A Summer of bee-ing

Do you remember back here, when I talked about joining in a quilting bee or two?  Well, after I finally figured out what I signed up for, I just want you to know that I'm loving it!  There is something strangely freeing about making a little something for someone else, and then sending it on it's way. 

These are/were my bee's:

1. Scrappy Pincushion Swap - now finished

2. Doll Quilt Swap #9 - in progress until September

3. Busy Bee Swap - in progress for one year!

Do you know what I've loved - I'll tell you...

I loved doing new things that are outside of what I normally do.  For my doll swap I did applique' - which I never do, I used metalic thread, which I never use (but strangly had, since it is shiny and beautiful), I used fabrics but from my stash - which is always a bonus!

For the pincushion swap I made a pincushion (well, actually 3 - the first one turned out to be the size of a small grapefruit; had to start over, then I made a mini, just for fun), which I never had before...I always used the little tomatoes, or a crocheted one Melissa made me.  Do you guys know how awesome Lizard Litter is?  It's ground walnut shells, and has a strange, wonderful squishy quality.  It comes in 10 lb bags, so everyone I know should be expecting to a receive a pincushion in the near future.  Lizzy needed a pincushion last night, and I said with the enthusiasm of a 7 year old, "do you want me to make you a pincushion, I'll make you one if you want me to!!!!"  I make most of my pincushions with felted wool, so it has been great to be able to use it up, since I seem to collect it without any real purpose, other than I love it!

The busy bee swap has been great because it's such a fun thing to be able to make someone a few blocks, with whatever fabric they send along, and then mail them off.  No committment, no nothing, just a little sewing with fabrics that I don't normal have in my collection, and then sending it on it's way...what could be more fun?  Nothing, not one single thing!

The downside of all of this play has been not actually doing the work that I need to be doing, but alas, these projects are about wrapped up, and I will be getting back to work.  Lizzy, Melissa & I are taking a wee break at the end of the week; we are going to Iowa for a family reunion, and we are also going to the State Fair...I can't wait! 

Here's a few pics of the projects I have been doing.  Are you in a sewing bee?  Do you love it? 

xoxo,

Cherri

Comments

[PATRICIA RAY]

How do you get on the "PIN CUSHION" mailing list? All I have are the red tomato ones. HINT---HINT---HINT

[Metanoia]

Those cirlces are amazing!! (top right pic) And I love how you quilted them too!

[Karen]

What is the circle project? I can't tell what it is but I love the colors and the quilting!

[Sandi]

Sounds like you've had a lot of fun! One thing about the Lizard Litter - you might want to verify that the people you're giving the pincushions to don't have nut allergies. Even the shells have oils on them and it can cause a severe reaction.

[Cherri House]

Hi Sandi...thanks for the reminder about allergies. That was part of our profile for the pincushion exchange - allergies/ no allergies, etc.

Hi Karen...the circle quilt is for the doll quilt exchange. Most of the circles are pieced using freezer paper. To see more photos check out my flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56001293@N00/

Thanks,

Cherri

[Cheryl Arkison]

I'm in a few bees, the first time. One is the Mid Mod Bee which I love! Such a creative group. The other one is good, but I do dislike feeling like I'm doing someone else's sewing, as opposed to contributing to something.