Last year our craft group, McKinney Marthas, met once a month to gab, eat chocolate, drink wine, and make something. Christmas Countdown Blocks, Halloween Candy Jars, Chalkboard Plates, Glass Etching, etc…

This year I wanted the group to have a clearer focus so we’re having a quilting bee (squeal)! Last night was our first meeting of the year and it was a blast. Most of the group are newbie quilters, so we started with a basic block, a 9 patch:

Everyone did a terrific job making their first block (next time I’ll have to remember to snap more pictures). Each month we’ll make a different block pattern (log cabin, chevron, etc) so by the end of the year we’ll have a fun sampler quilt.

I loved looking at the fabrics people chose for their quilts! I was a little worried about fitting 12 people and their sewing machines in my dining room and hallway. But we managed and didn’t even blow a circuit. Thank you, surge protectors :)

If you have been thinking about starting a craft group, I would really recommend it. Let me know if you have any questions about it. Sarah hosts a craft group as well and has a *ton* of great ideas.