April Bee Blocks

I finished these late last night, just in the nick of time!!!

I think I had a color theme going through my head this month...as all of the blocks seem to coordinate. Lots of purple! 


Beejeebers - Improv Curves: 

We used this video description for basic instructions on how to make these blocks. I had lots of fun! I find I actually quite like making improv-pieced, wonky blocks. The fact that they don't have super specific cutting/sewing directions is so freeing. I did have to unpick and redo a couple of these blocks. They are made from 10" squares and were supposed to come out to 9" square with 3 seams. That was a bit tricksy...and I ended up using 7 or 8 of my 10" squares instead of only 4. I hope Colby likes them! 

dGS Aspire Circle - Converging Corners: 

We used this tutorial to make 13.5" blocks using bright, fun colors. I think I was channeling this color scheme when I purchased fabrics for the Improv Curve blocks for my other group. ;) I can't wait to see this quilt come together. It is going to look awesome! 


We Bee Learning: 

I'm not sure if these blocks have a name, but Ann Marie posted a tutorial on her blog here. These were a great chance to use up most of my purple scraps, and a good opportunity to practice some of my traditional piecing techniques. These involve precise cutting, sewing accurate 1/4" seams, and matching points. All things that could use some practice. I think they turned out pretty great! 

It is this last set of blocks that really showed me how far I have come in just a few months. My accuracy and piecing are so much better!! The projects are coming out to the correct sizes, I don't cut off as many points when I stitch, and my seams are so much straighter. 

All in all, I am learning a ton and growing so much by participating in these groups! I've also developed an unhealthy love for ironing and LOTS of starch. Something I never thought would happen until I began quilting. Ha. 

Off I go to drop these in the mail...and buy another can (or 20) of starch. Perhaps I should invest in Faultless... :)