.001-08:00

It was a treat to get to work with blue and brown this time.

It made me painfully aware that my stash is sorely lacking in bright blues. I have TWO entire bins of blues, but they're all dark, or tend toward green or purple. I had a hard time finding some that were just right. Does this mean I need to go blue shopping?

laurel leaves block

2011-12-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

For Shelly. I am sooooooo happy to see this block completed!

This block was challenging for me, even with a little applique experience under my belt. Shelly, it's a good thing I love you so much!! :)

Jessica's block

2011-12-02T05:25:00.000-08:00

Here is Jessica's block. It is stunning. The blues are so rich looking. This will be a fabulous quilt. Bonnie

HSTs for Jessica

2011-12-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

I also finished this in the actual month of November, just slow to take a picture of it. This quilt is going to be great! Luckily I'll get a sneak peak of some of them all together this weekend...

Just In Time For Jessica

2011-12-01T03:28:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I finished it officially in November! This little beauty will be on its way back to Jessica today. It was fun to make. I used my HST tutorial that you can find by clicking here.

If you would like to read more about the block you can click over to my blog, I have a few more photos and detail. This will be a beautiful quilt, Jessica. Enjoy!

Until Next Time...

For Jessica

2011-11-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

Will deliver this in person, Jess. See you soon!

Jessica's Block

2011-11-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

I sent this off to you yesterday Jessica:

The colors are off in this photo and I think in person they all work.

Can't wait to see what your finished quilt looks like!

Better Late Than Never!

2011-11-29T03:45:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Shelly, this was truly a test for me! Thanks for bringing me outside my box!

It is winging its way to you and I hope you like it. I put up a post on my blog with a little more detail about the block if you would like to read about it, click here.

Now onto Jessica's block!

Until Next Time...

Helen's December Block(s)

2011-11-26T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hi to all my TCQB pals. I would be so happy to have some help making snowball blocks for my Red & White quilt. I made these today and posted my process on my blog. Click here. If you need red or white scraps, I will send them to you. Just say the word..... But I would rather receive a great variety of fabrics for a scrappy look. Hoping you will each make four 7 1/2" blocks which will make up one 14" block, finished.

November Block for Jessica

2011-11-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

This was fun to make! Your son will have a lovely quilt.

At Last!

2011-11-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

The last leaf is on and I will be sending it off to Shelly now. Will be hard to let it go, but I know it will get a good home!

jessica's block

2011-11-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

I managed to finish Jessica's block right away. I loved working with these colors! Such a nice pairing. I loved working with the HST's. This quilt is going to look amazing!

Still chugging along with Shelly's block. I looked at all the other applique blocks posted here, I think I'm going to have to do some stitch ripping...

Shelly's Block

2011-11-13T23:33:00.000-08:00

Your block is in the mail, Shelly! This is going to be one gorgeous quilt!!

Finished Block for Shelly

2011-11-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

Done! An interesting challenge, that I got better at with more practice.

October Two's - Company Bee block for Shelly - FINISHED!!

2011-11-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

This is going off in the mail tomorrow Shelly!

Hope it works into your plan:

I'm still stuck on what I'm going to do in January, but I'll come up with something good!

Yes, I Can Do It

2011-11-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Just thought that Shelly might like to see that my block is coming along for her...

Did you know that this is the perfect project for plane rides?

I hope you like it so far, Shelly?

Until Next Time...

Leaves for Shelly

2011-11-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Hi Shelly, Here's a crummy photo, just to let you know that your block is coming along. Sorry it's late!

Jessica's blocks for November

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I love all the red and white quilts we've been working on, but right now I just don't think I want to own one. (that may change, as quilting tastes often do)So I'm going to switch it up a bit, this month we're going to sew with blue and brown.

I love love love half-square triangle quilts, but even though I've tried to make one in the past, I just couldn't stick with it. I made 3 blocks (9 patches) and I was pooped. I hope you have the energy to make me just one of these:

I am sending packages of brown solid and enough blue for 10-12 triangles, I'm asking that the blue for the remaining 4-6 blocks comes from your stash. Please try to use medium bright blues that are similar to the ones I sent. If anyone needs blue fabric, please let me know asap and I will mail it out to you.
My method for HSTs is similar to this tutorial, but you can use whichever technique you're comfortable with, as long as the blocks come out ok. The cut squares measure 5", you'll trim to 4.5", and the finished HSTs will come to 4". The entire block will be 16.5" unfinished.

some inspiration:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66362701@N00/5001362909/ (my current favorite)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/georgiamcdonald/3783247223/ (I was very close to choosing orange and white..)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/98708600@N00/4762452258/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/claremansell/6042454692/

Thanks everybody, let me know if you have any questions. If you're going to be at the NYC Metro Mod Guild meeting in December, I'll happily accept the blocks then. Everybody else can mail them whenever you're finished. I'll keep chugging along and make more blue & brown blocks, I think I'll need about 3-4 blocks' worth of triangles to add some rows and make it large enough for my son's bed.
Ok, now back to stitching Shelly's leaves...

Autumn Leaves

2011-10-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

I am watching my dogwood leaves turn red and float past my windowsill.....[Hmmm, sounds like a song I once knew].... while I am enjoying sewing these laurel leaves for Shelly. Am a slow worker and may not finish in time, but who wants to hurry the seasons anyway?

Mary's quilt

2011-10-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

Here's Mary's Maverick star quilt, complete! Thanks so much, to each and every one of you, for making such gorgeous blocks for this quilt. I gave the quilt to my friend for her birthday (only 11 days late!) and she loved it. She told me to thank all of you for your contributions, too!

You can read my complete blog post about it here, if you care to. :)

Are You Ready For the A-Word?

2011-10-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

I do realize it's already October 5th, and I'm just now posting my block instructions. I should have done it at least a week ago (before I got sick -- whoda thunk?), but the packets are in the mail as I type, and I'm finally sitting down to type up this post.

I'm asking for an applique block . . . I hope you don't mind . . .

The block I've chosen is the traditional block called Laurel Leaves:
I've always wanted a quilt like this, and now's my chance to get one without having to do ALL the work myself! Plus, it'll provide me with great memories of good friends with it having blocks made by others in it -- it'll be even more special than if I just made the whole thing myself, don't you think?

So . . . what you'll find in your packets is the following:

A piece of white background fabric. I sent the background so it would all be alike. I wanted a KONA or Bella white, but those are hard to come by where I live, so I made do with what I had.

A paper pattern representing 1/4 of the design, and a plastic template for the leaf. The template is heat-resistant plastic, so if you use a method that requires ironing around the piece, you're good to go. You DO need to add seam allowance.

A red strip to use for the vines. I just included this because I thought it'd be easier for you to get started if you didn't have to make your own vine. That way you can concentrate on leaves . . . 32 of those buggers, to be exact. Please don't panic!

Here's what I'd like to have happen:

I'd prefer the needle-turn method of applique, but if you just can't stomach that, use your own favorite method -- really, I won't mind. If you haven't tried needle-turn applique before, but would like to give it a shot, I wrote a tutorial in preparation for this post that shows how to do this particular leaf: How to Applique a Leaf.

Use your red scraps to make the leaves, and use all different sorts of reds. I don't care if another color creeps in. As you can see from some of mine, they have specks of white or black in them. Just as long as they read mostly red, they'll be fine. Variety is the main thing. AND . . . feel free, in fact, I'd love it . . . if you piece some of the leaves from even tinier scraps, as you can see that I've done here:
And finally, one more favor before I go . . .

When you send your finished block back, can I ask you to send me a few red scraps along with it? Something you might have been going to just throw away anyway? I'm planning to put an applique border around the edges of the quilt when I get all the blocks back, and if I have some of all of your scraps, I can make some of my leaves for the edges of the quilt out of them and carry lots of the colors from the quilt's center out to the edges (so all the leaves are not just from my fabrics). Totally optional, and not necessary, but I'd really appreciate it . . .

So . . . there you go. If you have any questions, or your packet doesn't arrive, or you don't understand something, or I've left out something important, let me know . . . and Thanks So Much, all of you!!!

Measuring

2011-10-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

Now there's something I haven't done in a while, hehe.
I hope this block plays well with the others, it went in the mail to Bonnie today~

Bonnie's Block

2011-10-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

Sewn up and on it's way to Bonnie's house. What a fun block to sew...and a good accurate piecing challenge! Can't wait to see your end design.

A Day Late and A Dollar Too Short

2011-10-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Well, I could make up excuses, but I won't... I will give you the truth. I was away for 9 days in September and without my sewing machine until last Thursday. I know, how could you go without your sewing machine?? It was hard, but it really needed a good spa treatment.

But alas, I did make Bonnie's block yesterday, October 1! So I was just one day late despite my hardship... LOL!

In any case, I do like how it turned out and I hope you do too, Bonnie. It will be winging its way to you bright and early tomorrow! This is going to be one lovely quilt!

Until Next Time...

Bonnie's Block

2011-09-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Sent this back a while ago, so this should be no surprise to Bonnie, but I'm glad to finally get a chance to share it with the group. As everyone else has said, this was a fun block! The tiny piecing was great, even if it came out a wee bit crooked in some places. Hope the reds are okay for you--some lean a little pink, but it's because I might be out of red scraps already! Speaking of--loving seeing the variety in everyone's blocks. This quilt is going to be fantastic!

bonnie's block

2011-09-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here's my September block for Bonnie. I popped it in the mail today. I LOVE those tiny 1" squares! Thanks for a fun pattern to try, Bonnie. Your quilt is going to be charming!

Bonnie's Block

2011-09-25T13:52:00.001-07:00

I just love this block! Can't wait to see them all together.

A Block for Bonnie

2011-09-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

This was fun.
Since I'm working on a quilt using 1 1/2" squares of all different sorts of reds, I just dipped into that project and most of my pieces were already cut!

I hope it works for you, Bonnie.

It's my turn next. Gotta cook up something good for you all . . . Stay tuned!

Bonnie's September Block

2011-09-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

I put Bonnie's block together this afternoon and here is the result:

Hope it works with your plan Bonnie!

This sure is moving along very quickly.

more on my block

2011-09-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

If you have gotten carried away and used only one fabric fine. You do not have to confine yourself to two color reds...they can have other colors. Just let the red be predominate. Also small pieces sometimes tend to have minds of their own. If things don't quite match and are not quite straight, don't worry. It is all good. Bonnie

2011-09-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Oops. I goofed, too. In my zeal to get this done, I did all the same fabric on mine as well. I should have re-read your post and not relied on my memory of what you wanted. I remembered you wanted something that "reads" as solid, so I pulled out this fabric. I also thought the fabric was in keeping with the "traditional" look of the center fabric. I hope that's okay. Now that I look at it, the print on my red is sort of similar to the print on your fabric. I hope it doesn't compete too much. When I look at it at home and from a distance, I think it looks nice.

I'll be happy to remake it more scrappy if you want, however. I really liked making the block, and it went together quickly. I think this is going to make a really great quilt. Did you design the block yourself, Bonnie?

And amazingly (for me) it is exactly 9" square!

Just let me know if you want me to do it again!

Stephanie (AKA Mama Pea)

September Block for Bonnie

2011-09-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

I got the fabric in the mail yesterday, and went for it. Oops! Now I see that you wanted something more scrappy. I'd be happy to do it again if you want, Bonnie. It was a fun block! Haven't worked with tiny pieces since beginning quilt class. I felt that magic again.

Oh My!

2011-09-04T13:31:00.004-07:00

I was planning to post my block for this month on Sept 1., however there seems to have been a cosmic convergence at my house. My husband had to go out of town for several days and as soon as he left my computer wouldn't boot up when I turned it on. Since he is my inhouse tech support I waited for him to get home. In the interim I made arrangements for Andrea to call me to be able to post my computer troubles, but as I went to get a writing implement to write down her phone number I inadvertently deleted her voice mail. This sounds much more amusing now that when I wasn't sure that I would be able to get my blocks out or not.

My tech guy got my computer to work mostly. It is kind of limping along...takes 30 minutes to get online and I don't dare turn it off. I can post my block though, and let you know that I will be sending out fabric packets on Tuesday. I wasn't quite sure what I would need to include in the package. I will send some directions for cutting out the pieces, but there is no tutorial as this block is so simple, it shows you how to put it together.

I am sending the center square and cream solid, the reds I would like to be scraps or whatever that you have. Fabrics that read mostly red. The second picture shows a pile of 3 inch drunkard's path blocks that I will somehow use as a border. Actually in a moment of insanity I made about 200 of them and my lovely blocks from this exchange will make a fun challenge to make it all work together.

Thanks for you patience, Bonnie

Oh My!

2011-09-04T13:31:00.003-07:00

Oh My!

2011-09-04T13:31:00.001-07:00

A Star for Amanda Jean

2011-08-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

This was fun! I'm sure your neighbor will love her quilt.

Amanda's Star and an Asterisk Update

2011-08-22T14:56:00.000-07:00

Here's Amanda's Neighbor's wonky star! Hoping she likes it! I think it would be so cool to receive a quilt as a gift and know how many hands that you don't even know went into the making of it!

And here's a couple of shots of the asterisks so far. I've gotten back 9, so just waiting on a couple more and then I'll make a few more too. I'm thinking a scrappy red 2" square border around the whole thing. I love how all of the different backgrounds play off of one another to add interest and movement! Exactly what I had in mind, Thanks, ladies!

For Amanda Jean

2011-08-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

This wonky star seems to have been around a long time, but is always fun to make. Surprisingly I recently saw that red, pink and aqua are the in colors. Hmmm....Amanda Jean are you ahead of the curve. Bonnie

Wonky is not so easy!

2011-08-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

This block looked so easy, but I was challenged by its wonkiness! I have been striving for symmetry for decades, and to do the opposite was against my nature. Takes real effort to make these points look haphazard, and I think I need more practice. I tried, Amanda Jean.....

July & August blocks

2011-08-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

I've been productive, though sadly, not in time for the July deadline.. But look, I made an asterisk for Tara!

and a wonky star for Amanda Jean!

You know, I wasn't really worried when I got Tara's package in the mail, but I should have been. That asterisk kicked my butt. If you look closely, you'll notice I added a few extra seams. You don't have to look that closely to see that I didn't square it up, giving Tara a chance to fix it as much as she needs to. I did my best, Tara, but this wasn't easy.

On the other hand, my maverick star (one of my all time fave block patterns) was a breeze. I know we don't join bees just to make the blocks we like, but it sure does make me feel good to know I at least did something right..

These two were fun ladies, and I hope you both enjoy them. Should arrive by the end of the week..
Thank you~~

Liberated Star for Amanda Jean

2011-08-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I finished my liberated star block for Amanda Jean.

I used some of my scraps of Sugar and Spice fabric that Amanda Herring, The Quilted Fish, had sent me as part of her design team activities. I thought they were just perfect for this project.

I had been so intrigued by these liberated stars when we were at our retreat this summer that when I got home I immediately bought Gwen Marston's book. In that, she showed how sometimes she doesn't make the star points come together at the inner point. So, I tried that on this one. I wasn't sure if Amanda Jean would like that, so I e-mailed her about it. But we both ended up agreeing that when the whole quilt is put together, it will give it that little extra special touch of "wonkiness." So, I'm leaving it like it is. Hope you like it, Amanda Jean.

Like the rest of you, I could find these seriously addicting. I love the feel of them and think it would be really fun to play with different fabric options. I really love the red, white, and turquoise look. Just a great combo! I'm glad I had the right mix of fabrics on hand to add to the center Amanda Jean sent me. That always makes it even more fun.

I'll get it in the mail by the end of the week, Amanda Jean!

I'm having so much fun with this bee. Thank you for inviting me to participate!

Mama Pea (AKA Stephanie in MI)

Starry-Eyed

2011-08-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

Always a fun block! Can you see where I snuck in a small scrap from the red that Tara sent for her block?

The finished quilt should make a great present. Happy birthday from one Mary to another!

Tara's *

2011-08-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

I for one loooove paper piecing, but I'd never done it with tracing paper before. I've always used freezer paper, but I decided to try the tracing paper method this time to see how that works. And for me, it didn't work so well. After one failed attempt, I went back to freezer paper! If you struggled at all with this block, next time you try paper piecing, maybe consider that instead.

First month, and already I'm a slacker--sorry Tara! I made this last week, and popped it in the mail for you yesterday, so you should get it soon.

Simple and Satisfying

2011-08-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

Amanda's Maverick Star was a fun, simple and satisfying block to do. Didn't think I had any aquas in my stash...then looked again at the color inspiration piece and saw a variety of shades of aqua.

That I could do!

I have to say, I've been loving looking at this block sitting out since yesterday afternoon.
Hmmmm....maybe I need to make a few block for me too?

I can see now why there's been such a red and teal craze!

Well it'll be on its way to you on Monday, Miss Amanda!

Wonky for Amanda Jean

2011-08-12T05:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Thank you to Amanda Jean for this fun, quick, and easy block. I have never made a wonky star and I really enjoyed this one. Hmmm... maybe a wonky star quilt in my future? Who knows.

I hope you enjoy it, as it is on it's way back to you now! By the way, love the color combo!

Until Next Time...

Paper-piecing: I Take It All Back

2011-08-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

At the end of July, I figured I better get Tara's block all finished and in the mail. I pulled out her fabulous red fabric and got to work.

I'll admit it. I've not done much paper piecing before. In my mind, I thought it was the "easy-peasy" way to get nice clean lines and crisp points...worth doing for unique shapes and tight angles, certainly, but easy. Almost cheating. Oh my, I take it all back!

I really had to think to figure out how to best cut and place my pieces so they didn't end up just a little shy in one corner or the other. I think I unpicked every other seam, including the last one because a sliver of white kept showing up in the middle of my asterisk. Grrrrrrr.....

At the end of the day however, I'm so glad to have done this block. What a fun pattern! Now I have a few little paper-piecing tools in my quilting tool-box. Who knows, maybe next time it will be easy peasy!

Thanks for such a fun block Tara!

My first maverick star - finished!

2011-08-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

This was a fun one Amanda Jean!

I've never made a maverick star before and enjoyed searching for the right fabric to go with that great read polka dot center.

Hope this works for you:

....and your friend and neighbor!

I think they will make a great quilt.

A Star for Amanda

2011-08-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

In spite of all my whining about the asterisk block, it really was fun to do, and I'm having an absolute blast with this bee. For one thing, I've been able to keep up, so that's a plus for me. For another, it's making me try things I normally wouldn't or never have before. Thanks, Tara and Amanda -- I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with!

This maverick star is another thing I've only seen and thought about trying, but never have. Now I know why . . . they're ADDICTIVE! I made this one for Amanda . . . and now I want to make an entire quilt full of them. Ack!

There will never be enough time for me to make all the quilts I want to make . . .

I don't make a very good maverick

2011-07-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

August is my month for the Bee! I just mailed out my packages today. At 5 pm. Just before the P.O. closed!

With the blocks from my month, I hope to make a quilt for my friend and neighbor, Mary. She loves the color scheme in this quilt.

She loves the maverick star pattern, like in these quilts.

I'd like to combine the two into a quilt for her. Her birthday is in the beginning of October, so I hope to have it finished for her then.

What I would like each of you to make this month is a maverick star block. There is a tutorial here. Please make 12 1/2" blocks. (So when I sew them all together they will finish at 12".)

This is my block. I had a few (ahem) issues making it. I chopped a block too short (right side, middle block), so I added on a bit. Some of the fabrics aren't quite randomly placed, but I'm leaving it! It's all ok in the end! Despite my few issues, it really is an easy and fun block to make. I hope you have fun with it.

In each package that I sent, I included one colored square 4 1/2" for the center of the block and one strip of white kona cotton 4 1/2" x wof for the background.

If you would be so kind as to use fabric for the star points from your own fabric scraps/stash, using red and aqua fabrics, I would appreciate it. This will add more color/fabric variety to my quilt! (If you need additional fabric, just let me know and I can pop some in the mail.)

Any questions?

Thanks so much for helping me make my quilt!

Block for Tara

2011-07-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a fun quilt!

My New Name

2011-07-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

The other day, My Cowboy said to me: "I'm gonna start callin' you Shab Lee, cuz you're such a good whine."

Sadly, I could not have proven him wrong as I was working on this block!

This first attempt was made during our retreat at Gruber's. I saw Stephanie working on hers, and thought, I can do that, too. Hmph! And I swear I wasn't even taking part in the drinking that was going on! Don't even ask me what happened here, 'cause I'm sure I can't explain it, and even if I could, it still wouldn't make any sense.
Having used up all the white fabric I had with me at the retreat, I stuffed it all back into the envelope before anyone could see it, and decided to make my second attempt in the privacy of my own studio.

While I certainly wanted to drink by the time I was done with it, there's nothing strong enough in stock here on the ol' ranch, so I managed to get it done without imbibing. And I must say, I like it! And Tara, I can't wait to see your finished quilt . . . although I CAN see why you wanted everyone else to make your blocks for you . . .!

Yours Truly,
Shab

2011-07-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

I finished my block a couple of weeks ago at the Blogger's Retreat I went to, but I've been so busy since I've been back, I haven't even had time to unpack everything! So, last night I unpacked and took photos. Sorry for the wrinkles. I need to get it in the mail now, Tara. This was fun..though I must admit I unpicked more than I usually do with paper piecing. Took me a while to get my head wrapped 'round the funny angles and cutting the fabric big enough to fit! LOL. I can't wait to see how this looks altogether. It's going to be spectacular!

Stephanie (Mama Pea)

Mission Complete!

2011-06-28T04:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Yup, it is done!! I love it too!

Tara provided me with red plaid. Very cool in this block.

Loved piecing it too! Fun, fun, fun! Can't wait to see them all together in one big quilt. Thanks, Tara for a great block!

Enjoy!

Done!

2011-06-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I did it! Only took 3 hours and a Marthatini (3 parts vermouth and 1 part gin) to get it together. Lots of ripping in the process....hair and fabric, both....but I am SO proud of myself. Once I got the hang of thinking in reverse, it was a smooth sailing. Thanks for this fun and challenging block, Tara. I love the result!

Amanda from Crazy Mom Quilts

2011-06-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm a little behind in writing this introduction post! I'm Amanda Jean and I live in Wisconsin with my husband, and 3 kids. I blog at Crazy Mom Quilts. This summer will mark 11 years of quilting for me. I've been quilting obsessively since 2006, when I started my blog. I love to sew with scraps. I love getting the most out of my fabric. I love stashing fabric. I love to play with color and create things. I always have way too many WIP's! Oh, and I'm excited to be a part of this bee!

I sewed up Tara's block the day I received the fabric. This block made me think that I may not like paper piecing! It uses a ton of fabric and all the angles messed with my head. However, now that the block is done, I see that the results are SO worth it. Tara is going to have a stunning quilt!

Tara's Asterisk Block is Finished

2011-06-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

How fun is this Two's Company Bee??

I received Tara's fabric and when I saw what she was asking for, I couldn't wait to get started. I had so much fun putting it together for you Tara and it will go in the mail before the end of the week.

Bad indoor photo.

Hope you like it Tara. Can't wait to see your finished quilt.

Jessica of Life Under Quilts

2011-06-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

Am I the last one to do an introduction?
I was kind of putting it off because I'm away from home (and my home computer) and don't have any good quilt photos with me besides the ones I've taken on the trip. Please check out my blog or flickr account if you want to see the kind of quilty-trouble I usually get into..

I'll be upfront and say that a quilt in two colors will be a challenge for me.. Like Bonnie, I tend to lean on the scrappy side. This month I've been working on my 3rd english paper pieced stars quilt, using scrap fabric from EVERYWHERE:

but I'm so excited to get to sew with all of you ladies for the entire year! Can't wait to see what you've got in mind..

Other stuff about me-- early 30s, mom to one energetic 2.5 yr old. I've got a Greek husband who insists on vacations in Athens every summer (really, I shouldn't complain), quilting since 2002, MA in Applied Linguistics. I've been a SAHM for 3 yrs, but I'm going back to work part time in July.. teaching English to international students. Originally from Chicago, now settled outside of New York City. I love to travel, eat well, and hang out with other quilters. And I can't wait to get to know all of you better this year.

The Scrappy Bee

2011-06-15T05:11:00.000-07:00

The above two quilt, unfinished of course, have been made recently. The top quilt is the result of a block exchange I have been in forever. The second is one of the improv quilts I have been experimenting with recently.

It all started with a quilting class around 1976. I immediately loved quilting, although the teacher said no one would be crazy enough to make a bed size quilt. Was she ever wrong! Many quilts later I have tried downsizing my quilts without much luck, but I have been in love with scrappy quilts all this time.

With my name Bonnie Bus friends have come up with several nicknames for me, B Bus, Bonnie Bee, BB, etc. I am just that Bee quilter. It seemed natural to include my Bee in my blog name.

I do love staying busy as a bee.

This bee will be fun. Although it is my first internet bee, I have done block exchanges and round robins with local quilters. We have had good times in these exchanges. I am looking forward to this bee and making blocks for everyone.

PS. I plan on by red and white blocks to be scrappy!

Tara's July block

2011-06-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hello, Everyone! I'm Tara Rebman of Fort Collins, CO. I'm the wife of a man that makes me smile everyday, mother to a very funny and cute 4 3/4 year old, and wish I lived on a farm! I'm the innkeeper at a small bed and breakfast where I host fantastic quilting retreats every spring and fall! I've been sewing and crafting my entire life, but only started quilting two years ago. It seems like it should be much longer! At least my fabric collection should be much older to be the size it is! I blog (very occasionally) over at tinkerfrog.

I know you've all been waiting with bated breath to see what the first month of this great new bee would bring us! I had about fifty ideas that came and went before I had this one, but I'm so excited to see this come together. Penny of sewtakeahike has generously allowed us to use her asterisk pattern. I'm sending each of you a fat quarter of red fabric, two sizes of the asterisk template and two pieces of tracing paper.

I'd like you to cut one piece of your tracing paper to 13.5 by 13.5. I realize that that is an odd size for a block, but my personal paper piecing experience leads me to making the block larger than desired and then trimming to the proper size. So I'll take care of all the trimming on my end. The second piece of tracing paper is just an extra (or in case you want to make two blocks, totally okay with me!)

The next step is to place your template under your tracing paper and decide on placement of your asterisk. Where ever you would like it and whichever size you'd like to make it is fine with me. Your fat quarter of red fabric will be plenty to do any size. You should know though that the small ones will use more of your own background fabric, so if you want to use more of the fabric I sent you go with the larger size.

Trace the lines of the template onto your paper extending the lines all the way to the edges and label accordingly. All of the number 1's are going to be the red fabric and all other numbers will be the background. It belatedly occurs to me that I should have sent the background and you could have provided the red and for that, I apologize!

Cut your template apart into the 5 sections of A, B, C, D, and E. Make sure you leave a 1/4 seam allowance around the edges so you have enough fabric to sew it together! Have fun!

For the background fabric, any light neutrals are okay with me. Greys, creams, whites, those odd calicoes you don't know how you acquired. I really don't want anyone to have to purchase anything for this. A fat quarter should be enough to make the block(hopefully!).

Here's a basic paper piecing tutorial for any of you not familiar or comfortable with the technique. Jackie might be to only one of us not wanting to pull our hair out at some point since she has mad paper piecing skills! I fully welcome any questions or feedback on this block. It took me about an hour to an hour and a half. Hard to know because I was on the phone and taking pictures at the same time!

I'm willing to e-mail anyone that wants it the .jpg file of the asterisk pattern. Just please use it for personal use and not gain per Penny's copyright. If anyone doesn't have enough background fabric and would like me to send them some, please just let me know!

Edited to add: The Pattern is free for use by those participating in the Two's Company Bee. Anyone else interested in the pattern, it can be purchased from sewtakeahike's Etsy shop. It is the Funky Peppermint Table Runner. You should check out her other adorable pattern's while you're there!

Hi, I'm Helen....

2011-06-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

....and I'm happy to be here. Have been sewing a very long time. Started out on a treadle machine making a dirndl skirt for 4-H back in MN where I grew up. Living on Long Island now and am so into quilting. Love making bags, garments, and quilts of all sizes. Most of all, I enjoy looking at quilts made by others. The Red & White event in NYC was such a thrill! I am really looking forward to seeing what you all will be making for this bee. Hope to finally make my red & white quilt. That dirndl skirt was white with red apples on it....so it must have been an omen!

Mary B

2011-06-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm another Mary! People always think Mary is a common name, but I've actually met very few Marys, so it's especially nice to be in a bee with one.

I'll be easy to distinguish because I'm the only one in the group who doesn't have a blog. See, not only am I a slow quilter--which would make a blog by me very sporadically updated--but I'm a bit of a jack of all trades crafter. I like to knit, crochet, bake, and so on. I've been more focused on quilting lately because I like things that take time. I know that some people feel the exact opposite, but I hate getting to the end of a project in the same way I hate getting to the end of a book. It's satisfying to be finished, but I'm always sad that the journey's ended!

Also, I may the the newest to quilting out of everyone in the group! I've been sewing since I was a kid, but I made my first quilt in about 2003. Though I've made several since then, I'm still working on my second quilt--a grandmother's flower garden--like I said, I like lengthy projects!

I've been in two quilting bees before, and I'm in another one besides this one now (NYC Mod Bee), and I love the different ideas people come up with, and being pushed and inspired to try some new things. Above is my finished quilt for the first bee. I'm hand-quilting the second one, which might have to go on hold until the fall--it's too hot in Brooklyn in the summer to have a quilt bunched up on my lap!

You can see some other quilty things at my flickr page. Looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with for the bee!

Shelly of Prairie Moon Quilts

2011-06-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hey, there, everybody! I'm Shelly, from Prairie Moon Quilts. Several of you know me from other places -- bees, blogs, retreats, etc. -- but for those of you who don't, here's the short story . . .

I live on a small ranch (Prairie Moon Ranch, incidentally) in Missouri with My Cowboy (who some of you have also met), and together we raise cattle and horses, and do all kinds of day-to-day farm stuff, which you probably could get sick of reading about real quick on my blog.

When farm work isn't dominating my life, I quilt. I quilt a LOT. A friend of mine once told me: "There's a fine line between hobby and obsession." True, ain't it?

I've been quilting for 37 years, teaching and designing for 15, and just a couple years ago, added longarm quilting to my business as well.

My favorite technique is needle-turn hand applique, and I'll be closely watching for signs from any of you that you'd be willing to throw in a little of that for me during the bee.

Red just happens to be my very favorite color EVER, and I adore red and white quilts. I do own a couple, but I suck with a camera, so you can't see them . . . at least not right now.

I'm really honored that I was invited AND accepted into this bee. I know we're all gonna do great things and have a lot of fun! Can't wait to get started!

Mama Pea Stephanie of Peas in a Pod Blog

2011-06-10T18:05:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I don't know anyone in this group, so please allow me to introduce myself! I'm Stephanie, AKA Mama Pea, of Peas in a Pod blog. I took my first quilting class when I was a junior in high school....that was in 1986! Wow! That's a while ago! I loved piecing the top, but I hated hand quilting...probably because no one really took the time to teach that part well. So, I put it away and didn't come back to sewing and quilting until much later...about 2002. I still love piecing, still don't know how to hand quilt (though it is a goal), and I'm learning to free motion quilt on my home sewing machine. I really hope to buy a long-arm quilting machine some day.

I currently live in Michigan. I have lived there for about 2 years now. Prior to that, I have lived in Idaho, Ohio, Utah, and Washington. I grew up in Iowa. I miss the west and our horses that we sold when we moved back to the midwest. But it is good to be back in the midwest!

I have always wanted to make a two color quilt....especially a red-and-white quilt. I'm thinking of a little, scrappy, Jo Morton quilt for this project, but I've NEVER engaged in a bee before, so that may change. I want to see what everyone else is doing to give me some inspiration.

Maybe something with this book. This photo is from Amazon...if you want to see more about this book, please visit this link!

I got invited to play along with this group through Shelly of Prairie Moon Quilts. We haven't met in real life yet, but we've become pretty good blogging buddies...and we do get to meet at a retreat this summer. I can't wait to meet her. We have so much in common, I know it's going to be a blast!

I hope I did everything on this right. I blog over at Typepad, so I will have a little learning curve on Blogger!

Can't wait to play with all of you!

Mama Pea Stephanie

LeeAnn in Seattle (nifty quilts)

2011-06-10T17:23:00.001-07:00

Hi all, As you can see, I'm a big fan of red quilts!

I've never made a two-color quilt, so this will be a fun challenge. Living on the West Coast, I missed the red and white show, but was very inspired by the photos I saw on many of your blogs.

I'm excited to be working with all of you very talented women.

Let the fun begin!

Mary on Lake Pulaski

2011-06-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce my self, Mary Kolb, to all of you Two's Company Quilt Bee members!

The dream of my life came true nine years ago when we moved to the lake and therefore my blog is Mary on Lake Pulaski !

I am a fabric fanatic and even though I've been quilting for thirty + years, I like lots of different styles. This two color bee really caught my attention and this is what I want you all to help me make:

Just kidding!!!!! But isn't it pretty!

Thanks again to Andrea for putting this together and allowing me to be part of it! I can't wait for the sewing to start!

Jackie - Canton Village Quilt Works

2011-06-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Most of you know me, but if you don't here is a very little bit of information about me...

I have been quilting for about 18 years and love it. Turned it into a long arm quilting business in 2000 and then added an online quilt shop in 2009. I just can't seem to get enough of fabric, fun, and friends who enjoy exactly what I enjoy!

Plus, I am always learning everyday, as we do with everything in life. I am glad to be part of this bee. This is my very FIRST bee too! Looking forward to all the fun.

Oh, the quilt above is what I have been using as my profile pic now since 2007. Yes, I have been blogging that long. Can't believe it either. But it is a paper pieced pattern, that I made and just love.

Looking forward to meeting everyone. Come visit me on my blog by clicking here.

Until Next Time...

Welcome to Two's Company Quilt Bee

2011-06-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Infinite Variety this spring, I invited a few quilty friends (and friends of friends) to take on the challenge of making our own two-color quilts in a traditional bloggy quilt bee. Here we will share our adventures and misadventures in the world of red and white...or whatever other two-color combo inspires us along the way. The rules are relaxed, the quilters diverse...can't wait to see what we quilt up! Glad to have you all join us along the way.