Gridster Bee: January and February Blocks

I know I've mentioned it a couple of times before, but I'm finally writing an actual post about the new bee I'm in for 2017.  It is the Gridster Bee - because we are "Hip, adventurous quilters who love the grid"  We are also encouraged to try something new.  In January Susan asked for New York Beauty blocks in pink, black, white, yellow, red and blue.

Having never made a New York Beauty block before that is when I conceived my idea of practice blocks leading to a sampler for myself at the end of the year.

This was my very large fabric pull for the blocks.

And my two finishes!





In February Sherri asked for a Pineapple block.

Fun and easy!  One for her and one for me!

My month is May (my birthday month!)  I'm thinking of asking for bees.  I made this one above as a test.  I haven't decided for sure.

Really Random Thursday 1.12.17

Quick!  A blog post, while I have a few minutes.  Crazy that I can blog 6 times last week and barely get to it this week.  Part of it is that I don't have a lot of sewing that I can share right now.

I spent all day sewing Saturday at studio sewing time with other quilters.  9:30-8:30, stopping a bit for eating.  But I can't really show you any of it.  SECRET SEWING (not the kind that gets published, the kind that gets gifted) The above picture is the best I can share.  Overall there will be 30 blocks - all fusible applique - stitched down.  It takes a while!

In other sewing news, I did make my first ever New York Beauty block.  Practice for our new Gridster Bee (I may have shared this already)  I also made the bee blocks.  I'll share them soon.

And also for sewing, I made my first week of the Temperature Quilt 2017.  We had temps ranging from 43 to -2 Fahrenheit.  I think this week will be just as diverse.

 On the kitten front, they are more adorable everyday.  They are starting to explore outside of their "nest", but are still confined to the bathroom for safety.

 They are also rather camera shy, and I don't want to blind them with the flash, so somewhat hard to photograph.  The above is two shots each of two of the kittens.  One wouldn't look at me. They are already developing personalities, which is interesting to see.

 I shared my new plan for meals on IG.  The kids drive me crazy asking (5 times) everyday.  It is also good because it helps me plan my weekly meals - no last minute "What am I going to make today?"  Someone suggested a kid might take over and write in McDonald's (Culvers in our case)  but instead, this happened:

Burritos is definitely a favorite around here.

 At work Mr. Riley always has flavored water in the cafeteria - and the kids always want to know the weird combinations of the day.  I opened this at Christmas and initially thought I wouldn't do anything with it.  But it is rather fun to try out different infusions.  So far my favorite is strawberry.  I suppose it gets me drinking more water, too.

One last sewing thing.  I'm trying to do something with these extra lighthouse pieces.  They are all set to be quilted into minis.  Perhaps I'll push on tonight.

WIP Thursday 1.5.17

I hardly did any sewing over the holidays.  A bit of hand work, but that was about it. I'm finally getting back into some projects.

 This one above should be a finish to share with you tomorrow, that's why I'm showing the back.  I've had the idea for a little while.  Just needs trimming, binding and sleeves.  I'll be machine binding, so should be an easy afternoon nap finish today.

 I am all done with last year's Spelling Bee - just waiting for a couple more words.  This year I'm in a new one.  The Gridster Bee.  We are supposed to try out new things in our blocks.  The first month the Queen has requested a New York Beauty block.

  I have never made one.  Ever. So I was thinking about the fact I would need to do a practice block first. (that tricky paper piecing thing)  In fact, the directions are in German, and the word "damit" is on there a lot.  I don't know what it means.  I hope its not a sign.

 Then I thought I might need to do practice blocks every month.  So then I thought I would pull a fabric stack, and do a block for my self each month - the practice block and at the end, I'd have a little sampler quilt, too.  Super smart, I know!  I had this little stack of Gudrun Erla fabrics in my pre-cuts pile and decided it would be perfect.

 The Queen has asked for royal blue, red, pink, and a bit of black and yellow.  Bright with white backgrounds.  This is my (huge) pull.  I'll narrow it down for the actual block(s).

AND, I'm thinking of doing another Temperature Quilt.  I thought about it last year, too.  In fact the fabrics are pulled and labeled, already.  I'm thinking half square triangles to show the high and the low each day.  (you'll remember Cindy of Live a Colorful Life did highs and lows - of Two cities)