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Block of the Month


2010 - 2011

September 2010
Empire Star

This block is from the website "Quilter's Cache."

Click this link for instructions on how to make this block. 
We found it easier to cut by first cutting strips to size, then squares, and then triangles. The parallelograms are cut from 2 layers of fabric with wrong sides together or right sides together to have mirrored pairs.

Alternative instructions to avoid using templates

October 2010
 

 

November 2010

 
January 2011  
February 2011  
March 2011  
April 2011  
May 2011  

How it works

Each September, NBQA members receive a packet of "Block of the Month" patterns for the year. Packets or CDs are available at the general meetings.

Block of the Month is an opportunity to try out some new techniques and designs, showcase your skills, and use up some scraps.  If you are a lucky winner, you will come home with the beginning of a nice quilt or wall hanging! Block of the Month is a unifying activity- a chance to see different approaches to the same block, and to admire each others’ work. 

This is how it works:  Each month any member who chooses to participate makes a block (or several) using a predetermined design and color scheme.  At the monthly meeting they are turned in and displayed for all to admire!  Each maker puts her name on a slip of paper and into a basket- one slip for each block made.  (If you really like a particular block make several so you have more chances to win them all). At the conclusion of the business meeting, a name is drawn from the basket and the lucky winner takes home ALL the blocks!! 

The blocks showcase a variety of styles and techniques, ranging from more simple in September to the more complex later in the year.  Some are traditional old favorites and some are newer creative techniques.  Perhaps one will be something you have yet to try.  Each set of directions is short, clearly written (I hope) and well illustrated for those people who put together blocks by following the pictures instead of the words.  The blocks are easy enough for the beginning quilter, but I know you more advanced quilters will add your own touches.  Each block can be made in one evening for you last minute folks.  We hope we have lots of participation. 

As always, we assume a ¼ inch seam allowance.  Please use 100% cotton, prewashed for color stability.  It is a good idea to press each seam as you go along and to press the final block before trimming.  The size given in the instructions includes a ¼ inch border all around to join the block to others.  “Finished” size does not include the ¼ inch border. 

Color schemes have been chosen that we feel will make a pleasing whole.  But if you do not have fabric in these colors in your stash and need to make substitutions, that’s okay.  It’s always exciting to see different variations and interpretations. 

NBQA members with questions about Block of the month may contact Audrey DellaGrotta or Lillian Hayman. Refer to your membership book for their contact information or e-mail them using the NBQA email address:  nbqamail@gmail.com                                                                   

HAVE FUN!    HAPPY SEWING!!     GOOD LUCK!    

2009-10

September 2009
Bear Paw

Click below for instructions on how to make this block. 
Instructions

 

October 2009
Flying Geese Circling

Click below for instructions on how to make this block. 
Instructions

November 2009
Twinkling Star
&
Starlight Trees

Click below for instructions on how to make this block. 
Instructions

January 2010
Prairie Queen

Click below for instructions on how to make this block. 
Instructions

February 2010
Heart Blossoms

Click below for instructions on how to make this block. 
Instructions

March 2010 
Lady of the Lake

Click below for instructions on how to make this block. 
Instructions

April 2010 

None - Quilt Show

May 2010    
Country Basket

Click below for instructions on how to make this block. 
Instructions

2008-9
 

September 2008

Arrowheads
 

Instructions for this block are in the files below. Click on each page to open, then print.
Arrowheads page 1            Arrowheads page 2

 

October 2008

Halloween Redwork with a Twist
This month's block is a collection of Halloween themed "redwork" images that are great when worked up in colors of the season (instead of red).

Instructions page 1              Instructions page 2
Instructions page 3              Witch
Vampire                                 Mummy
Scarry Cat                               Scarecrow
Pumpkin with leaves           Pumpkin with candy corn
Bats in the moonlight            Cat over caldron
Frog                                          Ghost
Kitten with Pumpkins         
 

November 2008

Celestial Angel
This Month's block is a paper pieced angel in 2 versions.

Instructions                           Celestial Angel

Angel of Hope  page 1       Angel of Hope page 2

January 2009

Snow Crystal
January Snow Crystal page 1

January Snow Crystal page 2

February 2009

Twisted Crazy Quilt
Crazy Quilt Block instructions

Pattern 1                   Pattern 2          Pattern 3
Pattern 4                   Pattern 5          Pattern 6
Pattern 7                   Pattern 8          Pattern 9
Pattern 10                 Pattern 11

March 2009

Historical Fan
Historical Fan Instructions

Fan pattern page 1              Fan pattern page 2

April 2009

April Rose
April Rose Block page 1

April Rose Block page 2

April Rose Block page 3

 

May 2009

Twisted Log Cabin
Twisted Log Cabin page 1

Twisted Log Cabin page 2

Twisted Log Cabin page 3

Twisted Log Cabin alternate piecing

2007-2008 

September 2007

Sunflower

click picture

          

  single block                       blocks together

Instructions for this block are in the picture (.jpeg) files below. Click on each page to open, then print.
Sunflower page A                   Sunflower page B
Sunflower page C                   Sunflower page D

October 2007

Oriental Poppies

click picture

 

Instructions for this block are in the picture (.jpeg) files below. Click on each page to open, then print.
poppies page A
poppies page B
poppies page C
November 2007

Poinsettia

click picture

Instructions for this block are in the picture (.jpeg) files below. Click on each page to open, then print.
Poinsettia page A
Poinsettia page B
January 2008

Whimsey Flower

click picture

Instructions for this block are in the picture (.jpeg) files below. Click on each page to open, then print.
Flower page A
Flower page B
February 2008


click picture
 

Redwork Flower Garden

Instructions for this block are in the picture (.jpeg) files below. Click on each page to open, then print.
Redwork A            Redwork B
Redwork C       

Redwork Designs:
Strawberry               Bleeding Heart               Bluebird
Butterfly                   Flower 1                          Flower2
Leaf Design             Columbine                      Flower 3
Daffodil                    Daisy                               Dragonfly
Flower 4                   Hybiscus                         Flower 5
Flower 6                   Dove                                Flower 7
Rose 1                       Flower 8                          Hearts
Iris                            Flower 9                           Rose 2
Thistle                     Tulip
March 2008


click picture
 

Birdhouses in the Garden

Instructions for this block are in the picture (.jpeg) files below. Click on each page to open, then print.

Birdhouses page A                  Birdhouses page B
Birdhouses page C                  Birdhouses page D

April 2008

 

None - Quilt Show

May 2008

Appliqué Wreath

Instructions for this block are in the picture (.jpeg) files below. Click on each page to open, then print.
Wreath page A  
Wreath page B

Send mail to nbqamail@gmail.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 05/26/10