Sunday, December 13, 2020

2019 StashBee Finish

 Earlier this year I was finally able to finish my StashBee quilt from 2019. While the blocks were super easy for my hive mates to make, having to cut them up and rearrange them into this illusion took a bit more effort on my part. Overall, though, I'm pleased with the result. It will finally be gifted for Christmas this year. 



~ Diana @ RedDeliciousLife

Friday, November 27, 2020

Hive 1 November Block for Rita

 


Not sure if these look less like trees and more like rocket ships, but there you have it.  I hope this will get to you before the new year, sorry for the delay.  I wish you all the best for this holiday season.  


Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Hive 1 November Block for Rita

 Hive 1 November Block for Rita




Rita, this is on the way to you today!  I did not have a huge amount of green to use so I hope this will work for you!  What a fun block (after I read the instructions a few times).  Came out a bit wonky but it reminds me of the grinch tree and I love it!

-Rochelle


Sunday, November 22, 2020

Hive 1 for Rita

I loved making these trees!  I can't wait to see the whole forest! ~Amanda





Wednesday, November 18, 2020

November block Hive 1

 Wonky wow is all I can say! Spent some time with my seam ripper 😩 but I think it’s ok. I can’t wait to see your quilt. Will mail this week. Have a safe and Happy Holiday! 






Monday, November 16, 2020

Time to Sign Up for StashBee 2021




What is StashBee?

Stash Bee is an annual modern, international, online quilting bee.  It runs for 11 months (January-November) on multiple platforms including facebook, instagram and on this blog. 

StashBee is open to new and returning members. Stash Bee is international friendly. All hives can expect to have a mix of countries. In the past, the majority of participants have been American, with 1-3 hive members from other countries. Participants are responsible for the cost of mailing blocks to their Hive Mates.
Participants are divided into several hives, each containing 10-11 Hive Mates.  The total number of hives will depend on how many people sign up, so invite your friends! We need 10-11 people per hive, so there may be a wait list if there is an incomplete hive.
Each of the members acts as “Queen Bee” for one month. Before their month arrives, the Queen is responsible for testing out their choice of block and creating a tutorial post on the Stash Bee blog for their Hive Mates to follow. All of the hive members then create the requested block from their own fabric stash, and mails the block to the "Queen Bee".
As "Queen Bee" you specify the block, and the color scheme and type of fabric you would like your hive mates to use (ie. solids, prints, low volume, novelty, florals, tone on tone etc). Since this is a modern bee you  can ask for modern blocks, or a classic block but with modern fabrics. 
By signing up, everyone commits to making 10 blocks over the course of the year (January to November). In exchange, when its your turn as "Queen Bee" you will receive 10 blocks.


Reasons to Join

1) One block a month is an easy commitment!
2) Make new Quilty Friends around the world!
3) Try new blocks and new techniques!
4) Make a dent in your stash!
5) Make a quilt with a great story, and a wonderful diversity of fabric from other people's stash!
6) Have fun!

Rules & Expectations

Please review our Rules and Participant Roles & Expectations before signing up. If you have additional questions you can email me at the new StashBee email:  Stashbee.blog@gmail.com

How to Sign Up

CLICK HERE to access the sign-up form. 

Registration will be open until November 30th, and Hives will be announced early December via email. 

Please share the link with your Quilty Friends and encourage them to sign up too!


During the sign-up process, you will be asked what platform you would like to use (facebook, instagram, or the blog). Hives will be assigned based on a combination of platform preference, skill level and design/fabric style preferences. Anyone not assigned to a hive will be placed on the waiting list in the order that they signed up.

One more thing

Follow our New StashBee Instagram profile, and tag us in your StashBee makes!


@StashBee.blog













Saturday, November 14, 2020

Great finish to a fun stashbee year!

 Rita,

These blocks were such fun to make!! Mine are on their way across the pond to you--they went in the mail on Thursday.


It was another fun stashbee year!! Thank you Amanda! And all beemates!

I wish you all a safe, healthy holiday season and New Year---let's hope this all gets better in 2021!

Keep on sewing!

Liz

Monday, November 9, 2020

Hive 1 Wonky Trees Blocks for Rita

 


These tree blocks were the most fun, and the most challenging, of the Stashbee blocks I've made this year.  Mine came out extra wonky, because I cut some of the segments too short and had to add an extra layer of branches to make the blocks high enough.  I know Rita's quilt is going to be gorgeous!  I"m already looking forward to Stashbee 2021!  Happy quilting Stashbee friends.

Pam

Friday, November 6, 2020

Hive 1 Wonky Trees for Rita




Improv is a struggle for me.  I hope these are wonky enough for you Rita.  I didn't trim but there is enough to square it to 12.5" x 12.5"


Thursday, November 5, 2020

Hive 1 Wonky Trees for Rita

Thanks for the wild and wonky ride, Rita!   It was great fun to choose fabrics and to make random slices.  I'm dropping two blocks in the mail today.  Can't wait to see the finished quilt.   Karen




Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Hive 1 November block for Rita

 What an appropriate block for this time of year.  It was fun to make.  Mine certainly fit the description of wonky!

Kathie L in Allentown



Saturday, October 31, 2020

Hive 4 November 2020 - Improvisational Low Volume Block

Greetings Hive 4 

What a year! I have really appreciated the structure and creative energy Stash Bee has provided in 2020.

This year my quilting has revolved around scraps, circles and helping. I found a way to incorporate all three of these into my tutorial. 


I was completely inspired by Carolyn's Stash Bee quilt that she finished a year ago.  http://stashbee.blogspot.com/2019/11/finished-circle-quilt-from-stashbee-4.html


I also want to create a quilt with two elements - a low volume background upon which I will hand appliqué many circles. The background will represent the layers of community that are essential for my wellbeing.  Adding the circles by hand will provide moments of calm and focus and remind me of the larger picture.  


I’d like your help building the background with low volume black & white or gray scraps. Please build a block anywhere between 12.5” - 16.5” inches. It can be a square or a rectangle with untrimmed edges. You can even send me bits (explained below).



Step One - Pull your low volumes.  It’s okay for these low volumes to also include small pops of color. Here’s a picture of my black and white low volumes. I wish I had even more, especially geometrics.



Step two - Spread your fabrics and scraps to see what odd bits are available.   



Step three - Now you get to play.  Place low volumes next to each other to see who plays well together.  You can build your block by sewing together pairs that have approximately the same size on one side. Then continue to sew pairs together to keep building. Or you can build the block log cabin style if you have some lovely strips of low volumes.  


When I was building my sample block, I started with seven bits.  I joined the two easiest pairs first, then worked by quarter sections.




I have lots of curved pieces remaining from a huge unfinished project, so decided to incorporate some of those.  You are very welcome to just use straight seams.


I've also built some rectangular units that I'll incorporate as I build the top with your contributions. You are welcome to send sets of these instead of a joined block.




This is the retro fabric from Japan that I will use as my backing.  I've begun to pull solids to use for the circles.   



Thank you very much for contributing to my quilt.  Email or send me a message through Instagram if you have any questions.


With much appreciation, 
Cathleen
aka Kitch Kouture








Hive 1 November Tutorial: Wonky Christmas Tree Block

Hi Hive-mates,


My name is Rita, I live in Dublin, Ireland. This is my first year participating in StashBee and I’m having so much fun, that I want to join again next year, if the Bee is continuing.

So, this is my first time as Queen Bee (Hive 1), I’m all excited. For the last 10 months I was agonising what I want to request from you. I’ve now settled on requesting a ‘Christmassy’ block. So far I don’t have a Christmas Quilt in the house, so, that’s what I want to do.

Personally I always struggle with matching points and sewing accurately – probably, because I have to be so particular in my job, that I’m a bit rebellious with my quilting.... (Thanks to sewing for you guys this year, I’ve gotten better, though.)

Therefore I’ve designed a little block, that doesn’t need point-matching at all!
Also, I love ‘wonky’, that’s why I’m asking you to do a ‘Wonky Christmas Tree’ block for me.

A note in beforehand:
I’ve tested the block a few times and think it should come out at about 12.5” square – However, if your block turns out smaller/bigger, please do not stress!!! 
As I said, I love wonky, and will use the blocks as I get them! Promised! – If it goes "wrong", blame my tutorial! J

Here is what I have in mind for this block:

Fabric pull:

I would like you to use at least two different green fabrics for the Trees, mid- to dark-green, a mid- to dark-brown for the tree trunk and cream/beige(y) off white background (please no whites/white-on-white).

Anything goes, really. Go as simple or scrappy as you like. If you want to get rid of some scraps, please do so! Below is a picture of my fabric pull. Note that this is all my mid- to dark-green and all my browns (no idea, why I haven’t more...).
Don’t match my fabric pull! Just in the contrary! If you have something I don’t have – brilliant! Christmassy fabrics and Novelties are welcome!

You will need:

Green (please at least 2 different green, which makes at least 3x each):

Total:                        6x           4” x 6”
Brown:                     2x           2.5” x 1.5”
Background:           8x           4” x 3”
                                 2x           4” x 4.5”
                                 2x           4” x 5”
                                 2x           2.5” x 3”
                                 1x           2.5” x 5.5”

Here is a quick overview of where the different pieces are needed. Shuffle around the same colour fabrics as you like!


For the whole block I am assuming a ¼” seam allowance, but don’t worry about it too much – I won’t! 

We’re starting with Row 1

Use two Green 4”x6” pieces and two Background 4”x4.5” pieces. Lay all pieces Right Side up on the Cutting Mat. Overlap one of the Background pieces with one Green piece on the 4” sides by 3.5” on the Right of the Green piece and the other ones on the Left of the Green piece as shown in the picture below.

Now make a cut anywhere within the overlap, the top of the cut leaning towards the middle of the Green piece. See picture below for guidance.

Take the resulting matching pieces and line up the just cut edges for a ¼” seam allowance (Right Sides together). I found lining them up on the cutting mat, using a ¼” line as guidance helpful. No perfection needed!! See picture below.

Sew. Press seams open or to the darker fabric as you please. I tend to press open, but do what works best for you!

Take those Green/Background pieces, lay them Right Side up and overlap the two Background 4”x5” pieces on the straight 4” edge of the Green pieces by 3.5”. See picture below for guidance.

Now make a cut anywhere within the overlap, the top of the cut leaning towards the middle of the Green piece. See picture below for guidance.

Take the resulting matching pieces and line up the just cut edges for a ¼” seam allowance (Right Sides together). Sew. Press seams open or to the darker fabric as you please.

Now lay out Rows 1 to 3 on your cutting mat, all fabrics Right Side up. Line up the Green 4”x6” pieces of Rows 2 and 3 about middle of Row 1 and overlap the Background 4”x3” pieces to either side of the Row 2 and 3 Green pieces by 2”. See picture below for guidance.

Now make a cut anywhere within all the overlaps, the top of the cuts leaning towards the middle of the Green pieces. See picture below for guidance.

Take the resulting matching pieces and line up the just cut edges for a ¼” seam allowance (Right Sides together). Sew. Press seams open or to the darker fabric as you please.

Straighten up the bottom side of the Row 1 pieces, the top and bottom sides of the Row 2 pieces and the top side of the Row 3 pieces, in preparation for sewing those rows together. No need to have them parallel.

Sew the Row pieces together. Press seams open (I think this is best at this stage...).

Straighten the right side of the left Row 1-2-3 piece and straighten the left side of the right Row 1-2-3 piece.

Sew together. Press seams open. Straighten the bottom side of the finished Row 1-2-3 piece.

Sew the Row 4 pieces together in the following order from left to right on their 2.5” edges (Right Sides together):

Background 2.5”x3”, Brown 2.5”x1.5”, Background 2.5”x5.5”, Brown 2.5”x1.5”, Background 2.5”x3”. 

Press seams open or to the darker fabric as you please.

Sew Row 4 to the bottom of the finished Row 1-2-3 piece.


Press seams open.

Finished!

No need to trim to size. You can straighten the edges, if you absolutely want to. As I said, the block should now be roughly (!) 12.5” x 12.5”.


I hope you enjoy sewing this block and won’t stress about my haphazard tutorial.

 

If you have any questions, please contact me via my yahoo email address or as a comment on this post.

Please note that my postal address on the address list has changed since beginning of the year.

 

Thank you all already, I’m looking forward to see what you come up with.

 

Happy Sewing,

Rita.

Monday, October 26, 2020

Hive 1 - October Block for Karen

 Hive 1 - October Block for Karen


While this block is not a difficult block, picking fabrics for it was a daunting task. I kept second and third guessing myself and then realized it was now the end of the month.  I had to just do it, hopefully the fabrics will work for you, it was very hard not sneaking in any tiny skulls or lightening bolts 😆 
This is going in the mail today!




💗Rochelle

Friday, October 23, 2020

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Hive 1 Block for Karen


 I love how this block can look so many different ways.  You’ve inspired me to try this in the New Year.  (Because what we all need is yet another quilt in the making.....or perhaps that’s just me).  It will be vibrant and lovely!

Monday, October 12, 2020

Blocks for Karen

 Fun blocks to make Karen---although I did mix up placement because I was trying to put them together too quickly😞! I fixed them!

Can't wait to see how your quilt comes out!


They should go in the mail this week.

Liz Horgan

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Hive 1 Perkiomen Valley Blocks for Karen


 Your quilt is going to be so scrappy and fun, Karen!  These block were easy and fun to make.  Happy quilting.

Friday, October 9, 2020


 

Hi Karen,

Hope these blocks will work for what you have in mind.

They were so easy to make, so I just made two at once. I like the idea of the log cabin effect you were writing about.

The blocks went into the Post on Wednesday, so they hopefully arrive with you soon.

Stay safe.

Greetings from (not surprising) rainy Ireland,

Rita

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Sheltering At Home - Our Story -- Our Neighbourhood

Hello to all my Stash Bee buddies.   Today is an wildly meaningful day because its the day I get to share my finished 2020 Stash Bee Quilt.

But First...

Many of you know how vital I believe it is that we document our lives in 2020 because these are, in all likelihood, the most extraordinary days any of us will ever witness.  You perhaps also know I spent bags of time this spring searching for some way to remind myself that everything going on in the world right then was not PERMANENT; I wanted something joyful to look forward to during the really bad, terrible, awful days when it seemed possible that the worst outcomes were gonna happen.   

When I realized I was part of a wonderful world-wide community of "Makers", each with a story to tell, I knew exactly what I needed.....a quilt to celebrate our lives in 2020 and to remind me that we are all in this together. 

I imagined a quilt that would tell our stories of "Sheltering at Home" so I asked my hive-mates to stretch their imaginations and make a big quilt block about their home/neighbourhood and to share a bit about their life during the early days of Covid-19. 

I was simply blown away by how everyone in Hive 4 reached out  and went so far above and beyond my wildest expectations to make something personal for my quilt...some of you made more than one block....and I even received blocks from folks in other hives.  My heart is full.  Here is our quilt.  



Its just stunning. I am blessed to be part of this group and grateful for all the work you did to make my vision a reality.


Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Hive 1 blocks for Karen

 A nice easy sew.  I hope these will fit in. Will be mailing this week.  Paulette



Monday, October 5, 2020

Hive 1 October blocks finished


 I have more that enough scraps in my stash to make not just one but two blocks this month.  If you need an angel block, consider it made.  I live very close to the Perkiomen Valley here in southeastern Pennsylvania, so this block is well loved here.  Enjoy.

Kathie in Allentown, PA