Quilting Bees
A Quilt Sewing Bee is a collaborative project during which a group of Guild members work together over the course of a year to sew quilt blocks for one another. In our guild there are several bees, each focusing on specific skills or quilt block piecing styles. Each bee has a Captain who will assist the bee members in deciding general requirements, setting a schedule, and determining the methods of communication and pattern exchange for their bee. At the beginning of the year, Guild members must sign up for their chosen bee which runs from January to December.
Current Guild Bees (2026)
- Improv Bee Group #1 – Captain: Sarah Jay
- Improv Bee Group #2 – Captain: Pat Bailey
- Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) Bee – Captain: Melinda Tatum Kaiser
- Medallion Bee (also called Round Robin) – Captain: Nancy Arico
- Newbee Bee – Captain: Helen Muth
How Does It Work?
Each month, one member of the group is designated as the Queen Bee. Just like a queen in a hive, they set the agenda for their month:
- The Vision: The Queen Bee selects a specific quilt block pattern, a color palette, or a particular theme.
- The Instructions: They provide the pattern details, fabric requirements, and any "dos and don’ts". This info might be exchanged at a monthly meeting, via email or using a Facebook group. Sometimes the Queen Bee provides fabric or patterns as part of their request.
- The Hive at Work: The other members (the "Worker Bees") then sew the block(s) according to the Queen Bee’s specifications. During the month we share our progress, ask for feedback, and offer encouragement.
What is the Result?
By the end of their month, the Queen Bee receives a collection of handmade blocks from their fellow members. They may then assemble them into a finished quilt top or wall hanging —a beautiful "sampler" of the group’s collective talent. By the end of the year, every member has taken a turn as Queen Bee.
How Can I Get More Information About the Bees?
Use the Contact Us form at the bottom of this page or send an email to phillymodernquiltguild@gmail.com
Philly Modern Quilt Guild