Block Party: The Modern Quilting Bee by Alissa Haight Carlton and Kristen Lejnieks features 12 women and the quilts that emerge from their participation in a year-long virtual quilting bee.
The book is organized by month from January to December. Each month includes a short profile of a bee member, a description of the block they requested the other bee members make for them, a discussion of the fabric selected and detailed instructions on the block’s construction.
I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of a short rundown on the traditional block from which the modern version is based. It’s a clever vehicle to demonstrate how one thing becomes another. The visual side-by-side images got me thinking about my favorite traditional blocks and how I might interpret them in a fresh way. For those new to quilting I think it’s a great introduction to understanding how the whole traditional thing relates to the whole modern thing. They’re neighbors living on the same block and the houses are pretty close together!
The book takes shape as an engaging journey through 12 modern quilt designs that deconstruct the mystery behind the parts. It’s an excellent method to teach modern quilting techniques. Each month features a description of the bee member’s selected block, construction tips and design considerations. The result is the block being interpreted 12 different ways by each member in the group. The reader can see each unique take and how choices in color, layout, and fabric make the block different.
I highly recommend the book for new quilter’s that are looking for an understandable demonstration of how to construct some of the most popular modern quilt blocks. Experienced quilters are certain to pick up some enlightening tricks. My first one was on Page 36, it never occurred to me to cut the background squares for a wonky triangle block by slicing up a large piece of background fabric into a grid that could piece back together. Very clever!
The book culminates with tips on starting a virtual quilting bee and keeping it on track along with basic quilt making techniques that include specific references to piecing modern blocks.
Congrats to Alissa, Kristen, and all the bee members on a beautiful book filled with well written technique instructions and chock full of modern quilting inspiration.
The full blog tour line up:
• June 20th – Film in the Fridge
• June 21st – A Quilt is Nice
• June 22nd – I Heart Linen
• June 23rd – Tallgrass Prairie Studio
• June 24th – Oh, Fransson
• June 25th – All Buttoned Up
• June 26th – West Coast Crafty
• June 27th – Connecting Threads Blog
• June 28th – Crafty Girls Workshop
• June 29th – Whip Up
• June 30th – Pink Chalk Studio (you’re here!)
• July 1st – True Up
Break for the holiday weekend
• July 5th – Block Party Blog
• July 6th – Anna Maria Horner
• July 7th – Craftzine
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To enter the giveaway for a copy of Block Party leave a comment sharing what you like most about virtual quilting bees, your own bee tips, or questions you have about participating in a virtual quilting bee. I’ll invite Alissa and Kristen back to the blog later this summer to answer the questions! A winner will be selected on Sunday, July 3.
Kathy Mack
Carrie + Diana
Looks like an amazing book. I read about people’s involvement in bees and have no idea how they work! So, how do they? And are there bees for novices? I quilt but…
thanks for the giveaway
I’ve never participated in a virtual bee before, so what do you do if the blocks you receive don’t go quite well together?
I’ve never participated in a bee and am unsure about how to get involved with one. I’m also curious about the time frame. Is there a typical amount of time that quilters have to send their blocks back in?
Like many others I’ve never taken part in a virtual quilting bee. So I’m wondering about how fabrics are selected. Does each quilter make kits of their fabrics to send to the others?
I’ve never participated in a bee, mostly because I’m nervous about how my skills would stack up compared to other participants. I think I’d like to participate in at least one at some point though. Definitely can’t wait to read the book!
I’m new to quilting and have so many bee questions I don’t know where to start! What’s the main difference between traditional and modern quilting?
I have only just recently done a block swap – I think I would find it easier to do if I knew more about who I was making the blocks for.
I have no idea regarding the nature of virtual quilting bees or how they work—how do they?
I like the flexibility and meeting people I’d otherwise never have the chance to too. Plus, I’ve learned a lot!
Thanks for the giveaway! I’m curious about how a bee works. You make 1 square for each of the other quilts? Does sound like fun! Happy 4th of July!
I’ve only recently discovered what a quilting bee is! I’ve made a few quilts, and I sew all the time, but I didn’t know these bee’s existed! It sounds like so much fun, I’ve always wanted a “sewing buddy” – this sorta seems like a way to virtually have one, at least
I just wonder, how do you get started, where do you find quilting partners? What if you feel intimidated by others sewing skills!? I’d love to check this book out, it looks fantastic!!
I am absolutely coveting this book! I’ve been in block exchange groups, but nothing with a modern twist so it will be exciting to see this type of project. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love quilt-alongs and quilt bees..I just haven’t learned how to follow daily without getting lost on occasion…maybe I need to leave a breadcrumb trail! Thanks for a chance to win a great looking book.
This looks like a truly beautiful book. I have heard and seen mug rug and scrap swaps before but never a quilting bee. I would love to find out more!
This book sounds great – thanks for the chance to win a copy!
I’ve recently participated in my first quilt along but never a quilting bee. I’d love to know more about how they work – who provides the fabric? Who keeps things running smoothly? I’d be worried that others might think my sewing isn’t good enough.
I’ve never participated in a virtual quilting bee…
& would love to know more about the parameters…
what if someone sent you a block you found unacceptable ?
The book looks lovely….beautiful plus lots to learn. I like
the added tips & techniques. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I’ve participated in a virtual online bee and found it to be a an interesting experience … I think if I were to do it again, I’d be mindful in finding a group that really fit my person style a bit, though it’s always nice to branch out. So I guess my question would be about how do you find a group that fits your style the best? The book looks great!
I’m new to sewing in general, much less quilting. I don’t even know what questions I have yet! But it’s interesting following the virtual quilting bee
I am really enjoying all the thoughts and ideas coming from the different hostesses. Thank you all. Hoping I win.
A virtual bee sounds like a blast! I’d be very interested to see the modern take on tradition. My questions are very similar to the ones above. Perhaps a tutorial on how a virtual bee works is in order?
its such a great book!
I’d love to get involved in a virtual quilting bee. I’m just delving into quilting so I’ve got a lot to learn yet, but one of these days I’d love to join one. Thanks for the chance!
I am really looking forward to reading this book – it looks great! I am a beginner but think that being part of a bee for support and friendship would be wonderful. Did the participants feel that they formed friendships the same way that they would have in a regular quilting bee?
Thanks for the giveaway
Would love to have that book!
I’ve never participated in a virtual quilting bee!