Lots of fun to do! It is challenging but well worth the effort.

Another option is to start with just doing 4 layers and cut squares and putting them together. I have the pattern called 4-Patch Stacked Posies. It is the same idea but much easier. I have made 4 of them so far. I really like the way they look. It might be an easier way to learn how to stack the layers without having to invest so much $ on material

I like SnW better than OBW, personally. Altho the lining up and cutting are basically the same...the construction is so much easier. When I first did it, I really had to read the "how to " part several times---out loud, helped, believe it or not! And as I was lining up the layers, I read a paragraph, did it, read, etc. then suddenly the light came on and it all made sense, then the magic of sewing it together was fun!!!!!!!

One of the very first quilts that I made was a stack n whack. It was not all that difficult. If you prefer you could make the 4 patch stack n whack to start with. I have made many of them and find them more fun to make (and a bit easier). Here is a page with a bunch of photos of the 4 patch option.

https://www.pinterest.com/akcaro/4-p...-whack-quilts/

[ATTACH=CONFIG]542950[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]542951[/ATTACH] Here are a couple of photos of the one I made.

I bought the book when it first came out and never finished the quilt.

The biggest trick I learned with Stack and Whack is to cut the fabric in half LENGTHWISE and use only one half to match the design. You have a much easier time of matching that way. I was taught that in the class I took and later when I taught the class, that is what I taught. It is so much easier to match the design with the narrower fabric. Then you can cut the borders lengthwise for the finished look.

I've made a couple of these now and for me the worst part is pressing all the seams open. I hate pressing seams open, but if I don't I get such a knot at the center it's tough to sew and worse to quilt.

Other than that, I find it to be a pretty forgiving pattern and not as difficult as it looks. If you're slightly off it's not really noticeable - there's so much movement and activity in these quilts that any little boo-boos are camouflaged!

I made several OBW's and didn't find the fabric-stacking to be that hard. If it's off by just a little it won't be noticeable in the finished product. It's recommended that you not wash your fabric first. I am a pre-washer, but when I buy fabric that I think I will use in a S&W or OBW I make sure not to wash it. I am sure you will have no problems. Be sure to post your finished quilt.

Thanks for the tips. I have this on my bucket list.