It's a Start

Yesterday I told you that I was going to start spending at least 30 minutes per day doing something constructive. And yesterday, I did it.  If you aren't aware, Pat Sloan has a new radio show.  It runs on Mondays from 4 to 5, but you can listen at your convenience here:  http://toginet.com/shows/creativetalkradio.  If you haven't listened in on one of Pat's radio shows, give one a listen.  I learned quite a bit.  On this week's show, Pat visited with Bonnie Hunter.  Bonnie is what I guess I would call the "Queen of Stashbuster Quilts".  After listening to the show, I went to Bonnie's website: http://quiltville.com/  and looked at the free patterns that she has there for the taking.  Wow, was I impressed!  I have quite a large stash, and want to whittle it down some, so I chose two of Bonnie's patterns to make as charity quilts.  As many of you know, I do quilts each year for a Saddle Up Trail Ride which benefits the children of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.  Most of these quilts are western-themed, but I try to do at least one each year that is not themed.

This is one of the patterns that I chose.  It's called "Boxy Stars" and I love the way it looks.  It's a 12" block, and doesn't seem to be that difficult to do.  It's bright and scrappy and I love it.

This is the second pattern I chose.  Bonnie calls it "Chunky Churn Dash".  Basically it's a churn dash block without the half-square triangles.  Those churn dash blocks are set together with hour glass blocks.  The hour glass blocks aren't scrappy, but don't they set off those beautiful scrappy churn dash blocks?  Daughters Mary and Pam both liked the Chunky Churn Dash quilt the best, but I'm kind of drawn to the Boxy Stars.  Only drawback for it is that it's only 6" blocks.  But if they go together quickly, I guess it wouldn't be too bad.  Guess I'll have to do one of each.  Which pattern do you like best?

If you are looking for a pattern to use up some of your stash, check out Bonnie's website.  There are about 30 free patterns on her site, and I'm sure there's one that will call your name.