This week I am moving Book Review Tuesday up a day, and including it in the Giveaway Day over @ Sew Mama Sew.

Review

Today’s review is on the book Modern Bee.

Title: “Modern Bee” – 13 quilts to make with friends
Author: Lindsay Conner
Publisher: C&T Publishing/Stash Books
ISBN:  978-1-60705-730-7

This book is a great reference guide, if you plan to join or run a virtual bee. I loved the focus in this book on the do’s and don’ts of a bee, and the details on what type of bees are available.

I recently joined my first bee. I followed the rules laid out by the organizer and made sure I posted my blocks on time. I did not know that there are specific etiquette’s expected though. Since reading this section, I now include a note in each of my blocks I send.

The book has a great layout, it is split into 3 sections starting with beginners, Confident Beginner and Intermediate blocks.  Each block is assigned a month in each of the sections.

1. January, February, March, April = Beginner. The beginner blocks are indeed easy and a great start for all individuals.
2. May, June, July, August = Confident Beginner. This section the blocks are getting more complex and accuracy is required. It has a lot of HST (Half Square Triangles) and alignment required for the pieces.
3. September, October, November, December + Charity Quilt = Intermediate. Introduces some new skills like circles/curves, intricate/small piecing as well as nesting shapes.

For each month, the block selected has details and steps on how to make the block, as well as how to layout the full quilt. The measurements and fabric needs are included for the individual block and what that will also mean for the full quilt.

The last section has some basic tips for finishing a quilt, which is the last step when everyone gets all their blocks back.

The thought that went into the layout of the block is obvious. I think, it has been designed to help every one in a bee get involved and improve your skills along the way.

Initially, I was not overly thrilled about the book.  However, the more I understand and participate in my bee,  and the more I tried the projects out, the more I enjoyed this book. It is definitely worth the purchase and is fast becoming one of my favorite project books.

My rating out of 5 is:
 

Project

I decided to create some blocks for Spoonflower’s Project Linus Quilt. For inspiration, (and to kill two birds with one stone so to speak) I used this book. I chose 6 blocks, 2 from each section. I am half way through.

The first two blocks, in the beginner section, are definitely easy to complete. Instructions were clear, and the blocks are quick to complete (approx. 30 minutes).

January: Mosaic Tiles

March: Bluebell’s Cabin

The last block I have completed, is from the confident beginner section. This block definitely had many more pieces and required a high level of accuracy for both cutting and piecing. The alignment of each of the 2.5″ blocks, is definitely a skill required to finish off the block. This block took about 60 minutes.

July: Cordelia’s Garden

The other 3 blocks, I plan on completing are:
August: Neon Ninja Star
October: Ziggy Stardust
Charity Quilt: String Circles

I will post them with they are complete. On to the…..

Give-away

One brand new copy of this book will be given away based on the rules for Giveaway Day.

• Open until December 13 at 5 p.m. PST.
• Winners will be notified December 15.
• Your item will be shipped by December 20.
• Will ship Internationally.

All you need to do is leave a comment on what bees you have enjoyed or about what you liked in the bees you have participated in. If you haven’t participated in one that too is ok :-), just let us know. There is a second chance to win if you are a follower, just leave a second comment. A winner will be chosen at random.

Next Book Review: Pretty in Patchwork: holidays {24.12.2013}

A disclaimer, all reviews and opinions of the books reviewed will be mine, unless otherwise stated. Please note, I may not respond to all comments due to volume and bandwidth.