Tag Archives: bee blocks

• 10 Comments

•

Last month, Chris gave us the open-ended invitation to play with line in our improv blocks for her. Straight lines and how they intersect, or how they don't. She asked for black background (I used Kona Black) and as many colors as we like (at least two) for our lines, preferably brights.

My lines all vary between 1/8" and 1/2" in width. I really enjoy the look and process of piecing a skinny 1/8" strip. So I started with that.

This first one is about 12" x 12" with 1/8" strips in three colors. Technically the lines intersect somewhere to the lower left outside of the block. This block accidentally has 90's neon laser photo backdrop vibes for me.

My second block is 8" x 8" and more precise with two 1/2" strips intersecting in the center of the block.

My last block is about 7" x 6" and I thought of the branches on a plant or the veins on a leaf.

Thanks for visiting!

• 4 Comments

•

In September, Carole asked us to use time as our inspiration for her blocks. She asked us to use solids only with any shape or image that relates to time. And she chose the stunning tetrad palette of blue-green, red-violet, red-orange, and yellow-green (including recommended Kona suggestions to help us out).

My first thought that I couldn't shake was the idea of time passing as my children grow. I created a "watch me grow" block of sorts where I improv pieced the bodies of the three images and then added needle turn appliqué for the heads.

My second block was a simple timeline. It is meaningful to me because it represents the births (not to scale) of me and my siblings. I'm the oldest by 8 years.

My final block was a simple 4-patch block to represent the found seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall.

These colors were a joy to work with and I really enjoyed the process of puzzling out my plan to construct the children. Other blocks created in the bee included inspiration from song lyrics,  hashmarks, and a clock.

This month we're sewing improv Christmas blocks, but I also need to show you the improv Line blocks I made last month.

Happy sewing!

•

Last month, I created blocks for E. A. She asked us "to think about how it feels when someone holds space for you and allows you to be who you are in a place that is safe. Alternatively, you could think about how it feels when you hold space for someone." She asked for abstract blocks created in pairs, with no limit on colors.

These pairs of blocks were created in parallel with each other. I didn't make one block and then copy it. I made two blocks at the same time. Since they are improv you can see slight variations in angles, shapes, and sizes within the block. They each finish at around 12" square.

 

I worked intuitively with my color choices. In my first blocks I started with scrappy greens and a bold orange. This tied to having big feelings inside. I finished these blocks with light colors, emulating the calm of being able to share authentically with another person.

My second set of blocks once again features a bold color in the center. I thought of these blocks as emulating a hug. I think of pink as the color of love.