Last Paper Piecing Class

   We had our final class yesterday for the Judy Niemeyer Total Eclipse Pattern.  Everyone was at different stages in their progress and it was exciting to see how the tops were all coming together!
   Are you ready for some GORGEOUS beauties??
   Our teacher, Jackie (of Canton Village Quiltworks), made this version (which she calls "Lollipops & Bubblegum")

   Jackie opted to make all her star points different colors.  Being relatively new to quilting and this being my first paper-piecing class, I opted for solid-colored stars-- and that was confusing enough for me!!
   At the start of class, Sharon laid out her pieced blocks:

   And by the end of our 3-hour session, she had sewn together this much of the top:

   Cathy also had all of her blocks laid out at the beginning of the class:

    Sally made these scrappy blocks out of her extras, which she will use for the backing, or possibly as part of a tote (or both!):

  Even though I shared a table with Sally, I was trying to focus on my sewing, and did not capture any of her blocks-in-progress with my camera.  But you can view them on her blog, Grendelskin, and on Jackie's post.  Jackie has also posted photos on Flicker, here.
   Here's Rita's arrangement (the blue backgrounds on the left half are a beautiful deep, dark midnight blue, the color is a little washed out here):

    And this is Joan's version (again, more vibrant than what my photo captures):

   I caught a shot of Barb (who's blog is A Corgi To Quilt By) after she completed  this:  [You can see more of her blocks on her blog post]

   And here's Maria's block assembly:

   Sadly, I missed getting photos of the Barbara's blocks-- [but I enjoyed our discussion at the end of class, Barbara-- thank you, if you are reading this!]

   Jackie shared a little show-and-tell of her other Judy Niemeyer projects (sit back and enjoy!):
[Side note: Jackie sells all of the following patterns in her on-line shop]

Which Way is North pattern by Judy Niemeyer
Jackie posted a wonderful tutorial for this paper-pieced block on her blog just yesterday

A Garden for My Wedding Ring pattern

A Touch of Spring pattern
Jackie titled her version "Chocolate Raspberry Truffle" (Yum!!)  

I love the multi-colored border Jackie used in this

Fourth of July pattern

Summer Solstice pattern

Golden Harvest pattern

Seasonal Table Runner pattern

   I was trying to figure out how to best pair my colorful units into blocks.  Some of my classmates helped me come up with these combinations (photos taken at home today in morning daylight):

   So all in all, it was a truly wonderful class and I am sad to see it end!  I will continue to work on my blocks and post updates-- but now I also need to turn some of my energy toward the Mouthy Stitches Swap that I am participating in. Partner, I have not forgotten about you!

   I'm getting excited because there are only 3 more days 'til my one-year Blogiversary!!  I am having fun gathering a few small fun notions/goodies from my collection of supplies and embellishments, in addition to some fat quarters from my stash.  Stay tuned for Tuesday! [I'm thinking of going to Joann's and purchasing some Denyse Schmidt fat quarters to include in the giveaway, since she is such a hot commodity and it is easy for me to get-- What do you think of this idea??]
   Have a great Sunday!