My first venture into the online quilting bee world began around this time 2 years ago. I saw a discussion thread on one of the quilting related Flickr groups initiated by a member of the LAMQG saying that she was starting a new stash busting modern bee in the new year. At that point I had taken part in one of the Pillow Talk Swaps and maybe one other virtual swap, but was eager to get my feet wet in the bee world.
And I couldn't have chosen better! If you've been reading my blog at all over the last couple of years you've heard me refer innumerable times to one of the wonderful bees I've been a part of organized by Jennifer {SunnyinCal}.
So, back in 2011 began the Seams Perfect - A Modern Scrap Bee.
Logo designed by Maria Villar, at mpress studio, one of our talented bee-mates and graphic designer to boot!
My choice for my quilt was a paper-pieced Spider Web quilt, primarily in greens and browns (I do love me some earth tones). I got a wealth of blocks in return! AND I got more than I was due, as some of us (myself included) had some issues with getting them to be the right size. But I am not complaining! I ended up with 30 blocks total, I think, most of which came to about 12" finished. 25 of these guys got arranged for the quilt top, which I did finish piecing quite a while back.
But in addition to the odd-sized blocks, we also exchanged signature blocks for this bee. These are small, simply pieced blocks using a white or muslin primarily where the participant can write his or her name and any other info (s)he would like to share (usually just location and date or a brief message). Given those two factors, I had a lot of piecing to consider for my backing.
So I put it off.
And put it off some more.
Until I decided to get started. Improv-style, higgly-wiggly it began to come together.
And then I left it sitting on my studio floor for a few months. Yes, seriously, right on the floor like this since, I dunno, maybe September or October at the latest.
Then this week I got the bee in my bonnet (no pun intended) to get things cleaned up in order to start fresh in the new year. That meant getting this UFO/WIP off the floor! And in order to do that without losing all "design" integrity I actually had to finish sewing it together! So, after finding a few more scraps and pieces of solid greens I finally met my goal:
A detail showing one of the odd-sized blocks and a few of the signature blocks.
Next up will be the challenge of actually quilting this! I think I should try something really pretty to offset the absolute madness that the backing became! Fellow Seams Perfect folks - look forward to seeing a finished product in 2014 (at least that's my guess)!