Woo HOO! I wasn't going to have my name in this lotto but now that I see the blocks I'm glad I forgot to tell you! I'll do something fun with them. Thanks to all who made blocks! Kate

Thank you all, for your kind comments! As I constructed the first block, the process was so slow, because I had trouble lining up the fabric to allow extra seam allowance, or I stitched a wrong side to a right side. I did a lot of ripping out on the first few blocks. But perseverance is the key, and practice makes perfect. I hope to make another PP project someday with more intricate designs. Theresa, you are so lucky to get a trailer-full of worm castings! Jennifer, here's an explanation of worm castings: Vermicompost I work it into each planting hole when adding new perennials to my gardens. Donna, thanks for your comment on the borders. The inner border might look white and the outer border black on your monitors, but the colors are actually cream and navy blue (print). Marsha, you are right about getting to know my machine while stitching 1/4" away from seams and turning corners! Don't look too close though, because the 1/4" is sometimes scant and sometimes closer to 3/8"! After a while I decided not to worry about an exact 1/4", but rather to relax my shoulders, enjoy the process, and use thread to match the buzzsaws. I don't think the recipient will notice the quilting inconsistencies anyway:) Julie

I did the Craftsy leaf pattern following Lois example. I may try another pattern as well, this pattern was lots of pieces, but the end result works. (Posting from my ipad! hope it's not sideways or upside down) V. It was upside down...reposted...why does it do that ???) This post was edited by littlehelen on Sat, Sep 20, 14 at 16:08

Very, very pretty. I like to change needles often in general, and It is just my opinion, but you need the needle to be sharp to puncture thru the paper and than the fabric and a dull needle is going to perhaps bend those fibers rather than pierce them cleanly. I actually use a little larger needle when I PP. I am in no way an expert!!!! I also find using a single hole needle plate makes it all easier to get clean stitches. Try a test, and change the needle and see if it makes a difference. Donna is right about leaving the paper on until the blocks are assembled. I took a PP class (a hard one- remember my crab?) and all the paper was left on & used to match up the intersections -stick a very fine straight pin thru the paper points, not at an angle- where you want to match-also at the seam allowances. Do not stretch the edges or the block will not lay flat. Are you using these on your Tavern sign fabric?