Thanks QuiltingNinaSue. First, let me say I agree that Doe and Darts must be a stinker with all those Y seams. The thing about the block sizes is complicated. For sure, eight-inch blocks are a standard size. But our quilting fore-mothers didn't have those acrylic rulers, so they made the pieces any old size they wanted. The blocks based on 9by9 grids, or 5by5 and 7by7, and 6by6, come to think about it, won't have pieces that come out to even 1/8th inch increments. (Does that make sense?) Actually, I think some of the charm of sampler quilts is that unevenness.

Laurie has only ever cut quilts from templates, so the whole issue of rotary cutting never entered her mind. Frankly, when I was editing and illustrating the FWS book it never occurred to me that any other patterns would be necessary. That's due to my training as a quilt-book editor, where you always present the patterns with whatever technique the author uses. And Krause wouldn't have paid to have them drawn anyway.

From the early feedback on the FWS quilt (some of it not stated very kindly), Laurie decided the PC book would have everything on people's wish lists. I was so tired by the time I got to the foundation patterns that I sent a kind of whiny email to Laurie, "Do I *have* to do the foundation patterns." She of answered something like, "Yes, dear. It will be good for you." ;) Once I got started, they were fun.

Cats: My 2 year old dear, affectionate little runt that I got at the ASPCA had a eyelid turned under that required surgery last year. She is a leaper, obsessed with getting to the highest spot in the apartment. Turns out she has luxating patellas (loose kneecaps) and she dislocated one last week. She will eventually need surgery on both knees, which will cost me an absurd amount of money I'll have to save up for. It's a preexisting condition so pet health insurance won't cover it. (Where have we heard *that* before?) If a kitty is old and sick and suffering, I have no problem putting her to sleep. But this little kitty is young and happy and healthy, so what else can I do?

I second QuiltE's "welcome". So nice for you to join us. I, personally, only do the PP'd blocks so I'm super glad that Laurie insisted you do them.......and you will enjoy seeing the "mileposts". It's amazing to me that so many of us make blocks and they are all different.....You did a good job and this is mega fun!

Maybe before you get the surgery, sign up for United Pet Care or Pet Assure (vet discount programs), so at least you'll only pay a percentage of the total bill ... Personally I use Pet Assure, they don't have exclusions like pet insurance policies usually do...

Hi Y'all and welcome back tdt....Here's a little note that Laurie posted to me...I don't think she'll mind that I copied it to here:

Thanks for the introduction and welcome. I've never mentioned it to you before,
but I just love your group's cowboy themes and phrases. They are so cute and
clever. Great idea!

So, maybe she has done a little browsing!!!!

Welcome TDT! I've enjoyed readin' about how ya'll put this book tagether. Please invite Laurie ta come along.
QuiltE & OK - I'm a thinkin' that Trail Boss is right. (Wasn't a Ramrod the one who headed up a cattle drive, & a Trail Boss headed up a wagon train?) Not sure which applies. Hmmmmmm
QNS - what do ya think?

Does anyone else have any ideas?

Hi ladies
I am working on my blocks but have came across a couple that needed to be mirror image to come out correctly does anyone have a list of those blocks that need to be printed mirror image? I am a really new quilter so I am still learning the ropes too. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Crystal