Save the Bees Block 4 is Here!

Hello Everyone! It’s time for Block 4 of the Free Save the Bees BOM by Jacquelynne Steves. Make sure you visit her site to get all the information about the block. You can also still sign up for the patterns if you haven’t done so. Make sure to read to the bottom of this post to find out how you can enter the giveaway for some great prizes from Olfa.

For those following along, you know that I have been making mini (half the size) versions of Jacquelynne’s blocks. Don’t panic on this one! It can be done! Remember, I made a test block before I started the mini and I learned some things and I will be passing those tips on to you. These tips can also be used for the regular size block, too.

For those making the mini size, you’ll need the revised information found on the Save the Bees Mini Revisions page here. Remember, you’ll need the full pattern from Jacquelynne in order to make the block.

Tips and Tricks:

1. After you decide on your fabric but before you cut it, starch it! This will make it much easier to piece.
2. Label the diagram on the last page of Jacquelynne’s block instructions like this (I’ve done this for you in the Mini Revisions:
   In my revisions page for this block, I have added the label for each piece in the directions. The letters are in the order of the cutting directions; black (A-C), white (D-G), etc.
3. As you cut out your pieces, add a paper label to them.
   Since I don’t have any cute Alphabetties from Fat Quarter Shop, I just used scraps of paper. You can see that some of the pieces are quite small, you don’t want to lose them.
4. Follow Jacquelynne’s directions very carefully when making the Half Rectangle Units. The sizes that I’ve used for these pieces are very generous, making them easy to sew together. Trim them down to size using this tutuorial by Jacquelynne.
5. Press your seam allowances according to the directions. This will make the block lay nice and flat.
   

And now you have a perfect mini bee block!
When I took the pictures, I realized I hadn’t made the antennae yet so I drew them in. They are now embroidered on with a dark blue Aurifloss.

My bee liked playing in my flowers in late spring. And here are all four blocks together.

Jacquelynne designed such cute blocks as she always does!

Now for the Giveaway

This month our sponsor is OLFA of rotary cutters, cutting mats and ruler fame.
Last year OLFA sent the featured bloggers a fold up cutting mat, a Splash cutter and an endurance blade.

This year they sent me the small 28mm cutter and a Frosted ruler, perfect for working with small pieces and curves. So thank you OLFA for treating us so well! Before I received the Splash cutter last year, I was using another brand because I didn’t like the straight handled rotary cutters. After using the Splash cutter for just a little bit, I was converted back to OLFA. The curvy design fits perfectly in my hand. I bought the blue cutter just to have a spare and within a week, I received the pink one in my first Sew Sampler box from Fat Quarter Shop. I took the mat to the quilting retreat, and it was the perfect size to have by my machine.

For your chance to win something special from OLFA, tell me are you still into fall (or spring) quilting and crafting or have you started on your holiday projects yet? Leave me your answer in the comment section below by the end of Sunday, November 11 for your chance to win.

• The giveaway is open to everyone, US and International readers.
• There is ONE prize per person per month.
• Make sure that you leave your email so I can contact you if you win.
• You have until the end of day on Sunday, November 11 to leave your comment.
• Once I contact the winner for your information, you have 72 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Be sure you visit the other bloggers for 7 more chances to win and to see how everyone finished their Block 4.

• The Crafty Quilter
• Podunk Pretties
• The Quilting Nook
• The Sewing Loft
• Flamingo Toes
• Kathy’s Quilts
• Freemotion by the River
• A Quilting Life

Post your finished blocks on social media using:

#SaveTheBeesQuilt and #SaveTheBeesBOM

You can also post pictures on the Sew Quilty Friends FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/SewQuiltyFriends.JacquelynneSteves/.

I’m looking forward to seeing your finished bee blocks! Thanks for stopping by!