Hi -
In answer to the question of how I draft my half-square triangles (HST's)... I use the Draw function in Word for all of my piecing designs. That usually comes as a surprise to most people, but it works very well. I just set up a grid with whatever size (inches or increments thereof) I want the half-square triangles to be and go from there. It's a little tricky at times, but by now I'm conquered most of the nuances of using Word! One exception to using the Draw function in Word was the feathered star. I used Electric Quilt (EQ) to draw that -- while EQ has several feathered stars in their set of blocks, none of them were designed for paper piecing, so I just drafted my own star using their program. EQ has some flexibilities that Word does not have when it comes to triangles that are on a slant.

Happy quilting, everyone!
Sue

Sue, your design gets us halfway to awesome! And you let us experiment with it!

Sue, thank you so much for the time and effort you spend on the 2009 BOM. As a new quilter, I don’t think I’d ever be as far along as I am in my skills without you and the other members of TQS. Just this past month has changed the way I look at quilt patterns, with many of them ceasing to look as daunting, now that I know what a well sewn ¼” seam looks like (not that I don’t still do a fair amount of unsewing!). At least now I know to evaluate every step of the way without getting impatient.
I am curious to know how you draft the HSTs. They have been a huge help.
You are an inspiration for us all!

Thank you Sue from all of us, but I have to agree with all the previous posts that it would not be possible without your thorough instructions, beautiful sample, and the support/feedback from TQS members.

Sue, I saw your quilt in person at Ocala Super Seminar with Ricky, Alex and Libby. It is beautiful on the web site and just totally awesome in person. Will you quilt mine when I get it done? It has been a challenge for me since I am so new to quilting and I am struggling with the border blocks, so probably will have to slow down with it or make adjustments to make it easier for me piecing wise. It will get finished though! Thanks so much for this beautiful quilt. Sandi in FL

Hi Sue,

Your quilt was so beautiful I just had to try the block of the month.
So I joined TQS. (This is the first time I have ever done a block of the month.) Your instructions and video each month are just great. I am so excited about my quilt!
It is wonderful how the other TQS members encourage and help each other. The quilts are going to be beautiful! I check at least twice a day to see the posted blocks.

Thanks again,
Paula in Arkansas

I love how I love every interpretation. If someone is using colors or fabrics I don't like, it looks smashing in this quilt! Thanks so much for creating this pattern.

Sue,
I'm enjoying this BOM so much that I'm encouraging all of my quilter friends to jump in with the rest of us. The pattern is so beautiful that this is the first time I've been inspired to make a BOM. I'm guessing that many of us would have never attempted such a challenging quilt without the support of all of the other TQS members working on it and sharing their progress and experiences. Although I love many of the quilts that are straying away from your pattern with original creative touches, I appreciate all of the thought you put into the design, regarding color, scale, etc. and am satisfied with just choosing my own fabrics. Maybe, someday, I'll attempt another with my own creative spin. Thanks! Nancy

Oh yes! I'm still quilting 2008 BOM while working on 2009 BOM. Creates a bit of stress now and then, along with all of my OTHER projects. But the learning curves just compliment each other!
Lynn

Sue -- I am thoroughly enjoying 2009 BOM and learning and as Margo, accurate cutting, sewing, etc. Never too old to learn that. Thanks for the fun year I am having with TQS. Looking forward to 2010.

Sharon in - it's still raining, but we need the moisture - Colorado

Hi Sue! I too might not be making this quilt without your great patterns, detailed instructions, and your super accompanying videos... And oh yeah, there's also that wonderful inspirational quilt! Thanks!

Thank you Sue for your wonderful patterns and detailed instructions that inspire us to go beyond our comfort zone. Even though I'm making my quilt slightly different I wouldn't be making this quilt without your inspiration. This is going to be one of my favorite quilts!

Hey Sue, you are our guiding light so if compliments are being thrown about, they really have to go back to you. I am so loving this journey. Gloria

Hi everyone -

I just took a little cruise through the Show and Tell -- oh my goodness, but you are all incredible! I simply love the choices you are making in terms of color and other variations to the pattern. What a fun look-see! Check it out if you haven't done so lately. Quilters are awesome and TQS ROCKS!

May our paths cross one day --
Sue Garman[/i]