In April of 2024, we are starting a Block of the Month Challenge. It will be a little different than what we’ve done in the past.
Past Block of the Month
In the past, block instructions were put in the newsletter and a color palette selected. Blocks were made and brought to the meeting, turned in, and a name was drawn to win the blocks. The problem with this was sometimes you would get enough blocks to make a quilt and sometimes not enough. Some were the right size, and some were not. Some followed the guidelines, and some did not. It became frustrating and participation would dwindle, and the joy was lost.
New Block of the Month Challenge
This year, we are putting the block instructions in the newsletter, and you get to choose your own color palette, because you will be keeping your blocks.
- Each month there will be a new block pattern in the newsletter, starting in April and finishing up in March 2025.
- Estimated fabric requirements are:
- Focal fabric – 3 to 4 yards
- Coordinating fabrics – 5, 1-yard pieces (or you can scrap it up)
- Background fabric – 2 yards
- Block instructions are there for you to use if needed. You are more than welcome to use your own methods to make the different elements for the blocks. We used Deb Tucker’s rulers and methods for making the blocks. If you are a new quilter, these rulers are a great investment. They will help you with your accuracy in sewing the blocks. The three basic rulers we used are Tucker Trimmer, Wing Clipper, and the Square Squared.
- You may say what’s the Challenge?
The Challenge is in the setting of the blocks. We are asking you to come up with a unique setting for your blocks. Each month we will be showing you a quilt using the blocks in a different setting to inspire you. Thanks to the Stone Creek Scrappers, we have 9 different quilts to show with a couple more in the planning stages. We got our ideas from multiple places: Books, Pinterest, Magazines, EQ8…when you start looking, you will find all kinds of sampler quilts with different settings.
- We will finish the blocks in March 2025, which will give you enough time to finish up the quilts for our next show in 2026.
- If you need help with any of the blocks, Sharon and I will be available on most Tuesdays at Stone Creek Lodge. Please give one of us a call before you come to make sure we will be there.
Happy Block Making!! Sharon – 409-656-2077 and Kathyrn – 409-656-1451.