Stripes in Block 4 warning

Just a warning before you cut. The pink and white stripped piece provided has the stripes running vertically and thus if you cut the two inch strips running across the width of the fabric, as I did, the stripes run vertically on the parrallelogram, not along the length of it (ie they wont be parallel to the long side). This is best illustrated by looking at Meg's block and comparing it to the picture of the pretty block in the instructions. To fix the problem, cut the two-inch strips across the fabric provided, not along it.

Alternative is not to worry about it as I think Meg's is fine, but you wont get the same effect as in the instructions.

I dont know if the contemporary block piece is cut the same way.

I should have realised before I cut, and most of you probably worked it out beforehand, but just in case.....

Block #4 - I learned an interesting thing about fabric substitution on this block that I think others might find helpful. I incorrectly cut the background fabric and I didn't have enough left to use it -- really sad about this as I loved that fabric but we've all got one of those stories! Luckily I have a decent collection of pinks and I found something that "matched" when I held it up to the block center. But something seemed off and I hesitated to cut for a couple of days. Then, I don't know why, I remembered I had something Kathy had suggested to me a couple of years ago -- a tone indicator, a small red piece of plastic that takes the color out of the fabric, leaving you with nothing but a light, medium, or dark reading. Well, interesting...the fabric that 'matched' but seemed 'off' was in fact very light; had no dark contrast in the print like the original fabric choice; and was clearly very boring through the tone indicator. So, I dug through my stash until I came up with something that matched the tone of the original fabric nearly perfectly, something I had not previously considered. Now I have this:

Truth be told, I still prefer the original fabric, but this is far better than what I would have chosen and even though I don't like it quite as much, there's no nagging feeling of something being wrong. Finally, for kicks, I looked at all four blocks through the tone indicator. Absolute perfection!! So, like or dislike individual pieces, the fabric being chosen is really working.

Hope this helps somebody out there. I'm sure Kathy can give much further advice on this topic!

Whew, Block #2 finished.

Hi Ladies, I'm making progress. Block two was a bit of a challenge with set in seams, which I got progressively better at! My fabrics for the third block are being laundered, and my goal is to complete block #3 before the fourth one arrives on my doorstep! I have really appreciated all the help on this posting - it's more help than you can imagine. Donna

Test Block One

Here is my test block no 1. I started a bit behind the rest of you and I haven't caught up yet.

I love this block and am going to make 3 more to go with the test block and make a small wall hanging. I will be starting on the actual block this week.

Block one complete, Block two started

I finished the first block, and in retrospect, really enjoyed it. As I'm usually working on reproduction quilts, this is a big change and the block was a challenge for me. This blog helped a lot, with all the suggestions. I do love the colors, tho I've changed the center. The block is machine pieced, and hand appliqued to the background. I've put it on the wall in my sewing room - and look at it everyday. Thanks so much to Cathy who instructed me in how to post....which was nearly as much of a challenge as the block! Donna McL

set in seams......arhhhhh

Just got the pattern for this month and they say we have set in seams.................I have never done that before........any tips............mind you I have a few months to catch up on but thats life...........

Chookyblue............

Block 3

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted here, this month has been crazy busy, but my practice block and my real block are now done.
Practise block....

Real block....

This block was quicker and easier to do than the first two, although my favourite is still that gorgeous block one. It's fun waiting for the postie each month to see what will come next!!!