When I did a one block wonder and read the instructions it sounded hard. To me the instructions are always confusing. OBW is really and easy quilt. When you stick your pins thru the fabric to line the fabric up just make sure you stick the pins thru straight. Pick it up by the ins and jiggle the fabric to line it up. It is easier if someone helps you but not necessary. Use the flat head pins someone suggested. Really easy fun quilt. 2 of us at the LQS made ours out of the same fabric and they look totally different. Hers even looks like a different color than mine

The pinning helps you line up the fabric accurately before you cut. My biggest suggestions is to buy two cheap pieces of mirror 5X7 and using duck tape, tape them together along one long edge. Then you can audition your fabric. The "v" shape of the mirror moved along the fabric will give you an idea of what your blocks will look like. The larger the print with some but not much "blank" spots will give you the most variety of blocks. I always buy more of the focus fabric for the outside border, so you can show everyone, the basis for your quilt. Have fun with it, no quilt police around.

Try it!! I am addicted to hexagons -have made at least 6 of them. It's so much fun to see how different the hexagons are from the original fabric!! Don't stress if your fabric doesn't match perfectly - the overall effect will be stunning. I started one to make with hollow cubes after taking a class from Marci Baker - they are so much fun and really easy!! The directions are also in the 2nd OBW book. Try it - then when you walk into your LQS a fabric will scream at you - I'd be perfect for hexagons!! Marlene

Relax you will enjoy it. They aren't as hard as they appear. I have made one and really want to make more.
D

I am a major klutz. I tried out OBW with a yard or so. It was fun and easy. Don't worry, follow the directions and you will be okay. Have fun.

It is really not hard...just follow the book one step at a time. Even I can do it.

It is really not hard...just follow the book one step at a time. Even I can do it.

I have made a bunch of those. They are so much fun!!

Instead of pins I make tailor tacks thru all layers with a contrasting color thread

Same here. I have the fabric, the book, the pattern....but not the nerve.

Wow. You've all inspired me. I read this thread this morning and was at Hancock Fabrics tonight...I found a great fabric to try OBW. It is a tropical print and was reduced to $5/yd. Then novelty fabric was half off today. I got it for $2.50/yd! It is a nice quality fabric, a nice weight. Not my style (DH asked if I was going to sew a mumu!). But after cutting it up, that won't matter. At that price I said, what the heck! I've wanted to try one of these for a long time but was chicken. If you say it's not hard, I'll give it try. I won't be able to start until August, after my son's wedding is past. I'll be following Cutebuns tutorials from last year. Thanks for the reminders not to wash the fabric. I always do that as soon as I bring material home, but not tonight.

It really isn't hard to line up the fabrics. I agree with suggestion to cut the fabric in half first so you don't have to handle the whole width since it all won't fit on your mat for cutting. Just follow the directions they give. The fabric is quite forgiving too for piecing the triangles since there is so pattern going on. The writers have you cut your strips an extra quarter inch wider to allow for inconsistent piecing too.

You also might want to choose a fabric with a smaller repeat to make a smaller quilt. I would suggest a 12 or 14 inch repeat unless, of course, you fall in love with a 24 inch repeat fabric....then go for the bigger quilt.

I too suggest the class. It made it so easy, I was really surprised! Also when choosing a fabric look for one with good contrasting colors. ( not all similar tones, as they don't show up quite as well.)
Have fun, and don't allow it to overwhelm you. Kathy

I'm with you! I also purchased the book and am intimidated. However, I found some really ugly wrapping paper (thrift store) and am thinking of practicing on this first before cutting into the fabric. Just an idea.

I have taught young children how to do this OBW. The best I can say to you is sit down and do one. f it does not seam easy to you try another. Its so much fun and works up quickly. I have used this often when I need a crib quilt in a hurry. Once you do one you will wonder what all of the fuss was about. Helen