Hive #2, July Block

The Pattern: This guy is really quite easy – just a string pieced 6 ½ 60 degree triangle. If you have a 60 degree triangle, I suggest using it, because they make it super easy. If not, I’ve created a .pdf of a proper size triangle that you can download here. You can either print it out and use it as a template, or print it out and use it as a paper foundation. The strips can be regular, or wonky.

The Fabrics: I don’t have any specific color I’d like you to use but I do have a request: I’d like random, character, and ugly fabrics. Seriously. Scraps from a Thanksgiving table runner and batiks? Go for it. Old Aunt Gracies and American prints? Sounds great! I have realized that I have just a crazy assortment of scraps in my stash from the years, It’s my goal to use them up these year, and I’m looking forward to adding the crazy scraps from other quilters to the mix. ☺

I’d love as many or as few blocks as you’re willing to send along. Thanks!

HIVE # 4 JULY 2013

... hello ladies... BIG SURPRISE!! I was to be QUEEN BEE for October..... but I opened an e-mail marked URGENT... and here I am as JULY!!!

REMEMBER when looking for my address go to Diane McClure for October xx

I was queen Bee for October 2013 in Hive #3 ... so go there if you want to know about me xx

When I agreed to move up to July I had NO IDEA of what block to ask for.. I have PLENTY of blocks in my head... just which to ask for?

THEN I was talking to my daughter this morning (via Skype)and she reminded me that Blair (her partner) is ALWAYS moaning that I say I will make him a quilt .. but never do! Mind you they live in Australia so I don't have to listen to the moaning .. very often.. so I have been ignoring him !!! lol x

SO .ladies are you up for kick starting Blair's quilt ?xx

I started with a 2 1/2 inch RED square

THEN added 1 1/2 inch strips until I had a 12 1/2 inch block,
the LIGHT sides are cream/beige.

I made a BROWN one... 

and a GREEN one ...

a PURPLE one, and a GREY one ..

hope you ladies are up for it ... DON'T FORGET ... it is Diane McClure ... who was OCTOBER

Thanking you in advance xx

Diane xx

JULY BLOCK HIVE 1

Questionnaire

As I completed the questionnaire last month for Hive 4 , I will skip some of the questions but will try to change some up so as not to be too boring! I am a Gemini so I have 2 sides!  

1.Name? Sandra

2. Second hardest quilt thing you have ever made?

.  My very first workshop after I finished my introduction to quilting classed was a Baltimore Album techniques class taught by the wonderful Rosemary Mahkan.  She was teaching how to make a woven basket with handmade bias tape wavy stems, making rosettes with silk, ruching roses, broderie perse and hand appliqué! I had no idea what I had got myself into!  She was a fabulous patient teacher and I did manage to come away with some knowledge but it took me months to master the appliqué stitch!  I have yet to finish that basket of flowers! 

3. Second favorite dessert food? My second favorite dessert is lemon bars!

4. Last time you laughed REALLY hard (and what was so funny)?

I watched Bridesmaids last night and although at times it was in bad taste, I found it hysterical, especially Melissa McCarthy!

 5. Life philosophy? I love this quote from Maya Angelou that I read and try to remember and put into practice EVERYDAY, especially at school when I am dealing with my students!

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

  June block for Hive 1 is the Bird Block by Sophie at the Sophie Junction blog!

(used with her permission-thanks Sophie!)

The tutorial is here : http://sophiejunction.blogspot.ca/p/block-patterns.html 

click the WORD Bird under this picture.        

It is a pdf file, which opens with Adobe Acrobat.

The tutorial is quite detailed, but easy to follow and very complete.  Read through it all as it makes it easier to piece the bird.

 I will point out some areas that I found tricky!

I would like Kona Ash as the background color, as previously mentioned.

 If you are looking for color inspiration for the birds, check out Design Seeds, specifically this link for wonderful palettes featuring birds!

 http://design-seeds.com/index.php/search/category/fowl

Some of my faves are:

http://design-seeds.com/index.php/home/entry/feathered-brights3

http://design-seeds.com/index.php/home/entry/feathered-love

I would like 2 blocks please-they are 6.5 x9.5’’ unfinished. 

Kona Ash is the SKY fabric           

  BODY any bright fabric, preferably solid or tone on tone

WING any bright fabric, preferably solid or tone on tone that contrasts well with the body

-no florals or multicolored prints here please         

BLACK for the beak and legs 

TIPS

1. -the 4 and 7/8’’ squares SHOULD be cut as 5’’ squares and then on the diagonal for both the wing and the sky-much easier to trim

 

2.-the beak was tricky-I found it easiest to fold the 1.5’’ square in half diagonally and place it in the right corner of the 4.5’’ x 1.5’’ ASH rectangle and move it up and to the right to get good placement.  I did not trim the double layer of fabric as it adds stability.

3.-the legs-press the seams toward the background  

I don’t mind right or left facing or shorter or taller birds. 

Please DO NOT put EYES on them!

Thanks, I cannot wait to see what y’all come up with!