Hive 4 - July Tutorial

Hi!  I'm Amanda from West Michigan.  This month's block is actually one that was designed by a fellow Stash-Bee-er a few years ago.  I've changed the instructions a bit to match with some of the new rules, but the idea is still the same.

Choose 9 fabrics of assorted hues in the orange, yellow, or green colorways.  (Note: if you don't have nine fabrics of the same color that's fine.  You should have at least six and will have slightly different cutting directions later.  If you don't have six, please let me know and we can figure something out.)  Also choose a dark blue.

Cut one strip from each of nine colors of 2.25" by at least 16".  If they're a bit longer that's fine; things will be trimmed up later.  (If you have less than nine strips figure out how wide to cut the strips using the following: width = 15.75 / number of fabrics + 0.5).  If you need to sew two pieces together to get the desired length that's fine.  Also cut two strips of 1.25"x 16.25" (or longer) of the dark blue.

Sort the strips from approximately lightest to darkest.  I know it can be hard to figure out exactly the best order; just try your best.  Sometime taking a picture of them and switching it to grey scale can help.  Sew them together.  Press towards the darker side.

Square up the right side.  (The darkest strip should be on the bottom before squaring up.)  Then cut a 3" strip from the right side and then a 4" strip.

Insert the dark blue strips in between, turning the 4" strip upside down.  Square up to 16.25".