You might have to shave your cats.:p

Wow you've chosen some gorgeous fabrics. Can't wait to watch the progress!!

I'm enlarging my blocks 130% to 9" finished and trimming to 9 1/2", so will be cutting 4 x 10 1/2" blocks from WOF.

I've ordered Kona Premium Jet Black (which I've never seen as there's only one LQS here and they don't stock Kona).

Normally I would do all my cutting up front but wonder if it's better to cut as I go to prevent mixing up wrong and right side? I'm concerned that any chalk marks might rub off or transfer.

To cut or not to cut, that is the question :)

Good point knitette...I chose to have black background too. I think I will have to pin a small safety pin in the corner of the blocks on the right side.

haha I've always told everyone the cat hair is free. Don't think I could bring myself to shave them.

I didn't know Kona had a right and wrong side. Guess I will have to look again.

I am planning on cutting one block at a time, at least until I get rolling on this and gain some confidence.

dd if you do shave the cats, post a pic, we could make them our mascots.

kindleaddict, I also like take my time with washing and ironing! It does allow the project to marinate a bit.

I think I will join along, but I will probably be a little behind everyone else. To me........that's ok.

I just received my book! Doing a little stash shopping to get started😉. Not sure how much I'll need to buy after that. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone chooses for their fabrics.

This is a stunning quilt. Do I need a project life this for 2015, not really. But it could be fun doing to QAL with others on the board. Will have to give this some thought over the weekend.

Hmmm, the shaved cats suggestion is creating a scary visual... ��. I have been trying to decide about background. I just finished a top with Kona background and really don't care to use it again. It frays like crazy and I'm likely to manipulate my squares a lot while appliqueing so I considered a sateen finish black cotton that is a finer weave. The problem is...it's really soft and a bit thin. I probably will try to start with a block and see how it goes. I'm going to hand applique..I think. I prefer the freezer paper and glue method. I get my best results using this method. Turned needle just doesn't look as good when I try it. I must admit I am envious of those who have mastered needle turn.