Hexie Love

All that Orange Peel sewing in circles made me want to move to some hand stitching for a bit, so I pulled out a half finished hexie pincushion and put it together.

The red rose fabric that I used for this one is really beautiful, made even more so by the fact that I only have one little bit of it. There's a little more left, so I can stretch the love into another project.

Usually I fill my pincushions with ground walnut shells but this time I also used a bit of stuffing to try and get the corners nicely shaped. I'm thinking that I like it with just the shells but I'll try again on another one to see if I can refine the process.

And, because I've been craving a piece of cake lately, I tested this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. SO glad that I did! It hit the mark perfectly. The hint of lemon in the frosting is literally the icing on the cake. The Official Cookie Tester is still licking his chops....M

Lets Celebrate!

Five years ago my QuiltBee blog was launched and, like so many recreational quilters who don't blog to support a business, there were lots of questions running through my mind as to whether or not I would have anything of interest to say, or for how long. But it was something that I was keen to do and I'm so glad that I did - it has been wonderful! I've met so many warm, funny, creative quilters and learned so much, but even more importantly, it has helped me develop a discipline to not only start but finish things up. Now don't get me wrong, there's still a healthy list of things that need to be finished, but I've accomplished so much more than I ever expected.

I'm incredibly humbled by the fact that you stop by regularly to see what it is that I am working on and I always look forward to your comments and suggestions. It's amazing to be a part of a generous and talented global community that check in with each other periodically to see what's up and it has helped me grow and stretch my thinking. It's also been a wonderful inspiration for me to see what you are working on.

So why don't we celebrate our online friendship with a little anniversary giveaway? I've stitched a hexie pincushion for the occasion. I'd like to say that it was my idea but you have the lovely and talented Susan at Thimblestitch to thank for that - I lifted the idea from her (I think I need to make a second one for moi!).

And, in keeping with the hexie/bee theme, a piece of this great bee fabric - I haven't cut into it yet but it will be at least a fat quarter, if not more.

Just leave me a comment by end of day Friday, October 21 and let me know what part of the quilting process you enjoy the most. The Official Cookie Tester will be pressed into service to draw the winning name on Saturday and if you are a no-reply blogger please remember to leave your email address in your comment so that I can touch base with you if your name is drawn. Thanks so much!....M