Welcome to the quilting bee! With the help of popular author/illustrator Gail Gibbons, you'll learn how quilts are made and discover their fascinating history as well as lots of fun facts. This picture book with bright watercolors follows a quilting circle from the time a new quilt is planned to the point where it's displayed at the county fair. Dating back centuries, quilting bees were important social functions, combining both work and pleasure. They still exist today and attract thousands of snippers, clippers, and stitchers from all walks of life. Some traditional quilt patterns have funny names: Trip Around the World, Bear's Paw, Crazy Quilt. Today's quilt makers also use their imaginations to create new designs that are works of art. Here's the book to get you started in the wonderful world of quilts. Maybe you'll want to make one of your own!

The original book on the renowned Freedom quilters of Gee's Bend In December of 1965, the year of the Selma-to-Montgomery march, a white Episcopal priest driving through a desperately poor, primarily black section of Wilcox County found himself at a great bend of the Alabama River. He noticed a cabin clothesline from which were hanging three magnificent quilts unlike any he had ever seen. They were of strong, bold colors in original, op-art patterns—the same art style then fashionable in New York City and other cultural centers. An idea was born and within weeks took on life, in the form of the Freedom Quilting Bee, a handcraft cooperative of black women artisans who would become acclaimed throughout the nation.

Modern Bee--13 Quilts to Make with Friends by Lindsay Conner features 13 projects for a virtual one-year quilting bee. Crafted with a modern aesthetic, the patterns are inspired by traditional quilt blocks as well as bits and pieces of daily life. As you quilt along with this book from month to month, you'll master sewing techniques elevating in difficulty--from easy to advanced. Each project is comprised of block instructions and a pattern to finish a full-size quilt. You'll also find a comprehensive section on quilting basics and plenty of tips on organizing your own virtual bee.

Three charming stories of cozy quilting circles and budding romance Patchwork Promises by Amy Clipston When Colin Zook and his beloved grandmother lose everything in a fire, their greatest loss is a beloved family heirloom quilt that helped keep her dementia at bay. When Joanne Lapp hears about the loss, she decides to re-create the quilt. Colin soon feels himself developing feelings for her, but he’s held back by the knowledge that a future with him would involve care of his grandmother and his farm. Will Joanne look past his list of responsibilities and see him for who he truly is? A Common Thread by Kathleen Fuller Susie Glick returns from a shopping trip laden with beautiful fabric for her quilting group. On the bus ride, Alex Lehman—her crush from three years ago—sits next to her. Alex left Middlefield to explore the country, and now he’s back and ready to join the church. Susie was just a kid when he left, but now she’s a woman—and she definitely has his interest. The women in her quilting circle aren’t as excited about Alex’s return, assuming that he’ll leave again in search of adventure. Susie is convinced they’re wrong, but just as they start dating, Alex tells Susie he has to leave. He says he’ll return, but Susie must decide whether or not she can trust the man she fears has captured her heart. Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray Rosie’s joy is her yearly project for the Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale, and she dreams of being the top earner. But she’s worried that she’s bitten off more than she can chew with her latest entry. To make things even more confusing, after coming to terms with her single state, she’s recently formed a friendship with Tim Christner. He’s only in town for a month, but he has Rosie wondering if she’s found love at last. Now all she has to do is figure out how to get the quilt done so she can concentrate on him. But with her once very organized life in total disarray, everything comes to a head just before the sale. Rosie is forced to reexamine her priorities before she loses not only her place in the quilt show but everything else she’s ever wanted. Sweet Amish novellas with happily-ever-afters Book length: 75,000 words Includes discussion questions for book clubs

The quilting bee gets a modern makeover • From the creators of popular blog, blockpartyquilting.com • Let go of “the rules” with 12 fun, funky, and improvisational projects • The fundamental techniques are outlined-from fabric selection to quilt tops to binding • Projects are perfect for both beginner and experienced quilters It's hip to be square! In this inspiring book, quilting mavericks Alissa and Kristen chronicle their year-long "virtual" quilting bee. Twelve chapters (one for each month) showcase the designs of today's leading modern quilters along with easy-to-follow guidelines, so you can reinvent their work in your own signature style. Best of all, with this book in hand, you'll have everything you need to start your own online quilting bee and enjoy collaborating with other fabric lovers around the world.

"Spelling Bee includes instructions for 100 letter, number, punctuation and picture blocks in two sizes PLUS 18 quilt projects."--Amazon.