ckcowl, that is so terrible, but it's a good thing you threw the iron out in the snow. Be thankful you figured out was it was before something terrible happened. I put my iron on a surge protector strip, just incase this would ever happen. I also attached a little light to it, and I turn them both on and off at the surge projector switch, this way, if I finished ironing, and forget to turn the iron off the light is one and it reminds me. I just started this a couple months ago, because I kept leaving the iron on, and didn't want to wake up in the middle of the night with a fire.

Here is my California and the first 5 blocks together. I am so enjoying this BOM and love seeing everyones blocks. It's so amazing how different they look in the different colors. They are all beautiful. And they all look professionally done. Those that are just learning PP are doing a wonderful job, and those that already knew it, I think you have all done a perfect job. Hope I get the next one on time....it's tax time, so have to take a few days off of sewing. :( I'll have withdrawals. Wonderful job everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beautiful everyone. Just beautiful. I think we might have to change the name of this group to The Mutual Admiration Society. LOL.

Everyone has such lovely blocks! I will try to get mine posted this week. Having issues this weekend. I had a little trouble getting California to line up. Not terrible but more than I have in the first few blocks. Wasn't sure on the fabrics. But it turned out ok. I am happy enough with it.
Sorry about the fire. Glad you figured out what was causing it and didn't have the iron inside to cause more problems. I also have trouble remembering to turn my switch off. I read somewhere that someone used a ribbon or something on thier wrist while working. Taking it off when they turned the iron off and leaving it with the iron. So it is there the next time ready to remind them the iron is on. Thought I might try this. Have a great day!!

Ditto! STUNNING stars everyone and they look so good all together. My oh my. :thumbup:

Here's another California and a song to sew by: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q4foLKDlcE
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The California blocks are turning out so beautifully! I like that people are posting their groups of blocks together, so we can get an idea of what the quilts will look like. I am way behind now, still FMQing away on that baby quilt. I am popping in here to get some motivation and inspiration to keep plugging away - so I will be posting a block hopefully very soon!

Keep up the great work ladies!

CK - I am sorry to hear about your iron but so very glad you were there and able to take it outside - the what-ifs that come from a close call like that can drive you crazy. I am so glad no one was hurt and nothing aside from the iron was damaged. I will be much more careful with my iron in the future too!

California
 

Here's my California. I call it orange juice and sunshine.

ckcowl, so sorry about your iron. That sure is going to make me more careful. My iron doesn't auto shut off, but so far I have never left it on. Think I'll add a lamp on the same power strip. That was a great idea. Did anyone have any trouble with California. I just couldn't seem to position the pieces so they covered completely. Had to rip several times. Once I figured what I was doing wrong, it got better. But this pattern is particularly beautiful and everyone did beautiful color choices.

OMG!!!that orange juice & sunshine block is AWSOME!!!
I tend to love them all but that one---it just sings to me! :)
thanks all for your kind words about my ironing incedent---i've always been very good about pulling the plug when i leave my sewing room- i don't just shut it off- i pull the plug-
this time it was not enough- because it was burning inside after the plug was pulled- i keep thinking -what if i had just pulled the plug and we had left???
but i know we can not live the (what if's game) so- i'm going to go back to my sewing room- with the new iron- and try to get my block done--
boy---I LOVE THAT ORANGE JUICE & SUNSHINE BLOCK! i might have to make a second one with those colors- just to have it :) it would be fabulous on the front of a tote bag- or the back of a jacket-or...just hanging on my wall :)
great block
they are all great blocks- yes we should be the (admiration group )

Good one. Very CA!

CK, Now I'm worried too. Because I always pull the plug and then set it in the closet. That would be disaster. Guess we need a fireproof box to set them in. I've always worried about my toaster and coffeepot but thought the iron was safe because of unplugging.

my California block finished
 

so, i went in plugged in the new iron (which sucks!) and finished my block
it turned out ok i guess-
hubby is getting pretty funny about these- when i finished it and came out he again (like last week) grabbed it and checked it out totally- up close & personal---
i told him " you know- there are no quilt police."
his reply?
"well maybe i'll just be the first"
told him many have tried- we impeach them quick :)

and about the worries i caused people to have---please do remember- the iron i burned up today was OLD! and inexpensive too (like 20 years old-old) so don't get too worried- just be aware of smells and them not working like they used to.

California
 

Here's a picture of the first 4 blocks, and California is by itself. Everyone is doing a great job! I wouldn't have wanted these stars for a first paper-piecing project!

wow ckcowl...that is an awful way to retire an iron. Thankfully you and your family are okay but shaken...understandably so. I think you deserve some chocolate and wine and maybe not in that order either!

Wow, everyone did a Great Job on the stars.... Here is my California... and the other 4

Ckcowl and Goldendog and Janet, very striking. Your three with their black backgrounds go very well together.

All the blocks are wonderful. Janet, I really love the red, white and blue.

Here is my California block and the group. You ladies have all done such a wonderful job!!!!
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Whitepine... my plan is to do the blocks 1/2 dark and 1/2 light backgrounds. Then at the end, make 2 lap quilts... one light and one dark. Well.. that's my plan for now... things will probably change about 20 times between now and then. LOL

PorkerDiva.... We are a very patriot family here.... I think you may be seeing a lot of RWB from me. Colorado is done and I did that one the same way.

tomilu... love your blue you used on the blocks... very pretty.

Here is my California Star, and I will also post the other four. I am really enjoying this project!

Nicklsf, how did you get those stripes in your California block so perfect? Great blocks.

Everyone's blocks are so beautiful.... I'm glad I'm not having to judge anything! It would be a 1st-place-
tie for everyone. I finally finished my Alabama block the other day......now let's see if I can post a picture. It's not squared up yet, and I'm trying to use up fabrics from my stash, so it will be a scrappy quilt.

Thank you Florence. It was not that hard to fussy cut these. I cut all the strips side by side from one layer of fabric, then placed them carefully! Aren't these fun! I was ahead but now I am no longer. I have to get busy this week!

Everyones blocks are just beautiful!! I thought I had the book of Stars but what I have is the Bright and Bold Blocks and another one of Paper Piecing. I could order the Stars book but so affraid I'd never get caught up! If I'm not mistaken you have 4 done for this month already.......! I could try!!

Momma K, please do try. You don't have to worry about catching up. There are no quilt police here. It is do as you can. We would love to see your beautiful stars too.

Momma K, You could jump in with the week we're on, then go back as you have time to work on the others. After all, you've got all year to catch up. :)

Nicky, Love your California. Wow.
Tomilu, Your blues are going to be very pretty.
Debbie, Looks great. I think these stars lend themselves to scrappy.
I am learning so much about colors by seeing what others are doing.

Nicky your blocks are beautiful!!! In fact all the blocks that have been posted on this swap are georgous and make me want to start this quilt!!!

Momma K you should jump right in whenever you like. I have only completed two blocks but that is not stopping me. I still pop on, ogle the beautiful blocks, and promise everyone I will complete another one soon! Haha!! There are many of us moving at our own pace and the beauty of this BOW is getting to see what everyone comes up with and sharing. No deadlines - this is supposed to be fun. You should join us - I'll bet you will finish ahead of me LOL!

WOW!! Thank you for the encouragement ladies!!! That's the fuel that feeds the fire, Kindness! I'll have to order the book but shouldn't take long to get here!! You're a great group of women!! Thank... I need this!! See you soon!! In the meanwhile I hope you don't mind my peeking in at times!!:o

Peek away Momma K.

here are all mine.. scrappy for sure..so many pretty blocks on here. have a great week everyone!

vwhill - scrapalicious!!! I really like the fabrics you chose on your California block - it is very striking!

Early for me -- Here's my California. For only 96 pieces they sure seemed like a lot more.
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Here's all 5 of my blocks...hope you can feel the 30's vibe going on.
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I'm feeling that 30's vibe Moonwork. Great work.

Well my book has arrived and it is nice to be able to flick through and see the full pattern for all the stars and blocks x 4 as well as seeing them in actual fabric as opposed to the colour print ¼ block in the download. But the download does enable me to just print out the foundation in whatever size I choose. Obviously I needed both.

I wondered about getting the download but I ended up just making copies of the book...don't know if I saved any money but figured I could make the copies as I need them too. I get more from seeing the examples on here than from her book...to me, the ones in the book are kinda funky fabrics for the most part...but that is just my opinion...hey who am I to say funky...I've got dancing bunny couples and cartoon babies on one, lol.

I'm really just a compulsive book collector. I could manage fine with just the download but I WANTED to look at all the pics in the book and when I saw it on sale and with free shipping, how could I resist?