Fresh Comfort Two

January Blocks

2011-01-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

January is my month and I have been thinking about what I would really like. I went to my stash and stared for a while. (I like to do this a lot) What I realized is that I have a large I spy square collection. This collection should really be shared with the children in my life. I also have a solid fatquarter bundle that i really don't have a project for until now. And so January's bee block is born....
The I Spy Square in a Square.

I hope you all have fun making these blocks. I hope I can get the quilt put together to be able to use this summer.

Thank you all this has been a wonderful year.

December Fabric

2010-12-24T04:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas Eve, everyone. Am I the worst bee leader or what?! My fabric for December is now officially 24 days late. You are all so sweet to not harass me about it. I'm hoping that you were all so busy crafting for Christmas that you're relieved to not have any additional work to do.

I already have 2 sets of completed blocks from my other two bees, so I'm perfectly happy to skip my month. I would actually be very relieved to not have a whole other, new set staring me in the face and making me feel guilty.

What do you guys think? Are you okay with that?

Anita, I haven't forgotten about you. I'm doing your blocks as soon as we get back from our Christmas trip.

Enjoy your holidays, everyone.

Katie

Big Oops

2010-11-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Good morning:

I made a mistake on my instructions. Please divide the square of kona into 4....not two as I indicated on my blog.

If you have already made the blocks, or are in process with just two...do not worry! I'm not. I just wanted to clarify for those who hadnt started.

this is me, in a big hurry.....grin

September Quilt WIP

2010-10-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!! I'm just checking in and sharing my progress. Here are all of the blocks so far! I think this quilt is going to be great.

I've received blocks from Balinda, Kellie, Margaret, Anita, Shelly, Ruth & Liz. If you've sent blocks and I haven't mentioned you please let me know. I tried to organize my sewing room, now I don't know where anything is! I may have put your blocks in a different spot. Anyone who still has blocks to send, I'm in no rush, take your time.

Spiderweb blocks for Anita

2010-10-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

Same blocks, rotated differently.

Hope you like them!

November-a little early

2010-10-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Fresh Comfort 2!

I am excited to finally be getting to my month! I would like the blocks to be a string block. Here is a link to a great online tutorial. One thing that I have discovered as I have started making these blocks is to do a quick backstitch at the beginning and ending of each strip-this helps to keep it from pulling apart when you take of the backing paper. I used an old phone book for the foundation, but any light weight paper will work.

The width of each strip can be varied and feel free to put as many or as few strips on each side of the center as you like. I just want the center strip to be the kona snow and to start out as 1 inch. I would like the size of the blocks sent back to me to be 8.5 inches square. Please feel free to add any additional fabrics to these blocks that you would like. I am not worried about having modern fabrics/vintage linens or brighter/softer fabrics mixed together.

I sent the packages in the mail today, I am a little early so I thought I would go ahead and get them off. I am in no hurry, this quilt is kind of a long-term project for me :)

If you feel the desire, I have sent enough fabric to do 2-3 blocks. This is going to be a bed quilt for my king sized bed so I can use all the help I can get!

Thanks so much!!!

Liz

Hello! it is the deliquent

2010-10-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I am alive.

I believe that all should have received their blocks..and mine for October is in the mail. Don't worry about a timing on this one, I don't have one. I apologize for the delay in getting this out. It took me a few days to get some measurements worked out.

I want to apologize for not being present. I'm not sure I could have anticipated this year, father's death, followed by annoying months of my step mother's issues, then my mom started having strokes and stroke like symptoms. So then I was in Phoenix far more than I had ever imagined. And then I would come back and try to catch up with work..just to have it all go to pieces in an instant. And then we were lucky enough to have our basement flood in August. Just like all the other Central Iowa folks. What a mess! And since life was so unstressful, my migraines were completely unmanageable. Some weeks I was having one/day. Luckily I was referred to Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago..and wow, what a difference in my life, just since August. Who knew that after 15 yrs someone could make that big of a difference? I'm hopeful that this winter is better. I certainly never imagined that this would be my midlife crisis.

I've named my quilt Chocolate Cherry Mint. I'm asking you to do spider web quilt blocks for me. My inspiration for this block is here. Please follow the basic directions here--with my modification explanations here.

I've included a letter with details in the packages. please let me know if you have any Q's. I can be reached at anita (dot) maherlewis (at) gmail (dot) com.

September blocks for Jaclyn

2010-09-29T12:29:00.001-07:00

Done and in the mail today!

September blocks for Jaclyn

2010-09-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

I hope you like them, not quite as perfect as yours, I hope they work!

September's Blocks

2010-09-08T17:00:00.001-07:00

How about using school supplies while sewing?!

I have chosen a block I hope you will all find to be quick and easy, Dale Fleming's 6 minute circle. Curved piecing is scary but this method may just change your mind. Our own Shelly demonstrated this at a NEMQG meeting & I decided I needed to make these.

Included in your packages is the freezer paper for the template. You will just need to cut along the pencil line (while the paper is still folded) to finish the template. If you are making two blocks the template can be used more than once. Just use a pressing cloth so you don't get any of the residual glue on your iron.

You will need a zipper or open-toe foot and a glue stick. I'm hoping everyone happens to have those things laying around.

Good luck & have fun!! I know this time of year can be crazy so no rush to get these back to me.

Happy Sewing!

August Blocks a little late

2010-09-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

I finally got so me time in front of the sewing machine. I was able to finish two blocks. They were sent on their way home on Friday. I enjoyed the pink purple block more than the yellow blue block. My mother decorated my room for me when I was a teenager and she made all the decisions. It was yellow and blue. I therefore have a bit of a dislike for this color combination.

More Blocks

2010-08-24T15:08:00.001-07:00

I know this is no substitute for posting a picture (shame on me!), but here's a pic of the blocks I did for Emily, and mailed today.

http://quiltsoflove.blogspot.com/2010/08/week-of-puttering.html

August blocks for Emily

2010-08-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Wonky star for Linda

2010-07-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

July Blocks

2010-06-28T23:17:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

My month is July, so I thought I would get patriotic. I am super busy and I'm sure you all are too, so the blocks are very easy. I am asking that you make wonky star blocks in the tradition of Gwen Marston (from her book "Liberated Quiltmaking") and explained very nicely here.

My background fabric is Kona in white and the star points fabric is red and/or blue. I would like the center to be square (i.e., not wonky), but it can be off-center and the star points can be wonky. The points and/or the center can be pieced with different fabrics if you want. Or not - it's up to you.

I am including one center color and the "points" pieces plus the white (I didn't cut it so you can decide where within the white you want to place the center of the star). Please do feel free to add some red or blue from your stash - in fact, I'd love it if you would add your own fabric to it so that the blocks are more personalized. Since I'm fairly new to quilting and I don't have much of a stash, I purchased all of the fabric for this project (I have A LOT of pink for some reason, but not much red or blue) and cut the pieces about 4-1/2". Again, feel free to piece the points and/or the center (as long as it remains a square) and I've added some additional scraps for that purpose. You don't need to return any of the fabric.

If anyone is willing to make an extra block, please leave a comment and I'll send extra fabric. There's no pressure - I want this block to be easy.

I will put the packages in the mail in the next day or so. Thank you!!

Catching Up

2010-06-12T11:46:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm a little behind on quilting and a LOT behind on blogging (and apparently redundant, too, since I just posted almost the exact same thing over on Fresh Comfort One). Ruth, I sent your blocks out on Wednesday. I hope you have them by now. I'm so sorry they were late. Here they are . . .

And I actually did get Shelley's done and sent out in time, but I never posted photos, so here they are . . .

They were both a lot of fun to make, and I'm looking forward to making Kellie's blocks, too.

Happy Summer!

Katie

More for Ruth

2010-06-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Wonky in shades of pink & purple.

Blocks for Ruth

2010-05-31T23:15:00.001-07:00

I finally got these done for Ruth. I was a bit worried about making them, until I realized that "Drunk Love in a Log Cabin" is another way to say wonky log cabin. That I understand. So anyway, here they are. I am putting them in the mail Tuesday. Ruth, sorry they're a few days late.

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies! Hope you're enjoying your long weekend. Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day of May and soon you'll be receiving Kellie's fabric. Please let me know when you anticipate being done with blocks for me (if you haven't already sent them or let me know)!

Happy Memorial Day!

Blocks for Ruth & June Blocks on the Way

2010-05-30T05:40:00.001-07:00

Here are Ruth's blocks. They'll need squaring up...I only trimmed off the rough stuff. These were really fun to make and I can definitely see a quilt like this in my future!

I've also mailed out the June packages to you(all but one that I missed and will send out Tues.) The instructions are in with the packages and on Flickr.

I have decided to go ahead w/the two different blocks. Some of you will be making 12.5" Strippy Circles and some of you will be making Wonky Log Cabins in various sizes. I'll be adding white to the log cabins to size them up to 12.5 later. Expect to see lots of weird and random scraps as they are mostly apron leftovers. I hope you'll enjoy making what I've sent!

Ideas for June Blocks

2010-05-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies, Kellie here...I'm the June Queen Bee. I think I've finally settled on an idea for my month. I've gone back and forth on this soooo many times! What I really wanted to do was something like our current Queen, Ruth, is doing. However, that would involve me running out buying fabric this week and right now, that's not really an option.

So, I'm going to go scrappy!

I'm thinking I'd like two blocks. This scrappy circle, and a variation on one of my favorite blocks, the wonky log cabin.

Rather than asking each of you to make two different blocks, I was thinking of randomly selecting six of you to do one or the other. What do you think? Is that within the rules? If not, I'll settle on one block and make up the others. Either way, I'm good!

For Ruth

2010-05-16T18:41:00.001-07:00

These fabrics are so lovely together. I had a hard time getting the colors to look right when photographing. (The second photo is much more accurate than the first.)

These blocks were fun to put together!

I can't wait to see all of the color combos together. This quilt is going to be great!

For Shelly

2010-05-16T18:31:00.001-07:00

I just realized I haven't posted my blocks for Shelly here. Oops!

My first block came together quickly & easily. I don't know what happened with the second block but I just could not get my seams to line up properly. I had to wield the seam ripper a few times before saying, enough is enough.

When all is said & done I think they came out great! Looking forward to seeing them all together!

Two "April" Blocks for Shelly

2010-05-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry these are late but here they are mailed off today!

May blocks for Ruth

2010-05-09T11:50:00.001-07:00

The block on the left is 10.5" square and the one on the right it 9.75" square. I added a couple of my own fabrics to the mix. Hope you like them!

More Blocks for Shelly

2010-05-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

These are on the way, Shelly! I adore this block and your fabric choices!! What line(s) are these fabrics from?

April blocks for Shelly

2010-05-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

This post is late, but Shelly should have received my package on Friday (I hope!).

They went together surprisingly quickly.

May blocks

2010-05-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies! I'm sending out my fabric and instructions tomorrow. Keep your eyes on the mailbox! Here are the instructions (which are also in our Flickr discussion and in your envelopes):

For this month, I’d like you all to make improv log cabin style blocks based on Denyse Schmidt’s classic quilt, “Drunk Love in a Log Cabin.” You can view the original quilt in the previous post. A number of other quilting bees have made blocks inspired by this design so I’ve posted an inspiration mosaic in our Flickr group and our blog.

I’m using a rainbow of colors and have six different color schemes. The design for this is pretty open – please use the original Denyse Schmidt blocks to inspire you but don’t feel the need to replicate them exactly. Please make two blocks, ranging from 9.5” to 12.5” (though if you don’t want to square them up, I’d be happy to do so once I receive them). You may use coordinating prints from your own stash – small prints only please, and keeping with the appropriate color scheme of the fabrics that you receive. This is meant to be fun and individualized – I’m looking forward to having a piece of you all in my quilt!

Feel free to keep any scraps or send them back – it’s up to you.

Inspiration mosaic from Flickr:

May sneak peek

2010-04-27T07:05:00.001-07:00

Hi all - it's almost time...

For my month, we'll be doing blocks inspired by this classic Denyse Schmidt quilt.

Fabric will be going out this weekend or early next week.

More fractured nine-patch blocks

2010-04-20T08:04:00.001-07:00

April blocks for Shelly

2010-04-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

I guess 12 is my magic number...

2010-04-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

I sent off Rachel's ticker tape blocks today. It looks like 12 is my magic number as without knowing it both of these blocks include 12 bits of fabric each. These were a lot of fun to make and I can't wait to see the final quilt! (BTW I totally forgot to include the little bits of scraps in the package that I sent these in...Rachael would you like them?) I never posted the February blocks so here they are!

I've recieved my fabrics for April and can't wait to get started!

Rachel's Ticker Tape Blocks

2010-04-03T08:35:00.001-07:00

Sorry they're a bit late, Rachel, but they did get mailed this morning! I added a few of my own scraps and enjoyed putting these together. I'm excited to see the end product!

More blocks for Rachel

2010-03-28T10:43:00.001-07:00

Here you are Rachel - they're going in the mail Monday. Love the fabric you sent. I added a few scraps of my own too.

-Linda

April blocks

2010-03-27T12:42:00.001-07:00

Helloooo Spring! I'm being hopeful here. I'm a bit behind the eight ball and I apologize for that. Fabric packages will be going out Monday for the April block......a fractured nine patch.

Directions will be enclosed......pretty simple......a bit wonky.....and best of all, they work up pretty quickly!

I pressed my seams open here.....once the cross piece gets inserted there is a bunch of intersecting fabric.......and it can be difficult to quilt through.

So be looking for a soft and squishy in the post........I'm just sayin'!

ticker tape for rachel

2010-03-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

What a fun way to use up your scraps! I can't wait to see the finished product!

More Blocks for Rachel

2010-03-24T03:23:00.000-07:00

These were so much fun. I really loved the gray background.

And the other fabrics Rachel sent were great, too.

I added some of my own. Thanks for choosing such a fun block, Rachel!

I put them in the mail on Monday, so you should have them soon.

Katie

Blocks for Rachel

2010-03-18T18:51:00.001-07:00

I love doing puzzles and these blocks are basically fabric puzzles. I had so much fun with these. Great block choice Rachel!

I couldn't resist adding a few of my own scraps. I hope you like them. Can't wait to see them all together, this is bound to be a very fun quilt.

I am popping these in the mail on Saturday.

More ticker tape

2010-03-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

These will be headed your way, Rachel, tomorrow!

Blocks For Rachel

2010-03-15T09:04:00.001-07:00

My blocks for March are finished and I hope Rachel likes them. The colors are great and I was able to include some small pieces from my stash. At first I thought it was going to take me a long time to sew around the little pieces but it was arranging the pieces that took me the longest.

For Rachel

2010-03-14T13:38:00.001-07:00

Dear Rachel-
Had a great time today playing with your idea. Like you, I adore the gray foundation. The first block I made is on the left.......always seem to approach these kinds of things with some trepidation.....but before long I thought I could conquer the Ticker Tape world. If you hadn't heard, I have been living under a rock and was not at all up to speed on my Munki fabric.......I thought that crazy women of the modern quilting world were cutting up their $94 pajamas to make quilts......silly me......one of the kind bee peeps from my other virtual group gave up the goods when she told me that the coveted PJ's sold for much less at the Maxx. Irregardless (is that really a word?) I couldn't cut up the Munki fabric you provided.
So you see, by the time I got to the second block, I had great courage. I thought I would work a bit on point and with some irregular shapes.
Thanks for letting me play with you today.
Shelly xo

I'm really here!!

2010-03-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

Hello...

At long last I'm coming aboard and catching up.

My name is Anita Maher-Lewis. I live in Ames, IA. Some of you know that as you've mailed me blocks and are patiently waiting for me to send them back! I'm working on them, I promise. :)

I am a quilter, a gardener and a knitter. I pay for these projects by doing environmental engineering/consulting projects during the day. I'm self employed. I dissolved my partnership in a mid-size firm in Des Moines IA about four years ago because I was tired of the constant traveling and the loooong weeks which no matter how often they told me would end, didn't. Well, I made them end. I took a couple of clients and went to my own sand box. It really has worked well for me.

I am a wife to wonderful man who manages a project management dept for a local agribusiness firm. I also have a beautiful 24 yo daughter. I'm also mom to 2 dogs and 2 cats.

I apologize for being absent for so long. I could tell you that I've been buried under 3 feet of snow that is just now starting to melt...which would be the truth. However it just has been a hard three months. My father died suddenly late last year and then my mom got really sick. Probably as a result of being so sick, she had a couple of small strokes (TIAs). She is doing better now. But unfortunately they both live(d) in Phoenix (with separate partners) so dealing with all of this has been very strenuous and stressful as you can imagine. I'm coming up for air now and so grateful that spring is around the corner.

I was in Phoenix this last weekend to check on my mom and for a very very joyous event. I and my siblings joined my grandma to celebrate her 90th birthday. She is hale and hearty. I love her so so much.

Thank you for your patience and I'm excited to be here.

Block For March: Ticker Tape!

2010-03-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

I will sending out a couple of 8.5" squares of grey background and enough scraps to really cover both plus a little extra. Make one, make both... I'm easy.
I hope to put together these little "tiles", so please leave a half inch around so I can sew them together.
Feel free to trim and reshape the scraps to fit the space you need. Want to make a flower? Feel free.
Please try and fill as much of the interior as possible.
Please secure your start and stop stitches.
Yep, it really is as easy as pinning or glue sticking your scrap down and sewing around it.

This is supposed to be fun, fussy cut, use your own scraps, do whatever you want...or think I will like...
Please no batiks...

Ticker tape pool at flickr is HERE. have a look for more inspiration if you want.

thanks! Rachel

February Block Update

2010-03-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, I posted a picture on my blog of how my quilt is progressing. Have a look here. Now that it is March...if the following people could please update me about their blocks. Four packages have not been received yet: Liz, Anita, Jaclyn and Rachel.

Thanks

March 5 Update... Thanks Liz & Jaclyn - your blocks arrived today.

Address Update in your Inboxes

2010-02-24T17:13:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to let you know that I just emailed an updated address list. It seems like a couple people have had my emails get caught by their spam filters, so if you don't have an email from me check there.

Thanks,

Katie

Block update

2010-02-17T04:15:00.000-08:00

I appologize for being pokey at sending personal emails of thanks for your blocks. Here are the fantastic wonky log blocks I have received thus far...

Emily, Ruth, Shelly, Balinda, Linda, Katie and Kellie.

Many thanks ladies!

Blocks for Margaret

2010-02-05T14:16:00.001-08:00

I've finished Margaret's blocks but didn't make the final cut (hence the slight difference in size). I threw in a few bits from my own stash. I'll try to send them out tomorrow or Monday!

Blocks arriving

2010-02-02T09:12:00.001-08:00

I wanted to let people know who's blocks have arrived. I have been remiss at individually emailing. I have blocks from Katie, Linda, Shelly and Balinda. They look fantastic, ladies.
Thank you! I'll post a picture soon so you can see how they look together.

Thurs...
Kellie's just arrived today. THanks!

More of Margaret's Wonky Blocks

2010-02-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

Will be putting these in the mail this week! Thanks to a couple snow days I finished them much sooner than I anticipated! Yay for snow days!

They were a little challenging for me, but fun! I love Margaret's choice of colors for these blocks. I decided to leave them at the 16 in.(or thereabout) and let you trim them down to 14.5, Margaret! Can't wait to see the finished quilt!

Greetings!

2010-02-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

Hi ladies! I'm Minna's daughter, Ruth and will be taking her place in this bee. I'm so excited to be part of it. My mom is sending me Margaret's fabric today so I should be able to get crackin' right away. Can't wait!

A little about me...

I live in New York City (to my parents' delight, since she and my dad grew up here and they LOVE being able to come back) with my boyfriend and our adorable Westie, Louie. I recently finished a master's degree in International Conflict Resolution from Georgetown University and am currently job hunting here in the Big Apple. I'm also working part-time in retail and spend a nice amount of time crafting. I've been knitting for over 10 years and learned to sew (after getting a sewing machine as a graduation present from G-town last spring) and quilt less than a year ago. I also love to read, watch movies, and explore New York. I love to travel and I've been fortunate enough to live in many great cities (including my first stint here after college) including Philadelphia, DC, London, and Cape Town, South Africa (the most beautiful place ever!) so I love the busy urban life.

I've made four quilts and am constantly cutting/sewing/piecing/etc. I'm drawn to the more modern quilts but also can appreciate the beauty of the traditional designs. My mom bought a Denyse Schmidt quilt for me and my boyfriend as a housewarming present so even he has learned to appreciate the craft too (not to mention, the quilt is mostly blue and orange, his favorite colors)!

I'm very excited to be part of your bee - can't wait to start sewing!

- Ruth

More Blocks for Margaret

2010-02-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

Here are the blocks I made for Margaret. (Sorry, I didn't realize how bad the photos were until I uploaded them just now. Oh well, you get the idea.)

I added a few of my own fabrics as Margaret suggested.

I enjoyed making the wonky but not too wonky log cabins. Margaret, you're quilt's going to be really cool!

I'm so excited about how far ahead of schedule we are! We weren't even supposed to start until February, and many of us are already done. If you're not, no pressure, you still have until the end of the month. I already can't wait to see what Rachel comes up with for March.

Also, if you're not necessarily following along with all the blog comments, you may not know that Minna has had to back of the bee. Thankfully, her daughter Ruth has agreed to take her place and will make Margaret's block as well as the blocks for the rest of the months and of course be the May queen. I'm so appreciative that Minna found a replacement for us. Thanks, Minna! We'll miss you. Welcome, Ruth!

Happy sewing everyone!

For Margaret

2010-01-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

Coming your way, Margaret!

Thoroughly enjoyed the process and found this a great exercise in taking direction.

Openings in other bees?

2010-01-28T22:43:00.000-08:00

Hi,
My 27 year old daughter is looking to join a virual quilting bee too. She is a new quilter also but learns a lot faster than her mom. Does anyone know of any bees that have openings or how she can find out about virtul qulting bees? Thanks.
Minna

February blocks for Margaret

2010-01-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

Here are my two blocks for Margaret's month. They went in the mail yesterday. I hope they work well with the quilt!

teal & brown wonky log cabin blocks for margaret

2010-01-22T06:58:00.000-08:00

Two blocks for Margaret. It was a challenge to lay everything out according to the plan, but I feel like I accomplished what she was looking for. I hope they turned out the way she hoped, and they should be in the mail sometime next week.

Quilty Help?

2010-01-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

Hi gals!

Just wondering if some of you could help me out? I'm planning a quilt but am having some trouble figuring out if I have the right combination of colors/prints. This isn't my bee quilt, but I have no doubts I'll be back asking your opinions on that too! ;)

I've posted a photo of the fabrics on my blog and if you get a minute and wouldn't mind, I'd love to know your opinions!!

Thanks y'all!

~Kellie

Another Birthday Giveaway

2010-01-21T10:48:00.001-08:00

Go check out this blog. Her birthday is coming in a couple days and she is having a giveaway to celebrate.

Shellcreations

Getting to Know Me, Emily (AKA Mle BB)

2010-01-20T20:48:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody! My name is Emily and I am a 22 year old student with a serious fabric addiction. I get my paycheck and think...how many yards will this buy? Japanese, bundle or not? Anyway, back to the normal stuff. I am a senior at a small liberal arts college in the Chicagoland area, and I am majoring in Art Education (K-12) with a concentration in printmaking. I am lucky enough to have a senior studio at my school (picture below).

My work in printmaking spans most mediums including etching, wood and linoleum blocks, xerox transfer monoprinting and even silk screening. I love to visit the galleries in the city and have a student membership at the Art Institute of Chicago.
When I am not at school, I spend a lot of time with my family, I have many cousins and they have a lot of babies that need babysitting (and quilts!)! I love playing with the kids and am now used to being called everything from "Mewmlee" to my second cousin's description of me as an "adult kid".
I learned to sew a bit from my aunt and grandmother but mostly I have used the trial and error method and taught myself with help from the online community (believe me there were errors!). I have recently gotten back into quilting and look to the online quilting community as my main guidance in everything from improvisational piecing to how to baste a quilt. I am very excited to be in this, my second, bee and August is going to be a busy month for me as that is my month for the other quilting bee (Bee Crazy) I am in too (I was lucky to be assigned to a non school month in both, thanks to the organizers of both bees). I am interested in modern quilting and tend towards wonky type blocks because of the improvisation and fun involved in the making.

When I went to NYC this summer with my father I was able to walk from our lodging to Purl and Purl Patchwork where I rediscovered knitting, which my Auntie Marlene had taught me years ago with acrylic yarns and metal needles. I was excited to see the natural fibers and wooden knitting needles at Purl and immediately started in on a scarf for myself and have continued to make one for my mother, father and aunt. Needless to say, almost all of the food money my mother gave me was used on buying fibers, both yarn and fabric, and I got really used to eating fast food once to twice a day on a steep budget.
I have loved reading each of your posts about yourselves and cannot wait to make blocks for you all!

Feb blocks arrive early!

2010-01-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Balinda, who sent 3 (yes three!!) of these great blocks. The other 2 were the ones I did. She used a few of her own fabrics, which coordinated wonderfully, and made an extra one!! I love the abstractness and wonkyness of this design.
Balinda chose not to do the final 14.5" cut, which is JUST FINE!! I urge you all that if this seems daunting because you do not have a template this size, just send them as is and I will do the trimming to size.

Thank you :-)

More about me - Katie

2010-01-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
I just realized I never did my Getting-To-Know-You Post. You can read about me over on the other Fresh Comfort Blog, so I'll try to come up with something original here.

Yikes, it's harder than I thought to come up with something new. Here goes . . .

I grew up in a small coastal Maine town and ended up falling in love with one of my classmates during my senior year in high school. After finishing high school and also going to college in Maine, we got married and are still married over 20 years after our first date. We even went to the prom together. After we got married, we moved around a bit. We lived in Colorado Springs for a few years then in Myrtle Beach for a few years. We loved those places, but I tell you, Maine gets in your blood, so we ended up moving back about 10 years ago. We live in Portland now which is the biggest city in Maine, but it still feels like a fairly small town. My husband always says, "Country living with city conveniences" which is true except for the country living part. It definitely doesn't feel like living in the county. Our closest neighbors live only a few feet from us. We're very happy living here, but come February and March, we miss Colorado and especially South Carolina an awful lot.

The summer definitely makes it worth it, but it's a little hard to hang on to those few months all year round. My father lives on a sailboat, so every summer my husband and I take turns going on a sail with him and my brother and some of our friends. This year my mother and sister babysat my three youngest kids, so my husband and I both got to go along with my oldest son. We sailed from Boston to Provincetown and spent a couple days there then sailed back. Every year we say we want to do a longer sail. One of these days we will. Of course, we'll have to find another destination. Provincetown didn't have any fabric stores that I could find.

Speaking of fabric stores, have you Maine bee members discovered Marden's for fabric? If you haven't heard of Marden's (it's just a Maine store, I think), I'm not even sure how to describe it. It's a discount store, but not like Target or Wal-mart - kind of like TJ-Maxx and Marshall's only the stuff is a lot more worn - not used - but a little (a lot) dusty. But you can find some really good, weird things. I found some fancy European baby shoes (Baby Botte) for my daughter once. When we were together at Thanksgiving a family friend from Boston asked me if I'd heard of Marden's and if I knew about their great fabric section. I figured she must have the name wrong. We have a Marden's in Portland, and they don't have any fabric, and I certainly couldn't imagine any Marden's having any fabric I would want. But this friend has really good taste, so I figured it was worth checking it out. Was it ever?! Seriously, if you live fairly close, you have to go. They have hundreds of bolts of fabrics. (Don't make the mistake I made the first time I went of thinking you won't need a cart.) And not just JoAnn type fabric either. They have a lot of designer fabric. I've found a lot of Free Spirit fabric there - some Joel Dewberry and Kaffe Fasset. And get this - it's about $2.99 a yard! If you go or if you've been, let me know what you think. Oh - not all Marden's have fabric. I've been to the one in Sanford twice now and come away with yards and yards of fabric for less than $50. If you go online, I think it will tell you which ones have fabric. I'm not sure if the selection is all as good as the one in Sanford, but if you live within a few hours, it's definitely worth the drive.

Happy Friday. I hope you have a full weekend of crafting planned. Don't you just love Friday night when you have the whole weekend ahead of you and so many possibilities?

February Wonky Log Blocks

2010-01-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

Since my month is quicky approaching, I have been scrambling to come up with a block that I thought everyone could make successfully. Though I really wanted curves (sigh...), I figured that might scare many people, and would be harder. I have an eclectic collection of brown and aqua/turquoise prints to use on this quilt, so this is what I have come up with. The making of this block is way easier than the making of these instructions!! Here are the instructions - I should have the fabric into the mail within a week or so.

Although this may not be the final layout which I select, it gives you an idea of what this modified wonky log cabin block might look like made up as a quilt with 24 blocks. To make it easier, I have written a tutorial for this block so you don't have to make the same mistake I made first time around. Also, if you follow the tutorial, it will better ensure that all the blocks are similar. I assume that all seams are 0.25".

Below is a sketch of this block. Use this sketch more for color and piece numbers than for exact log shapes. It yields a finished block that is 14-1/2" square. It is made from 9 different blues (ranging from aqua to turquoise), 7 different brown prints, and "bits" of brown and orange. I have tried to send enough different prints. If you have browns or aquas that look good, please feel free to use them. I want this quilt to have a definite scrappy look.

This is a wonky log block which has "bits" (1-2" pieces) placed into the outer 2 rows (rows 6 to 13) in the brown and blue logs, intended to give a confetti look. The sketch below shows them in the 11B, 6A, 9C and 12B locations, but they could be in the other 4 possible positions in logs 10, 12, 8, or 7 instead. I prefer to keep the number of bits to just 2 of each color (4 total per block, at your choice of position). Orange bits go in the brown logs, and brown bits go in the aqua logs.

Here is the block tutorial...

1. Start with the center block (1). It is cut a 4-1/2" square. Feel free to use something you have or cameo cut a print that you have it you feel it is better than what I send. It is a brown print. 2. "Wonk" the block very slightly. I caution you not to over-wonky the blocks or this tutorial will yield a finished block that is not the desired size. Taking off 0.25" to 0.5" on only one or two sides of the square (as shown below) is sufficient.

3. Next we sew on the first row of logs. They are cut 2.5" to 2.75" wide. Note that the logs in this row should not have any of the "bits" added into the row. I have indicated what size I chose to cut these strips for the block I made, but as long as they are between 2.25 and 3" you should be fine. If you use a smaller width strip here, use a wider strip on another row.

4. Shown below with the next 2 logs added. The block is pressed and ends rotary trimmed after each log is added.

5. Add log #5 of 1st row, press and trim ends. Note that this block is wonky shaped right now.

6. Now, I trim the block to approximately a 8" square. This forces the edges to become slightly wonky. You will need to be careful trimming this to maintain a square block, even if it is slightly different from 8".

7. Next I lay out the next row of logs and bits that go in these logs. My bits are cut 2" and will result in a 1.5" finished bit width. There's nothing scientific about the width - choose anywhere between 1" to 2" for a finished width bit. Also note that the width of the logs for this 2nd row of logs should be not wider than 2-1/2", or else the next row will get trimmed too much.

8. First I sew the bits into the log rows to create a single strip to add onto the block.

9. Then the logs are sewn on one at a time. Log 6 is added first, pressed and ends rotary trimmed. Log 7 is sewn next, pressed and then trimmed. Then the same for logs 7 and 8. The following picture shows the 2nd row of logs added, but the block is not trimmed yet.

10. Now I "wonky" trim the block slightly. I took off 0.375" to 0.5" diagonal cuts off of only 2 sides, as shown below. I found better results to "wonky" cut off of different sides than I had cut from initially. This may have just been my dumb-blind luck too!

11. Lay out the last (3rd) row of logs and the bits. As shown, please take care in placing the aqua pieces in the upper left corner so that the stair-stepping is shown. My logs in this row are 2.5" to 3" wide.

12. Sew bits into the logs and then add the logs to the block. They are sewn on #10 first, then #11, then #12, and #13, pressing and trimming ends after each seam.

13. Below is the finished block with all logs rows sewn on. It has not yet been trimmed to the desired 14-1/2" square. It is about 16" right now.

14. Trim the block to 14-1/2" square carefully. Since it is not the size of a standard template, it takes a bit more care. You may find a paper template/guide helpful, but I did it on my rotary cutting mat just by being careful. This is the step where a little bit of "wonky" trimming is done. It should look kind of like the next picture. My block and logs are not excessively wonky, as I prefer the subtle wonky look. Note...If you prefer to send me the block before it is trimmed to 14.5", that is fine. I have templates of all sizes and can easily cut this to 14.5".

15. Here's a peek at the backside. I don't care if you choose to press seams open or to one side, so long as the block is flat and smooth on the backside. Good pressing makes the machine quilting look so much better.
16. Have Fun!!...lots of it :-)

17. If you are making two of these, as most people agreed to, they are to be the same geometry(as opposed to mirror images, etc.)

18. scraps...shouldn't be much, toss them.

-------------------------------------------------------------

After you receive your fabrics, please confirm that you have (at a minimum) fabrics of the following lengths/sizes. I have also sent a few additional pieces for you to select from. Remember that you will need to verify you have each of these for BOTH blocks you are making, and hopefully there is enough variety so that each block does have fabric repeats. Feel free to use from your own stash too if you want. I'd love to have a little bit of each of you in my quilt!

Log Lengths (approximate minimum which I should have provided) and colors:

#2 - 5.5" aqua

#3 - 7.25" aqua

#4 - 7.25" brown

#5 - 9" brown

#6 - 9.5" aqua

#7 - 11" aqua

#8A - 9.5" brown

#8B - 2.25" aqua

#9A - 3.5" aqua

#9BD - 9.5" brown

#10 - 13" aqua

#11 - 14.5" aqua

#12AC - 10.5" brown

#12D - 5.5" aqua

#13A - 7.25" aqua
#13B - 11" brown

If you have any questions, please email me. msolomo1@Maine.rr.com

Getting to Know Me

2009-12-29T14:50:00.000-08:00

I've been hesitant about writing this first post. I've never written anything in a blog. In fact, the only thing I have in my own blog is it's title, Charlotte Butterball (explanation later). Since the bee is a new adventure for me I figured it's time to start a lot of new things, at the age of 56.

I grew up in New York City and although I still love it there I don't know if I could live there again but now my oldest daughter Ruth (26) who just finished her Master's degree in Internation Conflict Resolution just moved there so never say never. She loves it there like I remember feeling about it. I've been married for 35 years which seems so odd to be so old. My husband (Jeff) and I actually met in high school through mutual camp friends and went to college and then graduate school together. I am a trained Social Worker with an M.S.W. and after working for a lot of different organizations in 1987 I decided to open my own private practice and I've been working as a psychotherapist since then. My husband is a Clinical Psychologist and we share an office together. People ask if that's difficult but there are days we hardly see each other and we have different clinical interests and knowing one another's habits helps. I forgot to mention that we have a one year old Westie named Winston. I always said I wasn't going to be one of those women who gets a dog when their youngest child goes to college but always having had dogs throughout my adult life when our sweet Kacie (a Bouvier des Flandres) died last summer I knew I missed someone greeting me at the door when I came home but after injuring my back in a car accident, a smaller dog seemed much more manageable. He is a little devil but he's very funny and he always makes me smile. Ruth got his brother, Louie a year before and we fell in love with Louie so deciding what kind of dog to get was easy. Watching the two brothers play is like watching two two year olds. Winston is definitely the pesky younger brother.

As part of his (my husband Jeff) training we have lived in a number of cities for short periods of time. We went to graduate school in St. Louis. He did further training in Seattle and Palo Alto. We didn't even know where Rochester was when he got his first job.here. People from New York City really think that upstate is anything north of Westchester. Rochester is 150 miles south of Toronto. We thought this would be a good first job for him , never expecting to stay more than a few years and we've been here ever since. It is definitely not New York City or Seattle (which I adored and still do) but it's been a nice sized city with a wonderful school system and affordable housing. A generally good place to raise a family. So here we remain until.... there is definitely a move somewhere on the horizon. Our youngest daughter (Hannah) who turns 21 in a few weeks is a junior at Emory University in Atlanta. She recently returned from spending her fall semester in Italy.

A few years ago anticipating "an empty nest" I took my first quilting class. It was about 20 levels too high for me but I then tried some baby quilts on my own. Being a perfectionist, it has been hard for me but now that exactness is no longer required I love picking out the different colors and fabrics and thinking about designs. I definitely veer towards the unusual colors and mixtures of fabrics. I promised I would not horde fabric like I've horded yarn in the past (I still knit but very slowly) but I've alread got a sewing room and Etsy has become a close friend. I was so glad to see that most of us seem to be at the same level with a few of us having more experience to help guide the rest of us along. I'm excited about meeting a new group of women at this point in my life and sharing our stories, pictures and quilts. I can't wait to start. I'm already thinking of what I want to pick for my month. Flickr has become my second best friend.

February seems far away but I know January will fly by and then we can start. I am so excited to see what every one else's tastes and interest are. I can't wait to get to know all of you.

Wicked Excited in Massachusetts

2009-12-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, Ms. September here!

My name is Jaclyn. I'm very (wicked, as we say in New England) excited to be a part of this bee. This will be my first bee and truth be told I'm a tiny bit nervous. I've had a chance to check out everyone's blog/flickr accounts and you all create such beautiful stuff!

A little about me...
I'm from a very small town in the middle of nowhere in Massachusetts and I pine for Manhattan. The economic downturn has led me to where I am now. About a year ago I was working away at a financial institution in NY. The company my boyfriend worked for wasn't making any money and he wasn't getting paid. After about three months he was unable to find a job in NY and our lease was up so we decided to take advantage of my parents enormous generosity and move in with them.

We've been here about 9 months now, my boyfriend has found a wonderful job with a company that is growing despite the economy and I decided this would be the perfect time to try something new.

I have always enjoyed making things. I remember most of my childhood birthday parties including some sort of craft for all of us kids to make and girl scout meetings filled with crafty adventures. I've always looked at things I like and said, I can make that! So that's what I'm doing, making stuff.

Thank goodness I was able to work a crazy amount of overtime for about six months before we moved and I quit my job, otherwise I wouldn't be able to do this. Business is steady and I'm absolutely loving it, but it's not paying the bills. Yet!

I really love quilts, I also have many fond memories of quilts throughout my life. For as long as I can remember my grandmother has made quilts for everyone. About five or six years ago I made my first quilt as a baby gift. I haven't been making many quilts lately because my customers want other things like crayon rolls and bags.

I am glad to have this commitment so that I have to quilt more this year than last. I am so looking forward to it.

I can't wait to be inspired and challenged by each of you!

Oh yeah, I don't have any kids, just a crazy dog. I'm sort of allergic to children. :)

Greetings from the Bluegrass State!

2009-12-27T11:30:00.000-08:00

OK...that sounded like a postcard. How about a normal introduction?

My name's Kellie and I am soooo excited to be a part of this quilting bee! I'm fairly new to quilting and sewing. I waited until I turned 38 years old to attempt either seriously. I'd played around with a sewing machine before, but nothing ever came of it.

While I haven't been sewing for long, it has become one of my favorite pastimes and I often blabber on about my latest project on my blog. I'm still learning and have a long way to go, but I am certain that someday I will overcome my fear of sleeves and zippers!

Not long after I decided to learn to sew, I bought a copy of Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing and made three of her Easy Lap Quilts as Christmas gifts. From there, I knew I wanted to learn to quilt for real. I took a beginning piecing class at my local quilt shop and joined the block of the month club there as well. I've pieced three quilts but have never actually quilted anything(other than the straight lines on those Easy Lap Quilts). I am a quilting chicken when it comes to trying the complicated patterns so I tend to stick to simple blocks. I'm thinking some of you may just push me out of my comfort zone...and that's OK.

I like modern Denyse Schmidt style quilts but I also love more traditional patterns like pinwheels and log cabins. I'll be the Queen in June, so that gives me a couple months to think about what I'd like to do with my quilt.

...and when I'm not sewing...I'm an elementary school Library Media Specialist who is married to Mark(for 22 years) sharing a home with four cats and one very hyperactive puppy, who we suspect is part goat, named Mya.

I can't wait to "meet" you all and get to quilting!

Hello from Wintery Wisconsin

2009-12-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

Hello! My name is Linda and I am a working mom of two boys - 11 and 8. I have been married for over 14 years and have lived in Wisconsin almost all of my life. For a short time my family lived in South Dakota; otherwise, I have been here and there in Wisconsin. My husband, boys and I now live in southeastern Wisconsin.

I started quilting just this past September after taking a class at a fabulous quilt shop nearby. My first quilt is still a UFO, but I am determined to finish it by the end of the year (now I'm committed, right?). All that's left is quilting and binding - not a small task! I have made other, smaller, quilts that I have completed and given as gifts, so I'm not a total rookie, but I've never been in a quilting bee and I'm really excited that I am in the group. I can't wait for my month - July.

I learned to sew from watching my mom. My mom and my grandmother also taught me to crochet and that is still one of my favorite winter hobbies. I am a knitting failure. :)

My earliest quilting memory is of a quilt made by my aunt. It was white and beautifully textured - she quilted it by hand. I'd like to make one like it (though NOT hand-quilted) and I'm considering a white quilt for my month, but I am still undecided. Good thing I have some time to think about it.

Aside from quilting, my life revolves around whatever my boys are doing. They play soccer, football, and baseball so depending on the season, you'll find me cheering them on.

See you in July!

I'm the January Queen

2009-12-23T21:17:00.000-08:00

I am really looking forward to being a part of this Quilting Bee. I am a working mother of three. My two girls are 17 and 14 and my son is 9. Since the kids have gotten older I have more time for me.

I used to take out craft projects for them and craft along. Now I knit, quilt, and draw. I have been taking a lot of adult ed classes. I really enjoy designing a project and then seeing the final product.

I live in Maine and spend as much time in the summer as I can up in Acadia National Park. I love hiking, kayaking, and just being out in nature.

Right now I am working as hard as I can to get the final quilt done for a Christmas present. I should be able to do it.

Merry Christmas to all.

Balinda

Merry Christmas from New Hampshire

2009-12-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

I am a spirited 40 something living in the fabulous Western White Mountains of New Hampshire.
I am married to a man who loves to weld.....he calls it knitting for men.

After fabric, I enjoy hiking, cycling, running marathons and helping others.

They say that as a quilter, you make six to give away and keep the seventh. I am overwhelmed by color......consequently I adore making scrap quilts.........more recently I have developed a crush on WHITE and the bold fresh elements of modern quilt making. This is the second bee I have joined this year and I look forward to making twenty-two new friends and learning a bit along the way.
Thanks for inviting me..........Shelly (April)

getting to know me - liz

2009-12-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

I am also a part of the original Fresh Comfort Bee so I am just going to post the same getting to know me stuff as I did over there.

I am so excited to be a part of this bee. This is the third bee I have joined and I am looking forward to making a lot of fun new blocks and learning new things. I am an almost 33 year old mom of 4 - 2 girls and 2 boys. I have been married for 12 1/2 years to my wonderful husband. We currently live in sunny Arizona while my husband goes to school. He is finished in April so we will see where we end up after that.

I honestly can not remember a time in my life when I was not sewing, stitching or crafting in some way or another. I had a babysitter teach me to cross stitch when I was 6. I remember my mom teaching me to embroider and to sew. I also learned to crochet from my grandmother. Of course, I also took home ec in jr high and high school. Until recently all of my jobs were in that field as well:a craft store, a fabric store, a scrapbook store. I guess you could say that crafting is in my blood :)

I have recently started quilting again after many years where scrapbooking was my primary craft. I am really enjoying the process and have been finishing some WIP's (some older than my marriage!) I have also enjoyed giving my quilt creations as gifts and the appreciation that my family and friends have for my homemade gifts.

I look forward to February and our first project together!

Introductions from Maine

2009-12-23T12:04:00.000-08:00

Greetings swappers & quilters,

I am Margaret and I am one of Katie's "almost" neighbors. I live 15 minutes from her (and lived a mere 3 blocks from her for many years!). It is a small world indeed. I have lived in Maine since 1996, but really prefer the warmer climates. Having spent 15+ years living in the South and a few years in northern California for graduate school, I wonder what ever possessed me to move here!! Now in the real throws of winter, I like to sew whenever possible. When the flowers appear again, the need to sew wanes (but only a little!).

I am a mechanical engineer, and I teach part-time at a local college. It keeps me working within my trained profession, and pays for my love of all things woven!! This fall, I bought a longarm quilting machine, and am also doing this professionally. My internet clientelle has been so wonderful and influential in getting this business started. The longarm quilting is a wonderful obsession, although it is definitely tugging at my time for and love of piecing quilts. That is where joining 2 quilting Bees is going to help...

I have three kids, ages 3-5-7, and a supportive husband. They never ask what is in boxes or bags - they all know the answers: either quilts or fabric. Someday I hope to show my daughter how to sew to pass on the tradition.

So, my month is February. I am shocked & delighted. I had no idea I'd go first so I have not done too much to think about what I would love to see for blocks. I can share, however, some fabrics I have been gathering. I am a huge fan of Michael Miller's Fairy Frosts, so there are 4-5 different ones of those. I also have a nice sampling of Mendocino prints. I think I prefer this quilt to be in the aqua and brown shades, with only accents of orange, but I will formalize this when I send material.
To help me decide on type and size of block, could each swapper tell me (either via comment or direct email) if they'd be game to do 2 blocks versus just 1. If you commit to make me 2, then I will do the same for you on your month. I just think that 12 blocks makes such a small quilt, and that means that I have to make SO many more blocks myself :-)... Once I hear back from you all, I will choose some details for my month.

Cheers!
Margaret

Welcome!

2009-12-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Fresh Comfort Two Virtual Quilting Bee. I'm really looking forward to getting started. I'm leading another bee called, not very originally, "Fresh Comfort", so I'm going to try to reuse stuff I've typed over there as much as possible. Feel free to poke around on that blog (but if you read them both, don't make fun of me for saying the same thing over again).

The more relevant posts are this one that just gives an overview of a Virtual Quilting Bee in general which I'm sure most of you already know and then this other post that talks about some of the more specific details.

It's going to be a lot of fun to get to know each other, so with that in mind, it would be nice if you all could write a little blog post about yourselves. I will do the same. No hurry though. I know we're all really busy and even more so this time of yerr.

"Talk" to you soon and enjoy your holidays.

Katie