Check out Judy Sisneros' book, Nine-Patch Pizzaz. It is fabulous for using large focus fabrics or smaller panels. Like the potato chips, you can't make just one of these quilts, they're so much fun.

Thanks anyway. I call them cheater quilts but they sell well.

good Idea, I will try that.

I will look for that book and try that. Thanks.
Wow, I just read all the comments and the welcome and I am really touched by your sharing. Lots of time I have a question and no one to ask. This is a great community. I love Quilters!

Go to "Search" and type in the word "Panel(s)". You will be amazed at all the quilters on this board whose ideas you can look at and try from the pictures. I just ordered some panels from Fabrics.com and can't wait to work with them. Have fun and create. You will be so excited to see the finished creation you made. I never thought at 63 yrs old I would start a new hobby and after a year of learning I am so excited every time I see fabric I like for another quilt.

I am working on one now with the WInter Berry by Red Rooster snowmen panels (http://store.cottage-quilts.com/stor...8018&Photo=One).

I found that the different pictures were odd sizes. So I started out drafting the pattern in such a way that I did it a step at a time. I would cut the accent material a bit bigger and then square up/trim as needed rather than try to measure exactly 11 and 7/8s or some such nonsense. And I ended up with 3 large rows and then added two rows in between.

It's definitely a scrappy quilt! I did some piano keys, 4 patch, 16 patch,raw edge applique, etc.

I need to take a picture....i have two quilts in front of it before I actually get to quilting it!

I was given this panel last year & loved it so much that I hated to cut it up. So I made a quilt around it....and then bought another panel for cutting & playing. Now I just wish I knew where I packed it.

:thumbup: :thumbup: Love this quilt and the way you did it. Where did you get the panels? Really cute. Can you tell that I love this quilt. Good job. BrendaK

I use this book for ideas. I add squares and rectanges and it's just fun t play around with the smaller panels. My next one will be with farm animals.

Thanks!!! It's Nancy Halverson by Bernitex called Believe. I kinda doubt any are still out there in LQS but maybe someone can part with one for you. When I hand quilted it I free hand drew pine trees & snowflakes on the back (muslin) and went nuts. I was so bored looking at muslin by the time I was finished, I'll not do it that way again but it's different! :lol: