The Round Robin Begins

One of my quilt groups has decided to play with a round robin.  We’ve done them in the past.  When our group first started we were so excited we dove right into a round robin and did two round robins projects back to back.  We slowed down a bit after that.  We’ve been taking a break from group projects for a while, so it’s a bit of fun to be up and running again.

The first challenge, of course, is to come up with a central block.  I almost always choose an applique block.  I haven’t yet had the stamina to make an applique quilt, but I can, on occasion, manage a block.  I usually make my centers bigger than this so I thought this time I’d start with something smaller.  This will finish at ten inches square. 

The block design is the center area of a block from the book Simple Blessings by Kim Kiehl.  I practiced some machine applique and chose a very simple design with oh so gentle points and curves.  It took me far longer than I thought it should and made me respect and admire you beautiful appliquers all the more. 

The fabric I chose is incredibly cute, Whimsy by Fig Tree Quilts.   Love it!

I’ll have to admire it in the photos from here on out though.  I won’t see my quilt again until the round robin-ing is done – which could be anywhere from six months to a year (we’re a pretty relaxed group!).  Once we’re all done and it’s okay to show, I’ll have to post pictures of how everyone’s quilts turn out.

Meanwhile, the countdown is on for Doll Quilt Swap 8.  Thank heavens I finally got the pattern I wanted!  The pincushions and little nine patches inspired me and I’m working with blocks this time instead of an entire foundation.  Here it is in process.  Love those little blocks!  They’ll finish at two-and-a-half inches square.

Tomorrow, I make up some more blocks and put the top together.  More pictures to come!  It’s such a relief when the design comes together.