The Honey Pot Bee: FAQ

The response to #TheHoneyPotBee has already been so deliciously incredible! I was content with being the only person involved, and for some reason y’all want to sew along with me. Well, the more the merrier, I say! With word spreading like wild fire, there are already rumours playing out across social media. So I wanted to take the opportunity to reiterate some of the finer points, and clarify some things in this Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) guide. I will maintain this as a living blog post in The Honey Pot Bee tab at the top of the site. If you have any additional questions that need asking, send them my way!

Q: When does it start?
A: The first official tutorials will be posted on Wednesday, 04 January AEST (which will be 03 January most everywhere else). I know this cuts short a bit of your January time, but honey, it’s a holiday. I’m telling you now, I’m going to be nursing a New Year’s fireworks and champagne celebration hangover for a few days, so just take the extra time to get your sewing machines fired up!

Q: How are the Queens and Kings selected?
A: I have already pre-selected twelve people that inspire me. The other twelve will come from volunteers like you! There are lots of people waving their hands in the air, screaming “pick me, pick me!” So it looks like I’ll randomly select people from that list.

Q: Who are the Queens and Kings?
A:
January
Angie – Gnome Angel
Molli – Molli Sparkles

February
Adrianne – On the Windy Side
Fi – Living Cloth

March
Amy – 13 Spools
Alida – Tweety Loves Quilting

April
Audrey – Hot Pink Quilts
Kitty – The Night Quilter

May
Julie – Intrepid Thread
Collin Fellows – @CollinFellows

June
Alyce – Blossom Heart Quilts
Debbie – Assemble NJ

July
Leanne – She Can Quilt
Jill – @UrbanPolyester

August
Sam – Hunter’s Design Studio
Rebecca – One Wee Bird

September
Sarah – No Hats In the House
Erin – Quilt By Starlight

October
Kelly – Jeli Quilts
Angela – @StitchyScientist

November
Kristy – Quiet Play
Marni – Frankenstein’s Fabrics

December
Yvonne – Quilting Jet Girl
Isabelle – Teach Sew Love

Q: How much does it cost?
A: It’s absolutely free, but if you want to send champagne, I won’t say no!

Q: How do I join?
A: Since you keep blocks for yourself, there really is nothing to “join” in the typical sense. The tutorials will be posted on my blog at the beginning of each month, so as long as you have access to the Internet, you are good to go! You are more than welcome to join The Honey Pot Bee Facebook group (tutorials also posted there), or subscribe to my blog via email.

Q: How do I subscribe to your blog posts so I don’t miss a thing?!
A: On the sidebar of the desktop version of my blog (e.g. viewing from a tablet / computer, and not phone) there is an email capture field that says, “Glitter Your Inbox.” Simply type your email address there and hit the “Push My Button” button. Done!

Q: How do I share what I make? Do I have to share?
A: You don’t have to share a thing, only what you are comfortable with sharing. If you decide you want others to have a peeksie, drop it on Instagram using #TheHoneyPotBee, or in The Honey Pot Bee Facebook group.

Q: How do I join The Honey Pot Bee Facebook group?
A: Click the link, request access, and I’ll approve you as soon as my hot pants allow. I’ve kept it as a “Closed” group to keep spammers out.

Q: I don’t have Facebook or Instagram, what do I do?!
A: If there’s something you want to share, just send me a photo and I’ll put it on my blog! Easy peasy!

Q: What do I do now?
A: Enjoy the holiday season! The first block tutorials won’t be posted until January, so until then, just sit back and enjoy another cocktail. You are royalty, after all!

Q: What’s the difference between a Queen/King and a Princess/Prince?
A: The Queens/Kings will be selecting the tutorials for the year, while the Princesses/Princes will be sewing their own versions which they keep for themselves.

Q: What kind of blocks and techniques will be used in The Honey Pot Bee?
A. Your guess is as good as mine! There are no real stipulations for the Queens / Kings except that the block tutorials be found for free online so that everyone has access. There will definitely be varying sizes, techniques and skill levels. However, there will always be at least two block options, so you can choose to make one, both, or neither block!

Q: Do I have to make all of the blocks?
A: Of course not! You can make one block for the entire year, or you can make eighty-seven of them. It’s your fabric, your time, your call.

Q: What if my blocks are not good enough?
A: There are no judgements here! Since you keep everything for yourself, you only have to please yourself.

Q: What fabric should I use?
A: That’s totally up to you, but some suggestions are: one fabric line, one designer but multiple fabric lines, rainbow, 2-colour quilt, neutrals, random, everything but the kitchen sink, solids, low volume, brights.

Q: What fabric are you using?
A: Whatever strikes my fancy on that day! I’m trying to keep my colour palette full of intense, saturated colours. If you’re familiar with the low volume style, think of the opposite, and that’s what I’m going for.

Q: Can my friends join in the fun?
A: You don’t keep fabulous a secret! Spread it around the office Christmas party!

Q: Where do I send my blocks?
A: SMH. Oh sweetie. Stop, and start again.