[3 x 6] Sampler Quilt Mini Bee

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About [3 x 6] Sampler Quilt Mini Bee

How our bee works! {updated 4/22/2013}

This group is for people who want to join the [3 x 6] Sampler Quilt Mini Bee (3 x 6 Bee). This is a smaller version of the usual quilt bee which lasts for 12 months. Instead, our bee lasts for 2.5 months and you make and receive six blocks in that time frame. We are welcoming to international quilters and those that are new to the online bee communities. This means you may be paying for international postage. If this is not something you can do than this may not be the bee for you.

Our quarters run February 1st – April 15th, May 1st – July 15th, August 1st - October 15th, and November 1st - January 15th.

Each participant (aka bee) will be assigned a hive. That hive will have 6 bees and one caretaker. Each person will submit up to three colors plus a neutral/background color. Then each person in the hive makes six 12.5” x 12.5” blocks of their choosing (same pattern) for each other in the other participant’s color choices. So at the end of the quarter each person will have six different blocks all made with the same colors.

This Sampler Quilt Bee is meant for people to be open, accepting, and surprised by what your group makes for you. Each person will be able to give loose guidelines for what colors they like and what types of fabric or colors they do not like. However, the idea is to receive blocks from very talented people using fabric and patterns that you most likely would not make yourself. Please don’t be picky and try to dictate what blocks or fabrics that others are choosing, instead be open minded and pleasantly surprised at how well the blocks blend when all put together.

Rules of the game:

*Everyone must check into their hive by the 7th of the first month in the quarter. Otherwise you will be replaced and not allowed to participate in the next quarter. You are required to post an introduction and a mosaic in your hive’s thread within the first seven days of the quarter.

*Please check in on your hive on a regular basis to assure your fellow bees that you are still actively working on their blocks, to thank them for blocks received and to post the date in which you mailed your blocks.

*Please post a photo of the blocks you make. If you do not post a picture and your blocks never arrive, you will be required to remake them before the next quarter.

*Blocks must be mailed by the deadline. Late senders will be required to mail packages with tracking numbers and to FM the tracking numbers to . Late senders will be required to sit out the next quarter...and if you don’t mail your blocks at all (a No-sender) you will be banned from all future quarters. We understand that things happen sometimes, so It is of the utmost importance to communicate if you will be late so you are not mistaken for a No-sender. If there are extenuating circumstances please contact the queen bee in charge of your hive to get an extension.

*When you send your blocks be sure to send a note that has your flickr name and hive so they know who it came from! =)


Things to keep in mind:

* When deciding what kind of block to make for your hive members, consider doing a 'test block' in your own colors beforehand. Evaluate the end results: Is it too time consuming to make 6 more blocks or above your sewing level? Remember, everyone prefers a simple well-made block over a complicated block that is late or poorly made.

*You must use fresh, new, quilt shop quality fabric for your blocks (i.e. no Joanns, Hancocks etc). Everyone uses their own fabric stash to create the blocks that they mail out and no one can request certain fabrics or designers.

*Please take the time and effort to construct your blocks well and use a ¼ inch seam allowance (unless the pattern dictates otherwise). Anything less will likely fall apart.

*Our bee could not run without the efforts of our caretakers. We appreciate all that they do! :-)

If you have any questions, please feel free to send a Flickr Mail to , , or your caretaker. You can also start a new discussion thread. We are happy to help and want everyone to have fun!