I received all of my blocks and they are wonderful!

Row 1: Katherine
Row 2: Katherine, Faye, Kristene, Robbi
Row 3: Mary, Linda, Cindy, Jayne
Row 4: Sharon, Jeanne, Beverly, Kay

I apologize if I mis-identified any of the blocks!

If anyone outside of our group would like to know about this pattern, it's CLOWN PATCH and can be found on quilterscache. Each square will have a log-cabin style border around it and there will be sashing between the blocks.

Thank you everyone!
Salijo

I forgot to mention that there are individual photos of each block in my birthday block thread if anyone would like to see closer views.
Salijo

Inspired by Salijo posting a picture with all of her blocks, here is mine. These are from the Ribbons & Bows group. I had posted most of them before another arrived. I have a total of 13 because someone in the group made two for me! I plan to put a different block that alternates with these blocks. I will try to post once I get that accomplished, but knowing me - it will be awhile. LOL
The block is Sawtooth Star. Could not be happier with these birthday blocks!

{{!gwi}}

My March blocks have begun to arrive and I am posting those under my heading for Piece of Cake and March 29th. I think I am going to decide I really enjoy being in two groups - two birthdays right in a row, what could be more fun!

Jeanne

Even though I'm not in a BD group this year, I enjoy seeing your blocks. Thanks for posting.

Salijo, when I saw your squares I immediately thought it would be interesting if you turned every other block 90 degrees. (Right now the corner blocks have blue triangles in the top and bottom positions. If you turned some squares, they would have white triangles in the top and bottom positions.) This may not look good at all, and you did NOT ask for advice, so I hope I'm not stepping on your toes by offering my opinion. I just thought it would be interesting to see it in that layout.

Lola

Nope, not stepping on my toes. I'll lay it out and see what it looks like before I make any final decisions.

Salijo

I just wanted to mention that there are lots of helpful hints here on the forum lately, so I encourage you to read them and to share ideas. For example, I just looked through
"The Basics: seams, pressing, etc."
I don't know how many take the time to read things like that. If you are sort of new to quilting, they will be helpful -- and if you have been quilting for awhile, take time to share some good ideas for others. I don't get to read all the headings every day, but I browse when I can and love to see what is being discussed - and, of course, I love to look at any pictures that get posted!
I hope everyone is doing well. I really enjoy making the blocks that were selected this year. There is a lot of variety and they are fun to make!
Jeanne

Pretty blocks - also love that you post the Name of the Block and where it came from.

This is a great place for ideas - I like that lola suggested an alternate layout.

salijo-I've missed reading your perspective on color, placement, etc. and how it applies to quilting.

Jeanne,
I know you must have to deal with complaints once in a while as one of the managers of the birthday blocks. Maybe you can use the "Basics" postings to help quilters in the group understand how to make corrections, when necessary.

Kate,
Excellent idea for new quilters who may want to join the Birthday Block Exchange when we take sign ups in the fall. If you are still learning - and I guess in a sense we all are - read all you can about techniques on this board and practice, practice, practice.
We are very fortunately to have a wonderful group who signed up this year's exchange so I thank each of you for taking your commitment to the group seriously. Everyone seems to be very careful and precise! Maybe some are following the piece of advise that if the block doesn't come out the right size, take it apart and start again. I hope not too many people are having to use their seam ripper again and again. LOL
It sure makes things nice for Kristene and me as we try to keep things running smoothly. Applause for all of you!!!
Jeanne

Our discussion section has been rather quiet this month. How is everyone? I caught that nasty virus that was going around so that made the first half of March just about disappear for me. I hoped to get lots of sewing done. Oh, well, there is always the second half of the month!
It's nice to see all the posting on the Quilting Forum lately. I love to see what all the other quilters are making - or things they pulled out to give examples.
Kristene will be keeping up with things for the month of April so most of the postings then will be from her. Depending on when I go to help with my triplet grandsons, she may also be keeping up with the first part of May, but between the two of us we will make sure someone is available to post the headings for the group and respond to any concerns.
It's definitely Springtime here! March is a great time for the flowers in SC --- unfortunately soon the pollen will show up, too. My nose stopped running from one cause just in time to start for another reason. LOL
Jeanne

OK, here I go... pictures hopefully.

I tried to get one with all the blocks together so you could all see how great they look together, but I'm afraid some of the edges don't show. Also, there is a good chance I got the names mixed up (sorry), but I pulled them out and showed them to everyone who came by so sometimes the cards got separated from the block. I'm sure you all know what I mean. Sharon actually put her name on the seam allowance of hers and I'm going to try and remember to do the same from now on.

Thanks again everyone!

Top Row: Robbie Kristine Sharon Mary
2nd Row: Kay Cindy Jeanne Jayne
3rd Row: Sally Linda Beverly Katherine (2)

Faye,
your quilt looks spectacular! Everyone's block blends in well together.
Kristene

Thanks for posting the picture. I love to see how the blocks all come together and this will look great!
Jeanne

I've finally finished my label on one of last year's Birthday Block Quilts. It was made by Carolina Lilies and is called "Friendship Scrap Block" Members were: Andrea, Kate, Jeanne, Jackie, Jayne, Michelle, Cathleen, Bill, Melissa, Linda, Nancy, Kitty and myself (Kristene). It has been sent off to the Children's hospital in Sydney since our new hospital is not having a specialist oncology ward for children.

Here is a photo of the finished quilt.

I also finished my Calico Queen's birthday block quilt and added its label. It is also going to the Children's Hospital in Sydney since our new $250 million hospital only put in one radiation unit, which is only enough to cope with adults. Our hospital only opened up on Wed 16th March and it is wonderful, with all facilities under the one roof, instead of being scattered around the city. I work in the Volunteer's Coffee Shop and there's so many new pieces of equipment there to learn how to use too! But it's big, bright and beautiful.

Here's a photo of the quilt - pattern is called "Tessilated Cats"

Kristene

I'm thinking I would like to see a completed block by the BD person that looks like what they have in mind. Does 'scrappy' mean anything goes? What exactly are the fabrics you consider to be 30's and Civil War? Salijo sent me pictures she found on the web of 30's and Civil War and I would have switched them around if I hadn't seen them. I don't mean to be picky about anything, but I see this as an area of learning.....at least it is for me.

SharonG/FL

Pretty quilts from our birthday groups - past and present.

Sharon makes a very good point. I think better detailed descriptions of where you want what fabric ( fabric placement within the block) would be very helpful. Fabric /color placement drastically affects the look.
I know I'm picky :) My family reminds me daily!

Thank you for posting photos! I love seeing everyone's blocks together.

Salijo

Ohhh....don't think of it as being picky. It's actually just an eye for detail and not everyone has that ability.

Salijo

Specially when she can only see out of one eye! '-(

I hope everyone is enjoying these first few days of Spring. It has turned downright hot here and not much rain so I think our summer will be downright miserable, but we will see. Right now the flowers are all in bloom, but beware of the pollen. It turns everything yellow-green at this time of the year --- which is why we like to have rain, especially during the pollen season.
Anyway, Kristene will be overseeing things for April so you will see her posting most of the messages soon. Things have been so busy here. This is normally a busy time of the year and my older daughter had triplets a few weeks ago and my younger daughter just defended her thesis for her Ph.D. yesterday.
Yes, that is Andrea in the Piece of Cake Birthday Block group!!! Congratulations to Dr. Andrea!

Jeanne

Several of our members have asked to see a picture of the triplets so here is one taken about a week ago while all three were still in the hospital. Now, the first born triplet is at home. Aren't they cute? (Now I understand about how grandmothers always want to show everyone pictures of their grandchildren! - LOL)

{{gwi:1253262}}

Jeanne

Oh My! They are gorgeous! Boys? Girls?

Faye

They are all boys - two identical and one fraternal. They were born on Feb. 27th. 9 1/2 weeks early so it's wonderful that they are doing so well.

Jeanne, Thank you so much for sharing your new Grandbabies with us. They are perfect!! I know you will be enjoying them soon. It will be so exciting to see them grow up and develope they personalities.
Give Dr. Andrea my best as well. A proud accomplishment. Jayne

3 gorgeous grandsons you have Jeanne! Take lots of photos on your visit so you can see how they change.

Kristene

They are adorable! Congratulations Jeanne!