Although I am really, really enjoying the progress I am making on BOM and UFOs … I was too eager to get started on this project as well.

I had originally had my eye spied on Pam Buda’s collection, American Gothic – but didn’t know what to do with it.  I have never made a black/white/neutral kind of quilt.  I had lots of inspiration (like this post from Nicole at Sisters Choice, and this post from Thelma of Cupcakes and Daisies), … but it wasn’t until the Oct/Nov 2013 issue of Quilters Newsletter that I started my planning.

The pictures in the magazing are much more impressive than what I can display here with my old phone camera.  The picture below, found on the Quilters Newsletter website here, shows the quilting design as well which is spectacular.  If I make it to the end of this project – this may be one that I have custom quilted.

So – I started my fabric selections (this one was done in a past Maywood collection called Paisley, of which I have only located one print).

I started with American Gothic, but I added in some Kim Diehl cream background, some of the black/white prints from Downton Abbey (LOVE), some new items from Inkwell by Judie Rothermel and a couple of charm packs of Little Black Dress 2 by Basic Grey.  For the large fussy cutting areas, I was able to locate the collection and more importantly, the panel print for Palm Court by Benartex.

Four of the Inkwell prints by Judie Rothermel in front, with a print from Downton Abbey in the back:

So … to get started – the first pattern release with the center medallion set on point.

Here were my fabric choices for that block:

I was so hyped up to get cutting, that during the cutting spree, I did slice off a bit from the side of my left index finger.  I promptly got the bleeding to stop, bandaged myself with a princess band-aid and kept going!

Here is my block up on the design wall.  I have the center star done and pieced, but the outer star components are just layered up there.  I fell in love with the black polka dot from Little Black Dress 2 – but I didn’t have enough to make those corner pieces.  I have a fat 8th on order from The Green Fairy and I’ll be able to get this block finished up during the week!  That polka dot will also make an appearance as part of the sashing and as pieces in most of the other blocks as well.

How do you like it so far?  If you want another spin on this, take a look at the blog post from Dawn at First Light Designs.  She’s also doing this quilt – but in some really soothing, but vibrant blues and greens.  Her first block is perfect!  … As I was typing this, I see that she has posted again today – with new blocks for the quilt!  Take a look!

Thanks for visiting – please stop by again!

Jennifer