I completed my swap block for my first month in the new group. (click on block swap adventure button to learn more about this swap) I can only show a preview, because my partner hasn't seen the block yet.
But let me tell you... my seam ripper and I became very good friends while making this block. I had not used templates to make a block in a very long time. I pulled out my trusty "Lap Quilting with Georgia Bonesteel" book to find 12 inch block patterns. Of course, the patterns in her book are made with templates. Thankfully, I was able to find my stash of templates that I had already made to go along with this book, so I was able to save time there. This block proved to be very challenging for me to make. It took me a lot longer than it should have, but in the end, I am satisfied with the block and will be mailing it out to my swap partner this week. I've decided to use the swap group as a way to challenge myself... to relearn... and to learn even more about piecing blocks. I have very fond memories of using my Georgia Bonesteel book, as this is the first quilting book I had ever owned, and I've used it a LOT! I hadn't even opened the book in years and had to climb into the attic to even find it. What a joy it was to reopen and rediscover the treasures inside.
*PS.. I loved Georgia Bonesteel when I was in high school and used to watch her on PBS (whenever we could get the station). While in college, I dated this one guy for a short time and was over at his house one day. He came into the living room to find me watching Georgia Bonesteel on his tv. He asked "what ARE you watching?" "you aren't serious, are you?" "are you really watching that???" LOL.... yes, I was serious... and still am! :o)