Quilt Alongs and Bees!

Well, I did it....I talked my sister into participating in TWO quilt alongs!  This is the first time for me to be in a quilt along and I am having a great time....and so is my sister!  We have had many phone and IM conversations about our fabrics for the QALs and how our progresses are going.  That is what is so great about having a sister who is your best friend AND who quilts!  We both joined the Layer Cake Quilt Along and the Charm Pack Quilt Along.

Alabama Spinner using Moda's Origins - My 1st block for Layer Cake Quilt Along.



                          
                        I am making two quilts in the Charm Pack Quilt Along.
                      I am using charm packs from Moda - Makin Friends and Adoring.














I also joined several bees in September.     My sister told me about the bees during the summer and I kind of put her off.  I just wasn't sure if I wanted to be stressed with a time limit to have a block done.  Thankfully, I did start to look around at some of the bees on Flickr and decided that it looked like a lot of fun.

The first bee I joined was the Calendar of Houses Bee.  This bee was started by my sister and her friend, Susan.  We are to make a block each month for a different person.  The block for each month should represent that months theme, such as October was Halloween.  This is what I came up with for my month's partner, Patchwork Queen who lives in the UK.

October Block for Patchwork Queen.

The other bees I am in are Tag Square Bee, Stitch 6 Bee, and the Lovely Linen Bee.

Block for the Square Tag Bee for November.  Jo wants pink and white blocks.



Block for Stitch 6 Bee for November.  Kritta sent us her fabrics and asked us to make any block.



Being in quilting bees and quilting quilt alongs has really helped me reconnect with quilting.  I have to admit, I was in a bit of a slump.  Everything I was making seemed to be the same old, same old.  When I joined the bees and the quilt alongs, I have had to think outside the box and  my comfort zone. It is a journey that, to my surprise, I am loving!

I have enjoyed meeting new quilters through their many blogs.  I just think it is nice to read about someones day and know that they are experiencing the same things that I am.  There are so many talented and creative people out there who are willing to share their ideas with everyone. 

So, I just want to say a BIG thank you to all you quilters and bloggers out there in blogland.  You have all inspired me to be better and to stretch my limits.  I owe you all a big debt of gratitude. 

But, the biggest thank you goes to my wonderful sister who never gives up on me and who is always encouraging me.  Without you, SIS, I wouldn't be who I am today or the quilter that I am.  I love you bunches!



Jackie and Jodi on a quilting retreat in Colorado.

---Jackie