A New Block of the Month Project for 2012 – Free, Easy, Fun!

Just a bit of color inspiration.

It’s the start of a new year and what could be more stimulating than a brand new block of the month project! Each month, for the next nine months (yes – we’re giving birth to it), we’ll introduce a new 8″ x 10″ rectangle block. It’s perfect for 2½” strip pre-cuts (I LOVE these – they save so much cutting time), so if you have a Jelly Roll, a Tonga Treat Strip, a Bali Pop, a favorite grouping of fabrics, or, heaven forbid, a stash of scraps – let’s use them!

Hint:  when using pre-cuts with a pinked edge, use the outside tip of the pinked edge for measuring – it’s part of the 2½”.

The finished quilt is lap-size (56″ x 66″), comprised of 25 blocks, sashing and a 5″ border. To complete the 25 blocks in the nine months, we’ll make three each of the January-July blocks, and two each of the August-September blocks. In October we’ll add sashing and borders. This allows time for quilting and binding before the holidays – which, as we all know, roll around more quickly each year.

The blocks in the quilt are very quick and easy to make. For those who have used my Artichoke Collection patterns, you know my mantra is unique designs with simple techniques for every style. There are so many beautiful fabrics available to us, and I believe we should let them do the work.

Here’s a thought – why not make more than one quilt? I’m going to start two. The first will be made primarily from the pink/orange fabrics in the “Happiness” line from Kathy Davis for Free Spirit (featured in my last post), with a few more coordinates added from my stash. I love the vibrant colors and painterly feel of this line. Here’s Block 1 made with Happiness:

The colors and whimsy of the Happiness line make me happy!

The second quilt will be made with the “Habitat” line from Michele D’Amore for Benartex (if you’ve been following our blog from the launch, you might remember these fabrics from my April 12, 2011 Road Trip post). The sophisticated color palette paired with the playful, contemporary designs are so appealing. Here’s Block 1 made with Habitat:

I love the soft aquas, greens and creams of Habitat.

                                                          Fabric Requirements

Blocks (25)                          approx. 40 – 2½” strips (by width of fabric) or equivalent fabric

Sashing                                 ¾ yd

Border                                  1 yd

Binding                                 5/8 yd

Backing                                3½ yd

Ready to get started? Click here to download the instructions for Block 1 or click to visit our pattern library. I’ll be anxious to hear what fabrics you choose for your quilt(s), and don’t forget to watch for Block 2 in my post on Tuesday, February 14th.

Congratulations to “Christina in Cleveland!” You are the winner of Joen Wolfrom’s Ultimate 3-in-1 Color Tool from Laura’s January 10th giveway.

Take care and keep sewing!

#blockofthemonth #freepattern #quickandeasyquiltpattern