It’s time for the second quarter Bee Block Swap! We had such an amazing first quarter with 27 swappers and five hives!

Here’s how it works:

HIVES
– Each Bee Hive consists of no more than 6 quilters (if this needs to be adjusted due to participant numbers, you will be notified when hives are emailed)
– There will be as many hives as needed to accommodate those who would like to participate.
– Stella will be the “Queen Bee” for all hives – if you have any questions, concerns, or issues, please contact her before the quarter ends.

BLOCKS
Each Hive is themed. You’ll have the option to choose Paper Pieced, Star, Sampler or “Free-for-All”

• Paper Pieced Hive – a 12.5 x 12.5 paper pieced block
• Star Hive – any 12.5 x 12.5 star block
• Sampler – any 12.5 x 12.5 block (for example, log cabin, granny square, etc.)
• Free-for-All – any block style, any size – does not have to be square – if the block is under 10″ you must make 2 blocks (for example, if you make a Swoon block that is 21″, you only have to make one. If you make a Tula City block that is 6×6, you must make 2)

You’ll have 3 months to make a quilt block for each quilter in your hive (+ 1 for yourself if you choose).

It is important that you make your blocks following these guidelines so they will be usable when piecing a quilt.
– Select a quilt block that is within your skill level
– Use fresh, modern, new, quilt shop quality fabric for your blocks
– Everyone uses their own fabric stash to create the blocks and no one can request certain fabrics or designers
– The block should measure 12.5 inches square when complete unless you are in the “Free-for-All Hive
– Please only use neutral colored thread
– You’ll make 5 of that same square in each of your hive members’ chosen color palettes (6 if you want one for yourself) Here is a set of Granny Square Quilt Blocks for a past hive

A note on block construction:
Take the time and effort to construct your blocks well and use a ¼ inch seam allowance (unless your pattern dictates otherwise). Anything less will likely fall apart.
Blocks that are too large or too small, even by a 1/4″ are sometimes not usable. You may choose to make a test block in your own color selection before constructing the blocks for your hive to ensure that the block will size correctly. A simple block well-constructed is always better received than a complicated block that is falling apart from poor construction.

TIMELINE
– The second quarter in 2017 will run from April – July
– Sign-ups close on March 24th
– Once sign ups close, you’ll receive the names of the quilters in your hive as well as their color palettes and any additional information by April 2nd
– Finished squares for this quarter can be distributed early but are due at the July 20th guild meeting
At this time, you are only committing to 1 quarter – sign-ups for future quarters will happen as the current quarter ends.
– Plan ahead! The quarter goes by very quickly. Please don’t wait until the last minute to start your blocks. This is a commitment and by signing up we expect you to follow through with that commitment. Sometimes things happen, so if you have an unforeseen emergency, please contact your Stella ASAP!
If you do not bring your completed blocks to the July meeting for distribution, you will not be allowed to sign up for the next quarter.

Click here to sign up for the Bee Block Swap!

No matter how many quarters you participate in, you should have the beginnings of an amazing quilt like these: