The Quilt Show Block of the Month 2009 - Part 2

Just finished The Quilt Show's 2009 BOM month 2. Now I'm only a little behind, but I doubt I'll get March's portion done before the end of the month. I'll just keep plugging away.

I'm loving this so far, but it is a challenge and really stretches my piecing skills! Lot's of pinwheels for the next round. Haven't decided on the fabric for the next round, but it'll be a variation of what I've used so far.

Billie

Newest Find: Matilda's Own Revolving Rotary Cutting Mat

A few weeks ago while visiting a local quilt shop, I came across a new tool. It is a revolving rotary cutting mat made by Matilda's Own (an Australian company). I've purchased and used a lot of rotating cutting mats, but always had problems with them. What I really liked about this one was that it was large, measuring 15" across, so could accommodate large blocks.

When I got it home and used it, I fell in love with it. It stays wherever I put it, and it rotates like a dream. It is now a fixture next to my sewing machine when I am working on piecing blocks. It was fairly expensive (retails for around $50), but well worth it. I noticed that Nancy's Notions is now carrying them, and has them on sale. This mat is great for working with plastic templates and paper cutting guides!

Favorite Sewing and Quilting Blogs - Links Added

I've just added a new section to my blog that will contain some of my favorite quilting and sewing blogs. So far I've just added two, so watch for more to come.

Quilter Blogs is one where you can read dozens of quilting-related blogs from dozens of quilters in one place! It scans the blogs in its database many times a day and displays snippets of the quilting-related blog on their updates page. Gain inspiration from quilters all over the world. Quilter Blogs also features a search engine for online quilt stores. You can search hundreds of sites for specific fabric, thread, quilt patterns, projects, and notions.

Mother Superior's Blog from Superior Threads is great for those fans of Superior Threads.

I'll be adding more and more links as I have time. There are some great blogs out there!

The Quilt Show Block of the Month 2009 - Part 1

I decided to tackle The Quilt Show's block of the month for 2009. I love feathered stars but never was brave enough to try them. The pattern is very well written. The center section is paper-pieced. I am really challenged doing paper piecing -- I think it's a spacial thing -- but I was able to do it and it came out perfectly. I think it was easier because you cut the basic shapes first, so I didn't have gaps when I flipped the piece over and it didn't cover the next area.

I am using batiks, which are my favorite fabrics. I can't wait to see this whole thing finished.

Here's a picture of each of the individual pieces and then the units as I put them together.

Ta-Da - Month 1 done. I'm only two months behind now. Maybe I'll get caught up.