My second quilt block ever - this isn't just your grandma's craft anymore

Here's the second quilt block I've ever sewed in my life! Even though I am more into free-form quilting, it amazes me all of the different ways that the same block can be composed. Playing with beautiful colors, prints, and patterns, figuring out the best composition, and seeing it all come together as you sew has been one of the most fun creative processes I've indulged in for a while—and you get to work on your sewing skills along the way.

I did this block as part of the Sugar Block Club being hosted by Amy Gibson at StitcheryDictoryDock.com. She invents monthly patterns and sends them out with delicious recipes. There is a flickr group where everyone shares their blocks. She also hosts a monthly get-together at Fancy Tiger crafts to work on the blocks in person. I've been learning a ton being part of the group.

And I know, I know...quilting sounds like an old lady thing (nothing against old ladies, but it is a very traditional craft)...until you get to know the modern quilting movement (a term I don't know really exists but puts a good name to a culture of young creative types who love to sew and compose art with fabric). I think there should be an updated name for modern quilters, like textilers or something, because it's not your grandma's craft anymore.

This nifty population consists of artists, illustrators, and designers who create fabric; and writers, publishers, and typesetters who create tutorials and books; and of course passionate crafters who put it all together in the most creative ways and share everything online. It’s like the perfect way for a busy person to stay in touch with their creative side and be part of a artistic community. I'm so into it! Can you tell?!