A confession, quilt bees and long division

Here's a confession, I've never participated in a bee before...never!  I'm just not much a joiner I'm afraid, but I'm trying to do something new, I am trying to spread my social wings, and do some participating kind of stuff.  Recently I was asked to join a bee on Flickr, and I said yes!  Well, somewhat embarassingly, I said "yes", but I wasn't exactly sure what I said yes to (insert embarrased Charlie Brown face here).   I thought, somewhat like 3rd grade math class, if I listened closely enough; I could pay attention, catch on, and never have to confess that I had no idea how to do long division.  Well my plan worked as well this time, as it did in 3rd grade math...a humble confession was in order, and a fessing up was due.  Fortunately, everyone in the Flickr group was much kinder than that nasty old bat of a teacher, and catching on was much easier. 

My first envelope arrived full of Katie Jump Rope pieces, and some lovely Kona Cotton...the request was for a 12.5" square block using triangles...easy right?  I had freaking nightmares about messing it up, and not creating something quilt worthy...maybe that's why I don't join stuff, too much pressure on myself.  Well, the block is done, and tomorrow morning it will be on it's way back to Angela, the leader of our little group.   

Fortunately, I'm a quick learner, I applied to be the in the DS9 bee, and I'm in...I got a space.  I'm so excited to get started, I promise to make something lovely for whomever I'm assigned. 

Here's my block...it's a modified Evergreen Tree quilt block...I hope she likes it :-)

Have a wonderful week sweet friends,

Cherri

Comments

[SheilaC]

wOw, that is a pretty block!

I have never done a bee either...... but looks like you are off to a great start!

SheilaC

[Melissa R.]

I'm doing my first bee, too, and I feel exactly the same way you do about making something for someone else. But they have all reassured me that imperfections make a better story, and also that my blocks look fine in the grand scheme of their quilt.
I really appreciate your confession, though. I'm new to quilting, and it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one who feels intimidated when the fabric comes in the mail.

[Cheryl Arkison]

I'm in my first bee right now too. Feeling so so about it. But I do enjoy the concept and have recently started a new one: midmodbee.blospot.com. It has a focus on mid century modern design, so I couldn't be more excited!
Good luck as you go along!

[pam]

Looks like fun!

[Corinnea]

Look forward to your progress since I have never tried one yet... Way too intimadating for me!

[nicolette]

Love your block Cherri!

I’m surprised even you are nervous about making a block for someone else!

[Debbie - Esch House Quilts]

I joined my first bee earlier this year and I was a bit nervous too. But it is working out great! My fellow bee members have sent out some wonderful fabric and designs and the blocks have all been fun to make - even the paper piecing one! Have fun!

[Andrea]

I love how you post...you're so real! Even though you're like this superstar in the quilting world (in my world) you still have anxieties about the stuff we all do.
Your block is beautiful. I recently joined two bees to 'spread my wings' as well. It is great to practice on small blocks. I'm a very square and rectangle kind of quilter and the bees help me branch out a bit ( and make me realize how much more I love my squares and rectangles) LOL

[Patty]

You have managed to put to voice how many of us feel when sewing for complete strangers. I've joined a couple of swaps, and even though I've been quilting for years there is/was a tremendous amount of anxiety. Am I good enough, will they like it, is it worthy and in my case is it modern enough? Stepping out your comfort zone is a good thing, right? Everything has worked out so far, and swapping is very rewarding. Enjoy your swapping experience... Oh yea, you block looks great.

[jennifer]

Ummm... she will love it! It's beautiful!

Bees are fun but I confess that I froze the first time I got an envelope full of fabric with loose instructions. LOL

You will get more comfortable though. I am having a blast in my two bees now that I have gotten over my jitters...

Jennifer

[SuzK]

I've never joined an on-line bee because I know my time frame is such that I'll always be late with my project. I do belong to a physical bee - 5 other great ladies - and they are all really busy too, so we build in really long time frames. I too, find myself totally at a loss when we do block exchanges, fearful that I'll screw something up - then I tend to go overboard. But my friends know me and realize whatever I do it will be wild but well put together.

[Meg in CT]

Cherri, what a lucky bee to have you as a member! I am currently participating in 2 bees with some fabulously creative women, and I love that these things push me outside of my comfort zone to try new things. I learn a LOT every month.

Don't be scared--you're doing great so far!