Ok, now I can do this....

Kennedy, 

I do solemnly swear that I will make your block this week and get it sent out. 

The holidays took over, but now my life is normal again. 

Sorry about the delay!

-Jacki 

December block

Agh! I can't figure out how to turn this darn picture or how to get it below the text. sheesh! I am not good at blogging. Anyway...

Hi everyone. I am mailing out Decembers block today if stamps are in my future. =) I can't wait to see what everyone else has done with the batik fabrics. I think this quilt is going to look great finished. Happy Holidays!

Sam

Frustration.

I am feeling so frustrated! Arggg.

I sat down determined to finish Kennedy's block today before the new fabric comes in the mail. What happens?
Somehow, I've ended up with a block that is 11x16.
What the heck??
I've tried adding borders...but it just looks silly. The whole thing is a mess. I'm sorry Kennedy. I'll keep messing around with it, but I hope you like "wonky".

Just thought I'd vent a little! Hope you're all doing well!
<3Patty

January

Merry Christmas everyone! My fabrics have not been sent out yet, but will be tomorrow or Monday. Since I messed up the first time, I just wanted to clarify that I would like the squares to be 12.5" so that it makes a 12" finished block. I prefer a simple look, so for the theme, I would prefer squares, rectangles, or pinwheels. I am all about crazy loud colors, so if you have any brights laying around, that's great! I am sending the following fabrics, everyone will get the black/white, and either yellow or turquoise.

The 2 that were previously unpictured!

I've been meaning to add these for awhile, but just hadn't gotten around to it.

Here are 2 blocks that I've gotten in the mail that aren't on here yet.

This first one I got quite awhile ago from Jess.  It matches the other blocks so well! 

And this one I got last week from Kennedy along with her beautiful fabric that I can't wait to work with. I love this one too. I really can't wait to see what everything looks like 

together. 

I'm still waiting on 2 more blocks, I'll show you them when I get them!

-Jacki

Block 6 or 7

I don't know what number we are on but here is my really late November block. I hope you like it Jacki!

I tried something I have always wanted to try by doing smaller pieces and using four fabrics in one block... I think it turned out ok but I don't know what you will think.

Goodness it was hard but hopefully I will do better next time.

~Christina

Month 2, Block 1 =)

As I finished this block, called World's Fair Puzzle, I had to question myself, was it to be 12" when we are finished with the block, or when it is in the finished quilt? Most of the patterns I find are for a 12" finished block. Anyhow, I probably have it mixed up, so you might need to chop this down Kennedy.

I didn't have enough fabric to finish this block as it was supposed to be, but I made it work I guess. I didn't have any other fabric that would match! It's called Grandmother's Fan. Hope it's a prediction (just kidding Kennedy!)

Let's see some more blocks!

I am just logging in to say I'm very excited to see the rest of the blocks! I know not ll 12 have been posted and the month is almost over!
I can't wait to see what you creative women have come up with!

Also, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next batch of fabric.

-Patty

I hope you all send me extra fabric! :)

So, this was the 1st time I ever quilted. First I cut all the pieces to make this block
And then I realized the block was too big and I couldn't figure out how to rescale it. So I made this pattern insteadIt took me a couple times of adding an extra row here and there but it's finally bigger than 12x12It's actually not even on the sides (it zig-zags) and is longer than 12 1/4 inches but I figure you can cut it down Jacki (and I don't trust myself right now)

It's been fun and I've learned a lot so hopefully the next one goes much better!

Christine Salloom

Jess!

Just wanted to let you know that I got your block in the mail today and I love it! I will take a picture of it & post it either tonight or tomorrow for everyone to see. It's great.  I feel like you guys had a secret meeting & decided which colors to use- they all look perfect together! Thanks!

-Jacki

On it's way!

Jacki,
I wanted to let you know that I put my square to you in the mail today. Be on the lookout for it!
Kim

Block 5

Yay for football day! I have finished my square. I hope you like it Jacki. I will be sending it out shortly. Can't wait to see everyones squares together. Happy quilting!
~Sam

Block 4

I had a little bit of a hard time with this. I don't usually have to do much measuring, so trying to get it to be 12x12 was a little tough. But I think for my first real try, I did ok. I hope you like it Jacki and that any goofs I made you can handle. I will be mailing it soon! Kim

Block 3

I was worried this would be too busy, but I think it turned out well. Everyone can see the star shape in the middle, right?

If anyone is interested for their own projects, you can find the pattern for this here. I think I am going to do this as a whole quilt eventually. I hope you like it, Jacki!

--Patty
(http://thehunsickers.blogspot.com/)

Block 2 =)

This is my first shot at circles, but it's something I've wanted to try for a while. It was definitely a little challenging for me. I pieced the larger circle and appliqued the smaller. My inspiration came partly from the flowered fabric...see the little circles that look kinda like spiderwebs? Hope you like it Jacki! -Heather

First November block is in!

I got this today from Dominique and I'm super impressed.  It gets me so excited to see what the quilt is going to look like when it all comes together. I really love the pink & white fabric that you added in.  It is beautiful. 

You'll have to bear with me here, our digital camera is currently out of commission, so I just used the Photo Booth on the computer.  Not the greatest quality pictures, but I wanted to be sure that everyone got a look at this!

--Jacki

Fall Exchange!

Dominique! I got my package from you today and am SO SO excited! 

Here is my fall exchange item:  an adorable, little halloween throw pillow.  I love the squares with the little dressed up guys in them. So cute.

Really, thank you so much. I love it.  

--Jacki

Question

Hey,

I was just wondering if we are limited to the fabric sent out? I love your choice, Jacki, but I was wondering if I had a little bit of fabric I thought would compliment, could I add it into my block or should I stick with your two choices?

-Patty

Helpers

I've been working on several quilt projects today. Usually I cut fabric sitting on the floor in front of the TV. Tonight my 'helpers' joined in. Thought yall might enjoy! I bought my fabric today to mail out next month! Yay!

-Kennedy

wow!

Jacki, I want to be you when I grow up! I love the quilt you made for your friend! I got your fabric last night and I already have a bunch of ideas. I can't wait to start.

I have to apologize to my exchange buddy. You're October gift is going in the mail to you on Monday. I am not going to bed till I finish it today. It's all cut out and ready to sew together, but I kinda got sidetracked with good news. My husband and I just found out we're expecting our first child. So it's been a crazy couple of weeks. But I promise, it will be in the mail first thing monday morning. I hope you like it!!!

--Nique

Headed out...

Just a post to let you know that the fabric went to the post office this morning!  Everyone should be getting them soon!

Let me know when you get your fabrics!

-Jacki

I can't wait!

I can't wait to get started! Are you mailing out your fabric soon Jacki?

~Helene

My Fall Exchange Item is.....

An awesome apron and a box of brownies. Thank you Jacki!!! I actually wanted an entertaining apron (and really wanted one that ties in the front... it looks more prof. baker that way)! Did you read my Christmas list?? Anyway I love it and was so happy to receive it last night. I mailed out my item today (I have been short on time) but I totally don't think it is half as cool as the apron. OK on to quilting but this was a fun exchange. I can't wait to see what everyone else made/got!

Sneak Peek

 Just wanted to give you guys a sneak peek at some fabric I bought this weekend.... for a little project we're working on :) . 

 I'm in love with it and can't wait to see what everyone will do with it.  

-Jacki

What I'm Working On

(This is the back.  The pink in it is the same pink that is on the top)

Just finished the top & back yesterday.  I'm pretty happy with it, overall.  Deciding what to do with the back was hard for me, but I think it turned out decent. This is for a friend's birthday & I need to have it mailed out by Monday for it to make it to her. Ah!  So this weekend will be spent at the sewing machine.

I also finished my project for the October/ Fall Swap & will mail that out at the same time... I'm in love with it and want to keep it, but I guess I'll send it out ;)

Last night, when I was at the fabric store getting backing fabric, I'm pretty sure I found the material I'm going to send out for the swap.  There's a Columbus Day sale at Joann's this weekend, so I'm going to go back and get it.  So exciting!!

-Jacki

Hello all!
I'm Christine. I live in San Jose, CA with Ray, my husband of 1.4 years. We've just bought our 1st home and are embarking on a kitchen remodel.

I'm a high school chemistry teacher in San Jose and Ray works for a blog search engine in San Francisco.

I've never quilted before but have been sewing since high school. I look forward to learning new skills.

Hi!

Hello everybody! My name is Helene and I live in Staten Island, NY, which is the forgotten borough of NYC. I'm an Assistant Project Manager for a construction management company, and going to school working towards a bachelors in Construction Management. I just recently celebrated my 1st anniversary with my wonderful husband. So far we have no kids and no pets. In my free time I like to read, bake, or watch tv. I have never actually quilted before, but I'm great at picking up new things and I can't wait to get started on this. I just went and got all kinds of stuff (incl 2 books) so that I can try to get the whole thing down before November. I'd love to hear any and all advice or tips you ladies have.

Heather

Hello from Colorado Springs! I am a stay at home mom to my smart and beautiful 2 year old daughter and wife to the cutest soldier in Iraq! I love hanging out with my daughter, sewing, cooking, and cleaning...among other things. When I'm sewing is probably the only time I am sitting down. And we have 3 crazy dogs.

My husband taught me to use a sewing machine about one year ago, and I have been doing it almost daily since then. I sell military bags, so that is what I have spent a majority of my sewing time doing. I have made several baby and lap quilts, but nothing to large or elaborate. I love working with bright colors and prefer modern over traditional designs. I have a short attention span with projects, so I tend to be drawn toward simple things. I am currently working on a scrappy log cabin quilt, but I just do a couple blocks per week.

Hey all!

My name is Christina and I live in Northern California. I learned to sew when I was a little girl from my grandmother and learned to quilt a year ago on my own. I am still learning but I have made a few small projects (table runners, stockings, a small throw, cat quilt, etc.) but have never made a full quilt before. I am still experimenting with different methods but I like paper piecing the most so far. As a relative newbie I would love any advice you have to give.

Other stuff about me... I was just married on 8/8/08 to my wonderful Jason and we just moved back to Cali from Boston(I am not a winter person). We live with our one cat in our apartment and are changing jobs right now. I hope to start teaching at community college soon but may have to stay at HS for a little longer. I teach science and DH teaches English. I love to bake and do crafts so this is right up my alley. I am also a big reader and it is conflicting with my fall projects (I have two pillowcases and a table runner I need to finish by the end of the week so we will see). Well that is about all... I can't wait to get to know all of you.

Have a great day!

Kennedy

I'm Kennedy. I live in Wyoming with my husband, our two basset hounds, and our cat. I've been quilting over 5 years. I teach poli sci and work at a credit union. In addition to quilting, I like to read, hike, and chase around our animals. My SIL, Heather, is also participating. (Our husbands are brothers.) She isn't a nestie, but maybe we can convince her! We've never worked on a project together so we should enjoy this!

These are some of my favorite quilts that I've made. My aunt has a long arm quilting machine, so I usually send her my tops to be quilted.

I made this one for my brother when he graduated from college. I'd love to try it again in a different color scheme.

I love log cabins and have done them in many colors. I gave this quilt to my mom.

This is one I made for myself. I like picking up fat quarters of batiks and have made very similar quilts to this one for several friends.

I have a blog: tryingtocatchabreath.blogspot.com lately it's been about nothing in particular, but every once in awhile, I'd like to think I have something to say!

hey girls!

Just a quick introduction for me ... My name is Jess and I live in Wisconsin. I learned to quilt a few years ago from my mom and haven't done much recently. I think the last project I worked on was a baby quilt for my best friend and her daughter is now 3! I've done a lot of paper-piecing and have done a few yellow-brick-road patterns. 

As for the rest of my life: My hubby and I got married Feb. 29, 2008 in Las Vegas. We have two black cats that we adopted from the humane society last June. They are totally spoiled and, since we aren't planning on having kids, are our babies. Currently, I work as a copy editor for a newspaper, but I"m waiting to hear back on a job I had an interview for last week. (keep your fingers crossed for me!) 

Guess that's it ... I also keep a food (mostly) blog: jesstyler.wordpress.com

Can't wait to get started! 

Probably a silly question...

But I didn't think of this before. When we make out 12x12, it's just the top part, right? (again, I'm still working on my first quilt ever--will post picks when it's done). I guess what I'm asking is, we don't do the batting too, that's up to the person who's month/quilt it is. I just don't want to screw up Jacki's quilt since she's got the first month.

Dominique

Hello!

My name is Kimberly. I as well am from Northern California. I learned to sew when I was in Junior High. During that time I made a quilt for my grandparents and one for my mom. Then just recently I began working on a some quilts as some of my friends began to have babies. I have done 3 or 4 for them already and I have 1 friend that I still owe one to, and another friend just found out she is pregnant. I better get moving! I do machine quilting, and my style is a VERY basic style. I am excited to do this!

As for the rest of my life.... I got married June 2006. I go to school almost full time. I will be graduating on May 20, 2009 (gee! I am not counting down the days!) with my AA in Accounting. I am also working full time as an assistant manager at a Hallmark store. I love spending time with my nephews and my goddaughter. Not much else, as I am sure you can guess that I am a very busy girl!

Patty's Intro!

Hello ladies! My name is Patty and I am from Northern California. I was married last October and my husband and I are currently in the process of House Hunting! I go to college full time and I am also a caregiver. I don't have a ton of free time these days, but when I do I love to quilt.

My husband's grandmother taught me to quilt about 2.5 years ago. She is a much more traditional quilter, so I took her techniques and have turned them into my own. I prefer to do baby quilts because I love working with the bright colors and working on a smaller scale. I have made about 15 quilts so far, but I have plenty more unfinished projects just waiting. I can't wait to get started on this project, I think it will really be fun to see what everyone's style looks like.

I have a blogger account also, so if you want to reach me my blog is www.thehunsickers.blogspot.com

I look forward to getting to know everyone!!

Hello

Hello Everyone!

My name is Danielle and I am from Long Island, New York. I was married July 4th 2007, and my husband & I just moved into our first house! I was a music major in college but now I work for a local real estate office, I do basic office duties but am primarily here to help get them up, running & organized.

I can not wait to start this project. I have been quilting for about a year now, mostly throw pillows for different season, and I just finished a smaller quilt for my nephew. I have been sewing & embroidery since I was a little girl, I just learned to crochet as well and am bit on scrapbooking. As you can see I have a lot free time on hands, lol.

I'm not sure what else to say, but I look foward to getting to know everyone!

Jacki's Intro

Hey everyone! I'm Jacki. I am from the great state of Ohio.  I just got married in July and right after the wedding, we moved from Columbus to Akron for my husband's job. We're actually from near Dayton, I moved to Columbus to go to school & my husband was short behind (awww!) and now we're in Akron.  I guess we're doing the state tour... I am unemployed right now, which is sort of terrible (I feel like I'm not contributing, I have yet to make friends in Akron, I get bored sometimes), but also sort of great (I have plenty of time to read, sew, quilt, and make delicious dinners every night).  

I've been quilting for a little over a year.  I've turned out 4 or 5 quilts during that time.  I enjoy piecing much, much more than actual quilting.  I tend to have a 'freer' style to my quilting- I don't always measure everything or match everything exactly, but so far it's turned out alright :) I hand quilt and machine quilt, just depending on how I'm feeling and if I have another project I want to be working on...

And I guess that's it.  I'm really excited to be part of this group and cannot wait to see what we come up with.  

Hi ladies!

My name is Dominique. I'm a Realtor in the Northern Virginia area. I'm actually in the process of finishing my very first quilt ever. If it comes out well, I'm starting a tradition in my family. (This one is for a cousin's baby--the first for our generation.) I'm really excited about our plan too, because I've always wanted to make a quilt for myself, but never made the time to start. I can't wait to see how all our quilts turn out!

Hi Everyone!

Hello ladies,

My name is Samantha and I am a CPA who lives in Orlando, Florida. Yes, just 5 minutes away from Mickey. I do taxes for a living and probably will be overwhelmingly stressed during tax season.
I got married on August 10, 2008 and really enjoyed crafting/quilting for the wedding. My guestbook was a quilt and it was so much fun to work on. It was my first hand quilted quilt. I have been quilting for 10 years and have finished probably about 20-25 quilts. I usually make them as gifts and never see them again. I also used to machine quilt them because it was faster but have come to love the hand quilting as it is very relaxing (after you get over those finger calluses). I can't wait to see what we all come up with. This is going to be really cool because I will actually get to keep this one.
I am so excited for the November start and look forward to meeting everyone else thru the blog.

Sam

Post #1

The Nestie Quilting Bee is a year-long project that aims to bring back that traditional "community quilting" feel in a modern way.

We will use this blog to share ideas, show pictures and just become that "community" that we are aiming for.

For participants: feel free to post your pictures, ask questions, and just spread information.

Readers: just enjoy!!