Country Threads Block of the Month: October

I feel like I'm sewing a lot but finishing little.  In fact, this may be my year for creating UFOs.  I'm plugging along on my block of the month projects.  Of the two that I'm doing, I think this one (from Country Threads) is my favorite.  The blocks and construction techniques are very traditional and I've used some traditional fabrics.  I like modern compositions also - maybe more, but there is something soothing and comforting about working on these blocks with their simple shapes and creating such a variety of different looks.

This month I learned about starch.  Now, I always knew about starch, but up until now I had only used the commercial type.  I wasn't too keen on it.  But recently I made some out of cornstarch and water (1Tablespoon cornstarch to 2 cups of water) and I really like how it helps to keep the seams flat.

I didn't have much time this month to play with the arrangement of these blocks or to audition different sashing colors, but I did take two pictures of all the blocks together.  The first is the recommended arrangement and the second is just an alternate arrangement.  The blank areas are for blocks that are yet to be made.  The colors are softer than they appear here.  We've had several days of clouds and rain and my camera insisted on using the flash.

I still find the whole thing a bit crazy without sashing.  It just seems like it needs something to draw it all together. I also think that I'm over the whole block of the month thing now....or for awhile at least.  It's been a great way to learn and practice different techniques, though.