Design Wall Monday

Two years ago, several dear friends surprised me with this project to celebrate my retirement from public education. It was the brain child of my dear friend Kathy. Kathy with the help of friends at Sweet Home Quilt Shop chose the fabric, Fresh Cotton by Fig Tree Designs. Judy, another friend-for-always, cut and sewed the blocks. They then recruited all the folks that I had worked with at their elementary school to sign the blocks with their name and title of their favorite book. Blocks were also signed by members of our book club. Most members of our book club also worked at this same elementary school at one time. At my retirement party, the folks in attendance signed the remaining blocks. I wasn't sure how to arrange the blocks. This week inspiration hit when I decided where to hang this wonderful gift. I have a spot in my sewing room that is perfect. I made four additional blocks for the corners. I need to have one more of those blocks autographed and then I can begin sewing the rows together. I'll play with the blocks first to get a better balance of color. Can't wait to have this project become a quilt. Any suggestions on what I should name this quilt?  Visit other projects at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.