OK, OK....maybe you've got a great point. I've never done a BOM and I'll never get to cross it off my bucket list unless I give it a try.

Like you said, one thing that gives me comfort is knowing it comes a little at a time and I've got all you guys to turn to if I get into trouble.

Now, gotta decide which quilt I like the best. Congratulations Sue on two more outstanding designs. All your talent, dedication and hard work really shows. And I'm sure everyone agrees when I say WE APPRECIATE YOU!

Shirley

Hi Paulette, I am so with you by being very happy in starting this project back in January, there is no way I'd have tried this on my own right now as I'm still working full-time, I sit down every evening from 7-8 pm and work in it. I've just got a little left to do in October well the last border that is. Little by little it's all coming together, and Sue's instructions couldn't be any better if she tried, plus the on-line support has been invaluable as well. I was scared to death of the feathered star, but all my careful piecing and measurements have paid off it seems all to fit together just fine. I've done the 2008 also, blocks are all done, the hst border is all pieced but only two rows of the blocks are sewn together, I need to finish this up next year, and catch up on other projects, so I won't start the 2010 BOM. Heidi in Houston

Hi Shirley M,
You said something like not taking on a big project like the BOM---if I had NOT done the 2009 BOM---I would have never it on my own! Looking at a HUGE pattern like this BOM & getting started on my own---it would never get finished, NO WAY, but taking "one bite at a time" look at where I am now!!!!WOW
When I started it, I made myself a promise, JUST DO IT---as soon as possible in the month! Put aside several hours or what ever you can fit into your schedule----and DO IT---I owe myself this.
YES, I did get behind several times, & was very frustrated, but kept at it. My inner-quilter kept saying---YOU CAN DO IT!!!
I'm so glad to see this BIG piece just about finished!
I have a beautiful piece, (made into a KING size) that will last into several generations---I hope. Give yourself a chance.
PauletteJ in sunny VA Highlands

Love it, "Quilters Bucket List". I am going to create one for myself. Maybe we can have a thread on the message board called that.

You all crack me up -- a quilters bucket list? I never thought about it... but that's such an apt description of why I keep on buying books and fabric! While I may not have actually sat down and written out a list, I am surely collecting for the day when I can make all of the quilts that I absolutely love! I'd better go get on the treadmill... I'm going to have to be in tip-top shape if I'm to live long enough to even make a dent in what's already in that bucket!

Happy sewing -
Sue Garman

Gloria,
That's exactly what I want to do and find a quilting buddy in the neighborhood has not been easy. Also I have been buying lots of fabric, quilt kits, etc for my retirement. Thinking I won't have much money, but lots and lots of time to quilt. I talk to retired people and they say just still have no time to get everything done in a day's plan.
Norina

I so wish you lived in my neighborhood. I'd love to have you as a quilting buddy. We could spur each other on to work on our QUILTER'S BUCKET LISTS! I think your list is more diversified than mine, but I think I could be persuaded to try my hand at most anything that sounds interesting.

Shirley

On the agenda? How many characters do they allow? A rhapsody, a dresden plate, a lonestar, a kaliedascope (sp). I have about 50 patterns I've bought that I was sure I needed to do. I want to try a landscape, a watercolor. I'd like to try dyeing my own fabric. I've loved taking classes at the shows and I'm looking forward to checking out the community college for quilting classes. I'd like to try a Baltimore Album if I can get myself past applique phobia. I'd like to find a guild or a bee or just a person in the neighborhood who would like a friend to quilt with. I want to do a Mariner's Compass and a New York Beauty. I just realized I'm never going to live long enough. I might not find time to eat (not a terrible thing) or sleep. Bad thing is trying to figure out what to do first

Yes Gloria, I can't agree more. I too just retired and my head is spinning with designs and ideas I want to do....not to mention the patterns, etc I've bought over the years with techniques I want to try. And, of course, there's the UFO's!

I also want to quilt for a cause. I'm considering Quilts of Valor. I'm joining my local guild next month and they sponsor quilts for a wonderful new Veterans Home here in the Shreveport area.

So I'm conflicted about doing a long-term project like a BOM. I think what I'll do is try it out to take advantage of the learning experience and then modify it into a smaller project like a lap quilt or wall hanging.

Congrats on your upcoming retirement. It's such great freedom to do whatever you want with your time. So what types of projects are on your agenda?

Shirley

Maggie...did they have the pattern or just the fabric kits at the Houston show. I'm dying to see it. I can't figure out why the TQS hasn't posted the picture of it.

Gloria, I am also torn about the 2010 BOM. I love doing it, but I have way too many projects to commit to another one. I think I will download the instructions for each and see how it goes!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

I am thinking I won't do the BOM in 2010. I have a million quilts in my head just waiting to get out and made. With retirement just 2 weeks away, I want to explore so many different techniques. I will download the instructions and see what happens. Doing this years has taught me so much about precision and accuracy and it's been so much fun being part of working together on it that I may end up doing it anyway

I agree! It's amazing how they are all so different, yet all so beautiful. Surely, we each have our favorites, but I'm convinced that this quilt pattern will turn out great almost every time, regardless of our fabric choices. I'm anxious to try this pattern again in another color scheme, but have too many other projects on my "want to try" and "need to finish" lists.

I took a sneak peek at the 2010 BOM and I love it, but 2010 comes way too soon.

I've been looking at the 2009 BOM's and am amazed at the variety of styles and colors used. It's striking how we can all make the same quilt and make them unique. Can't wait for 2010's. Jan