Spring is almost here. Well, in our part of the world, February is always dry and dusty and then followed by seasonal flu season. I hope you all stay healthy!
Last week, we at the Desi Quilters group on Facebook started Quilting Bee. It's been years since we did the quilting bee. There are 24 participants divided into two groups - Oddbees and Evenbees. I am the first queen bee for the Oddbees group. When Tina announced at the beginning of February that we are going to have a quilting bee again, I am very excited. I mean, this is the way you can learn and in the meantime get your blocks done in no time, right?
I know I wanted to make a 36-patch block made up of mini charms in different colors. It's been high on my list. So for the 1st bee block, I go with this simple block! I made a 36-patch quilt a long ago and it's still my fave.
This block is very easy and my block finished at 12" square. The fabrics I used are assortments of cotton fabric scraps that I previously cut and keep.
So for this particular 36-patch bee block, I want one block in ONE color shade, and the scrappier the better.
It's super easy to make. All you need is 36 pieces of assorted 2.5" square pieces of fabric.
1. First step is to arrange the fabric pieces to your liking, alternating between light and medium/dark. Although it's not always easy, that's fine!
2. I like to make them into a 9-patch section. Sew them together with a 1/4" seam allowance and press the seam to the darker side.
3. After finishing 4 mini blocks of 9-patch, iron the blocks. I am using assorted fabrics, some fabrics get a bit stretched after ironing. That's fine for me.
4. Now, trim the blocks to 6.25" square.
5. Sew the 4 blocks together and voila you get a 12" square block.
I made 2 blocks as samples for the quilting bee and I am so excited to see everyone's block. We have 14 quilters in the odd bees group. And guess what? I already got one in the mail yesterday. Priya sent me her pretty pink block along with lovely gifts!! Thank you, Priya!!
There are several blocks already posted in the group and I am so looking forward to receiving them. I will update again when I receive all the blocks!
It's been a long time and I hope
you all are doing great. There are a lot of things happening right now at ChezVies,
some are sewing related and some are not.
At my sewing corner, recently I
updated the Phone & Kindle Pouch pattern after getting a lot of
constructive feedback via emails as well as comments on Youtube.
Oh, I also name it the MiniMax Crossbody bag. It's a mini bag with
maximum utility. Truly giving a name to a pattern is not easy, it took me 3
days to find the name that I feel will match the bag.
For the second one, I also added
instructions for adding a back zipper pocket, which I also previously shared in my blog.
In the new version, instead of a
picture diagram, I used real photos in the tutorial with clear step-by-step
instructions. I also added a video tutorial for using faux leather or vinyl.
Thank you for being part of my
sewing journey and this creative community! If you shared on social media
please use hashtag #chezviespatterns. I would love to see your lovely
creations.
