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Book Review : Modern Bee – 13 Quilts to Make with Friends

Today I’m happy to be participating in the blog hop celebrating my friend Lindsay’s new book with Stash Books called ‘Modern Bee – 13 Quilts to Make with Friends‘ (available now!).

I first met Lindsay in person last May, when we roomed at Quilt Market; we also both taught at Sewing Summit the following October. Lindsay and I were both working on our book proposals and the writing of our actual books at approximately the same time, so it was great having someone else to bond over the nerve-wracking process. Her class at Sewing Summit was very inspiring to me; she talked about what to do when faced with the word ‘No’, and how to overcome obstacles as you proceed on your creative journey. It was heartfelt and well-thought-out, and I loved it.

Baseball Curves

Anyway, Lindsay’s book is about how to participate in a quilting bee. For those of you not familiar, a bee is a group that gets together (can be on-line or in real life, perhaps in a guild) to create quilt blocks over a certain period of time, usually 6 months or a year. Each member of the bee gets their own ‘host’ month, in which they get to choose what block the other members will make (they can also choose colors, types of fabrics to be used, or even send out the fabrics they would like the other bee members to use in the blocks). Each person completes the block, sends it back to the host, and at the end, everyone will have enough blocks to complete their quilt.

Trellis Crossroads

Besides explaining the basics of a quilting bee, Lindsay also hits some of the common problems that bee members might run into, such as members not completing blocks, using the wrong fabrics, and being late with their blocks. I have only participated in one quilting bee, when I very first started quilting. It was very well run, and everyone in the group was really nice, but for some reason, I faced several obstacles, which I think having this book might have helped me through.

Triple Star

I particularly enjoyed that, besides all the helpful information about quilting bees, the book also included 13 patterns for quilt blocks that would in turn make a finished quilt. I’ve chosen a few of my favorite quilts from the book so that you can see the range of projects that are within these pages. It’s also fun to see all of my favorite bloggers’ faces within the pages, as they share their quilt patterns as well as their personal anecdotes about what makes quilt bees so great.

I personally plan on making the ‘Baseball Curves’ quilt…it really caught my eye because I love working with solids (although this would be great in a print as well!). I wanted to make it in time for this blog post, but October is a really crazy time, and I’m in the middle of crazy right now. 🙂

Check out the other dates on the Modern Bee Blog Tour!

Modern Bee Blog Tour
Monday, 10/7:  Sew Mama Sew + Stash Books
Tuesday, 10/8: SewCraftyJess + Sew Sweetness
Wednesday, 10/9: Ellison Lane + Diary of a Quilter
Thursday, 10/10: Katie’s Korner + Pat Sloan
Friday, 10/11: Fat Quarter Shop + imagine gnats
Saturday, 10/12: Quilting is My Therapy + Hot Pink Stitches
Monday, 10/14: Live a Colorful Life + Craft Gossip
Tuesday, 10/15: SewCanShe + Maureen Cracknell Handmade
Wednesday, 10/16: Craftsy + Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

Lindsay is also offering this generous giveaway of gift bags of fun sewing goodies, as well as a copy of her book!
Hop on over here to enter the giveaway!  
*Winner will be randomly selected after October 18, 2013 from all comments received. If the winner lives outside of the U.S., they’ll win a Modern Bee e-Book of instead of the gift bag.

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155 thoughts on “Book Review : Modern Bee – 13 Quilts to Make with Friends

  1. I have been looking out for this book! I love the concept and I am excited to finally crack it open!

  2. Kacey says:

    I’ve never done a bee, but I’d consider it in the future!

  3. Nessa says:

    I’ve never been a part of a Bee but I would love to and am on the look out for a UK one at some stage. I really like the idea of togetherness and group work as well as the variety of blocks you have the opportunity to create that could take you out of your preference/comfort zone.

  4. Nancy D. says:

    I’ve done bees on Flickr. I’m working on a quilt for my husband from blocks my bee mates helped create for it.

  5. Ellyn says:

    I’ve always wanted to do a bee but haven’t yet. this book would be a big help! looks great!

  6. Jackie D says:

    I am working on a tumbler block baby quilt at the moment I have never been part of a sewing bee but hope to at some stage.

  7. shayne says:

    I’ve never been apart of a Bee, but it sounds really fun!

  8. I’d love to do a quilting bee 🙂

  9. I have done an online bee but it would be fun to do one in person.

  10. Sharon says:

    The book looks great. I would love to make these three featured quilts.

  11. kristine lou says:

    what a glorious idea!

  12. Sara, I don’t think I could allow you to make a Baseball Curves quilts right now…lol! Keep in mind that I had lots of help from my bee! 😉 Thanks for the sweet review and post–I super appreciate you!

  13. Kathryn P. says:

    I’m actually getting ready to work on a jelly roll quilt. It’s the first time I’ve ever worked with a jelly roll so I’m excited about that. I haven’t been part of a bee yet but it is something I’d like to do.

  14. Lee says:

    I am just starting a “bee” with my best friend and daughter! This book looks wonderful! thank you!

  15. This looks like a wonderful book, I am going to check it out!

  16. Lisa Lisa says:

    I’ve never participated in a bee but hope to sometime soon! Currently working on binding a quilt, then starting on my MQG swap item that’s due tomorrow!

  17. I have never been part of a quilting bee. I am still not a confident quilter. I am not working on anything right now except cleaning and organizing my sewing room.

    Holly

  18. Courtneysews says:

    I’ve never been in a bee but it sure looks like fun. Great book!

  19. Jean MN says:

    Love the different quilts! Looking forward to checking out this book 🙂

  20. audrey says:

    I have been in a bee, and it was a great experience! I was pushed to try different blocks and color palettes, and I wound up with a sweet quilt. 🙂

  21. Toohey says:

    I have never been in a quilt bee, but it does sound like fun. Right now, I’m starting a slipcover for an old love seat — quite an overwhelming project. Thanks for the giveaway!

  22. Jennifer says:

    I have never been in an actual bee, but am in a virtual one.

  23. Georgia says:

    This idea inspires me! Had a similar experience with Japanese friends making me blocks as a going away gift.

  24. Georgi says:

    I’ve never been in a bee, although I have done some blocks for charity quilts. The book looks wonderful ~ thanks for the chance (fingers crossed!)

  25. CaroleM says:

    I’ve never been part of a bee, but I have an online quilting group that we all create blocks to go into one quilt together – it just is all done through the mail and volunteers etc…

  26. Onna says:

    Hi! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
    I have never done a ‘bee’ however know of them around the http://www…. I’m currently working on a drawstring lego playmate for my 6 year olds birthday (in 9 days… he’s reminding me daily as he tears a ring off his birthday month chain…. 🙂 And my beloved quilty project (for our bed) has started to gather dust…. because I had a baby in July. Motivation is just typing these words: I’ll get it done before the end of Nov. Thanks!

  27. Elizabeth says:

    Haven’t been in a bee yet, but possibly soon! I’m working on my mug rugs for an online swap–fun!

  28. R.Ása says:

    I´ve never been in a bee. But I will love this book……..
    Ragnheiður

  29. Darcy says:

    Seems like a fun book on a great topic – thanks for the review and the giveaway 🙂

  30. taety says:

    I never been a bee but I´m glad to be come one. beeee 🙂

  31. Debra Reed says:

    Thanks you so much for your lovely quilt posts. I look forward to them daily.

  32. I’m in the middle of an a-long but I’ve never been in a bee! That looks like a fun book and a great giveaway.

  33. Cheryl says:

    Love how you both bonded and enjoyed the back story!~

  34. Jane Ritz says:

    As a child, I was a part of quilting bees with my “Granny”. It was such fun and a great learning experience. I wouldn’t take anything for those memories. Thanks for this great giveaway.

  35. Cheryl says:

    Love how you both bonded and enjoyed the back story!~

  36. Lyanna L. says:

    What a fantastic book! I love participating in quilting bees — what a great chance to make friends!

  37. Nati says:

    I’ve never been in a quilting bee but tomorrow I go to my first sewing clothes class! super exited!! Thanks for the chance to win!

  38. Joyce says:

    I have not ever joined a bee…but now have that thought in my brain………..

  39. Liz says:

    I’ve always wanted to join a Bee, but haven’t tried joining one yet. Sounds like this book would help minimize any learning curves!

  40. Kristin says:

    I’ve never been part of a quilting bee but sounds like fun =)

  41. Ella says:

    I’ve been in a bunch of bees over on flickr!

  42. I love bees and the quilts I’ve made from the blocks from friends are my favorite. Love the book

  43. Sheri Fowler says:

    I’ve never been in a quilting bee, but I’ve loved the quilting classes I’ve gone to for the social & learning aspect. I’m working on finishing my first quilt (goal is by the end of the year….).

  44. I’ve never been part of a quilting bee!

  45. bessaroni says:

    This book looks great. I’ve never been involved in a quilting bee but I think I would really enjoy it.

  46. I have not had the chance to be part of an online bee yet but am interested to learn more. Thanks!

  47. Nicola B says:

    Love the look of this book …gonna get it for sure

  48. Lisa Drury says:

    Never been a bee but someday. this book would be a big help! looks great!

  49. Mar García says:

    This book looks great!

  50. Zafarani says:

    I’ve never been a part of a quilting bee. I’m working on a pattern test and 2 hoodies for my niece and nephew (and I want to make it for me!) lol

  51. bluebear says:

    Haven’t been part of a bee yet. This book looks great.

  52. Never been part of a quilting bee, but I think it would be fun.

  53. Marilyn Snow says:

    I’ve never done a bee, but it could be fun! The quilts you have posted are really cute — so many projects, so little time!

  54. Sonya says:

    Right now I am sewing bindings on four completed quilts. Thanks for the giveaway!

  55. Kathy Davis says:

    I am sewing some of those cute little slipper shoes for my grandbaby, Nellie.

  56. Julianne says:

    I am in the Simply Solids Bee on Flickr, its a lot of fun!

  57. Sewbig says:

    I have not been part of a sewing bee, but would love to try it. I am working on a French braid wall quilt.

  58. Can’t wait to get this book! I’d love to do this!

  59. Mary Gregory says:

    I’ve done two bees, and just got into the do. Good Stitches.

    Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance!

  60. Christine S says:

    Never done a bee. I’m working on a crib set right now 🙂

  61. KoolKat says:

    I have never been part of a sewing be. I live in Sarasota, FL where a group of Amish quilters sit in the local quilting shop and quilt for all to see. What beautiful work. I am working on baby quilts.

  62. Kelly says:

    I’d love to be part of a bee some time. Thanks for a great giveaway.

  63. Robin Huss says:

    I need this book! Thank you for the chance to win

  64. Figgy90 says:

    I have never been in a bee but have always thought it would be fun.

  65. Looks like some great inspiration for my quilt group!

  66. sera fina says:

    I so need this book. There’s a lot I could learn. I have not participated in a bee before but think it would be great fun.

  67. Lisa Marie says:

    I haven’t been a bee before but I have seen some really gorgeous quilts made by bees — makes me want to give it a try!

  68. Marilyn W says:

    Oh how fun a bee would be. I’ve not been a part of one, but would love to host one.

    I recently made girl pilgrim aprons for my daughter’s school (K4 are pilgrims and K5 are Indians) for the Thanksgiving program. It was fun. Also a charity quilt wall hanging. Next I’m on to Christmas presents for my neighborhood bunco group.

    Thanks for the chance to win this great gift.

    Marilyn in MS

  69. I’ve never done a bee, but I’d consider it in the future! Right now I’m sewing some boots for the baby of a friend 🙂

  70. I have never done a Bee before, but looks like fun. Love that quilt with the solids.

  71. Thanks for the info. I’ve never been part of a bee. Looking forward to seeing the book!

  72. Myself says:

    I’m currently working on a baby quilt for my sister’s upcoming birth 🙂

  73. Jacklynn says:

    I have a co-worker moving away for a new job next week, and I am making her a 241 tote to take with her. I’ve never been part of a bee – I would be the late one getting my block done ‘cuz I’m a huge procrastinator! Thanks for the give away!

  74. Beach Angel says:

    I have never participated in a Bee. I am working on 2 quilts at the moment.

  75. Tamie says:

    I’m currently sewing a sampling of things for a new granddaughter.

  76. Cecilia says:

    I haven’t participated in a Bee yet, but I hope to one day. I love the Triple Star quilt! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.

  77. Deb says:

    This book looks like a winner – thanks for the opportunity to win it! I love the idea of bee quilting.

  78. Esther F. says:

    I just love those quilts… And that FMQ is amazing! Very inspiring!!!
    Esther
    esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com
    ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com

  79. I belong to a quilting bee–We’ve been together since I started quilting about 10 years ago. In fact, we’re going on retreat this week-end. So excited for this new book! Can’t wait to get my hands on lit!

  80. Lori says:

    Never been a bee. Someday when life is not totally crazy I will do it. Right now I am sewing table runners for friends for Christmas. Thanks for a chance to win a great prize.

  81. abeullah says:

    Never been in a bee. Thanks for the chance to win.

  82. ecnyc15 says:

    these quilts look beautiful.

  83. Linda says:

    HELLO, no I have not been in a Bee;sounds interesting;maybe I should start one!
    Thanks for sharing!

    [email protected]

  84. CarolAnn says:

    I have never been in a Bee. Nice book! Great quilts.

  85. Heather says:

    Loving what I’ve seen so far!

  86. Jen Beatty says:

    Book looks great, can’t wait to get a copy!

  87. I have never been in a bee, too daunting! Maybe this book is what I need to help me get over my fears of joining one.

  88. I am getting ready to start my daughter’s baby quilt!

  89. kim leavens says:

    Starting (making a list) on Christmas sewing….quilted items!! I have never been in a quilt bee, maybe next year :0

  90. Mary Ellen says:

    I’ve never been part of a quilting bee but would like to one day. Not much sewing but hope to make some scarves for gifts soon.

  91. Jusmom1 says:

    This book looks fabulous. Thanks for the chance to win!

  92. Weezy says:

    I’ve been working on new outdoor furniture cushions – but I’d rather be quilting!

  93. Lucy says:

    I have not yet been in a bee but I’d like to. The book looks lovely, thanks for the chance to win a copy!

  94. Hobby flunky says:

    I have never been in a quilting bee. I am sewing pillow covers right now and tote bags. Thank you!

  95. Tiff K says:

    Will have to check the book out!

  96. I always seem to mess up the rafflecopter thingy. Hope this time is a charm. I am busy playing catch up after being sick. :-/ I’ve never been in a bee, but if I could find one in my area, I’d be tempted to join!

  97. Heidi says:

    I have never been part of a quilting bee. I would love to participate one day. I’m shopping for a local quilt guild too 🙂
    I am currently sewing hot/cold rice bags as a fundraiser item.

  98. Joy B. says:

    I’ve never been part of a quilting bee before, but I’m working on a BOM project now which isn’t really all that different I suppose. Would love to win this book!

  99. Catrin Lewis says:

    I’ve never joined a bee. I’m just a little scared that my piecing wouldn’t be good enough!

  100. Phyllis says:

    I’m a new quilter and have not been a part of a quilting bee…sounds like fun!

  101. I’m doing my first mini bee. So far so good! I really appreciate your review and your sharing about how your bee went. It gives such a good idea about how the book really is.

  102. Currently I’m working on a baby quilt for my nephew. He’s a year old now so I’m obviously a little behind.

  103. patti says:

    I just completed a tote bag using Noodlehead’s Super Tote pattern. Next up is several baby quilts that are past due!

  104. Allison says:

    I’d love to be part of a quilting bee! I mostly make kid’s clothes but have always wanted to try quilting.

  105. I wasn’t really sure what a quilting bee was. Silly, yeah? Can’t wait to get involved in one. Thanks for the post.

  106. Allison C says:

    Im sewing some baby bibs right now

  107. Rachel Booth says:

    i’ve been a member of several bees – in fact, Lindsey and I are in the same circle of do.Good

  108. Mama Lusco says:

    I have never done a quilting bee…looks like a beautiful book. Thank you!

  109. Michele T says:

    At the moment I am making plans (in my head) for Christmas gifts!!

  110. britiiz917 says:

    I have never done a bee, but I think it would be awesome!

  111. Fiesta says:

    I would lve to join a quilting bee but I work full time. May e when I retire

  112. I’m part of 3 bees, one I absolutely love, one that’s ok, and one that’s just awful and I can’t wait to finish this year!

  113. Cloud 9 says:

    There are some stunning quilts shown here, modern with still a touch of traditional. Perfect for me.

  114. Jaye says:

    I really like that Sawtooth Star quilt. I made that block for my Star Sampler and it was a difficult block to figure out – not the piecing, but the different sizes of the pieces. Still it came out stunning. I am glad I made it and seeing the quilt in the book tempts me to try it again.

    I was in a bee once. It disbanded unhappily after about 5 years. I haven’t tried very hard to join another.

  115. Melanie says:

    This book looks great! I belong to a quilt group….we haven’t done a group project for a bit (we are low maintenance group…often we just bring our fabric purchases and eat treats 🙂 )

  116. Daniela says:

    I like the white curves, I like the modern looks. Great job!

  117. Liz says:

    I’ve never been part of a bee, but it sounds like fun. Right now I’m working on Halloween costumes!

  118. kbo says:

    No Bee yet, but I am part of a group where we created a river flowing using 25 quilts.

  119. marigoula says:

    Hello from Greece! Nice stuff you’re doing there…

  120. Veks says:

    You doing wonderful things and i enjoy reading your posts. Right now I’m working on pillows for my girls bedroom.

  121. Beth says:

    I’ve never been in a bee, but my friends assure me that when their kids are bigger they will be happy to “bee” with me.

  122. charlotte says:

    Just finished the second year of Sunday Morning Quilts Bee. It was great fun and not without its challenges. All of my bee mates but one begged off of doing a third year, so now I am back to sewing alone…for now.

  123. Jake says:

    Right now I’m trying to finish 4 wips! After that I’ll start some more. Nice giveaway. Thank you!

  124. Cheryl Kirk says:

    This book looks awesome and would be a great resource for my guild as we start up some swaps.

  125. Beth says:

    Looks like a great book. And I love that baseball curve quilt too.

  126. Laughing Owl says:

    I’m always a little envious when reading about all the different bees going on here and there, as we don’t have such things where I live and it sounds really interesting… But maybe one day I will be brave enough to start the first bee around here 🙂

  127. linds says:

    I’ve never entered a sewing bee but I’d love to (also afraid my skills aren’t good enough). Right now Ive got a long list of kids clothes I want to make.

  128. Shannon says:

    I’ve never done a bee. I think I’m a little to anal to trust other people to create my vision.

  129. Carla G says:

    I haven’t been in any bees yet. I’m sewing pants for my son. 🙂 Thanks for a chance to win! 🙂

  130. SIMPLESEW says:

    Working on small baby quilts for newborn granddaughter a Bee would be helpful about right now

  131. I’ve participated in several bees – on Flickr and with my local quilt guild. It’s tough to choose a block when you’re the queen bee!

  132. I have participated in one bee. I am working on too many projects to keep track right now!

  133. Jamie says:

    Bees intimidate me because I’m so new to quilting. Right now I’m working on a giant monster quilt for a friend’s wedding gift.

  134. Jan says:

    I’ve never been in a bee, but I participated in one block swap. I was very disappointed in the blocks I received.

  135. KrankyMax says:

    I am making a quilt from my sons clothes to give to his son as a memorial to his fathers life.

  136. Pooch says:

    Maybe this would give me the push to do a quilting bee?!

  137. Virginia says:

    Never been in a bee. Making bags til I find a quilt I want to brave.

  138. Jenn says:

    Never been in a bee, but I am self-teaching myself to make baby quilts and queen size quilts. Would love to learn free motion quilting!

  139. Beeshebags says:

    I spy someone else who likes owls 🙂 I’m about to cut out and sew a pink and white themed bunting for my daughters upcoming baby shower in a couple of weeks.

    Hugs
    Naomi

  140. Carmen N says:

    The only quilting bee I know of meets at our church at 10am on Mondays and I’m always working. I think it would be fun though.

  141. Hailey Leon says:

    I’m doing a copycat of the Trellis quilt for charity right now!

  142. Nikita says:

    I;ve never been in a bee but it certainly looks fun, I may have to start my own using this book..round everyone up that I know.

  143. Annette says:

    i want to make a quilt so badly!!

  144. Bj says:

    I’m making a disappearing 9 patch right now plus a block of the month from one of the local quilt shops, the colors in these quilts are stunning.

  145. Deb says:

    I have never been part of a quilting bee….right now I am making rug mugs for a swap and making a ninja costume for my granddaughter.

  146. Shawna says:

    Looks like a wonderful book that I need! I have not yet been in a Bee. At the moment working on Christmas gifts and table runners. Thank you for a chance to win.

    missmoozie(at)gmail(dot)com

  147. Debby says:

    What beautiful quilts. Thanks for the chance to win.

  148. Cactusflower says:

    I’ve always been interested in quilting but have never made one. This book and the quilts are beautiful, I would love to win!

  149. Beautiful quilts! And a bag of goodies – YAY

  150. Anna says:

    I’m taking part in the Siblings Together Bee this year which is my first. My quilt is February and I’m already trying to think about what I want to do! Thanks for the give away!

  151. Me encantaría ganar este libro, aunque solamente fuera e-book. Gracias por la oportunidad.

  152. elizlind says:

    I’ve never be in a sewing bee – although it looks like fun! Right now I’m sewing nothing… my sewing room was disassembled to make room for my son!

  153. I’m making a quilt for my son..all 81/2 inch blocks…1/2 with appliqués…which I’m cutting out now…once that is done I think the rest will go together fast.

  154. trose says:

    I am working on getting back to my sewing room!! Ready for an overhaul and to get back to work…the book looks like it would be a great inspiration!

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