A couple more of the New York Beauty blocks were made and pressed and yesterday morning the temporary design wall was taped back up. Then the fun began. This was the first layout. The lime corner of the 3rd block in the third row was standing out a bit too much, so that block was taken apart and put back together with a different corner.
Then the second layout. Now the lime large arc in the 4th block in the fourth row was standing out. A little more taking apart and stitching was undertaken.
The third layout. Almost there this time, but the two light blue large arcs in the 3rd and 4th blocks in the fifth row needed to be moved so that they weren’t side by side.
The final layout. There were others between the third and this one, but if I showed them all this post would go on forever. The blocks are now all labelled with their placement and are ready to be stitched together. This is going to finish at 36″ by 42″. I’m thinking that I won’t add a border but the final decision on that will be made when the blocks are joined.
Because I want to make sure that everything lines up perfectly, I’m going to join the blocks by hand and probably fairly soon as I’d love to see this top completed quickly. That way I can get started on the next NYB top.
And once more I realized just how valuable a digital camera is. I could see problem areas when looking at pictures of the block layouts on the computer screen much faster than I could when looking at the blocks on the design wall.
Baxter donned his instructor’s sweater again and gave a class on using a design wall, pointing out the identical arcs to his kitty pals.
It was mild yesterday and we had the windows open for a while. Baxter was enjoying the view from his top perch on the kitty tree.
Quilt Obsession 
Looks fabulous. Another trick is to turn photos to black and white to check for the balance. Getting rid of the color lets you see just the dark and light and see if things are spread out across the quilt top. I love the mix of fabrics you are using. Wow.
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Another tip is to take your picture, then look at it in black and white with the colour removed – you can see the balance of lights and darks that way. Baxter, you are such a helpful kitty!
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Love it! I appreciate Jennifer’s comment about the black and white…great idea. Baxter is looking as handsome as ever.
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Cathi, I have been anticipating this moment since I first saw your NYB quilt blocks, the blocks have come together for a spectacular quilt. Thank you for sharing it. I want to be you when I grow up, amazing.
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this is going to be a great quilt! I hadn’t thought to take a photo in the black and white for balance – nice comment
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the colours of that quilt will be stunning. Still got a bit of snow here, but hoping most of it will be gone by the end of the week,
Gill
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Oh WOW!!!! Love the quilt!!! And Baxter is as magnificent as ever.
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You can also use a door peeper to get a better perspective. Love the Baxtertoon!
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I love your final layout! I agree hand sewing will make better matches of seams on the blocks.
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Absolutely stunning! Gorgeous. Baxter your gorgeous too.
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Your final layout is definitely my favorite. All that “fiddling” paid off. I like your idea of no border.
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Your quilt is going to be awesome when completed! I’m not a cat person, but I have to say that Baxter is a beautiful cat.
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That looks great. Wow!
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I loved the commentary for each setting, and gladly would have read more. It is educational. I love the quilt.
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Your layout is beautiful! I appreciate the black and white suggestion. I will try it when I put together my one block wonder.
I can’t wait to see your NYB quilt completed.
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Fascinating to follow your layout analysis and changes….thanks for sharing the steps you went through…great learning.
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