Wensleydale

 Here are my first five blocks, made yesterday.

I thought the instructions I found were for conventional piecing but, after making one block, I realized they were all cut oversized so that they can be paper pieced for accuracy and less fabric waste.  I also soon realized that I need more Christmas-related fabric.  I have lots of smaller scraps, but not a lot of pieces that are 6.25" x 42", even by using fat quarters.  I'll look for fabric shops as we travel and see if I can't get a few more to add to the mix.  I will plan to make as many blocks as are in the pad of papers - 60 - so I have a long way to go.  I view this as a year-long project anyway, and there's no hurry to be done by Christmas.

As I cut the various pieces, I'm arranging them on paper plates left over from an old Bonnie Hunter mystery.   Paul was a little surprised to see them all laid out, but this is a good way to mix up the fabrics to achieve that scrappy look.  It's a big block, measuring about 8" x 11".  The larger harp on my machine makes the piecing a lot easier.

Today I'm off to the library for some aerobic walking followed by a pedicure with my friend Debb.  We always have a nice time catching up on the past month's activities.  I especially like to hear about her grandson's latest adventures.  He's smart and likes to read, making us both happy.