Race to the Finish Line

It's been a sprint to the finish line but I was able to complete all of my bee commitments for the month of December before I leave for Southeast Asia. So before I go, I'll share with you a quick run down of everything...

In the Sewn Together Bee, Kim actually had the month of October but was greatly affected by the flooding in the Midwest and unfortunately wasn't able to get her fabrics out during her month because of it. Rick, who originally had December, generously offered to send out fabrics for her and have us send the finished blocks to Kim. She was touched but instead chose to send out her own fabrics this month. The entire bee decided that it wasn't fair for Rick to miss out on his month entirely so we are extending the Bee a month so Rick can have a turn at the end. I am constantly awed by the amazing people you meet through bees and swaps. It's nice to know that human kindness overflows.

Kim is making a Velvet Night quilt from batiks and we were all asked to make a star block for her. I had time and the block was easy so I made two.

In the do. Good Stitches {Hope} Circle it's Jeni's month and she wanted to keep it simple so she asked for two 12.5" checkerboard blocks in orange and turquoise, which happens to be a favorite color combo of mine. For my first block I was a little ambitious and wanted to create square in square blocks for my checkerboard. Unfortunately since I was running low on time, and since math isn't my strong suit I didn't plan out mathematically exactly what size each square needed to be so my first square ended up too big, but I'm sending it to her anyway. She can cut it down or use it or not. It's up to her.

For my other two blocks I made simple 9 square checkerboards. These ended up just shy of 12.5" and I had every intention of fixing them, but I ran out of time.

In the Red and Aqua 2 Bee, Gayle asked for either log cabin or courthouse step blocks with either red squares or fussy cut the Shinzi Katoh fabric. She also told us that she wouldn't mind if we added a little embroidery to embellish our blocks. Let me tell you, after looking at her inspiration gallery and seeing the other blocks coming in I absolutely cannot wait to see this quilt come together. I am already in love. It's going to be fabulous.

I had so much fun improving these blocks. It's hard to give them back. I hope Gayle likes them as much as I do. On the big one I debated adding some embroidery but in the end I liked it just the way it was.

Finally, in A Dozen Quilters Bee, Gayly asked for handmade donations for orphans around the world. She adopted two of her children from China so Orphan care is very dear to her. She suggested that these children need something handmade to call their own. I would have made more if it weren't for time, but since time is scarce this month I made two pillowcases - one for a boy and one for a girl. I used flannel, because I LOVE flannel sheets and I thought it was something soft and cuddly for a kid to snuggle up with at night. I cut the girl's pillow incorrectly, but I think I was able to salvage it.

So that's it in a nutshell! In a few short hours I'll be on a plane headed to Bangkok and on Monday I'll be a "Mrs." - can you believe it?! So I'm going to be radio silent around here until after the New Year. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year! See you in 2011!