Traditional Blocks with Variations!
Welcome to the Block of the Month for this year!
This program is FREE for all members, so you can participate as much or as little as you choose!
How it works
Each month directions for a traditional block, as well some variations to those blocks and ways to use the blocks, will be posted here, on the Block of the Month page. We’re hoping that you make one or more blocks each month and share it on our Facebook page so others can see what you are doing. This may also motivate others to participate. The goal is for everyone to have fun and feel connected to others during this unique time of being remote.
September 2021
Even though it’s still summer, the new quilt year will be here in just a few weeks. At the first meeting in September, we will be wrapping up last year’s Block of the Month program with their challenge. The challenge was to use one or more blocks from last year’s Block of the Month program in a quilting project of any kind – small or large. We’re curious…what did you make? Have you finished it?
There’s still time to jump in and make something or finish up a project. ” To enter the challenge send a .JPEG image to Pat Sowle (patsowle@gmail.com). If you don’t want to enter the challenge but would like to share your project send the photo to Pat and mark it “Show and Tell _BOM!” Looking forward to seeing your projects in September!! Enjoy your last few weeks of summer!
2020 / 2021 BOM Instructions
Download September BOM instructions – Log Cabin
Download October BOM instructions – Dutchman’s Puzzle
Download November BOM instructions – Turkey Tracks
Download December BOM instructions – Ohio Star
Download January BOM instructions – Bears Claw
Note: No BOM in February
Download March BOM instructions – Churn Dash
Download April BOM instructions – Jacob’s Ladder
Download May BOM instructions – Fifty-Four Forty
Download June BOM instruction – Bow-Tie
About June’s Block of the Month – Bow-Tie
To end this year’s program, we picked the Bow-Tie block, a simple and easy block. It originates from the early1800s and was first seen in print in 1985 by the Ladies Arts Company. It has also been referred to as the Neck-Tie, Hourglass, Peekhole, True Lover’s Knot, and Dumbbell block. . .so many names for such a simple block. Check out the directions above to see all the possibilities for using this block!
We hope you enjoyed this year’s program. Our goal was to offer traditional blocks with variations and a variety of ways to use those blocks. To this end, we offered you 9 different blocks and we are hoping that you used at least one of these blocks in a quilting project of some nature. In September, we are will reward 3 lucky people with a small gift for using one of these blocks in a quilting project – a pillow, a wall hanging, a table runner or topper, a quilt or something else. Remember, you only need to use one of the blocks or a variation of it from the program. So finish up those projects over the summer and be prepared to send us a picture of it to display on the guild’s website in September. Happy a great summer quilting and see you in September!
More information about this year’s BOM
Our goal is to offer you a traditional block each month with cutting and sewing directions for a 12” finished block. We will offer you some variations of the block to try. Sometimes the variations will be in the way the block is cut and sewn. Other variations will be in different ways to use color to make the block look different. Downloadable instructions to for the blocks will be posted on this page (see above).
One difference this year is that no fabric is provided. With our meetings being remote, trying to get fabric to you would be a challenge. Since we all have “a little bit of fabric” in our homes, we suggest that you use some of that or you can go shopping and support a local quilt shop!
The fun part about this Block of the Month activity is that you get to choose how many blocks to make each month – 1, 3, 4, 6, more or 0. It’s totally up to you. Each month, we will show you a few examples of the block so that you can see different options to consider. Some months may also have examples of other ways to use the blocks. Consider using the blocks to make a few items for your house or as a gift for others. Here are a few suggestions to consider:
- 1 block can make a pillow
- 3 or 4 blocks can make a table runner – rectangular
- 4 blocks can make a square table topper OR a wall hanging
- 6 blocks can make a baby quilt
- 9 or more blocks can make a quilt of any size
** A variety of blocks made from each month, could also be made into a Comfort Quilt.
As you sew and create, please share pictures of your blocks and projects to Quilt North’s Facebook page!! Try looking for posts under “Community,” which is under the “More” button to see posts by your quilting friends. Seeing how each person interprets the block differently is always exciting. . .and it may even motivate others to participate and give it a try.
To post to Quilt North’s Facebook page, just go to it and post a picture of your block with a comment. If you are having trouble finding the post option, you may need to change your setting to the “New Facebook look” as opposed to the “Classic Facebook look.” I had to do this, but then I switched my setting back to the Classic as I just prefer that look. If you are still struggling with this, then send your picture and comment to Janis and she will post it for you within a few days.
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