Nancy, I didn't make the smaller version, Sue did! I just posted it, and it's made out of Alex's new fabric line!

I think the quilt would be wonderful in repro fabrics, and the center parts would be perfect for a baby sized quilt or table topper.

And I can tell you that after the center part is done the rest of blocks are not necessarily done in rounds. That would be really boring, so Sue has broken it up to do just a few of each kind each month. Because the largest blocks are only 6" (finished) it's not really so overwhelming!

Obviously, this is NOT a quickie quilt. It will take some time to get all of the parts done, but I think it is definitely worth the effort. Yes, it looks complicated, but when it's broken down, we are just dealing with squares, rectangles, triangles and a few star points around one octagon. WE CAN DO THIS!!!

I have never done a feathered star, so it will be a nice challenge for me. I've done paper piecing and like it. However, this quilt looks like SO much work! Instead of just a block a month, it looks like it will be several blocks a month to complete a "round".

Thank you, Margo, for making an example that's smaller, using just a few of the rounds. I think this is what I will ultimately end up doing. I've also seen round robins where instead of a whole round of flying geese, for example, the quilter made just a few at opposite corners. This turned out very effective and pretty.

I plan on using my stash. I really need to and don't want to go buy a ton of new fabric for another project; I do that too often!

What do you all think about using 30's and 40's repros, keeping to the smaller size of just a few of the rounds and ending up with a fairly sophisticated baby quilt? Comments appreciated!

Nancy in Western NY

Margo is such a glutton for punishment, isn't she? Luckily, we are all the beneficiaries of her gluttony! Go, Margo!!

Sue Garman

Like I said before, I had never made a feathered star before doing this one, and had never done Paper Piecing, but Sue's directions are GREAT, and everything worked out beautifully! I plan to make another quilt using Sue's alternate blocks for my niece, so hopefully I'll be able to post pictures of that one each month in case anyone doesn't want to tackle the original designs.

Thanks, Margo! I just had visions of doing dozens of stars only to find out I was printing them out wrong! ARRRRG!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois, home to stay if the weather turns sour as if forecasted!

I got the last of the fabric for the 2009 BOM.
So fabric wise I am all set.
I am looking forward to doing something besides applique, and BERRIES for a change.

Margarita in Auburn, CA, working on DEC 08 BOM.

Thanks, Lilo. That's great news!!! Marge

Hey Everyone,

We will, as always, post the 2009 BOM pattern the first day of each month. So... that means on Jan 1 we will have a present waiting just for you.

Lilo (TQSWizard)

Thanks, Margo. It's not as if I'll have nothing to work on if it isn't available Jan. 1, but I'm still anxious to get started on this! Marge

I don't know for sure, and am not privy to who actually posts them, but am assuming that it will be available on the first, like we've been getting the patterns for 2008. I will ask John, and let you know what he says.

Margo, maybe you know the answer to this one. When will the 1st month of the 2009 BOM post? Will it be a New Year's day gift or will it be available later in the month? Inquiring minds (at least this one) want to know. Marge

GREAT QUESTION MAGGIE!! But rest assured that Sue reminds us in every set of instructions to be sure the printer scale is set to "NONE". She also gives us a test square to measure to make sure that the Paper Piecing templates are printing at the right size! Ya really don't want to do all that PPing at the wrong size!!

OK...I can see right now that explaining next year's BOM will be fun!!

Okay, I gots me a question! (sorry about that! LOL!) I know we had a discussion earlier in the year as to printing out the patterns. I didn't pay much mind then, as I was just going to let me computer and printer do their thing, and with applique, it wasn't going to be a big deal if we were a little off. Artistic license and all!

However, as 2009 will be paper pieced, and precision will be needed, my question is: when asked format on the print page, should it be none, fit to page, shrink to page, or something else?

Maggie in E. Central Illinois, I haven't gone loony! I've always been there!

Thank you Margo. After I did the last comment, I did remember where I had seen them: Show and Tell. Bridget already contacted me about sending me a copy of hers.
Frances whose brain is slow this week.