I'm so excited that I've gotten this far (without throwing my sewing machine out the window!) that I just have to share a few pics of my progress. I'm no Martha Stewart and my sewing skills are just very basic...but I'm learning that one's never too old to learn...and so I'm just having a blast learning to quilt. My first quilt had only 6 large pieced blocks in it so I decided to step it up a notch by going with a nine patch pattern to work on my 1/4 inch seam allowance and piecing many more pieces...and still try to keep everything straight! lol!

This quilt is inspired by my grandma, Elinor. I saw the floral print and had to have it because it reminded me of her. (This was a year ago...long before I ever knew what I might do with it!) Well, I found some colors to compliment it...and added a pale blue to bring out the blue in the print and to go with the colors of our bedroom walls. (This is to please my dear DH who LOVES blue.)

It wasn't until I started piecing it together and watching the pattern emerge that I realized just how "girlie" this quilt is going to be!! Worried about how DH would like it...I asked him. He said that when he sleeps he doesn't notice things like that so it wouldn't bother him! lol! He said he'd like it just because I made it so whatever I made would be fine with him. What a keeper! ;-)

I'm not sure how to quilt this when it's done. I'd like to hand quilt it so I can learn how to do that. If anyone has any ideas about that I'd love to hear them.

Thanks for looking and any ideas you have! I'm so encouraged by the fine work I see everyone doing on this board. I hope to continue learning for many years to come. Quilters Rock! ;-D

I can tell you are doing a lovely job.

Looks like you are doing a great job. Very pretty. Please post when it's quilted.

Are you sure your are just learning??? Beautiful quilt, colors, pattern and sewing. Can't wait to see it all finished.

I love the colors! The blocks are wonderful! Great job.....keep posting your progress! Can't wait to see it when you are done.

Amen! I love it!

Beautiful! This is going to be very pretty when you get it quilted. Love the fabrics!! :)

very nice job and a very pretty quilt. Keep up the great work.

For your first big quilt you're doing awesome! Much better than my first big one. I love the fabrics and colors...it is a bit girly but not too girly.

great so far hon.

Very pretty, and everything matches up like you're a pro!

Great job. Wish my first had looked as good.

Love the colors.

You are doing a great job!! Sure you're a beginner??

I'm very much a beginner! Didn't start my first quilt until early September. Guess I've been at this about 6 weeks. Just ask my dear DH...haven't done hardly any cooking or cleaning since I started quilting! Gosh I didn't know how easy it would be to get so involved in this!

I agree!

That is going to be so pretty! Great start!!! :thumbup:

Ooooh, this is beautiful. Can't wait to see the finished quilt! :)

Your doing a great job, please keep us updated, and I love your choice of colours too! :-)

Really a nice start for a "beginner". Welcome to the world of quilters. It's a wonderful group to belong to. Lots of caring, sharing & encouragement.

It's beautiful, and not too girlie at all! Keep up the good work!

No one would ever have known you are just learning if you hadn't told us! Your quilt is going to be beautiful! My suggestion about hand quilting would be to start out practicing on something small before you start in on a queen size quilt! I am still waiting to try my hand at hand quilting too and that is the info that people have given me!
I am sure whatever you decide it will turn out great!

Oh my goodness! That is a really nice job - are you sure you are a newbie? Coulda fooled me!

YOu are doing great! Its going to be a lovely quilt! You go girl!

Your a natural. Beautiful job. Love the colors

NICE job!!!!

Beautiful! You're doing a great job - keep going!!

WOW! Very Prett!! You are doing a magnificent job on this quilt :D:D:D

Wow- you got the hang of this in a hurry! You are doing a wonderful job. Colors are great and you sure have everything lining up perfectly! Nice!!!!!

Well let me tell you Ms Karen Newbie lol..you are well on your way to total addiction..you have done a wonderful job..hope to see more in the future.

That is really going to be pretty when you get it finished!! Great job!!

Your doing a great job!!

You're doing just fine. Great start.

Very nice!

You're doing great! Such pretty colors too!

Isn't that pretty. Soothing for a bedroom, too.

9 patch quilts are my very favorite!!!!! You are doing it justice....love your layout. It will be beautiful!!!

That is just beautiful. You are doing a wonderful job. I love your fabric. Thanks for sharing.

Beautiful job, love the soft colors you've chosen!

Beautiful! I have a question-what size is the finsihed block size?