Bee Patriotic

 This project was one of those things I started in 2020 based on a Sew Along online, made almost all of the blocks, and then decided I did not like the blocks together due to the fabric choice I made. 

Bee Patriotic was a Lori Holt sew along.  She was doing her blocks in red, white, and blue (in the 12" size) but at the time the sew along started I had just finished a Quilt of Valor and decided not to do more RWB.  So I pulled out a fat quarter bundle of brights and made the 6" blocks.  Obviously the name Bee Patriotic doesn't fit anymore, and that's OK. 

After making 10 of the 12 blocks, I layed them all out and thought "YUCK" - I just didn't care for them next to each other.  And one of the blocks I didn't like at all.  So, the last 2 blocks didn't happen and it all went back into the project box.  However, after some time to think about it, I realized that I could still make something with 9 of the blocks. 

And then a happy accident this week - I trimmed up the backing on a UFO just back from the quilter - and there was a light bulb moment.  That backing had all of the crazy colors from those blocks!!!  I used the backing for borders, and think it's made all the difference, and really pulled the blocks together.  I kind of like this again.  

It's about 30" square so it could make a good wall hanging or table topper.  I will give it some thought before deciding how to quilt it.  And the good news - I have emptied the project box, so it's ready to organize another UFO for that box.