Learning with Block Party

The twelve dancing princesses / talented quilters from Block Party are not only holding a fabulous giveaway, they're also charting the development of online quilting bees and providing both instruction and inspiration for us all. I only discovered Handmade by Alissa in the summer, and via Alissa's blog, I came to know about online bees, her involvement with Block Party, and to see some of their lovely quilts. A book about the quilting bee and online community is in process, guided by Alissa. I can't imagine a better way to research the modern quilt phenomenon than to get the online quilters to participate in the making and compilation of information and documented projects. Reaching out to all of us who are connected by a love of fabric, colour and design, the book will contain photographs of the quilt squares we piece over the next year.


...one of the fat-quarter giveaway packs...

I'm just excited by the prospect of witnessing all the different ideas and varying approaches to a given design or tutorial. There will be a lot of learning and happy sewing!

Little Houses for Quilter Bee Anna

These are the houses I made for the October member of my online quilting bee group, "Quilter Bees". I'm so glad I joined the bee, since I'm learning a lot but in very manageable snippets of productivity. If only so much of my time wasn't devoted to pastry school these days!

Measley Mouth the Puppet

My boyfriend's nephew is turning 2 this month. He calls me "Aunty BB" because he can't pronounce my name yet, and he knows I have a horse although he's been too shy to come for a ride. In lieu of the real thing, at least for a little while, I decided to make him a puppet. I found some convenient scraps and crafty bits at a local thrift shop, and set to work.



I think Measley Mouth turned out pretty well! I'd love to make some more animals.



"Do you have any apples for me?" Asked Mr Measley Mouth.



"Look at my fine shaggy coat, perfect for winter camouflage!" The old horse neighed.

Branching Out

I've started piecing a queen top - my biggest yet. It's for my mum and dad, hopefully in time for Christmas. Gleaning some improvisational tips from other bloggers, the style is "chopsticks". Since my parents live in a temperate rain forest, and there bedroom windows look out onto tree branches that include deciduous as well as coniferous trees, I decided that my version of the block is called "branches". Especially with the fabrics chosen, there is a leafy, foresty feel to the quilt already!

(The green tape doesn't do much for the aesthetics right now, I know. My design wall needs white tape that won't mar the paint.)

New Book: Great Lakes, Great Quilts

I was in Gibsons this weekend and found a great quilt book at the local mall's sale book stand. On Friday I walked away from it, thinking "you don't need that" but then on Sunday I was still thinking about it so out came the $7.99!


Great Lakes, Great Quilts has 12 patterns inspired by heritage quilts in the collection of the Michigan State University Museum. The first half of the book speaks about the collection, providing an historical perspective for modern quilters. I found it fascinating to read of women who had immigrated to the USA from Britain, bringing their quilting traditions, as well as the story-telling appliques of the First Nations and African-American people. There are pictures of quilts made entirely of cigar ribbons, quilts that have been in families for 100 years, and quilts from an international collection that showcase things like poisonous insects from China!

I am most excited about trying the Stove Eye pattern. The String Plate project is also cool looking, and comes with detailed sewing tips. It's very useful to have a book in hand with instructions on technique and piecing methods.

Friendship Bag Fun

I made my friendship bag, for the swap, last night. It's all pieced from scraps, and even part of an old collared shirt. Although I don't sew at my best after 10pm, I stayed up until midnight to put the last top stitch on the wee bag. I like finishing something all in one go!

Do you think my swap friend will like it? She's into green, and seems like a cheerful, feminine lady.

Stipple Dipple Dapple Cat

I got a free motion foot for the Bernina yesterday, technically a #15 embroidery foot, and tried it out today. It seemed a good idea to practice stippling, but a waste to practice on something that would get discarded, so I made a hot mat. Or maybe it's a pot holder. Whatever it is, it's alright. The cheery red and white polka dot print is fun. I liked the wide, lazy, curvy lines I quilted at first. Then I thought I should practice loop-de-loops and wee turns. I'm less keen on those, although they have their place aesthetically.

The free motion foot and no feed dogs is a totally new sewing sensation. One has to be so careful not too pull or push the fabric too much, because then the stitch length gets all weird. I had to go pretty slow in order to make relatively even stitches, but they are certainly far from perfect. Practice practice, I suppose. Knowing me, I'll practice on a genuine quilt. I'm way too impatient to spend hours on things I don't really want to make. On the other hand, when I have an opportunity to take cute cat pictures, it all seems well worthwhile.



Christopher Robin looking super sweet.