92 Circles and Counting

Finally got these 4 blocks done--each gets 2 more circles once the blocks are attached to the 4 borders--not for a few weeks yet.   This is not how the quilt will be assembled--I just wanted to see these parts all together. 

 

Now I  have 8 more baskets and 9 more sections of borders to complete--THEN I can assemble the quilt.  The pattern is Ruffled Roses, designed by Sue Garman for the 2011 Block of the Month for www.thequiltshow.com  The pattern is available for purchase at Quakertown Quilts. 

Let me make a pitch for joining www.thequiltshow.com  I've been a member since before it existed--that's my only connection.  It features Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson as the hosts of great hour-long shows--a new one premieres every 2 weeks.  The shows are loaded with lots of great information with both very well-known as well as up-and-coming quilt artists.  Even if I'm not particularly interested in the topic, I still watch each show, and always learn something.  There are tours of museums, art galleries, artists' homes/studios.  There are  also short segments on how to do something fun or interesting--I've learned how to do simple bindings for small quilts and how to make 3 D flying geese with only one seam, and so many other things over the years.

The Block of the Month instructions are included for the membership fee and are available all year.  Once the new year comes, the previous year's patterns are gone--and you can buy them.  If you checked above, you saw that the Ruffled Roses pattern set is $78 plus shipping.  The yearly subscription is about $40, including everything--a tremendous deal.

Consider it a worldwide quilt guild.  I  have made friends with people all over the world through the forum and members blogs--those are great resources for so much quilt information.  There are many classrooms with tremendous information.  Over the last 2 days I watched 3 Sharon Schamber classes on how to design her elaborate style quilting designs, how to stitch them on a domestic machine, and great stippling motifs--almost 3 hours of instruction for free.  Those 3 classes are free until tomorrow, June 30, 2013. 

When I say I "watch" them, I mean, they are airing on my desktop computer in the studio as I work on projects.  If I see something I really need to watch closely, I "rewind" and review.  I can watch on my Ipad too and have done that while traveling.  Technical support is terrific, if you should need it. 

Once you join you have access forever to all shows that have aired since you joined.  As well as all the free stuff, like projects, BOM, forums, etc.  Occasionally, there are previous shows made available for a limited time for free for everyone--a good way to see a show you might have missed or one that aired before you joined. 

Here's my pitch:  if I had to be exceptionally careful about how much money I spend on my quilt life--this would be the last thing I would give up.  That, and my local guild membership.  Of course, I cannot possibly outlive my fabric stash, so I don't "need" any more fabric.   But TQS--that I NEED!

Check them out--a lot of stuff is free even if you're not a member--you just have to create an account with a screen name.  If you decide to join, you can easily do that too. 

Let's Quilt!

Barbara