The last few days I have been sequestered in my room, sewing furiously. I finally started going through the "Learning to Quilt: A Beginner's Guide" book that I got for Christmas several years ago. (See the sidebar.) Well, actually I officially started a couple of months ago when I cut out the border strips and sashing. But I did just start the real piecing part of it. So far it has been quite easy to understand - the lessons are laid out very clearly in the book.
There are 25 lessons taking you through all the steps in making a quilt. Right now I'm working on the tenth of twenty blocks. It's a sampler quilt, so every block is different. They start you off easy with the Rail Fence pattern, but I can tell the lessons are gradually getting harder. Later on there are at least 3 different applique methods I'll have to learn. 
I chose greens and blues for my fabrics as those are my favorite colors. :) I did neglect to notice some small lines in one of my fabrics...and therefore I'll have to go back and fix a few blocks that have lines going in different directions. Oops! Other than that, I'm pleased with the way the blocks are coming out.
The 10 I have done are: Rail Fence, Double Nine Patch, Shoo Fly, Monkey Wrench, Jacob's Ladder, 
Ohio Star, Card Trick, Lily, Star in a Star, and Wedding Ring. The last half that I have yet to do are: Bear's Paw, Drunkard's Path, Basket, Grandma's Fan, Spring Bloom, Honey Bee, Friendship Star, Bow Tie, Lemoyne Star, and Goose Tracks. Can you guess the names of the three blocks shown?
After the quilt is all put together, I'll probably do the actual quilting itself by hand. It seems like a queen-size quilt wouldn't fit under my sewing machine very well. But I don't really know how to do hand quilting either. I guess I'll eventually figure it out. :) In a few months, or however long it takes me to finish it, I'll post a picture of the completed quilt.
~Sarah
From top to bottom:
card trick
lily
star in a star?
The colors you chose are very pretty! You're going to have a beautiful quilt!
Posted by: Tammy S. | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Do they have a pre-beginners' guide!
Have fun and look forward to somday seeing the final project.
Posted by: Tammy | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Great job so far, Sarah! I love these that you've finished. Can't wait to see more.
Posted by: Aunt Bet | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 02:35 PM
Sarah, your fabrics are so pretty! I especially like the blues! :) The squares you pictured on the post are very nicely done, can't wait to see the whole thing pieced together! You will be able to get a queen sized quilt under your machine. It takes a little maneuvering and holding your tongue just right :) but it works. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Chris | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Sarah, your blocks look great! Love the colors. I agree with Tammy S. on the names of the quilt blocks. Can't wait to see the finished product!
Posted by: Susan | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 02:53 PM
Very lovely! I'm impressed.
Posted by: Islandsparrow | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 03:16 PM
Your're doing a great job Sarah! Now that I finally have a walking foot for my machine I may never hand quilt again...However!! I think you would enjoy hand quilting and find it very fulfilling! (Just stock up on the callus lotion :o)!!!)
Posted by: joanna | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Can't wait to see the finished quilt, Sarah! And I think you should at least try some hand quilting--it's not too hard and a lot of fun. What you need is a quilting frame and then you can have people over to help you quilt it. (:
Posted by: Sarah | Saturday, February 03, 2007 at 08:06 AM
I would love to come and show you! Check around at Brethren churches in your area. They usually meet once a week and quilt and they would love you to come and they would show you.
Posted by: Cindi | Saturday, February 03, 2007 at 11:54 AM