I can’t wait until the Dear Stella’s “Meant to Bee” collection is released so I can make this as designed! When we design for fabric lines, we have images of the fabric to make the design. Then, we test it with something similar…. but it is never quite the same.
This quilt and the associated fabric evoke wonderful childhood memories of visiting Sturbridge Village, Williamsburg, and Genesee Country Village and Museum. They had bee hives tucked into the villages and made local honey.
Now, an amazing friend of mine, Jenn Goeller of Cedar Lake Farm raises bees, which produce the most magnificent honey. She plants wildflowers for the bees to nuzzle into and grab nectar for their honey. She created the farm after her daughter, Lily, survived Leukemia to not only enable cleaner living for her family but for others as well. Lily was diagnosed with Leukemia when she started kindergarten and fought bravely with lots of love and prayers to beat it two years later. It is ironic that the gold colors in this collection not only remind me of bees and pollen, but also of the Childhood Leukemia ribbons, that adorn our neighborhood. Honey Bee Happy received its name because of the fond childhood memories it evoked in me, but also because of the joy I see at Cedar Lake Farm.
The completed quilt is 74-inches square. It is the perfect size for a throw or covering for a large wall space. The center Hive block is strip pieced. The pieced border are framed nine patch blocks with appliqued bees on it. The pattern keeps it simple and recommends raw-edged fusible applique, but you can applique in the method you like best.
If you are interested in Honey Bee Happy pattern, check out our store.
Happy Quilting!
Laureen