I stopped off at the post office on my way home last night to send away my last contribution to the Maple Leaf Bee, the Canadian virtual quilting bee that I participated in throughout 2010. They are about to start up again for 2011, and if you're interested, I think they're still looking for a few members. Click through to find out more. December's block was for Nicole (our wonderful bee organizer). It took a lot of fussy work, but I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. If you'd like to try it for yourself, Hanie's Quilts provides a great tutorial. One note: mine came out at 12" square, not 12.5". November's block went out a little late (mid-December: oops!) but I thought it was a sharp one too. This one was a modified Dresden plate, made infinitely easier because Ariane provided pre-cut shapes and a thorough tutorial. It came together quite easily. My month was October, so I didn't do any sewing; rather I was in charge of sending out the envelopes of fabric – and had the excitement of opening all the fat envelopes that came back! I'm still waiting on a few blocks, but here's a mosaic of the pieces that have been completed so far. It's going to be a sampler quilt. 1. Untitled, 2. Jacob's Ladder for Austen, 3. 005, 4. Hope Valley Block for Austen, 5. maple leaf bee october for austen g., 6. MLB October for Austen, 7. October Block for Austen - MLB, 8. Block for Austen, 9. MLB October for Austen Isn't it neat? As soon as I receive the final blocks, and when I finally shake this knitting bug that's got me, I'll get to work sewing it up. I think it'll be a perfect quilt for snuggling up with on a quiet Sunday afternoon.