Bee Sewcial: Between Fantasy and Reality

Bee Sewcial May

Bee Sewcial May Blocks

I ended up mailing off four blocks to Marci's for Bee Sewcial's month of May.  She has quite a happy collection now and I'm excited to watch the building of what is sure to be a beautiful quilt.  There was a bit of artistic conflict, torn between abstract and literal when I first started working on them early in the month.  After a "time out" and a revisit, I'm pleased where they landed. 

The 12.5x20" remote retreat with rolling hills and a stream (above) would be a great place for a girls getaway weekend of sewing.  Both of the big blocks have components from that initial session and plan drawn out here. 

I threw in a neighborhood park and another little house to help with the composition of the quilt, scattering similar bits throughout.  (8x9 and 7.5x8).  It's so freeing to not have a traditional 12.5 square restriction. 

When I made this row of houses (9.5x17.5) I had in mind a very neighborly vibe with a front lawn and porch - can't you just picture the kids with a lemonade stand?  I had a couple of ideas that didn't happen, one being a lighthouse. 

For our June blocks Debbie, a quilters table is having us go Mid-Century Modern.  Her pin board is full of great shapes. I've chosen my favorites and there is also one iconic image that comes to mind when I think of that era so I may try and fit that in somewhere.   I was strolling downtown last weekend and noticed this mural with an entirely new appreciation.  Here's the link to the artist and a full view

MidCentury Modern Mural inspiration 

The colors this month are going to allow me to dip into my solids stash and pull out some untouched fabrics.  Super happy about that. 

I've signed up to be on the QuiltCon West Charity quilt committee and am excited for our planning meeting next week.  Improv with Intent marches on. 

Unconventional Sam

Baby Boy Blocks

Remember these Sunbonnet Sue blocks (below) that I made as part of a collaborative project for my niece when she was expecting her baby girl?  I went all out with the props and had a lot of fun representing meaningful subjects like the beach, pie baking and being artistic.  Details HERE

Baby Girl Blocks

Hopefully I'm not spilling the beans posting the boy blocks now for the current quilt being made for her baby boy but I finished them and just had to share.  This time I let the fabric speak to the theme and rather than embellish them I kept the needle turn appliqué simple.  I know he's suppose to have overall straps but I opt for what I like and it was just awkward - so call me a rebel.

I got a kick out of how the bike and game themed ones look like arm tats and that he's hiding a card up his pant leg - although not sure what a 4 of clubs will get you!

(The mosaic crops the shapes to make three fit in one picture but they are actually square)

I'm linking up to Let's Bee Social and  Scraptastic Tuesday with Leanne at She Can Quilt, and Finish it Up Friday - hope you will too.

Pie becomes a Turnover

There was plenty of sewing for me in the month of May and my ALYoF goal made progress but not a finish. Turning it over to June for the goal setting link up.

My friend came over on Sunday and we kept at it until there was a top to hold up and photograph.  I think it's so cute when one of my dogs photobombs.  This QDAD will become a reality, hopefully before the end of the month. 

my QDAD design 

Friday was sewday for our MQG and more hst parts were made for my sons quilt. It might be smart to tally and calculate my target so I don't make too many.  Both of these projects are on my 2015 FAL Q2 list and I'm feeling quite disciplined about that fact.  Linking to WIP Wednesday 

Saturday was filled with retreat prep and a fun day with the committee but no spoiler alerts  here.  I've also got one more surprise quilt that will be revealed as soon as it's gifted.

With three days back to back sewing I was on the verge of burn out and afraid I'd need to decompress this week but fortunately - so far - that's not the case and I'm happily stitching along. Hope you are too!