Bee Blessed Bento Box

Say that five times fast.

I do not know why I stopped making Bee Blessed blocks each month, but it is time that I put them back on the schedule.  It is a wonderful organization and I am only happy to support it.

This month in Bee Blessed, they are asking for modified Bento Box blocks using a tutorial by Film In The Fridge.  As you know, it takes just as long to make two blocks as it does one in this kind of situation, so I dove in fully committed.  

These are easy to make, are totally satisfying and run through the scraps.  Why not give them a try?

Bee Blessed Sampler Quilt

This past weekend I finished a quilt top!  I am so happy to have this project completed - it is a very special quilt top that has slept dormant in my sewing room for WAY too long.  You see, this is not just any old quilt top, but a top created with blocks donated by members of the Modern Quilters of Ireland and supporting quilters (blogged about here).

The idea was to create a top for Bee Blessed that might be suitable for a fella.  The only instructions to members was to use blue/green in the block on a white background.  What the members created was just beautiful, with each block complimenting the next.  

I was only to arrange them, add sashing and finish the top off with a border.  I had arranged them nicely on my design wall, so that the lights/darks were evenly distributed.  However, when I stitched the rows together, rows two and three got switched around.  This lands the two "heavy" blocks together in rows three and four.  Ah, well.  These things happen.  

I decided to sash it with a Moda print I had remaining after a 241 Tote I made for my Mom years ago.  I have always really liked this print, but it does not jive well with the rest of my stash. It therefore is never used.  This fabric is a tone on tone blue with navy filigree pattern.  It's not too floral for a fella, I liked the blue with the blocks and I had more than enough yardage.  Score.

This top will leave Galway this week to live in Belfast.  Judith and Sarah, we love what you have created with Bee Blessed and we hope you can find a nice home for this quit.  

Modern Quilters of Ireland {Bee Blessed Blocks}

There is SO much to tell you from this past weekend, but I can not get my brain together to write a full post including all of the hoo-ha.  You see, on Saturday several ladies from the Modern Quilters of Ireland came together in Galway for a day of stitching.  I will tell you all about it in time.

Those of us gathering for the mini-retreat decided to come together and create a quilt top for Bee Blessed.  We decided on a scrappy sampler blocks in blues and greens with white background.  I am just delighted with what the ladies created.  Want to see?

Such a super array of blues and greens, but they work so very well together.  I think so at least.  Great variety in block choice too!

I'm going to put the top together with white sashing, blue and green corner stones and then I'll put on borders.  I already know one border I want to use that's new in the shop.  Can't wait to get cutting!

As you will quickly figure out, there are 13 blocks in total.  That makes for a funny shaped quilt.  I would love to have a 4 block x 4 block layout.  Would anyone else in the MQGI want to send on a blue and green block to be included?

Galway breeze go the best of my churn dash there in the upper left.
You can imagine what that corner looks like...very similar to the other three.  

I'm looking for 3 more blocks that are 12.5 x 12.5 unfinished (12 inches finished).  If you are interested in sending one (or two...or three) to me, please leave a comment below and I will send to you my postal address.

UPDATED: I have volunteers for the three additional blocks we need.  Thanks so much, ladies!

Modern Quilters of Ireland, this is going to be absolutely beautiful.  Thank you so very much for your effort.  What a stunner we will make together!

Bee Blessed: June

When Judith posted her mosaic for her accomplishments in May, I saw a pretty little block there tucked into the upper left hand corner.  Ooo...isn't that pretty?  I must look into that pattern - it would be fun to make!  

But wait!  Wait!  Lucky for me, it's this month's Bee Blessed block!  You can click on over to Sarah's blog to see the details, but long story short these blocks were made with this tutorial.

Much to my dismay, with all of these seams they ask you to use a scant quarter inch seam.  Will I ever escape?  I took your advice from my last disaster and moved my needle one point to the right.  It absolutely made my seams smaller, but not so small I was nervous they'd unravel when Judith received them.

That said, they are barely the right size.  A little small, I think, but totally usable.  I very much look forward to seeing this top finished.  There are several ways you could arrange these with a wide variety of patterns created.  I can't wait to see what final layout they choose to use.  Another great choice in block, ladies!

Bee Blessed: May Blocks

The Bee Blessed blocks for May were delightful to make.  So delightful I could see myself making a full quilt in the future.  Yep.  They're on the to-stitch list.

Using the Cluck Cluck Sew tutorial for bow tie blocks, I whipped these up in no time.  It honestly took longer to find the solids in my scrap bin then it did to stitch these cuties.

Sarah and Judith, fab choice in blocks this month.  I thoroughly enjoyed making these and can't wait to see the finished quilt!

Bee Blessed: April

Clearly this past weekend was focused on bee blocks.  This is my last bee block post this week.  I promise.  I just got a fright on Saturday realizing this is the last week of the month, so I quickly had to kick myself into gear.

Up next are these super bee blocks for Bee Blessed!  Judith and Sarah are looking for Asterisk blocks this month.  They were specifically looking for a matching pair of positive/negative blocks using a white or a modern print in the negative space.  

I pulled out my favourite white on white print that has swirly little dots (don't know where it's from!) giving it some interest without being overwhelming.  It goes so beautifully with this navy print.

To make these blocks, we were sent over to Craftsy for this video tutorial.  The tutorial is wonderfully done, making these blocks very easy to make.  This was my first time using a video tutorial to make blocks, which was quite interesting.  A whole new experience that took me a while to get oriented, but it worked out swimmingly in the end.

The blocks are designed to be oversized, then trimmed to 12.5 inches.  After my Twinkle Twinkle experience with weirdo sized bee blocks, I've purposely trimmed these to 13 inches square so that Judith/Sarah can fiddle with them as needed to fit into the quilt.  I hope that helps the piecing a bit, ladies!

Bee Blessed: March Blocks

Do you have deja vu?  Checking your calendar to see that it is indeed March and not February?  Don't you worry!  It's me - it's not you.  

I so loved making last month's Bee Blessed blocks that Judith was nice enough to let me make more little hearts for her.  The only deal was that they could not be pink or red.  Easy peasy.

I went with the two biggest pieces of fabric in my scrap bin, grabbing a green Boho print (my stinky night time photos of that block looked horrific!) and then a pretty turquoise/aqua with white links from the Mixed Bag line.  Judith, I really enjoyed making these.  Thank you for being so flexible :)

But wait!  Did you just put two and two together?  Yes, Mixed Bag has arrive in the shop...

AND if  a piece is in my scrap bin I have already started to use it!  I will show you that project in Monday's post.  I just couldn't resist this cute origami print when it arrived!  It had to be used.

And finally, if you have not already voted for FSQ in it's bid to be the best retailer in Galway, please do!  You can catch all of the details in this post AND register for the 50 euro gift certificate here after you vote.  To those of you who have voted, I'm sending a massive THANK YOU your way.  xx

Bee Blessed: February Blocks

As soon as I saw the tutorial for February's Bee Blessed blocks I was ready to stitch!  I love this idea for a quilt block.  It is perfect for this time of year.

Although Sarah and Judith were asking for any color hearts (so long as they were bright fabrics), I couldn't stay away from red.  I did eye up a pink FQ or two, but the red florals were calling my name.

The blocks they receive from February will be combined with those using March's tutorial.  I am so very curious to see what the next block will be.  These will make one very sweet quilt!  Great idea, Bee Blessed ladies.  xx

Bee Blessed: January

It has been months and months since I have made bee blocks.  I have really missed it - trying out a new-to-me block and pulling fabrics that make me happy.  What could be better?  Bee Blessed choose a Greek Cross block for January, to be made using this tutorial.

And here's what I whipped up: one block in purples and one in green.

I used left over Chicopee charms from this bag for the corners in both blocks, and then a little birdie print for the center 

or Architexture plum charms in the center of this block.

I am already looking forward to seeing what they choose for the February block!

Bee Blessed March Block

For the past few months of Bee Blessed we've been choosing our own blocks and Judith (and friends) have been making sampler quilts of our contributions.  Not this month!  She's spicing it up with a little Pippi Longstocking block.

This was a great block for me as I am getting more and more interested in improvisational piecing.

I tried to make her look a bit like I would like to look.  She has dark brown hair with whisps of "blonde" that are really grey.  I would love, love, love to have a dress made from this gorgeous fabric and would absolutely adore tights of yellow polka dots.  Now, would I ever dare to wear it all outside at once?  Most likely no.  But each piece would make me really happy on its own.

She used to have shoes :(  They were lost in the squaring of the center block to 8 1/2 inches square.  That's OK.  I would rather be barefoot anyway!

Hope you like her Judith!

Irish Creativity with Listen To The Birds Sing

Have you been over to Listen To The Birds Sing today?  Karen is hosting a series of guest posts from crafty Irish bloggers highlighting the talent and creativity we share in this country.  I am the lucky one to post just before St Patrick's Day!  (Ironic being an American and all....)

We will be talking about blogs, bees, guilds and swaps....things we all love!  Come on over and chatter with us!

February Bee Blocks (Part 2)

Have you been following the Solstice Stars Series on Fresh Lemons Quilts?  I have!  I am truly enjoying the idea of a new star to try each week.  There will be five stars all together, but we are only three weeks into the tutorials, so I have three stars to show you.

Week 1 was the Ribbon Star.  This was very basic and to the point; a great way to kick off a series.

 
Week 2 was the Whirling Star.  This was new to me, so it was very interesting.  I liked the shape and could see myself using it in a quilt.  Now, here's the rub....it's paper piecing.  I had never paper pieced before so I had to build up a bit of courage.  That being said, the tutorial was so well written I could easily follow along with minimal unpicking.  It was a great way to learn a new technique!

And week 3 was the Another Star.  I don't know if that's the real name or if Faith was tired of looking at stars.  Either way, I jumped on the bandwagon and made another.  I wish I flipped the star points so the green triangle does not merge with the green center strip.  Live and learn.  Still, I am happy with the final block.

Theses three blocks are off to Judith to be included in a Bee Blessed quilt.  I hope she doesn't mind receiving the next two Solstice Stars in March's bee!

Bees: My happiness for 2011

It was fitting that I spent the last day of 2011 working on bee blocks.  I "discovered" bees this year and fell in love.  L.O.V.E.  I am lucky enough to be in 4 bees in 2012 and I just can not wait to dive in.

Why are bees so great?  I love meeting new folks, following new blogs, trying new things as my bee-mates circulate their requests and learn something new about combining fabrics each month.  What a great way to expand my horizons!

I fixed up my Sew & Bee Happy red star from yesterday, thank goodness!  It's looking better this time around :)  One point is a little skimpy, but it will have to do.

I made two blocks for Judith's Bee Blessed.  This month we are to make any block we want and she will put together a sampler quilt.  Great idea!  I have liked this block for quite some time, but never have an excuse to make/use it.

And finally I made a big Wonky Star block for my Sew & Bee Happy quilt.  I think this will look nice with the scattered tri-star blocks folks are making this month (as seen in yesterday's post).  Boy this one comes together so quickly as compared to the Stargazing blocks.  I am already itching to make another!

Happy new year to all of you.  It was a pleasure to meet so many of you in this past year.  I feel so very lucky to be included in such a wonderful group of kind, giving, inspirational, creative folks.  Thank you all for brightening each and every day!  I wish you health, happiness and fabulous crafting in 2012. xx

Totally Random News

All kinds of things are going on here at Fluffy Sheep Quilting, so this is going to be a pretty random post.  I do not know how to structure this post so it makes sense, so I will just dive in.

Newsflash 1:

I won tickets to the Knitting and Stitching show in Dublin in mid-November!  Sarah (of Fairyface Designs) and Fi (of PatchworkDelights) host a flickr group called Sew Irish.  They were giving away tickets to folks interested in heading to the Dublin show so I gave it a shot.  Woo hoo!  I am super excited!  Thank you, Sarah and Fi!  I am really looking forward to seeing you both there.

Photo from http://www.rds.ie/, host of the show.

Newsflash 2:

Did you know our little Free Motion Friday practice-a-long was featured on Craft Gossip?  I am completely delighted and hope lots of new folks join in with us.   Much to my horror, though, Craft Gossip posted photos of my pre-pre-beginner quality FMQ attempts.  You can see the article here and have a good laugh at me.  At least the new folks joining us will not have to worry we are too advanced (hee hee!).

Newsflash 3:

I have finished two October blocks for Judith's Bee Blessed at Rags to Bags.  She asked for a disappearing nine patch.  This was a first for me, but I am pretty happy with how they turned out.  I hope she is too :)  This month she's making family quilts for homes in Belfast, so hopefully these colors will work with what she has in mind.  There's a blue-themed one, but the sun went down before I could get a photo.  Bummer.

Newsflash 4:

My fabric arrived for Susan's Modern Christmas Tablerunner Swap.   It was a personal delivery by my folks when they came to visit this past weekend from the US!  Partner, if you're reading this I know its not all to your taste.  Don't worry!  It's not all for you :) I now have a partner, a possible design and fabric.  I just have to start cutting and stitching! 

I think that's finally it for mini news bites.  Thanks for hanging in there with me.  Tomorrow will be our second to last guest post in the Start Your Own series.  Come on back and check it out!

Bee Blessed: September Blocks

I have joined a virtual quilting bee hosted by Judith of Rags to Bags called Bee Blessed.  Together, these ladies are creating quilts for families in Belfast, one of my favorite cities in this part of the world.  I really like the idea of this bee and am so very happy that I can contribute.  Judith both hosts this sewing bee in person at a home as well as accepts blocks from those a bit further away....from folks like me!

This month they are making wonky star cot (crib) quilts from a tutorial posted at Silly BooDilly.  It's a good excuse to try my first wonky star, so I gave it a go!  I made 3 stars, but only had 2 ready for photos before the sun went down.  So it goes.  Looking in the flickr group, it seemed that most folks were using muted colors, so I tried to match them.

They are also looking for fabric donations, so I tossed in two "girly" fat quarters and a cat print that would be great for a kid's quilt.  Hope she likes them :)

Thanks for letting me play along, Judith! 

In other fun news....my little basket from the weekend is featured on Craft Gossip.  You can see the post here.  Lucky you, Partner 1!  Your basket is getting a little bit of attention :)   The article made me smile.  They are totally right in saying I joined in this swap to force myself to do new things.  Little do they know I have one foot further in the deep end than that.