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.
- January, February, March, April = Beginner. The beginner blocks are indeed easy and a great start for all individuals.
- 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.
- 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.
Factotum of Arts 
51. I follow your blog with Feedly.
52. I have been in a couple of Bees and have enjoyed them all. In one of them we are asked to design a block for a particular theme and that takes a lot of time so the timetable has completely fallen by the wayside on that one!
53. I’ve liked some of the Bees on Flickr…3×6 and 4×5.
54. I tried to participate in a quilt along but I gave up on it. I did finish the quilt though and that counts. Thanks for the chance to win.
55. I haven’t ever done a bee, but would really like to 🙂
56. Nope, haven’t dared to join a bee yet, but hope the book may help me to get going… Thank you!
57. I’ve enjoyed do.good 🙂
58. And I follow 😉
59. I’ve participated in three bees and I loved them all as they allowed me to develop new skills and broaden my quilting/piecing horizons:). Would love to win this book!!! Thank you!!!
Jodym7atyahoo.com
60. I haven’t been in any bees as of right now, but they do sound like fun. Thank you for the give away..
61. I already follow you by e-mail.
62. I haven’t participated in a bee but would love to someday!
63. I am signed up to be in the Stash Bee next year and very excited about it. I’ll have to look into those etiquette issues so I’m prepared.
64. I didn’t know there was some sort of etiquette either. Yikes! I’m in one bee (my first). It’s not personal enough for my liking and I have yet to receive some of the blocks but its been fun and challenging trying out others choices.
65. I’ve taken part in FALs and QALs but I’ve never participated in a bee. Maybe that should be on my 2014 to-do list.
66. I’ve never participated, but I would really like to!
67. I’ve never participated in a bee. Thanks for the givaway!
68. I follow you on the wordpress reader 🙂
69. Thanks for the chance! I’ve never participated in a bee, but would like to someday!
70. I have not joined a bee. I want to but have time limitations and wouldn’t want to let another down. Next year, I will have more free time so I’ll look into joining one.
71. I was in the Simply Solids bee this year, I enjoyed getting to know other quilters and the challenge of making blocks I might not have picked out myself.
72. I follow you on wordpress.
73. I have been in the 3×6 bee for a number of rounds.
74. I’ve never participated in a bee. I live in a country without a quilt store, so it makes it hard to meet other people’s fabric requirements when I can only shop the stash. Plus my postal service is kind of unreliable…
I’d love to win the book though, for the day when I move back to a place where I can participate in Bees.
75. I have never been part of a Bee…but sure sounds fun! Kinda new to quilting. Maybe I will start checking my area for one. thanks! 🙂
76. I already Follow you thru Bloglovin….and just signed up thru Email too.
77. I’ve never been in one, but I know Lindsay and how hard she worked on this book — I’d love to win it!
78. I’ve never been in one – but find it intriguing.
79. I love all the different fabrics I end up with in a quilt.
80. Already a follower 🙂
81. I participated in a QAL but not a bee. Would be an interesting read!
82. Looks like a great book. I haven’t participated in any bees yet. I’m always scared I’m too new to contribute well. kmcassie@gmail.com
83. Ongoing follower. Thanks for the thoughtful giveaway! kmcassie@gmail.com
84. So far, I have never joined a bee. I’m a real newbie in this section, so this book would be a welcome help. Thanks for the chance!
85. I’m already a follower, on Bloglovin.
86. I have never participated in a bee before… Sounds fun though!
87. Following your blog;)
88. i’ve done a few bees – Simply Solids on flickr – and one on Livejournal, where we make blocks in time for people’s birthday. I always like having the excuse to try things I wouldn’t normally – sometimes it doesn’t work out so well, but it’s always good to stretch a little.
89. I follow via feedly.
90. I’ve never participated in a bee 😦 Thanks for the giveaway!
91. Following via Bloglovin’
93. I have never been in a bee.. I have a local group of girls that I have sewn with in the past but it sounds like something I should try in 2014
94. I’ve not participated in a bee but look forward to doing so one day.
95. I have never participated in a bee before. It is very hard for me to meet deadlines and such with a special needs child.Thank you for the chance to enter. conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com
96. Never participated in a bee, but seen some interest locally in the last couple of months so thinking of organizing one for 2014.
97. Following your blog by e-mail
98. I haven’t participated in a Bee before, and all the quilting lingo is confusing me. LOL!
99. I haven’t taken part in a bee. I’m fairly new to quilting and wouldn’t feel confident making blocks for other people just yet. Once I’m a little better at piecing and squaring up then I’d love to try one.
100. I’m a follower via Bloglovin.
101. the support of other women and the encouragement they give. it’s a constant creativity charge.
102. I’ve spent a few rounds in the 3×6 Bee on Flickr. I like choosing my block and picking the fabrics in my bee-mates colours. It’s a fun challenge for myself.