Thursday, January 17, 2013

Calling All Besties...

I need help!  Big time.  If you have emailed and said you were going to join in the Bestie QAL with me, you need to do so right now!  Don't wait, don't eat, don't sleep... run to your cutting table and start cutting... anything.  Why the panic in my typed words?

Today I followed a pattern for the first time in 5 years.  Yes, I am an art quilter which really means we can't follow a pattern, so we have to have a name for ourselves other than, 'rule breaker'.  Art quilter sounds catchy, doesn't it?   I do on occasion use a pattern, but it is for a tutorial that I have written, therefore it incorporates all of my mistakes=)

Today I accomplished the first block of my Bestie QAL and it almost did me in!   There was a cutting guide, 3 different fabrics, and points!  Yes points... and to clarify, you never see a point on any of my art quilts.   I need you to join me in this QAL, to motivate me, inspire me and keep me from slashing my points.

Here are some progress shots:



Not to brag, but look at these points!  Notice I am only showing you one small section of the block?



This is my first block completed.  

I have 8 more to go.   This block is 24"!  This is the biggest quilt block I have ever made.   It is the size of most of my art quilts.   And my besties want 8 more?   If you don't join me, I may only end up with this one and it may be easier to have another baby and say it is a baby quilt, rather than do 8 more blocks!   Do you see the seriousness of this?   




14 comments:

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

Beware that swoon block is addictive! I made Annie block quilt, a 12" pillow and 8. " mug rug, I find easier to piece by cutting it out with rulers and MM templates. Still have to finish my own Swoon quilt!

Mama Pea said...

It is beautiful! I love the colors and fabrics, and you did great on your points!

Westend Quilter said...

OK - now I know it's serious - when you say you might have to have another baby!!
I'm in!

Westend Quilter said...

OK - now I know it's serious - when you say you might have to have another baby!!
I'm in!

Brooke said...

You crack me up!!!! I just had to stop by and give you some moral support!! You can do this - go girl!!

jlk said...

Your block looks fantastic! Who said you couldn't follow a pattern? Crazy talk. :)

Candice @ Made With Love said...

Woo hoo! Both you and your block are amazing!!! :)

Renate said...

Think of the "Little Engine That Could". Instead of saying "I think I can, I think I can," replace it with "we know you can, we know you can. Your block looks stunning! At 24 inches, 6 blocks would make a nice little lap quilt. I just might have to make this pattern.

Linda said...

Love that block Jackie! I love patterns.Your points are perfect! You can do it! Cheers.

Snoodles said...

Whoooaaaa! Serious, indeed! Man, I can't believe your awesome points!! Wow! Now you have raised the bar...I gotta do better on mine. I think I shall call my block one a trial run and make some more! Heehee!

Rolanda said...

I'm trying to find a Bestie to work with. I have the pattern and the fat quarters. Love your points....

Hawberry Historian said...

Was that what you were doing running down the road on Friday, without your outside clothes on... running away from you Swoon blocks?! hehe

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What a beautiful block Jackie! Thanks for sharing.
Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

Carolyn said...

The block looks great! It will be beautiful when you finish the rest and put them into a quilt. I am not much of a pattern girl either, but I just started a qal that I have to follow one, too.