Several years ago I joined a 'color me quilted' block
exchange. We would draw a name from
all participants, and whoever won would choose colors for their quilt. We lived all over the country, so we
would select DMC floss of the right colors, then tell everyone what floss to
match. It was quite clever. Usually the winner would choose a block
pattern as well as colors. Each
month I would make a block for the winner, and one for myself. The most common size was a 12'' finished
block. Any that were smaller than
that were easily adjusted by adding a border. This is my collection of blocks from
that year. I really had fun getting to know the other
ladies, and I had just as much fun getting to know some patterns I had never
tried to make before.
The Mexican Star was one of my
favorites. Brown is a color I would
not have chosen on my own, but it looks quite stunning. And the pattern is very unusual. It was one block that was smaller than
the others, but I think the border adds a lot to the look.
The Pieced Buttercup is also a favorite
of mine. I love flowers, and this
one is so cute. It looks better
as a 6" finished block, so I simply put four together and came up with the right
size for that month's winner.
The 'Rolling Star' was
another block I enjoyed making. I
toiled to get the center to lay flat, but the work was very satisfying. I really love this winner's choice of
simply blue and white.
The 'Teacup' was my first attempt at
paper piecing. I was in awe at how
simple this was to do. This block
was also small, so I shopped and shopped to find just the right teacup fabric
for the border. There were so many
cute ones to choose from, I wish I would have selected two and made a double
border. It's certainly wide
enough. I have done more paper
piecing since 1996 with much smaller patterns. They are truly amazing. The pictures come
out perfect every time because of the paper foundation.
All of the blocks were fun, and having an entire month to plan and work
on each block made every one feel special.
That year was so much fun for me, and for all the ladies in that
exchange. I learned a lot and my
abilities in quilting really grew.
Several years ago I joined a 'color me quilted' block
exchange.
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