This is my first bee, ever. I know I can find the time for it, and I'm pretty sure I can make blocks (with enough instructions), but I had not expected to feel so nervous cutting into someone else's fabric. No room for error, and I so want my fellow bee-ers to like the blocks. Performance anxiety, wow.
The good thing about a bee is that it gives you chance to experiment with new techniques, colours and so on. I'd hoped for this, and that's just what happened.
January started with a bang (for me) with an improvised block. I'd never done this before. I learned several things from doing this:
1. Simple is better. Too late for that now, but I'll keep it in mind.
2. All those seams use lots of fabric. I had almost no fabric left, yet a few bee-ers managed two blocks. See 1. above.
Here's the unfinished block. It's to be trimmed by its' owner.
Feb's block seemed like more familiar ground. Framed squares. OK. This time I set off with more confidence. I knew what sizes I wanted the squares for a block. Again the lessons learned:
1. My math skills are very poor
I found it surprisingly difficult to calculate the widths of the surrounds to finish up with the right size block. I kept getting it wrong, over and over. Finally I got it on the fifth small block I made. I must be a very slow learner!
2. Make sure there is enough fabric for a complete surround before cutting and sewing. See 1. above.
Here are the two blocks I made:
I wonder what March's block will be like?
Linking to Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times.
Till next time,
Sue
Even though they were challenging, your blocks look great! I think one of the best things about the bees is learning to new things - being exposed to new techniques etc. You're doing great!!
ReplyDeleteLove the striking color combos! MATH in quilting I always find very challenging. This reminds me of a lesson Ricky Tims has in his teaching--design from the outside in!
ReplyDeleteI love the colors in those blocks, too!
ReplyDeleteLovely blocks. Over the edge and yet beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt's just a never ending learning process, isn't it? lol Your blocks look beautiful though, so you must be doing fine. ;o)
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ReplyDeletethose are some great fabrics. Looks like you're having fun with it!
ReplyDeleteI really like the square in a square blocks...the greens/turqs look great with the black.
ReplyDeletePractice will make it easier and easier...=)
hugZ,
annie
anniesrubyslipperz.com
You managed to get quite a few blocks for Feb's bee challenge - love the fabrics and the blocks look great. I know you will have fun with this!
ReplyDeleteI love your blocks and I'm hoping they make it today. I feel the exact same way about the inability to do the math for the layers. I'm glad I'm not alone.
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed with your blocks, your color choices, and how well they go together!! Nice job! Well worth the struggles!
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