This summer has been quite busy. I have several projects I am working on around my house and fitting sewing in has been a challenge. When I found out that Lori Holt from Bee In My Bonnet was doing this Bee Vintage Sew Along, I really liked the quilt, but I literally had one day to prepare before it began. There were several things I couldn't get my hands on like her interfacing and ruler to trim the blocks. I also didn't have time to shop for fabric so using my stash was my best option. The bonus is I saved money and freed up some space in my studio.
The quilt sew along guide is free to download from her webpage and Lori does an introductory video on her YouTube channel to start the quilt. Then you follow the schedule in the guide and read her blog on the scheduled sew days. She goes through each block with techniques and tips. This was the first time I have done one of her sew-alongs and to be honest, I was always a little confused when I watched videos because it seemed like there was a lot of information to keep up with. Other bloggers and YouTube channels show their way of keeping up with the simple shapes that you use to create the applique blocks. There are binders you can purchase that Lori Holt has designed specifically for that purpose. You can also buy several cute tools that are color coordinated. In other words, there can be a lot to keep up with, but if you have the sew along guide and her simple shapes, you can make this quilt. Now that I have finished one, I am confident I could do another
Lori's Blog Page And Simple Shapes
If you have never done applique before, this quilt will certainly make you decide if you love it or not. By the time you are finished you will have worked with many different size applique pieces. The basic premise is you trace the simple shape onto a piece of lightweight interfacing. Then you layer that interfacing on top of the chosen fabric and sew along the traced line. A small cut in the interfacing allows you to turn the shapes so the edges are not raw. Then you sew the shapes to a blank block of background fabric. My best tip is to keep a turning tool close by. Some of the small shapes are a little finicky and I did have to use a pair of locking clamp pliers to assist.
The sewing guide will also show you all of the fabric quantities and colors you need to purchase or find in your stash. At first it looks confusing because there are a lot of different fabrics. I didn't cut or organize my fabrics at all. In fact I just had them in stacks and each sew day, I found the block to work on and pulled fabric out of my stash. It was very unplanned so I felt like I had a little more creative thought as the quilt went together.
Here is my stash of fabric and my clear project box where I stored finished blocks.
Here are the completed applique blocks in order of the schedule starting with the Vintage Strawberry. They get a little more complicated as you go further along. Some of the blocks had hand embroidery on them. I used my digitizing software and machine embroidered those like the antenna on the butterfly. There are also a couple that need buttons. I will add them after it is quilted. Lori is very easy to follow in her instructions. I did make some fabric color alterations like the umbrella. I had a piece of fabric I loved but it wasn't similar to the original quilt. No worries. Lori says it is your quilt. DO what YOU love.
Laying them out as they are completed really gets you motivated to continue. The design is very simple and I think that is why her quilts are loved by so many quilters. I enjoyed having this quilt to do and appreciated the guide so much. It kept me focused even though my days have been full so I could get it done. I have not quilted it yet but plan to as soon as those home construction projects are done and I can get back to my longarm machine.
Here is the quilt top laying on my queen size bed. If I added another border, it could fit nicely. I don't think I will though. There was so much work in this that I would be upset if it was ruined or stained. Maybe I will hang it on a wall instead. We will see once it is quilted. I filmed a video you can watch below showing some of the construction. I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work.
