Saturday, June 16, 2012

I'm making bee blocks

DSC_0773

One of my new bees is called the Free Bee and it has many superstar quilters in it. I am a late game sub - but hey, I'm thrilled, I get to learn a lot and I only hope I can keep up. Lynne asked for a block in grey, black and white with one pop of red and gave us one of the well known Shindler's List movie photos for inspiration.

The background was pieced by cutting bits of my Oakshott shot cottons and arranging them on the table, then adding more. I sewed together bits, rearranged, sewed some more, and eventually also sewed the Y seams and the perpendicular meeting seams that inevitably result.

Free Bee - detail

The red circle is raw edge applique. The concept for this block also draws a lot of inspiration from the Orbit quilt by Jennifer Sampou that is at page 73 of the We Love Colour Book. You can see my friend Svetlana's version of Orbit here, which she called Sunset (go and see, it is wonderful).

For Lynne - Free Bee

Here is my block again in different light from last night. As always, the Oakshotts are hard to photograph, in part because they are supposed to change as the light changes. I love this block, it turned out just as I imagined it. I might have to play with the ideas a bit more.

Pinball Machine - for Valerie, Modern Blocks Bee

That block is Pinball Machine by Jessica Brown and it is at page 136 of the Modern Blocks book. I have made this block before and would happily make more. It has just right amount of asymmetry to keep me amused while still being so square and geometric. It is for Valerie in the Modern Blocks Bee.

Seeing Double - for Valerie, Modern Blocks Bee

This is Valerie's other block. It is called Seeing Double and is by Yvonne Malone at page 162 of the Modern Blocks book. I love the red and hope it will pop nicely in her quilt.

I am planning to play some more with the dresdens today and make cupcakes for my youngest's birthday. I'm still sick, so the rest of the time I am going to drink tea and nap.

Enjoy your weekend.

Best,

Leanne

21 comments:

Rebecca said...

I love the Oakshott block! (How great would a full-sized quilt like that be, with lots of disorienting wonky piecing that doesn't divide up visually into neat blocks?) I showed it to Jeremy, who was reminded of these Soviet-era Polish promotional posters for movies from the West.

Canadian Abroad said...

I saw the top block on Flickr and was floored by how wonderful it looks. Fabulous block and the colours look so cool.

Katy Cameron said...

Absolutely love that to block, and if it has Oakshott in it you will be Lynne's new best friend ;o)

The other two are fun too :o)

Kelly said...

Love all the blocks, but the top one is fantastic!

Susan said...

Your block for Lynne is stunning. I love the contrast in the circle and the movement you get from the stitching. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Your block for Lynne is absolutely gorgeous - bravo.
Please get well soon xxx

Unknown said...

You are so good at improv. It just doesn't compute for me! I am very impressed! Now get well soon yes? X

Judith, Belfast said...

So sorry you've been poorly L! Your bee blocks are amazing, as is Svetlana's Sunset quilt.Jxo

two hippos said...

The Oakshott circle is stupendous!

Claire Jain said...

Oooh, I'm loving all three of these :-)

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

They are just brilliant! The top one especially (loooove oakshotts). Rest up and get better soon!

Valerie said...

So sorry to hear you're not feeling well! You've been busy! Of course I LOVE the blocks you made for me, and I am amazed by the one for Lynne. They are all perfect! Thank you!

Svetlana said...

love your blocks, Leanne. What a wonderful idea to add red to that gray block. Fantastic!

Karen said...

Every time I see oakshotts I want them more and more...gorgeous painting with fabric! Love it. Your modern blocks are amazing too! Get better!

Debbie said...

What an awesome block for Lynne! I love the red circle! And nice job on the bee blocks! Sorry you're still sick - take it easy!

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

Fabulous blocks!! Get well soon x

Marg said...

Sorry to hear you are not feeling well, I do hope you get better soon.
All the blocks are fabulous, but Lynne's block is amazing.

Sarah said...

wonderful wonderful blocks. Hope you get a good rest too, feel better soon x

Cindy said...

Oh wow! Your Oakshot black/grey/red block is simply amazing! I would love to see how this looks in a quilt.

Take good care of yourself, L! Lots of tea will do you good.

Annabella said...

Well you are a super star so you`ll be right at home! :-) I adore your block for Lynne and you`ve put me in an improv.mood!

Marci Girl said...

Wow, those are some stunning blocks!