Sew Sweet Bee Club!

Hello friends!  Last year I was asked if I'd like to participate in a Sewing Bee Club and after learning the details I was all in.  It works like this:  there are eleven members and each member has a month that they are the Queen Bee.  They get to choose the quilt block they would like all the other members to make for them.  We each make the block and mail it by the end of the month (hopefully... I've been known to be a little late.  Sigh.)  

I enjoyed it so much that when I was asked to be in the club again this year I promptly said yes! 

Back in January when I knew that my month to be Queen was May, I began thinking about what kind of quilt block I wanted all the Bees to make for me.  You wouldn't think it would be that difficult would you?  After a lot of careful thought I realized that what I really want is a simple scrappy block to make a picnic quilt for boating this summer.  

The block I chose is the Courthouse Steps Block, the fastest block ever to make!  Here is a quick little tutorial for anyone interested in making one for yourself!  

Choose seven different scrappy fabrics and cut them in the following sizes:

Cut 1:   3.5 inch center square

Cut 2:   2 inch by 3.5 inch strips

Cut 2:   2 inch by 6.5 inch strips

Cut 2:   2 inch by 6.5 inch strips

Cut 2:   2 inch by 9.5 inch strips

Cut 2:   2 inch by 9.5 inch strips

Cut 2:   2 inch by 12.5 inch strips

Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew in the following order:

1) Sew the 3.5 inch length strips to each side of the center square.  

2) Sew the 6.5 inch strips to the top and bottom.  

3) Sew your next set of 6.5 inch strips to each side.  

4) Sew the first set of 9.5 inch strips to the top and the bottom.

5) Sew the next set of 9.5 inch strips to each side.

6) Finish by sewing the two 12/5 inch strips to the top and bottom.  

Your block should look like the block in the picture above!

Here are a couple tips to make it come out square:

1) Iron every strip after you sew it down, ironing the seams away from the center square.

2) Square off or trim any strips that are even a tiny bit too long after sewing.  It will help the next strips go on straighter.  

It's just a fun block that I'm super excited to make a few to add to the 10 that I will recieve.  I can't wait to see all the different scrappy fabrics and colors!  

Happy Spring!