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Ho Ho Ho! Happy December! Can you believe the year is almost over!?


WELCOME TO THE 2012 HGTV FORUM BLOCK OF THE MONTH!

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The theme this year is MAKE IT YOUR OWN!!!

ivy_cottage (Camilla) and I (CBQ, Little Red Hen) are 'egg'-cited and thrilled to be working with you on the BOM this year!

You are not swapping, exchanging or anything else, just make the blocks we suggest every month, show us a photo of your work, and be entered into a drawing for a wonderful prize. ALL board members are welcome to join us!

SEW ... each month, we will be doing a block from Quilter's Cache. We will also reveal some smaller blocks that you can make and join to your 12 inch block.




Credit: Marcia Hohn has graciously said we can use blocks from The Quilter's Cache again this year. Please read her Terms and Conditions at: http://www.quilterscache.com/. And follow the below guideline. "Should photographs of items made from Original designs be posted on your group website, they should also be clearly marked with the name of the pattern As I have it named, and that it is from The Quilter's Cache/Marcia Hohn." (Since you'll post your pictures in this thread, you will be covered by that statement.)



The smaller blocks are totally optional~ you can make what we suggest, make something else, or not make any at all! Make it your own!




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This year we will challenge you to stretch your skills, ideas and creativity, while sewing and even trying new block patterns as well as methods. We are here to help! Use this thread to post your questions, problems anything related to the BOM~ and we will try to answer them for you.

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One other important note~ we are NOT presenting you the blocks in any order. January's block will not go in the upper left hand corner of your quilt! Just to mix things up we are presenting them in no particular order, but if you join us for the year, in December we will reveal the layout we have chosen.

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Step One~
Now ... without further clucking ... HERE'S the December BLOCK ~~

Solitaire


Step 2~ the mini blocks will be posted below this post~~

SO Y'ALL COME ON AND HAVE SOME FUN!!!
AND DON'T FORGET TO POST THOSE PICS WE LOVE PICS!

NOTE: If you have trouble posting pictures, or have a challenge with resizing them to post, you can SEND THEM TO ONE OF US VIA EMAIL, and we will BE HAPPY to resize them and post for you !!!



December Finishers~~

Sister Sue
royalboomer
Elainetoo
Becky from NY
SDgranny
Handie Ann
Patty J
Anael 7621
STinMT
SewHappy
Chlynn1129 star:
CQwannabe
DJBrown


{b]{color:red]Quilt top finishers..[/color][/b]
Anael7621
STinMT
Becky from NY
SewHappy
Sister Sue

Y'all did a marvelous job!!!
Did I miss anyone?

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: BOMchicks,

Step 2~ the mini blocks

Remember, this part is totally optional every month, but a lot of fun!

Sashing~ cut 2.5 inch strips. 2 are cut 12.5 inches, 2 are cut 16.5 inches

Mini Blocks~

Starting on the Left Side of the sashed block~

Cut 8- 2.5 inch squares.
Sew them together and attach to the left side.

Right Side~

4- 4 inch (finished) pinwheel blocks
These are made by sewing 4- 2inch finished HST's together. Square to 4.5 inches (unfinished) before sewing together. Attach to right side of block.


Top Row

Cut 11 rectangles 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches.
Cut 44- 1.5 inch squares.

Sew the squares down the center to the corners. Opposite corners first. Press. I turned the seam allowance on 5 of the squares toward the diamond block, and 6 away from the center block so they would all nest together nicely when I sewed them together. I pressed the little square the direction I wanted the seam allowance to go before I trimmed. It helped to keep the rectangles rectangular.
When I sewed them into the row, I pressed the seam allowances open.
Sew to the top of the main block.

Bottom Row

I cut 2 inch squares to make the 4-patches.
Make 7- 4 patch blocks. They will measure 3.5 inches unfinished/squared up. Sew together and add a 1.5 inch by 3.5 inch strip to one side. Attach to main block and smile!

You did it!!

Thanks BOMchicks! This one looks easy. I hope I will be able to make this one in time. The triplets aren't doing well, it's a scary time now and I'm worried sick.

Printed June-Dec and think I might actually get Dec done this month! Didn't realize how far behind I am!

Anael - sorry to hear about the triplets. Hope they get better soon.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Elainetoo,

Anael, I am sad to here about the triplets, sending T's & P's in your direction from Patty and me. Thanks CBQ for the last block. I printed out the directions for Patty J and me, because I was on the board early. Love your block and will try to have mine done before I go to Vegas on Dec. 14. Sue

Sending p rayers and well wishes for the triplets - I can only imagine how worried all the adults are.

This month's block looks far more doable than last month Went downstairs yesterday and threw that one away I'll try it again when I'm less stressed.

Anael, I am keeping you and yours in my T&P's! (hugs)

LOL Royal, the trash? Nothing salvageable? Try starching your fabrics before you cut it out~ heavily, then it will be like sewing with paper.

Have fun ladies!

Speaking of starch. Has anyone been disappointed with the Best Press. Sue and I haven't tried it--Kind of expensive, but DH is looking for a better list from me and thought I'd put this on it. I asked for mostly sewing notions as he has given me all the big stuff I need for quite a while. That didn't cut it.

Hey, it's Dec. 1 and I have my block done. This one is very easy, no stress. Royalboomer, you will LOVE this one. I gave Patty the directions at breakfast today. Her husband took us out, to celebrate his retirement. His last day was yesterday. Having a party this afternoon. Thanks for the easy block this month. Sue

Sue, very pretty. I love the color you chose.

Wow Sue, already finished! Beautiful block!

Can I send you my fabrics? You can do mine too :P

Anael- This took so little time and no seam riper needed. Everyone will enjoy this block. Sue

Nice block Sue. All of it looks easy, I might even work on it today.

Patty J, I use Best Press but only the unscented. Scents are too strong and bother with breathing. It works really good for getting wrinkles out and that center crease. I still use starch when I need my fabrics firm. Best Press does not make your fabric as firm as starch. It's a good idea for a gift. You can buy big bottles to refill your spray bottles.

AAAACCCKKK!! December and I didn't get my November block done! I am disappointed in myself! I am planning to definately get it done before I let myself do the December one.

Anael, I am so sorry to hear there is trouble on the triplet-front. Sure sending love and good thoughts. I am sure it is terribly worrisome to all involved. Thank you for sharing this with us.

SisterSue...you block is finished already!! Very impressed! and a lovely block it is!

Lindaboomer...you threw your block away???? Oh my! Maybe it will look better to you tomorrow?? This is supposed to be fun! I do so understand though if it doesn't look like you had hoped...been there, done that!

Ivy and CBQ...thank you for the December block and samples to view. You are great leaders/cheerleaders for us. Hope it wasn't too stressful a year for you with this BOM. I have enjoyed it greatly.

This month's block is half done....yeah!! Maybe I'll finish tomorrow - at least the main block. Haven't thought of the little guys yet. I still have to go back and add the little guys to one of my previous blocks...hoping I can find the instructions.

I feel comfortable that I will have 9 of the blocks to go into MY quilt

I love this block - I don't have to "think" a lot and it is very striking.

November was simply not my month - it happens - picked the wrong colors, worked with them anyhow, but just couldn't get past the "I don't like this combination" the I used a different machine since my main one was set up for quilting a couple of projects but the lighting was terrible there. Been having issues with double vision - by the end of the day my eyes are so tired it isn't funny. My new prescription will take care of that but I have to wait until next week before the new glasses are in. Some things are just not meant to be....November's block fell into that category. I may give it another try with different fabrics next year. The trash was where it truly belonged. Too much ripping.

Can't wait to see everyone's blocks all put together. Haven't decided if I will sew along for 2013 yet.

Anael7621, my T's and P's are going out for you and your family (the 3 little ones) May things improve for them.

Sister Sue-your block is sooo pretty-love the colored fabric. I am working on the little blocks.
Anael, sorry about the triplets- hope every thing will go well for them. Will keep them in our prayers.

Anael, T & P for the three little ones!

Sister Sue, your block is great. I hope to get to mine soon.

Sew Happy, each month now I try to guess just where you will place your spot of beautiful color....have not been correct most of the time! LOL

Winner! winner!

Did you think I forgot?


Nope. Didn't.


Drew the November winner this morning and it is......


READY??



...... DJ BROWN

Yay! DJ! Can you PM your address to me?

Chlynn,you made me laugh. I debate over that for several days sometimes, sometimes I can see it right away like this month. I've had DH help me too when I couldn't decide. I should have asked you for ideas too!
Hopefully I'm going to start working on this soon today. I seem to keep finding other things that need to be done. I think I've given up on starting to decorate today and will sew instead.

Congratulations DJ

I finished the main block with the frame...eyes are to tired to continue today but the pressure is off now

The star points are made from leftovers from the backing of a quilt I made for my sister some time ago....There were a couple of large cunks leftover but as much as I keep cutting into it for this and that it doesn't seem to get smaller...I do believe it is magical. If I could find it again I'd buy more.

Royalboomer- Your block is beautiful and blue is agreat color. Love it. Sue

I won :0 oh my! Just having these blocks posted each month is a gift to me!! They keep me going. PM comming Crazy?

RoyalBoomer,I love your star fabric! If it's that magical you can cut off a few pieces and send it over to me Lovely block!

DJBrown, congrats on winning!

Don't anyone faint - first block done since April. Took a break from the quilting commitments - have 2 to get finished in the next couple days.

So here's December main block. Hope to get more blocks and little ones done by the end of the year.

Thank you ladies for a great year of blocks.. waiting for the 10th to see the rest of the blocks put together.

Nice blocks so far. I'll have to pick out some really pretty fabric to make this block pop. All the ones shown are popping. Putting up the tree this afternoon. DH first day of retirement and he is at odds as to what to do.
Opps, I forgot to say congrats to DJ, hope you like your prize.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: patty j,

Wow Elaine, you go girl Great block! I love that star fabric!

Patty, why don't you teach your DH how to quilt? That will keep him busy for a while

Great blocks ladies! Way to SEW!

Forgot to say Congratulations, DJ Brown!

got mine done and now waiting for the placement of the last 6 blocks or have I missed it?

Pray'ers going out to Anael for the 3 babies

I think the placement part is in a couple of weeks...love your block

Anael - sure hope things are looking up for the little ones.

I too forgot to Congrat's DJ on being selected as the winner for Nov. Sorry. Becky and Elaine, your blocks are bright and beautiful. Great job. Sue

Sorry I forgot to congratulate DJBrown on her win.

Sister Sue, Royalboomer and Becky- very nice blocks. Becky great job getting the little ones done also.

Congrats to DJBrown for winning the November drawing.

Lovely block Becky! As soon as one more person shows their block with the mini's, I will post the last half.

Here is my last block.

My dear friends, with great sadness I come here tonight. My DS and DDIL have to make an impossible decision. One of the twins isn't going to live, that's for sure now. When he dies his brother might live or not, they can't tell. When he's going to survive there's a real possibility he will be disabled. It's possible to terminate the twin pregnancy within 6 weeks from now without doing any harm to the third baby. So now they have to decide. Do nothing and maybe have no baby's at all, terminate the twins pregnancy and keeping one baby or waiting for the one tiny twin to die and hoping the other one will survive without problems which is a 50% change. Doing this might cause other problems though. So it's almost impossible to chose.
My heart is breaking for them. Please keep them in your thoughts.

Oh Anael, my heart goes out to them and you. Love and pra*yers.

Oh Anael, thoughts and prayers going to you and your family. May they find peace in whichever decision they make.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Elainetoo,

SDgranny.. great colors.

Oh Anael ((hugs)) What an impossible choice. Sending lots of T&P's!

Great block SDgranny!

And you know what that means?

TaDa~ my quilt is together!

The last half is...

January~~ September~~ July

February~~ November~~ December.

Then sew the Jan~Sept~July side to the previous Apr~Aug~March side to get your top together.

Then I flipped mine so October is in the lower right hand corner~
notice I have my label block there in the corner? A happy accident! LOL

So in the photo from top to bottom~
Dec..Nov..Feb
July..Sept..Jan
March..Aug..April
May..June..October

Of course, you can shake, rattle and roll your blocks however you want! Just please be sure to come back and show us a photo!!

If you want to border your top like mine, I cut 2.5 x 6.5 segments for the top and bottom (11 of them).
For the sides I needed to add one 2.5 inch square on each side to get the right measurement. (15- 2.5 x 6.5 segments plus one 2.5 inch square) Then I added 6.5 inch larger borders.

Thank you all SEW MUCH! for sewing with me this year! I had a great time trying to keep a step ahead. When my computer crashed in the Spring, I lost all the files for the quilt, so had to start from scratch trying to remember how I had the blocks arranged and what mini blocks I had drawn out. It taught me a valuable lesson!! ~Print off what I need to keep! LOL

And thank you to Ivy~ you were a wonderful help, inspiration, extra hands and eyes this year. ((hugs)) I hope you enjoyed doing the BOM with me!


Next year's BOM is already on my drawing board. Stay tuned for a special announcement in a few days.

Anael I just can't imagine even trying to make that decision and am pra-ying very hard G-o-d will help your family with at this awful time.

Craz'boutquilts that turned out beautiful.I'm hoping I van work on mine in a few days. Thanks for doing the BOM for us.

Anael, my heart is in pain for your family that is a very hard decision to make. May the good L__d guide them and keep them in his arms.

CBQ, I have all my large blocks done now I'm working on the little blocks for the January and December blocks. Then to lay them all out.

CBQ- that is just OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!. Love it. What a great job. Thanks for all your help this year. I really enjoyed making the BOM, even if I did not do the small blocks.
Anael- I am very sad to hear about the babies. T's and P's coming your way. Sue

That is one beautiful quilt! Thank you so much for doing this and taking us out of our comfort zone.

Waiting patiently to see all the final results.

Anael - my heart breaks for you and your family. Will keep you all in p r ayers.

CBQ - that quilt is awesome!!

Anael, Will keep your family in our pray ers

QBQ, your quilt is fabulous! I may just have to go back and to the small blocks. I did the first six and did not do the last six. Hummm.....

I finished my last block. Will post a pic tomorrow.