Stash Bee

Jive 1 - June 2026 - Log for Caitlin

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Mc) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:52:47 +0000

Caitlin:

Making these blocks were fun! Dropping in the mail later today. Enjoy!

Cindy

Hive 1 June Block - Log Cabin for Caitlin

noreply@blogger.com (Rita Geyermann) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:31:50 +0000

Hi Caitlin,

A Log Cabin quilt is still on my 'quilty bucket list'. I might have the patience for it someday! 😉

Two blocks were the limit of my meagre purple stash (not my favourite colour...). Hope they'll do.

Happy quilting,

Rita

Hive 2 Tutorial for June 2026 - Blooming Squares

noreply@blogger.com (Hive 2) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Hello all!

June might be a month for bright colours, but this month's hive tutorial will simply be a blue and white quilt block, 14.5" unfinished.

The inspiration for this month's block comes from The Quilters Cache.

Fabric Pull:

Background: white or white tone-on-tone

Blues: 6 different colours of blue: blenders, solids, batiks, or subtle pattern. Turquoise and teals ok to use as well.

Cutting:

White:

- 2.5"x2.5" - 17 required

- 3"x3" - 1 required

Blues: *Your LONG length blues should be dark; SHORT length blues should be lighter blue.

For the 4.5"-10.5" lengths, it's ok to have some variation of colours. You can set the strips from darkest to lightest or dark-medium-dark-medium-medium-medium/light-light. Only 'rule' is the 12.5" length is dark & 2.5" HST is light.

- 2.5"x12.5" - 2 required (dark blue)

-2.5"x10.5" - 2 required (medium/dark blue)

-2.5"x8.5" - 2 required (medium blue)

-2.5"x6.5" - 2 required (medium blue)

-2.5"x4.5" - 2 required (light/medium blue)

-3"x3" - 1 required (light blue)

Sewing Instructions:

Draw a line diagonally on the back of the white 3"x3". Place over light blue 3"x3" square, right sides together. Sew 1/4" on either side of marked line then cut on line. Press seams. Trim each unit to 2.5"x2.5".

Sew your 2 light blue HST (half square triangles) and 2 white 2.5"x2.5" squares together as shown.

(I'll call this the base unit.)

Draw a line diagonally on the backside of ten 2.5"x2.5" squares.

(Photo above taken prior to base unit sewn together).

Separate each size of blue fabric strips into 2 piles.

Using photo above for reference, place marked white 2.5x2.5" squares at outside end of blue strips, Each set of marked white squares is sewn in a different direction than the other set!

For each set, add a marked white square to the end of each strip and sew on the line. Trim and press seams toward white end.

Watch the direction of your marked squares: they should mirror-image each other. The white triangles of each set should point toward the base unit.

Using the photo above again as reference, sew an unmarked white 2.5"x2.5" square to the right side of the blue strips below the base unit. Press seam away from the white square.

Sew a 2.5x4.5" strip to the right side of the base unit as shown below.

Sew the matching 2.5x4.5"-with-sewn square to the bottom of the base unit, making sure to align edges & seams.

Repeat sewing the strips to right then bottom of base unit, ensuring the left & top edges remain straight.

When block is complete, trim to 14.5".

Happy Sewing & have fun! I look forward to seeing the blocks you all will sew for me.

~ Wilma

Hive 3: June Tutorial - StashBee 2026 - Hive 3's Favorite Things! for Beth

noreply@blogger.com (BethL13) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Because this is a quick and small block that works great for using fabric scraps or orphan quilt blocks, please make two separate Polaroid-style blocks that I can combine together into a finished quilt later. Each block should use different fabric(s) for the “picture” portion of the Polaroid block.

The center of each block should feature a fussy-cut image of something you enjoy. Ideas could include:

Your favorite item or hobby

A fabric print you love

A bold graphic or fun pattern

An orphan quilt block that you would like to repurpose as the “photo” area of the Polaroid block

Color Palette:

For the color palette, my ideal quilt block would use modern-style fabric(s) in the center “photo” area that feature:

Bright colors
Bold shapes and designs
Fun, graphic, or eye-catching prints

Please use a solid white fabric for the outside “Polaroid frame” if possible based on your fabric stash. If you do not have a solid white available, a subtle white-on-white print (with no added color) is perfectly fine as a substitute.

While writing this post, I learned that white-on-white fabrics may also be called:

Tone-on-tone prints
Blender fabrics
Low-volume fabrics
Or other similar terms

As explained by Stashbee, tone-on-tone prints are “patterned prints that often look like a solid at a distance or if you squint,” and are often referred to as blender fabrics.

My ideal block would avoid batiks, holiday fabrics (unless that holiday is one of your favorite things), reproduction fabrics, or anything that does not really “pop.” That said, I truly believe I can make almost any block option work!

My Fabric Pull

Here are some examples of fabrics that I pulled and auditioned for my blocks. You will notice a combination of orphan quilt blocks and a few fabric prints.

For the orphan blocks that I selected, some were slightly too small, so I would have added fabric around the edges to make them the correct size. Others were too large, so I simply cut out a section in the correct size to use as the “photo” portion of the block.

Block instructions:

1. Locate your fabrics for the blocks. You will need 3 different fabrics for your blocks this month.

You will need:

Fabric 1: Solid white fabric
Fabric 2: A bright or bold fabric featuring something you love (favorite print, graphic, object, orphan block, etc.)
Fabric 3: Another bright or bold fabric featuring something you love

Please note: Fabric 2 and Fabric 3 should be different fabrics.

2. Cut the White Fabric (Fabric 1)

Cut:

(1) strip measuring 1” x WOF (width of fabric)

From this strip, subcut:

(4) pieces measuring 1” x 6.75”
(2) pieces measuring 1” x 7.5”

Then cut:

(1) strip measuring 2.25” x WOF

From this strip, subcut:

(2) pieces measuring 2.25” x 7.5”

You may place the remaining fabric into your scrap pile for future projects.

3. Fussy cut Fabrics 2 & 3

From Fabric 2, cut:

(1) rectangle measuring 6.5” wide × 6.75” tall

From Fabric 3, cut:

(1) rectangle measuring 6.5” wide × 6.75” tall

I’ve included a few examples of fussy cuts that I made. One example was cut from an orphan block that I especially loved because it felt like a distinct, scrappy pattern and included several favorite fabrics, like the spooky eyes and The Ghastlies prints.

I also included an example using one of my favorite fabrics — a very graphic print with a cute raccoon! I didn’t end up using it in the finished tutorial blocks, but it was still a fun option to audition for the project.

A favorite fabric (love the frog, bright vibrant color and overall pattern!)

4. Sew the Side Borders

Sew (2) 1” × 6.75” white strips to the long vertical sides of the fussy-cut rectangle.

Press seams after sewing. I’m not picky about whether seams are pressed open or to one side. However, I would prefer that you choose one seam pressing method and keep it consistent throughout each block rather than mixing methods within the same block.

Repeat for both Fabric 2 and Fabric 3 blocks.

5. Sew the Top Border

For each block:

Sew (1) 1” x 7.5” white strip to the top edge.
Press seams.

Repeat for both Fabric 2 and Fabric 3 blocks.

6. Sew the Bottom Border

For each block:

Sew (1) 2.25” x 7.5” white strip to the bottom edge.
Press seams.

Repeat for both Fabric 2 and Fabric 3 blocks.

7. Check Block Size

Your blocks should measure:

7.5” wide x 9” tall

The finished block should resemble a Polaroid-style photo frame with your chosen fabric

featured in the center.

Inspiration Links

This block idea was inspired by the following tutorials I found for free online:

I’m not completely sure what the final quilt will look like yet, but I found several great
examples showing different ways these blocks can be arranged and combined. I may also
add a Polaroid camera block or other fun design element(s) to help tie the quilt together.

A few inspiration sources that I really like are:

Hive 5 - June Tutorial - Holiday Economy Block for Bonnie

noreply@blogger.com (gingerbreadd) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

The Inspiration:

Last year, our hive made some adorable “I Spy” economy blocks for some kiddo quilts, and I've not been able to stop thinking about how cute they were! Here are the ones I made:

The Vision:

I would like to make several different holiday themed wall quilts inspired by these blocks for hanging up during different seasons. Side Note: When I told my husband about my idea, he thought I was going to make one quilt with all holidays, and he was horrified… As efficient as that would be (haha), I have much loftier goals, so please pick one or more of the holidays/seasons/themes listed below:

Valentines Day / Love / Hearts
Halloween / Spooky / Fall
Christmas / Winter
Easter / Spring / Pastels

Colors & Prints:

I'm not too picky with colors as long as the fabrics coordinate well. For Valentine’s Day, for example, you can use colors besides pink and red (that just happens to be what I have on hand at the moment). Maybe you have purple kisses or teal hearts. Great! Do it! :)

Feel free to fussy cut something interesting in the center square. Not all fabrics need to be holiday prints. Feel free to use blenders that coordinate well with the other fabrics being used. I found that the middle section is a great place to use blenders and separate prints to make the blocks look a little less busy. I also avoid using directional prints in the middle section because they will be tilted on the diagonal and sometimes look wonky.

Tutorial

I followed Catbird Quilt Studio’s free Tutorial here for 6” finished blocks:
https://catbirdquilts.wordpress.com/2014/01/26/economy-block-any-size-with-cheat-sheet/

Cutting:

For each block you need one 3.5” center square, two 3.5” squares for the middle sections (cut in half diagonally), and two 4.5” squares for the outside sections (cut in half diagonally).

Adding the First Round:

Center the long edge of a triangle on one side of the square. Sew. Then sew one on the opposite side as well. I pressed toward the center square here, but you can press towards the triangles if you feel like it. Trim the overhang with a straight edge. See trimmed version on the left.

Add the other two triangles to the remaining sides. I pressed out toward the triangles this time, because it felt right... Trim the edges to 1/4” seam allowance, as shown on the left.

I used a ruler with a 90-degree angle to trim the sides down, but if you don’t have one, just trim ¼” from the points as best you can.

Adding the Second Round:

This is basically the same as the first round. Center the long edge of a triangle on one side of the unit. Sew. Then sew one on the opposite side as well. I pressed out toward the triangles again. Trim the overhang with a straight edge. See trimmed version on the left.

Then add the other two triangles to the remaining sides. I pressed out toward the triangles again. Trim the edges to 1/4” seam allowance, as shown on the left.

Viola!

I would appreciate a set of four, but if that is a hardship, please just make one. I am asking that you not sew them together so that you have some more freedom with which holidays you choose.

Thank you! I can’t wait to see them all! I know they'll all be fabulous!

Hive 1 Tutorial for June--Log Cabin Block for Caitlin

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

This month’s block is the Log Cabin Block! I’m making a quilt for some friends whose favorite colors are red and purple—it’s also summer break for the kids, and my brain is being pulled in six directions, so if this tutorial is wonky, please forgive me.

I used these tutorials to help me put my block together:

https://ourlittlehandmadehome.com/log-cabin-quilt-block/ (this is the main tutorial I used)

https://patternprincess.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-log-cabin-quilt-block-tutorial/ (this tutorial has diagrams and an “add-and-trim” method for attaching the strips that I found helpful!)

Here are some fabrics from my stash for inspiration; if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

Fabric Requirements for a 12.5” block:

2” strips of purple fabric and white/cream/light grey fabric (can be scrappy/patterned/solid, please no religious/patriotic/juvenile)
Center square: 3.5” red/reddish fabric (can be scrappy/patterned/solid, please no religious/patriotic/juvenile)

final square with parts labeled

For the strips:
Light fabrics:

a) 2” x 3.5”

b) 2” x 5”

e) 2” x 6.5”

f) 2” x 8”

i) 2” x 9.5”

j) 2” x 11”

Purple fabrics:

c) 2” x 5”

d) 2 x 6.5”

g) 2” x 8”

h) 2” x 9.5”

k) 2” x 11”

l) 2” x 12.5”

Steps to make the log cabin block:

1. With right-sides together, sew light strip (a) to one side of the center square using a ¼” seam. I pressed my seams away from the center, but pressing seams open is ok too! I also used the add-and trim method for some of the strips, as shown in the first picture.

2. On the long edge of the now-rectangular piece, sew light strip (b) to the piece. Press seams outward or open, trimming if necessary.



3. Working counter-clockwise, sew purple strip (c) to the piece. Press seams outward or open, trimming if necessary.


4. Working counter-clockwise, sew purple strip (d) to the piece. Press seams outward or open. Trim if necessary.

Continue working counter-clockwise, adding strips in alternating order, trimming if necessary.
after sewing strip (e)

after sewing strip (f)

attaching strip (k)

After attaching strip (l), press and square up the block (if needed). It should measure 12.5" or close to it.

You're finished! Thank you all so much <3

Hive 1 - Neon Geese for Kelli

noreply@blogger.com (Julia C) — Fri, 29 May 2026 02:24:19 +0000

I love the impact of this block! Kelli, thanks for introducing it. I made my first quilt coat this year and am now planning my third!

I also included a fat quarter that perfectly matches your color scheme--I got it in a bundle years ago and have never been able to find the right project. Maybe you can use it in your lining :)

-Julia

Hive 1-May Neon Stroked Flying Geese for Kelli

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Jacobs) — Wed, 20 May 2026 23:02:17 +0000

These were really cool! Thanks for giving us such a fun block to make; I love how the geese popped out at the end of assembly. I can't wait to see your new coat!

Hive 1 May 2026–Flying Geese for Kelli

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Sat, 16 May 2026 16:03:43 +0000

Finally, a use for all the neon-ish fabric I’ve been hoarding! Put them in the mail this morning—and, random goose fact: a group of geese flying in formation is called a “skein”! (per wildbirdlady.com)

—Caitlin

Hive 1 May - Geese for Kelli

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Mc) — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:25:14 +0000

Kelli:

Until your request, I didn't realize I had neons in my stash! This was fun. They are on their way. Hope you enjoy!

Cindy

Hive 1 May - Flying Geese for Kelli

noreply@blogger.com (Trishia) — Sat, 09 May 2026 12:29:00 +0000

This was a fun one to make!

Hive 1 Neon Stroked Flying Geese Blocks for Kelli

noreply@blogger.com (Rita Geyermann) — Fri, 08 May 2026 09:19:43 +0000

Hi Kelli,

These were fun to make! Hope they are neon enough for you :).
These Geese will be starting their journey to you flying via Post this afternoon.

Looking forward to seeing your new Quilt Coat!.

Happy sewing,

Rita

noreply@blogger.com (Jane A.) — Thu, 07 May 2026 12:27:00 +0000

Hive 1 May 2026 Stroked Flying Geese for Kelli

This is a great block! I found my most neon fabric and darkest gray and put them together for you.

Hive 4- May Tutorial - Ooooo Hearts for Emily

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M) — Wed, 06 May 2026 01:22:00 +0000

Hive 4 May Tutorial- Ooooo Hearts

I n case you missed the convo- Doretta in May and I in June swapped months due to life being life. So please make sure you mail these to Emily in Richland Hills, Texas and not the other lovely Emily or Doretta just yet.

I’m actually NOT a hearts and pink and lovey-dovey kinda person. I even struggled to find fabrics from my stash for this because this kind of thing is so far out of my normal realm- so I apologize for the meagerness of the fabric pull examples. But something about this pattern just made me go Ooooo….so here we are.

It’s a slightly modified version of the Candy Boxes pattern by Heather Davis in the February 26 American Patchwork and Quilting magazine- issued in December 2025. My version of the pattern should finish at 15 ½” square for you (including seam allowance). Inspo photo of her quilt here, note lighter/pastel-ly hearts with brighter/darker ribbons & bows:

Fabric pull:

This quilt is really for blenders and solids, or subtle patterns. No words, holiday prints, novelty fabric, large or bold patterns. Try to think “subtle” with both color and pattern choices. See the inspo image above for the feel I’m going for, though those are all solids and I’m ok with blenders and subtle patterns- especially for the hearts themselves.

Primary Heart pull Ribbons/Bows pull

Need 4 colors-

1. Background: cream, white, light tan…. something very light. I used a Moda Grunge cream for example.

2. Primary: light to medium pink, peach or lavender- needs to be non-directional and not too medium/dark or dark toned. Needs to read clearly as the primary color. Think soft candy-like colors- muted pastel. Note: Like my soul, photos in my sewing room are always darker than reality- at least for light colors. The actual primary colors are much more pastel or pale than what you see here. The INSPO picture provided is far more accurate. Think soft pastels like those little candy hearts for Valentine's Day.

3. Ribbon: medium or medium/dark tone red or purple or pink, preferably something that reads as a solid- strong enough of a difference from the primary fabric that it pops out obviously.

4. Bow: Dark or medium/dark tone red or purple or pink, preferably something that reads as a solid- and is a little darker than the ribbon fabric.

Cutting:

Assume quarter inch seams for all sewing- already included in the cutting instructions

Background fabric (white-ish)

A A. 6 ½” squares- need 2

B. B. 3 1/2” squares- need 4

C. C. 2” x 12 ½” rectangle- need 2 for sashing

D. D. 2” x 15 ½” rectangle- need 2 for sashing

Primary fabric (pastel)

E. E. 6 ½” x 7 ½” rectangle- need 1

F. F. 3 ½” x 7” rectangle- need 1

G.G. 2 ½” x 7” rectangle- need 1

H.H. 4 ½” x 6 ½” rectangle- need 1

I. I. 3 ½” x 4” rectangle- need 1

J. J. 2 ½” x 4” rectangle- need 1

K. K. 6 ½” x 7 ½” rectangle- need 1

L. L. 1” x 2” rectangle- need 2

M.M. 1” squares- need 4

Ribbon fabric (darker solid-ish)

N. N. 1 ½” x 7” rectangle- need 1

O. O. 1 ½” x 6 ½” rectangle- need 1

P. P. 1 ½” x 4” rectangle- need 1

Q. Q. 1 ½” x 2” rectangle- need 1

R. R. 1” x 1 ½” rectangle- need 2

Bow fabric (dark solid-ish)

S. S. 2 ½” squares- need 2

T. T. 1 ½ square- need 1

Let’s get the hardest part done first- Let’s make a Bow!

Start with the 4 M blocks- draw a diagonal line corner to corner on the backside of each of those. Place them right sides together on 2 adjacent corners of each of the 2 R squares. Sew along the line, trim off ¼ inch from the outer corner side of the seam, press open. Make 2 of these half snowballs.

Now the 2 R ribbon pieces are sewn to opposite sides of the S square.

The 2 L background pieces are sewn to opposite long sides of the Q rectangle

Press all of these flat an open and then arrange them to make the bow in this order, then sew them together

Whew- hard part done! It’s pretty easy from here on out!

Unit AA

Need pieces I, J and P. Sew the 4” side of I to one of the 4” sides of P, then sew J on the opposite side of P. Pres flat and Unit AA is now done!

Unit BB

Need pieces F, G and N. Sew the 7” side of F to one of the 7” sides of N, then sew G on the opposite side of N. Pres flat and Unit BB is now done!

Unit CC

Need pieces E, H and 0. Sew the 6 ½” side of E to one of the 6 ½” sides of O, then sew H on the opposite side of P. Pres flat and Unit CC is now done!

Combined Unit AA/Bow/BB

Next you need unit AA, unit BB and the Bow

You will sew the units together with the bow in the middle- be sure to add AA and BB to the bow by starting you stitching on the side where the bow lines up with the edge.

Tip: try to line up the ribbon in all 3 pieces so it looks like the ribbon runs straight through the bow.

There should be a little bit of extra ribbon hanging out to the right when it’s all together. I did this intentionally so that you could then trim that off for a nice straight side. It only works if you start sewing both of these joins from the bow end though. Press open and trim off the little bit of extra ribbon on the right. Done!

Next we make the left half of the heart

You will need unit CC, 1 of piece A and 2 pieces of B.

Draw a diagonal line corner to corner on the backside of each of the background squares.

Place piece A right sides together at the bottom of unit CC. Align it so the diagonal starts in the middle of the left side of the unit, and finishes in the bottom right corner. Sew down the diagonal, trim off the extra outside fabric and press open.

Place 1 piece of B right sides together at the top left of unit CC. The diagonal should start on the left side and finish in the middle of the top. Sew down the diagonal, trim off the extra outside fabric and press open. Complete this before adding the 2^nd B piece as there is some overlap and if the first one isn’t completed and pressed open- it will get stuck behind the second one and won’t open properly.

(forgot to take a picture of the left side, but here it is on the right side.)

Place the other piece B right sides together at the top right of unit CC. The diagonal should start on the right side and finish in the middle of the top. Sew down the diagonal, trim off the extra outside fabric and press open.

Left side of heart is now complete!

Now right side of heart is pretty much the same as left side but using the AA/bow/BB unit.

You will need unit AA/bow/BB, 1 of piece A and 2 pieces of B.

Draw a diagonal line corner to corner on the backside of each of the background squares.

Place piece A right sides together at the bottom of unit AA/bow/BB. Align it so the diagonal starts in the middle of the right side of the unit, and finishes in the bottom left corner. Sew down the diagonal, trim off the extra outside fabric and press open.

Place 1 piece of B right sides together at the top left of unit AA/bow/BB. The diagonal should start on the left side and finish in the middle of the top. Sew down the diagonal, trim off the extra outside fabric and press open. Complete this before adding the 2^nd B piece as there is some overlap and if the first one isn’t completed and pressed open it will get stuck behind the second one and won’t open properly.

Place the other piece B right sides together at the top right of unit AA/bow/BB. The diagonal should start on the right side and finish in the middle of the top. Sew down the diagonal, trim off the extra outside fabric and press open.

Right side of heart is now complete!

Sew the 2 halves of the heart together. Press flat.

Add the 2 C sashing pieces to opposite sides of your heart- be careful with your points! Press open. Finally sew on the 2 D sashing pieces to the remaining sides of your heart.

Give everything a good press- That’s it!! Thank you!!

Hive 1 May 2026 Neon Stroked Geese for Kelli

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Chamberlin ) — Wed, 06 May 2026 01:21:02 +0000

This block is a fun variation on the traditional Flying Geese, and Kelli's color choices make them modern. Thanks Kelli for sharing a fun and easy to follow tutorial.

Pam

Hive 2 May Tutorial- Flowers for Kim

noreply@blogger.com (Gayle) — Sat, 02 May 2026 17:08:16 +0000

Greetings all. This will be a simple block using black and white fabrics as the background and bright colors for your flowers. You will select a background fabric that is either black with white print or white with black print. Here is a sampling of my selection. Note that my fabrics include brights, which you will use to make your flower. Next, from your background fabric, cut a rectangle 7.5” x 5.5.” Then simply add a flower of your choosing which you will appliqué onto the rectangle as pictured, leaving at least 3/4” all around for the seam allowance.

Here is a separate link to a Missouri Star Quilt You Tube tutorial if you have not done appliqué before. I cut my flowers pieces and used fabric glue to keep them in place and then just used a zigzag stitch to stitch my flower in place, but you can use wonder under, needle turned or raw edge appliqué. It does not matter which way you do it. I used fabric glue and raw edged because I’m at a quilt retreat and left my facing at home. That’s it!

I hope you have fun making wild and crazy or soft and pretty flowers-it’s up to you. Be as creative as you want. You do not have to include stems and leaves with your flowers. You choose how you want your flower to look.

https://youtu.be/9vKcyymFkyk?si=vrzRMI4Tqlqw3MXi

(Posted by Gayle for Kim)

Hive 1-MayTutorial - Neon Stroked Flying Geese for Kelli

noreply@blogger.com (sodegurumajime) — Fri, 01 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The Block

Thanks for being on this journey with me. I have enjoyed sewing with you this year! I have been lifting weights for the last few years, and my shoulders have outgrown my quilted coat. You all will help me make a new coat! I am going for bold colors--and the late 80's neon color scheme inspires me.

For the pattern, I have chosen the stroked flying geese block, a pattern from AGF. You will notice this method makes 4 at a time (and it leaves quite a bit of waste, sorry).

Fabrics:

For the fabrics, I am looking for neon on dark grey. I am using the Sharpie highlighter collection for inspiration.

Background Fabric: I want a dark background. I prefer dark grey, but medium grey and black are also welcomed. You can use solids, blenders, batiks, and tone-on-tone. Please no light grey or navy. No prints. Here is my fabric pull:

Colored Fabrics: You'll need one main fabric and one accent fabric for the stroke. I recognize that you will likely not have neon fabrics in your collection; I don't either. Please choose colors that are vibrant and will contrast with the dark background. Solids, blenders, batiks, tone on tone, and small prints are all fine. Here is my pull:

Cutting:

Neon Main Fabric

four (4) 4 1/2” squares

Neon Accent Fabric:

two (2) 4 1/2” x 2” strips
one (1) 10“ x 2” strip,

Dark Background:

four (4) 3 1/2” squares

Sewing the blocks:

Take the four (4) 4 1/2” main fabric squares, two (2) 4 1/2” x 2” accent strips, and join them into two fabric strips with the contrast bar in the middle.
Take one (1) 10” x 2” accent strip and use it to join two barred strips you created in step 1. You will end up with a 10" block that looks like a plus symbol.
Make a template of a 6 1/2” square using paper or cardboard (I am using an acrylic template from Nancy's Notions), then place it on point on top of the block, making sure it is perfectly centered, align it with the center strips of the block, and trim it to size. You should now have a 6 1/2" block that looks like an X.
Take two (2) 3 1/2” background squares and place them on the diagonal, aligned to opposite corners of the X block. Pin them in place, and draw a line from point to point.
Stitch at 1/4” from the drawn line on each side. Cut on the drawn line. Open and press toward the background fabric.
Take two (2) 3 1/2” background squares and place them on the diagonal aligned to the corner of the X block. Pin them in place, and draw a line on the diagonal of the background square.
Stitch at 1/4” from the drawn line on each side. Cut on the drawn line. Open and press toward the background fabric. You will end up with four stroked flying geese.
Trim: Mine came out to be 5 1/2" x 3"

Here are my final blocks.

Hive 5 - May Tutorial - The House That Jack Built for Michelle

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Hello fellow Hive 5 quilters, Michelle from Wisconsin here! For the month of May, I'll have you make the 'House that Jack Built' block.

This is a modern on-point block that I've seen in a few places. I was inspired to choose this pattern after finding this bag (on the left) in the book The Shape of Japan - 750 Patchwork Patterns by Kumiko Fujita:

And from another source, here is the free tutorial I used as a basis for my block: https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/house-jack-built-quilt-block.html

You can check out the Generations tutorial to see more detailed assembly photos, but keep in mind that my measurements are different (due to not using an on-point ruler), so please be sure to use the measurements I listed below.

Materials needed:

Color A

- Two 15" x 1.5" strips* of black or charcoal

Color B

- One 15" x 1.5" strip* of any light or bright color

*14" is the absolute minimum length, but I added 1" extra for safety

Color C (Background)

- One 4.5" square of light or medium gray

- Two 4" squares of the same light or medium gray

- One 3.5" square of the same light or medium gray

Please no holiday or religious/political prints, otherwise anything goes, solid, prints, batiks etc.

Instructions:

Step 1:

Sew the long ends of the A and B strips together, making sure B is in the middle. You should end up with a 15" x 3.5" strip sandwich. Press towards the darker color (A).

Cut the sandwich into four 3.5" x 3.5" squares.

Step 2:

Put the 3.5" gray (color C) square aside for now.

Cut the 4.5" gray square in half down both diagonals to make four small right triangles.

Cut the other two 4" gray squares in half along one diagonal to make four large right triangles in total.

You should have now have one 3.5" square, four large triangles, and four small triangles.

Step 3:

Take the ABA squares and the four small gray triangles. Sew the diagonal of a gray triangle to a black edge of each ABA square, to make four house-shaped units. Press.

Note that the triangle will stick out past the sides of the squares. That's correct, just make sure to center the triangle on top of the square before sewing (use a ruler or fold both in half + match the folds):

Step 4:

Tip: If you press towards gray in the next two steps, you can nest the seams easier when assembling the full block.

Take two houses and the C square. Sew the house 'bottoms' to two opposing edges of the square.

Step 5:

Take the remaining two houses and the four large triangles. For each house, sew the leg of a large triangle to both of the side edges of the house, lining up the flat edge. Make sure the triangles slope down and away from the house:

Step 6:

You should now have 3 units- two identical triangular-shaped rows and one 'stretched hexagon' row.
Arrange the 3 units into rows to form a diamond:

Sew the 3 rows together. You can press however you want on this step, but personally I found it easiest to press away from the center row.

You're done! Your block should be somewhere around 9.25" square, but don't stress about the size (it likely won't be exact). Please send it to me like this, without trimming! I will trim your block myself to match the ones I've already made :)

Thank you and please let me know if something is unclear or if you have any questions!

Hive 3 - May Tutorial - Patriotic Bear Claw Block for Wendi

noreply@blogger.com (wendiquilts) — Fri, 01 May 2026 02:10:00 +0000

Hello My Fellow Bees,

For my block this month I would love for you to make me a large patriotic Bear Claw. Happy 250th Birthday USA! (Please note that my address has changed back to Arkansas just in case you printed the address list earlier in the year. I have updated my address on the official list.)

I am happy with any red, blue, and white or cream background! I’m good with solids, plaids, gingham, floral, dots, vintage, modern, prints (as long as they aren’t juvenile), and tone-on-tone. Light to dark navy blues are all good, faded reds/bright reds (see bottom picture for more color palette ideas). Samples I pulled from my stash:

These blocks will be 12.5” unfinished and will be made with one large center square, one small light square, and 4 half square triangles. Here is the chart I used, with one small variation - I went ahead and cut my half square triangle pieces at 5” rather than 4 7/8” (probably need new glasses but I digress). This chart was found on zarkadia.com:

The large square, labeled medium fabric in the chart, should be either primarily red or blue. If the large square is red, please make the “claws” blue and vice versa - if the large square is blue, make the “claws” red.

Use your preferred method to make the half square triangles. The above chart allows for the 2 at a time method. Attached below is a link to instructions for the 4 at a time method, if you prefer to use it. Also you can press open or to one side - I’m not picky and am definitely not the quilt police :-)! Do what works best for you.

https://shannonfraserdesigns.ca/2022/04/12/4-at-a-time-half-square-triangle-tutorial-math-cheat-sheet/

Once you have one 8.5” color square, one 4.5” background square, and four 4.5” half square triangles, assemble the “claws” paying close attention to the orientation of the half-square triangles.

This is my vision of what I’m going to do with all the Bear Claw blocks:

Thank you so much!

Hive 1 April: Yellow Squares for Julia

noreply@blogger.com (Leah Jacobs) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:03:00 +0000

Right under the wire! I’m sorry these are coming to you so late in the month. I cut out all the pieces weeks ago, then promptly lost them under a big project I had to finish. These were nice and simple to piece, but fun to put together too! Thank you!

Hive 1 April: Yellow Squares for Julia

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:54:00 +0000

These are my squares for Julia. They will go in the mail tomorrow. I hope you like them 😃

Hive 1 blocks for Julia

noreply@blogger.com (sodegurumajime) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:25:00 +0000

Hello,

I really liked making these. I was surprised at how cohesive they look together. I do hope you enjoy these gems ;)

Hive 1 April 2026 blocks for Julia

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:02:00 +0000

These were fun to make! Hope these fit the vibe!

—Caitlin

Hive 1 - April blocks for Julia

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Mc) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:57:00 +0000

This was a great exercise to force my brain past normal quilt math! You know, the usual 2 1/2 strips/blocks. It took a minute but great use of those scraps. Julia, hope you enjoy.

Cindy McCurdy

Hive 1 April, 2026 Colorful blocks

noreply@blogger.com (Jane A.) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:37:28 +0000

I loved making these blocks and it has inspired me to make my own quilt based on your idea. What a great way to use up scraps! Jane A.