That moose fabric is a laugh - who is going to buy it first? I want to see it in a quilt.

Jenniky - don't give up on a quilt because of stems! Very briefly, here's the method:-

Fold and iron the material on the diagonal. Then cut the folded material through both thicknesses. For these stems I am cutting half an inch from the fold. Then lay the strip, still folded, on the backing material and pin in position. Have the end with the selvedge at the bottom of the stem. Then stitch one eighth of an inch from the raw edges. Next, fold the stem over and iron into place so the stitching and raw edges are covered, then stitch down the folded edge by hand. The stem will be three eighths of an inch thick. The raw edges at the top of the stem will be covered by the applique flower.

I've already called my local store and asked about the moose and the flag fabrics. She's pretty sure she has already ordered them but will double-check and call me.

I have another store to call tomorrow as they are closed Mondays.

Along Came Quilting in Alberta is offering $2.50 off per meter for pre-orders but I can't get their site to work so don't even know the price and it would probably still be cheaper to go local because of our horrible postage rates.

I may just have to issue another Patriotic Challenge in 2013 so I can use the moose fabric. :)

I finished my little table topper this afternoon...and no I won't be making any hot pads but may make us each a mug rug to coordinate (we'll see) I have a kazillion projects on the go, but this one was fun & managed to complete in good time, I did it as a stitch & flip (quilt as you go) Will be right back once I've resized the photos.[ATTACH=CONFIG]332077[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]332078[/ATTACH]

thimblebug6000 that looks great. I like how it wraps around the table so stays in place. Nicely done.

QuiltE whatever gave you the idea I want the moose fabric? :) Not only is June too late to add it to this project but it won't match the colour scheme so we'll have to issue another challenge next year.

Moose as Halloween? That never occurred to me. You must be more twisted than I am. (said with much admiration)

Well, I am actually planning a few other challenges along the way, but, yes, the 2nd annual is on the radar.

So, who else is going to join the fun?

International Patriotic Challenge
 

I've pulled out my fabrics from my stash and started working on my quilt. I am using the 10 minute block pattern (see video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbTHlGGKMPM). I will try to load some pictures as I work.

Here are the fabrics I will be working with, some of the cut blocks, the white squares for the centers and the flag fabric I will be placing in the white squares. I am making progress! :)