Hello Everyone, It has been full steam ahead here at Sew'n Wild Oaks cutting fabric, writing the pattern, and pattern testing for my Country Sampler design. The quilters on the cruise to Alaska are going to have a great time making this quilt. It is a wonderful example of learning how to make components any size you want to create beautiful, and intricate blocks surrounded by a ribbon sashing which is made without any triangles. Part of the pattern writing process is testing the pattern. Yesterday, my sister Gail and I finished cutting all of the kits for the cruise. My great room started to resemble a war zone with bolts of fabrics, cutting tables, and sharp cutting tools scattered around the room. Once we were finished, Gail started making the first block for Country Sampler.  She selected her fabrics then made the components for the first block and placed them on the block layout sheet. She started her second block at 5:30 this morning. She was up and making the coffee before I started stirring. Before she got to that point, we had to finish cutting and folding all of the fat 1/8th's Here is the selection of blacks, golds, plums and blues from the Fresh Cut Flowers line by Kansas Troubles for Moda. Here are the lights, greens, and reds. While Gail worked on her block, I cut the fabrics for the border and sashings.  Today while I'm finishing the pattern, Gail is going to work on her block. She says she's having a ball, and I believe her. We are surrounded in gorgeous fabrics, and entertained with a passing thunder storm rolling down the spine of the Sierra. Mr. Joe built a roaring fire, and we were happy campers. More work ahead today. But is it really work? Hope you have a fun day "working" while creating. Soon, Lynn