[QUOTE=Mad Mimm;4850183]Here is my Alabama block. I have a huge lump in the middle where I forgot to open the seams and remove the paper before stitching so I'll be picking at that with my tweezers (joy!). :D

Very pretty!!! Like your color choices!

Like working by States
 

I've had this book forever and never noticed the state names -- somehow that makes it more fun. I have so many projects going I may get behind, but I really want to try this.

I noticed that in printing out Arizona, that all sections say "A". For the newbies, just change half to B so you won't get confused. Or perhaps your version has been corrected.
tomilu

Oh my, we are such a talented group! :thumbup:Fantastis blocks, everyone, and can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

hmmm ... interesting idea. But wouldn't be big enough for the star foundations. But will have to try it.

There is a product called Stable Stuff (Ricky Tims website is cheapest) that is a papery backing that washes out and leaves a lightweight mesh behind. I keep saying I am going to try it, but can only find it online and the shipping is outrageous. Color me cheap.

I admire your perseverance!! This is hard enough with a regular brain:thumbup: I had to redo two sections because I didn't like the colors, and of course they were the furthest inside. I try to reuse some of the pieces but that is a challenge. I try to do the taking apart while watching TV so I don't have to think about it. Sometimes I think it would be easier to just toss it and start over but my frugal nature won't let me do that.

Mad Mimm, what a gorgeous Alabama!

I just finished a Christmas Cactus, and didn't have a problem, but none of the sections were the same. So didn't have to worry which direction it went. But I save all those "Wrong" blocks" and someday when I have enough, I'm going to make a crazy quilt. That may be sooner than later if I keep screwing up. LOL

Great idea! Also could make a 51st star, made out of all different sections. I'm sure I'll have eight by the end of the year.

I'm off to the nearby LQS to try and find a certain green for Arizona. Also need some black batting. TTYL

I have used the Ricky Timms stable stuff and loved it. I used it in a quilt that was part pieced and part PP. Once it is washed you can't feel it. I love to PP but HATE HATE removing the paper. Probably because my first quilt was the Oregon star from this book. 64 of them. All that paper to remove. It took days. I am using the Ricky Timms paper for this project. I am worth cost. I will cut costs somewhere else. I Have the first 3 blocks finished. I am working ahead because I am waiting on some embroidery thread I need for another project. WHen it comes in I have to switch to that project for a while.

Ok, you convinced me - ordered a package of the sheets from a site that offered free shipping. (Cost was $2.00 more, but still ahead with the free shipping.) I really wanted to get a 3-yard roll, it would be more economical for cutting into sizes needed, but at least I can try it. (Ricky Tims wanted $9 for shipping!) Thanks for your testimony on the Stable Stuff.

Do you just trace the design on the dryer sheets?

Thanks Ronda, you are sweet! That is just about my favorite color palette - blues purples and greens, yummy!

Thank you! Isn't it wonderful to see all the beautiful combinations this group has come up with? This is such a fun project!

#2 star alaska
 

Here is my Alaska.

What right beautiful colors!!!!! Great job!! Here is mine.
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Beautiful tomilu. I thought I would show you my Alaska I did for the BOM 2011. I did them all in blue ,white and yellow.

And TaDa, I got it done!

And TaDa, it looks wonderful.

Here is my second Alaska (top picture). The first one I made (bottom picture) didn't have enough contrast, and I also decided to add a second constant fabric. So the top picture is my keeper, the middle pix shows how I think that I may assemble my blocks, with a dark sashing. And the bottom will go into my miscellaneous pile -- I use them for charity quilts, 12 blocks with sashing and borders per quilt.

Very pretty, Judy! I like your colors.

Yep, I like the top one best Judy.

thanks, Florence.

I just got my book in on Thursday.... had it spiral bound on Friday and started my Alabama block yesterday, late afternoon. (I must state... I got the book from Amazon and it came in deplorable condition. The box was a mess and the corner of the book was dented up very badly... never have I gotten a box from them in that condition. I let them know on Thursday night and even sent photos... Haven't heard a word back from them yet! Not very good customer service!)

I hope to have my 1st block posted tonight.

I must say they all the blocks I've seen have been very beautiful. Hope mine turns out 1/2 as good. I've never done paper piecing before and I'm liking it so far.

OK, back to the machine!

I received my book Friday, still trying to decide on colors. Then will be playing catch up. Love all the blocks so far can't wait to get started. I've only done a handfull of paper piecing blocks so this will be a challenge for me. It's the way we learn, right?

Deb

Loving all the great stars so far! I still have to finish my Boom 6 blocks (only 1 more :) ) and then I can start.

I actually love seeing all of the stars so it gives me more ideas of what I can do once I get the chance to do.

I have to go to my office and "undecorate" from Christmas today and then maybe I can finish up my other project....wish me luck.

Alaska Star Block picture
 

My Alaska 50 fab star block..........

Mona Lisa, your star is FAB!! Janey My, I have gotten many books and DVDs from Amazon and never had a problem. So sorry to hear you did. Did you get it directly from Amazon or from one of their vendors? Glad you can still use it and can't wait to see your star.

I wouldn't recommend used dryer sheets. They are extremely flammable! At one time, I wanted to consider this, but tossed them all out after I read about this.

Never thought of that..thanks Judy

I, too, have never ever had a problem with anything coming from Amazon. Perhaps the problem was with the postal service.

week 2 Alaska block
 

I was prepping for my week 2 block this morning-and House of Blues came on- i decided to stay in sewing room and work on the block while i listened to this week's program- 4 hours later it is done! it was kind of...long for one block-
and my center is a tad off- which i don't get because the outer intersections went together correctly- the center was Way off at first (like over 1/4") so i took apart the center couple inches on each side of the center and tried again- the second time it came out better- still not right on but not as far off as the first time-so-i'm leaving it.
glad that one is over-and i'm 'ahead' of my game for this week :)

Great blocks everyone!! Nice variety of fabrics makes them more fun to see! :)

Very nice! I had that same background fabric at one time.

I like your fussy cut section! Thanks for sharing. I guess I'm pokey as I spend probably a day on each block from cutting to finish.

All these blocks are absolutely fabulous. Can't stop my sewing to comment on each one, but just had to put this in. Nice job everyone. I really look forward to the ones yet to come and the coming weeks.

Wow ladies you have all come up with some beauties!

Klgreene - love the color on this - it looks amazing with the star done in a monochromatic scheme.
PokerD- I am in love with that jazzy fabric - it looks great with the purple!
Tomilu - the blue/yellow is a favorite color combo of mine, your is lovely!
monalisa- I like the high contrast - it is very striking!
Judy - I agree, the second block has some real zip to it. I love the fabrics you are working with!
Ckcowl - I am lovin' the fussy cut, your block is very pretty!

Great work ladies - I haven't even cut my Alaska yet but I hope to get it cut and started today. If I am really on my game, I may even get it posted before next weekend. haha!!

keep em coming ladies!

Thank you, MM, looking forward to seeing yours. It is interesting to see how many of us are using blues in our blocks. I measured my background fabric, and I have almost 6 yards. I am pondering going to equilter to see if I can pick up a couple more yards. This fabric came out a couple of years ago.