This months Miss Bee is Karen. I asked Karen a few simple questions to help us get to know her better. Here are those questions and answers.
I’ve been quilting for a couple of years now. I’ve dabbled with sewing off and on for years, and usually ended up frustrated in the middle of a project. A few years ago I had totally given up on sewing, other than mending that I couldn’t avoid.
I was lured back to sewing at Piece by Piece. I work downtown and try to walk during my lunch break. I went into the store a few times, and had a dilemma—I wanted to buy fabric, but I hated to sew, and had sworn that I would never sew again. A couple of the women at Piece by Piece persuaded me to take a beginning quilting class. They told me quilting wasn’t frustrating like trying to sew clothes. I was skeptical, but they were right. I was hooked after my beginning quilting class.
One of the of things I love about quilting, especially modern quilting, is that if your first plan doesn’t work out you can change it. And that’s one of the great things about quilters sharing their work at our meetings. We get to hear the stories behind the finished quilt. It’s always amusing when you find out someone came up with something really creative or unusual by accident because they ran out of fabric, or wanted to use up fabric, or had extra blocks, etc.
b. What does Quilting mean to you?
Quilting is a great creative outlet, with the added benefit of making something special for someone, or something practical to use. I can’t paint or draw, but I can play with fabric.
I love the many different aspects of quilting—modern quilting, hand quilting, hexies, postcards, paper piecing, applique, fiber art, taking classes, sewing alone or with others. There is always something new to learn whether it‘s a pattern or technique.
It’s also a great way to get through winter. I don’t feel stuck inside when I’m busy in my sewing room.
c. Why did you want to be part of a BEE?
Actually I was persuaded to join our bee. I was a little apprehensive that I wasn’t ready (skilled enough) to take on the unknown. I decided to be brave and give it a try. It’s been a good experience because it pushed me to try something new. And I have a great mentor that assists and encourages me. It’s also good because I have at least one finished project each month.
d. Tell us what we get to make this month with you. What are the reasons or thoughts behind your choice of block/design/project for the bee.
We have a very talented group of people in EMQG, so I was torn between choosing a specific block, or something very unstructured. By choosing a mosaic pattern, I’m providing some structure, but plenty of room for creativity.
Here is the link and tutorial.
Mod Mosaic Quilt Block Tutorial at Oh, Fransson! (by Elizabeth Hartman)
http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2012/01/mod-mosaic-tutorials.html
You can print the instructions for the block here.
You can print the instructions for the block here.
Blocks can range in size from approximately 6” to 12”or anything in-between. You may add your own fabric. I would like my fabric scraps returned.
