thanks, i've saved/printed of both docs too...

NDQ, it sounds like you're really going to have FUN! lol...
i admire your bravery setting out to complete this with your hands being as full as they are!! well done!!

This quilt was my sanity for a while. DH gifted me the supplies and fabric just before my oldest was born. Along with it was an IOU for three hours a month of quilting time. He kept it up for two years until our second came along. Just could not convince him to take both kids. But that had to be the wisest gift he could have ever given me. Adjusting to baby 1 was tough and for a few hours a month I got to feel like me. Soapbox - if you know a new momma or one with littles even occupying he kids for a half hour so she can shower alone is a huge blessing and a great Christmas gift. Don't just offer because most moms will not call, but schedule it.

Ok back to quilt. Now kids are 2 and 4 and I feel the stress building, so time to tackle this quilt again. Little fabric pieces are so relaxing. I have 21 blocks, 16 tris and 2 kites done. I think I'll plan block prep to be on the break weeks, so between now and start date I can get the first batch. Yeah a plan!

Thank you Cre8tvlwyr what a lot of work, but we appreciate your effort. I've made a couple of blocks just to see where I might have problems and I'm having problems with my paper staying together on the paper piecing. I use the method where you score the paper lightly and fold it back and sew along the line. After folding the paper a couple of times it starts to tear and then falls apart. Any suggestions? I guess I will have to put tape on those area.

Thank you Cre8! I will mark off the ones I've done. I love to see pics of other's blocks. You are putting a lot of work into this project. We all benefit!

Jacquie, way to go! That first block is a milestone. You did a great job on it and around the world using batiks will be gorgeous.

One tip I might suggest is that if you can, make any of your outside edges larger than the paper piecing template. It's kind of hard to explain but as an example, take the section that is your bottom row, second from the right. Make your yellow piece just as the template shows. Make your white piece bigger on the bottom edge. If you can make all your "outside edges" bigger, when you are all done you can square up your piece using the 5" square ruler and your 1/4" outside seams are perfect every time.

Try using the freezer paper method as described on the thatquilt blog. Freezer paper is much more sturdy and the additional benefit is that it stabilizes the small pieces.

WONDERFUL TIP, CHAY!!!! take note of this one - because when you are done with your blocks especially ones with 40 pieces!! it is a whole lot easier to cut a little extra off than to have to add a small strip of fabric or start over...

any of you who are members of thequiltshow.com - episode #809 - paper pieced perfection - is filled with tips and a great demonstration of a New York Beauty made with this method. Alex Anderson has a few books out too, for anyone wanting more info. Basically 1) you need to set your stitches to a smaller setting; 2) it helps if you run an edge of something hard like one of those quilt tools that has an end and looks like a dowel cut at a slant - you can also use the handle part of some utensils once you fold the paper back over the stitches and then rub along......

ok - I'm rambling - looked back and even I am looking cross-eyed! that is what happens when you try explaining something quickly when you gotta run... promised to watch GS #3 [8mo old] while mommy helps with #1 [5yo] Christmas party and #2 [3yo] at preschool... You need more than 3hr/mo!! I know what 2 & 4 yr olds are like too - my Son & DIL worked full time while I had the boys first 4+years 40-50hr... loved it but wow it does make you tired!!!

gotta run

I keep reading about Jacquie, Jacquie, Jacquie..then I realized, there are TWO of us..hehehe
dang and here I thought I was making progress on my DJ....sadly I knew it was not I, as that tote is really buried in THAT room...congrats to the other Jacquie on her first block..it is cute!

has everyone found 'elmers school glue tubes' yet? makes the corners ever so nice when learning how to applique, and or sew points and triangles.

AND be sure and give yourself just a tad extra on the out side edges of each block. learn from my mistakes. makes squaring much, much easier.

I called the bennington vt. museum and ordered a poster of the jane stickle quilt. it helped me lots.