Every so often, I have the pleasure of collaborating with other designers and creators in the quilting community. Sometimes this involves testing new patterns, while other times it's about participating in a block-of-the-month program or a fun challenge. Recently, I had the opportunity to join in on a delightful project with Jen from Patterns by Jen, who has been hosting themed block-of-the-month challenges for a few years now.
Jen's challenges are designed to be accessible for all skill levels, offering easy-to-follow instructions while also helping participants refine their quilting skills. This year’s theme is centred around colours inspired by tropical fish. I was thrilled to be invited to create and showcase one of the blocks, and I chose September since it’s my birthday month! The colour for September is brown, and the featured fish is the Kuhli Loach. Here’s a little peek at what the Kuhli Loach looks like (source: Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii): Ultimate Care Guide - Fish Laboratory).
For this challenge, the final block measures 12.5 inches unfinished (12 inches finished) and consists of four hourglass blocks. I chose this particular block because, surprisingly, I had never made an hourglass block before. Although I've created plenty of half-square triangles, I saw this as a great chance to learn something new.
The instructions provided by Jen are incredibly straightforward, even for someone like me who sometimes struggles with pattern instructions. I found each step easy to understand and follow, which made the process enjoyable.
I ended up creating three different versions of the block:
First Version: This one follows Jen’s pattern to the letter, using two fat quarters from my stash.
Second and Third Versions: For these, I experimented using my magic numbers precuts. I wanted to see if it was possible, and the answer is yes! However, it required 16 6.5-inch squares to make one block, as I had to trim back to the correct size at each step. This approach is more time-consuming since it's essentially a "one at a time" method. However, the upside is that I ended up with smaller half-square triangles and hourglass blocks, so there was no waste. I plan to use these extras for another project. But if you're looking to make the block quickly, I recommend sticking to Jen’s instructions.
Magic Numbers is a system I am using to deal with my scraps, to keep them in the form I can quickly use up and they fit together in so many layouts. To find out more, subscribe to my newsletter and upon subscription confirmation you will receive a link to a full video tutorial about Magic Numbers.
My versions include one made in browns and another that’s completely scrappy. A small tip when assembling the blocks: use the spinning seams technique to make the block flatter when you sew them together as a 4-patch. There are quite a few seams meeting there! If you need more help, I have a bite-sized tips video you can watch HERE.
Below are all three blocks I made:
I really love the block and the quilt designed by Jen. These blocks are simple enough for every skill level but also offer room for skill improvement. With clever use of colour, this becomes a fun project that anyone can enjoy. There’s still time for you to join the challenge if you're interested! Just head over to Jen’s website to learn more. You’ll also find links to other creators who have participated in the challenge and shared their creations since January.
To sign up for the program and to read more about it (and to catch up!), check here: Announcing the 2024 Monthly Color Challenge.
And here’s a quick look at the completed months so far:
Due:
October - Wrought Iron Butterfly (Black)
November - Gourami (Teal)
December - Marigold Wag Swordtail (Gold)
Bloggers participating:
January - Green Tiger Barb | Joanne Hubbard | |
February - Orange Discus | Anja Clyke | |
March - Red Cherry Barb | Marlene Oddie | |
April - Electric Blue Harp | Gail | |
May - Electric Yellow Lab | Kathy Bruckman | |
June - Raspberry Harlequin Rasboras | Raylee Bielenberg | |
July - Silver Duboisi Cichlid | Amanda Whisman | |
August - Purple Dottyback | Patti Carey | |
September - Brown Kuhli Loach | Malgorzata Banjo | |
October - Black Wrought Iron Butterfly | Becca Fenstermaker | |
November - Teal Gourami | Katie Bock | |
December - Gold Marigold Wag Swordtail | Sandra Starley |
Happy Sewing everyone!