Hello Quilting Friends:

I am very, very new to quilting so I admit this plan is ambitious! But someone I really love and admire has announced her retirement from the University where I work. She's leaving June 30th after working here 14 years. I know at least 2 experienced quilters on campus so I'm hoping I can get them involved in the project.

I've searched the board and seen some ideas for this type of project using log cabin but I'm not sure if I would like the way it comes out. Wouldn't that look kinda lopsided because the writing would only be on the lights so it could be seen? Does anyone have a picture of an autographed log cabin they could share?

The school colors are blue and gold (would translate as yellow fabric). I keep seeing blue and gold squares/9 patches with a white square in between for signing. I'm familiar with the log cabin and it does go together easy/quickly so maybe I'm just over thinking this.

I went as far as having people sign fabric squares at my wedding without any idea what I would do with them so I definitely need to have a plan before I launch this project.

Most important, it has to be EASY for a newbie like me and go together fairly quickly as I work full time 50+ hours a week.

Would love some guidance on this.

thanks in advance. :-)

Here are a few... Using blue and yellow fabrics would be very pretty with these blocks... There are so many blue florals with touches of yellow in them... Yellow florals... wow...so many choices :D:D:D

http://www.quilterscache.com/S/SignatureBlock.html

http://www.quilterscache.com/S/SignatureChainBlock.html

http://www.quilterscache.com/S/SignatureCrossBlock.html

http://www.psiquilt.com/2010/01/sigg...-tutorial.html

Here is another block suggestion. Many of the folks on the board are doing this signature block as an exchange right now. The general consensus is that it goes together quickly and easily. Alternating the direction of the white part can really create an interesting layout. If you scan the Siggy Block Swap thread, you will see a couple of links to layout suggestions.

Besure to use a good fabric pen for the signatures and heat set them. Also, keep in mind even the smartest people refuse to follow directions on signing blocks. You may have to stand over them to make sure they sign the right direction!

I too took on a signature quilt without planning a block in advance. My Grandmother's 80th birthday was a surprise party where many friends and family would be. I picked out pastel colors and cut 4 and 1/2 squares for signatures. I still haven't completed the blocks. I just wasn't happy with the limitations I put on myself without proper planning.

One thing that is very beneficial is to iron freezer paper to the back side of fabric to stabilize fabric for better control of signing. It works great!!!!!! Good luck

good links

I don't know about doing a log cabin. It might be hard to sign. Amma sent you some really nice blocks. If you're a really new quilter and short on time, #1 would be my choice and it would be very easy to resize the block. 2 seams done!! Do you have any idea on how many signatures you're going to get? That would determine the size of block you would want for the size of quilt you're going to make.