Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Modern Bee Book & My First Quilt Block

Sewing has enriched my life in so many ways. If I had not started sewing again nearly two-and-a-half years ago, then I wouldn't have started blogging.  If I had not started blogging, then I wouldn't have made so many new, wonderful friends.

One of those real-life personal friends is Lindsay Conner, blogger at Lindsay Sews and Craft Buds, and now author of the new book, Modern Bee: 13 Quilts to Make with Friends.

Photo from ModernBeeBook.com

Lindsay and I met last year at Sewing Summit where we hit it off right from the start.  A few months later, she moved to Tennessee, and about a month ago, she moved within a few miles of me.  I've so enjoyed getting to know Lindsay and hang out with her in person on a regular basis. We even flew out to Utah and roomed together again at Sewing Summit this year.  She is so sweet and talented, and she's taught me so much about blogging, networking within the sewing community, and now quilting!

From the start, I joked with her that I was not a quilter because I don't have the patience to sew in straight lines all the time, but she kept encouraging me to give it a try and start with something small. When her book was finally available for sale, I purchased a copy from her immediately (I still need it signed though) and decided to give quilting a serious try.

Honestly, Modern Bee is the first quilting book I've ever owned or read, so I'm not sure how much my opinion or review of the book will count to you seasoned quilters out there.  But just like I do with any other pattern I use and review, I tell it like it is--truthfully.

Having never been a part of a quilter's guild or bee, I really felt uneducated on the topic.  However, Lindsay's book explains the concept and workings of an online bee, how to set up and manage one of your own, or in my case (for now), just how to make a quilt all by myself!

The book is conveniently divided into sections for beginners, confident beginners, and intermediate quilters.  Since this was my very first attempt at making a quilt block, I started with a beginner block--Bluebell's Cabin by Adrianne Ove.  I picked this design because it appealed to me aesthetically--very classic with a modern twist depending on the fabrics used--and it looked like the easiest to cut out and sew together!  I chose well because it literally took me only 15 minutes to stitch out.


That was so easy that I may have decided to try and make an entire quilt now!  What?!  I have plenty of my favorite Joel Dewberry Heirloom fabrics that desperately need to be sewn into something I'll enjoy. I'd much rather have them made into a quilt I can use on top of my bed than sitting in a box under my bed!


The Modern Bee book includes all the instructions and yardage requirements for me to finish an entire quilt, including detailed illustrations and options for backing, batting, basting, binding.


Oh, and did I mention all the beautiful photos in this book?  There are pictures of all 13 modern quilts you can make using the Modern Bee book plus color illustrations that accompany the written instructions.

So, what do you think?  Should I give it try and make my own quilt?  This might just lead me to joining a modern bee and making more quilts and meeting more wonderful people!


Yeah, sounds like a good idea to me, especially since I have a great friend just down the road from me who knows how to quilt!

Want to start your own online quilting bee and make lots of new friends?  Then be sure to pick up a copy of Lindsay's new book, Modern Bee: 13 Quilt to Make with Friends, and learn how today!

Also, Lindsay has generously offered up a little prize package of fabric, notions, and a rotary cutter to one lucky sewVery reader!  Thanks, Lindsay!  To enter the giveaway, just click on the rafflecopter widget below.  Contest open to US residents only.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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47 comments:

  1. Ohhh, I can't wait to get my hands on her book! It looks like fun! I've done several online bees/swaps.

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  2. I've never done an online bee, and I wouldn't have time right now, but it sounds like so much fun!

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  3. Would love to get a copy of her book. I've never done any online bees/swaps. Would like to learn more about it. Thank you for the chance to win. :-)

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  4. I am not a member of one currently but I think it would be fun! You did a great job on your block!

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  5. I think your block is wonderful and you should keep going and get addicted to this art!

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  6. I have done several online quilting bees and have completed 2 quilts so far from my bees.

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  7. Look at those perfect seams! I knew you could do it. ;) Thanks for saying such nice things about the book, and I'm excited for your very first quilt!

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  8. I have never participated in a quilting bee, but I would love to be a part of one!

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  9. Beautiful block! You may be on your way to an addiction.

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  10. I would love to do an online quilting bee!

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  11. I've never been part of an online bee, but I am part of a regular bee. We meet once a week to quilt and talk. Lindsey's book looks great. I think you should definitely make a quilt. ��

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  12. Hello from Minnesota! I learned to sew (starting two years ago) with swaps and bees on Flickr. I found that I accomplish more projects and pick up new skills more quickly with the challenge of a deadline. Good luck with the quilt; I bet you'll get hooked.

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  13. I am not a member of an online quilting bee, but it sounds like fun. I do jump from sewing to crocheting, to photography, to baking... though.
    kdavis1@centurytel.net

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  14. I did the 2012 FMQ Challenge if that counts. Not much time for another challenge. I do love the modern fabrics and beautiful quilts done with them. Sallykingemail@gmail.com

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  15. I have never been a participant in a quilting bee. Great new book!

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  16. I'm not a member but I've considered joining one.

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  17. I am not a member but it sounds like fun...Thanks for the chance to win this giveaway.

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  18. I've never been in a Bee, but would love to!

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  19. I've never done a bee, but soon I hope! That's a very lovely block!!

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  20. Quilting Bees always inspire me. Love to follow them! Haven't done one yet! Love your block!
    satterfieldfamily at sbcglobal dot net

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  21. I haven't done an online bee in awhile but they can be a lot of fun.

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  22. I'm not a member of an online quilting bee, but I do belong to the modern quilting guild in my city!

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  23. i don't belong to a bee but am interested in an online one. your block is gorgeous.

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  24. I'm currently participating in the "Aiming for Accuracy Quilt Along" by Quilter's Gallery. Does that count? It was a great learning experience for me. I love reading about the book and her friends who created her quilts and blogged about it. Congrats again to Lindsay!

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  25. I have never had the opportunity to join a bee, but would love the chance!

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  26. I would LOVE to join or start a quilting/sewing/embroidery/cross stitch bee! ANY kind of BEE, as you can see I am NOT choosy!! Thanks for the giveaway, this looks like an AWESOME book!!!! kweenbee_612@yahoo.com

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  27. I would love to join a group but right now my job is to take care of my terminally ill dad. Priorities.

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  28. You should definitely finish the full quilt! Love the first block!

    I'd love to participate in a quilting bee but haven't had the opportunity to do so yet. They look like a lot of fun though!

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  29. Thank You for the chance to win :-) Cindy Norred

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  30. I belong to a bee and a guild and am a traditional quilter but enjoy seeing what modern quilter are doing.

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  31. I have never been in a bee, but would love to join one. And you should definitely make your square into a quilt, it will be gorgeous! Love anything in Log Cabin.
    (majesticjwnkinsATgmailDOTcom)

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  32. I'd love to join a bee! I have never been in one :)

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  33. I am in a bee online. It is pretty fun!

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  34. Just getting reading to start an online bee!

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  35. I joined one bee a few years ago but found that it was just too stressful for me. I am always sure that my blocks are not up to the standard of the rest of the members.

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  36. Ive never been a member of one but I would LOVE to join one!

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  37. I HAVE to learn how to quilt! My grandmother made them when I was younger, but I never learned. Such a beautiful art.

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  38. I have never been in a quilting bee, online or in person. I might consider joining once I feel much more confident in my quilting skills. I am a horrible perfectionist so I might just drive myself crazy in a bee knowing I'd be making something for someone else.

    Your first quilt block looks great. I'm sure you'll be hooked soon, if you aren't already. Good luck!

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  39. I love quilting bees! I even had one for my 9th birthday

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  40. I think it would be fun to be part of a quilting bee.

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  41. Looks like a great book! Sandy C

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  42. I am not involved in a quilting bee.

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  43. I'm not a quilting bee member, and I never thought being part of it
    thank you so much in any case for the chance

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  44. I'm not a member of an online quilting bee. I did participate in a block trade at one time but I still haven't put those together into a quilt! It's on my to do list, lol!

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  45. Have never been in a bee at all on-line or otherwise.....maybe I'll have to give it a whirl!

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