Monday, August 06, 2018

Save the Bees BOM


Block #1

Block #1 is released today for the new Save The Bees BOM by Jacqueline Steeves. This is such a fun project and I hope you will join us and make your own version of the quilt.
Here is my version of block #1. I have been collecting bee fabrics in anticipation of this project and have used some of my favourites in this block. You can see my fabric collection here.
I pieced the border blocks by machine, but the applique was  stitched by hand, which perhaps explains why the leaves are not very uniform. I'm calling them "organic looking" leaves!





I started the applique by stitching the 4 pieces of the sunflower together. Then I stitched the whole flower to the background fabric. Some swear words may have been said trying to get those curves to be round instead of pointy. The farther away you stand, the better the curves look!


I used all the tips I learned in a class with Becky Goldsmith, such as using tiny applique pins (so the thread doesn't get caught), finger pressing the curves before you stitch, and using a toothpick to turn edges as needed. I did notice that by the time I started stitching the bee, my curves were improving. Maybe my next block will be even better!


The sweet little bee was appliqued and embroidered by hand. I had to give her a little french knot eye. 
Fun fact - do you know that bees have 5 eyes?!? Check it out here. I only gave my bee 1 eye so you have to imagine that there are 4 eyes on the other side of her head! 
I wasn't sure if I wanted to stitch the bee trail because I think it looks great as is, so I'll check out the other blocks (links below) and then decide if I want to add it.



Block #1 in my tomato garden
When you sign up for the BOM, not only will you get the free pattern, but each month you will have a chance to win one of 8 prizes. The prize for August is a copy of the Splendid Sampler book, courtesy of Martingdale! When you visit each of these featured blogs to see their version of block #1, make sure to enter their draw:
Giveaway = Splendid Sampler book, coaster and FQ

To enter my giveaway which includes a copy of the Splendid Sampler book, this bee coaster, and a fat quarter of this cute bee fabric, just scroll down to the bottom of this post, and click on where it says "comments". At the bottom of the list of comments, type your comment in the box and tell me something about bees. Do you know a beekeeper? Have you visited a bee hive? Do you love honey? Do you grow flowers to attract bees in your garden? Are you sewing along with us to make your very own Save the Bees quilt?
The draw closes on August 12 so make you visit all the above blogs before then. Good luck! Draw is now closed - winner is comment #19.

214 comments:

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Laura S said...

Our friends have a few bee hives and we buy raw honey from them. If you've never had local, raw honey you are missing out!

Deb A said...

I took my girl scout troop to learn about bees and visit a bee hive a few months ago! They earned their save the bees badge.. shoot, I really need to order those! I'm prepping my block for applique today.

Judy1522 said...

I like honey but am afraid of bees due to being stung a couple times at a very young age. Your bee block turned out great and I like the fabrics you are using.

Unknown said...

Our neighbors are beekeepers.

Donna Fry said...

Our corgi’s name is Honeybee! We love all things bee related, except stings! (am allergic) Save the bees!

Sandy said...

Nice block

MoeWest said...

I visited the Chinook Honey Company near here and learned all about bees. They have a hive between glass so you can see the bees inside. They sell the honey, mead wine and other beeswax products. It was very interesting. You can find recipes on their website.

Unknown said...

Bees visit my hummingbird feeders every day!

Estie said...

I don't know too much about bees...but I do like honey. There are so many kinds of honeys and all so yummy!

chele said...

I’m not an expert on bees but I know they are needed for pollination and in danger of being extinct. We plants flowers that attract bees.

Sew Quilty Nana said...

My brother in law has a small hive in his flower garden and he gets the most amazing honey from it . I am also doing the Save the Bees quilt along .Sew much fun!
Jenny Naylor

Unknown said...

I love bees and honey. I grow flowers to attract bees and eat local unfiltered honey (that we buy at the local main shop😉)

Carol R said...

love the colors

Susan said...

Before we retired last year, my husband worked with a fellow that raised bees on the side and he graciously gave us a jar of his honey. It was fabulous! I am participating in the Save the Bees BOM and am looking to finish my block tomorrow. The profile below shows my Gmail address; however, my primary email is happytrails2u-rv@att.net. Best Regards, Susan Willison

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