Did you ever try out for anything in high school?... for a cheerleader, a sports team, or even a main character of a play? I guess we all know how important auditions can be... really getting to see who fits the open spot the best.
I notice that after I finish a major project, I find that I need some kind of quick sewing project as a way to catch my breath from the mountain that I just climbed... and after having made it to the top of my Mt. Everest, I thought that playing around with some possible blocks for when I am queen bee would be a nice little distraction before I take a deep breath to gear up for some finishes.
There are three quilts that have captured my attention recently, and even though I am not the "queen bee" until summer, I like having the time to really think about what I want to work on then. The first blocks that I have been auditioning are from Stichery Dickory, and are from her January Sugar Block of the Month series. I first fell in love with her Churnstile quilt, but after playing around with placement options, I decided that I prefer the blocks set straight rather than on point... the responses that I've gotten on Instagram confirmed my gut instinct. I think that this could be a fun block since other bee members are not limited to one color palette.
My second block audition is inspired from Gigi's Thimble's pineapple quilt. I love everything about this quilt... especially the colors! This is actually an 18 inch block, and I hesitate asking my fellow bee members to make a 100 piece paper pieced block! I have decided that even if I do not choose this one, that it would still make a stunning pillow.
The last quilt that just has my heart pounding is the Green Smoothie quilt that Sew Kind of Wonderful released in thier latest book. I love the simplicity of this quilt, but am also asking myself if curved piecing is the right thing for a bee block. It's a lot for me to finish, and I'm not sure that I want to do that to myself either!
Well, in any case, which ever block I decide to pick, you can be sure that you will find a few of these Alison Glass lovelies worked in somewhere. I just adore the Endpaper fabrics from her latest Sun Print series... swoon!
So, do you "audition" blocks before you decide on making a whole quilt?
Linking up this week to Let's Bee Social, Sew Cute Tuesday, and Modern Patch Monday
I haven't auditioned blocks, but that's such a great idea! Especially if you're investing in new fabrics (I tend to work with scraps). I was very lucky to win some Alison Glass fat quarters a few years ago and I'm still using them in scrap quilts - she's a great designer and it looks like you'll do those 'endpapers' great justice, whichever block you choose. Lovely to have found you (via Let's Bee Social) :)
ReplyDeleteYes I do ... just working out which one to choose for March actually! Great blocks you have made here but I really love the pineapple block .... been meaning to make for a while and as you say just one block would make a wonderful cushion cover.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what you decide for your bee block, it does look like you are having a lot of fun with the auditioning process. Those Churnstile quilt blocks are especially cute and look good in any colour combination. Your design wall is such a wonderful source of inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI love the SBC block for January (and February, actually)! The pineapple block is amazing...100 pieces?! Wow! Whichever of the three you choose, or even if you choose something else entirely, you'll end up with a beautiful quilt!
ReplyDeleteThat pineapple block...OMG! Imagine an entire quilt with them! I think a pillow cover would be gorgeous! I rarely audition blocks for quilts, I jump in with both feet...of course it takes forever to pick the fabric first!
ReplyDeleteThat pineapple block is gorgeous! I also love the churnstile blocks, I would like to make at least one or two of those myself!
ReplyDeleteI think the first block might be the way to go--especially if you don't know your block mates (and their skills/tolerance!) well. I think asking everyone to do such an intricate paper-pieced block might not be welcomed by everyone!! I think your instincts are right on the curved block too--might not be everyone's comfort level and you really want to love the blocks that you get back. I do love the saturated colors you used in the sugar blocks!!
ReplyDeleteGo for the pineapple! I learned that when a bee mate of mine picked it. I'd never paper pieced before, so I was glad to be learning a new skill and she got hundreds of blocks! Being in a bee means you can get others to help you out with tricky blocks and it's a good opportunity to make a complicated quilt quickly.
ReplyDeleteThey are all great looking blocks but if I was in your bee and you asked me to make the pineapple I just my die.....although I might like to make it myself !
ReplyDeleteWow, was for ein schöner Blog, wobei mir deine Bienen Produktionen unheimlich gut gefallen.
ReplyDeleteLiebe Grüße
Steffi
Ahhh the endpaper is my favorite, too. What a surprise! Yes, I definitely audition fabrics, but I don't go nearly as far as you do. I (dare I say?) NEVER make a sample block. I audition in my head, but I guess I have a pretty vivid ability to picture things. Every once in a while I'll fold up bits of the fabric to kind of arrange them the way I think they should go. I'm a jump right in kind of "one who sews" (no, I will not call myself a sewer. pee-yew!), for better or for worse.
ReplyDeleteI feel my stash may need some of those fabrics now - such beautiful jewel tones. Love the pineapple block, but at 100 pieces per block, you would need to be very dedicated to make a quilt from it. Look forward to seeing what you eventually pick for your Bee Block.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fabrics, beautiful design.
ReplyDeleteI Love your pineapple block! Not a bad idea about the auditioning, but I'd be worried about collecting piles and piles of orphan blocks. Thanks for linking to modern patch Monday.
ReplyDeleteThe pineapple block is awesome, I love the fabrics and colors you've chosen! This would make a gorgeous quilt! But you're right - with 100 pieces it might be a little too much for a bee block. On the other hand - didn't you mention that you have two months time to finish the bee block?? Well, 50 pieces per month - that would be possible :-)
ReplyDeleteAuditioning sounds great but I don't do it. Same as Iris I'd be scared of too many orphan blocks. I'm just making a mess sitting on the floor with all my quilt books and magazines and am looking through them until I get an inspiration for my blocks :-)
I love the pineapple block! One day...
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to when you finally pick a design and curious what it will be... Knowing you there will probably be three more in consideration till then ;)
I wouldn't say that I deliberately audition blocks. It's more like I intend to make a whole quilt, and then, after making a single block that turns out to be a major nuisance, decide it should be a throw pillow instead. It's good of you to refrain from asking your bee mates to make a 100 piece block. You'd sure find out who your friends are. Yipes!
ReplyDelete