Reporting in...

The week has just flown by and I have eventually (nearly) caught up on my bee blocks for June. First up was the improv log cabin block for Lynz in the Hipbees. I have to say that it took me until now to make it, as I was dreading doing it. I am not one for wonkiness or making it up as I go along, so this month was a test of my abilities. Once I got started, I really got into it and had a really fun hour making it up as I went along. I just love that about being in a bee. Sometimes you don't think that you can do something and it pushes you out of your comfort zone. Lynz asked for a little of us in the block, so I added a little of Flea Market Fancy as it matched the colour palette. 

Improv log cabin 'Di Style'

I used just about all the fabric that Lynz sent, so I had to piece a little square together together to make the signature block.

Left over pieces from the improv log cabin

I have no idea if this is what improv log cabin really is, but it is my best shot. It went in the post on Friday so it should be with Lynz very soon.

Second up, were Trip a Long blocks for Collette who is June Queenie in the Bee a Brit Stingy. These blocks really did trip along through my sewing machine at great speed. 

Trip a longing for Collette

The block on the right was made with my new fabric that I bought at the Quilt Show at Springfields, in Spalding. I reckon that Collette is going to have a really vibrant quilt once all her blocks are made.

I started this blog with saying nearly all my bee blocks are made. The Bee Blessed blocks are still outstanding. As I have seen where Sarah and Judith meet in Belfast, it makes this Bee more real and so I don't want to let them down. I will do them before the end of the month - promise.

Yesterday was a really nice day. The National Centre for Craft & Design is just down the road in Sleaford. It is based in a former pea warehouse and has been transformed into a truly brilliant space. It is the largest venue in England to be entirely dedicated to contemporary craft and design. Why it is based in Sleaford is beyond me, but it is a jewel in Sleaford's crown! 

National Centre for Craft and Design, Sleaford

Yesterday they had a special day based around crafts with yarn. I planned to drop in and see if there were any demonstrations and be home before 11.00am. I was quite amazed at what was going on as there were workshops and an exhibition along with demonstrations taking place throughout the day. All the workshops were free and included yarn.Their advertising is really poor and the website doesn't say what is going on so it is always a surprise when you show up.

 

So I tried my hand at crocheting in two separate workshops. I can crochet a little but it was great to have someone explain things to you when you got stuck.

In the first workshop I  made a couple of little hearts. I now know what a half treble stitch is!!!

Little crocheted hearts

Then I progressed onto flowers...

And in the second workshop I made a hexagonal granny block.

I had a blast. So much so that I didn't get home until after 3pm! It was a really fun day.

I reckon that I might now have a second craft to pursue as I found crocheting really addictive. Watch this space!!!

Di x