To view ALL of the posts in the Block of the Month series, JUST CLICK HERE for the Archive. That link contains all of the projects posted to date.
Today I’m very excited to introduce to you a new blog series that I’ve been putting together this year. To be honest I kept going back and forth trying to decide if this “block of the month” series was something that I really wanted to do. Many of you that know me, know that consistency is NOT my thing… and committing to something for a whole year… well that’s just a bit terrifying!!
But after talking to many readers both here, in person, on Facebook and Instagram I’ve decided that there are a lot of you out there that want to learn how to quilt but aren’t sure where to start and are not sure if you want to take on such a big project all at once.
So if you’ve NEVER quilted before, or if you’re an experienced quilter just looking for a few a fun quick projects I invite you to join me in this new series.
Each month I’ll share the directions for a new quilt block. For those of you that are new, most quilts are composed of blocks, which are usually square. A quilter constructs several blocks individually then connects all of the blocks into a finished quilt. If you’ve ever looked a quilt with a bunch of shapes and wondered how in the world they did that… well that’s probably how. One step at a time.
What’s that saying about how do you eat an Elephant?? One bite at a time… (not that I’d ever eat an Elephant).
The blocks will start this September and run for 1 year. Each block will have photo instructions and the blocks will progress in difficulty as the year goes by. The block for September is very simple and will teach you some basic quilting skills. I’ll also pop in here with posts on other helpful techniques as needed during the year.
Before we start we’ll talk about fabric selection, best quilting practices and tools. If you want to join me but have never quilted before there are a few things you’re going to need. You can go nuts buying quilting supplies, so we are going to start with the bare minimum and you can add from there as you like.
All of the items are pictured in this post, I’ll list them out here. You can pick all of them up at your local quilt shop, online or on Amazon (I’ve included those affiliate links for you)
- Quilting Mat and Ruler. Get a large mat and a 6″ x 24″ ruler. If you can also buy a smaller ruler too (sometimes the big one is too large)
- Rotary Cutter. Like I told the Doctor at the ER when I sliced off my finger “it’s a pizza cutter for fabric”. It’s another must, but is sharp (obviously) if you’re worried about cutting yourself get a cut glove too.
- Good snips. A small pair of scissors to use when clipping strings.
- Pins. I prefer to use the flower head quilting pins. They are thinner than regular pins and help the fabric lay flat as it’s pinned.
- Binding Clips. I bought these a few years ago and they are now a constant “must” have for me. They come in very handy for more than just quilting.
- Sewing machine. I sew on a BERNINA 770QE and I love it. Any machine you have will work, you don’t need a quilting sewing machine. You do need to figure out how to get a 1/4″ seam on your existing machine. Many machines do this with specialty feet. Check your instruction manual for information.
7. Also helpful, a seam gauge to check your seams are 1/4″
To view ALL of the posts in the Block of the Month series, JUST CLICK HERE for the Archive. That link contains all of the projects posted to date.
Okay, that’s it for now!! Our next block of the month post will be next week! Stay tuned!
In the meantime, check out my Quilt Block Pinterest board for some inspiration.
Follow Melissa | Polka Dot Chair’s board Quilt Blocks on Pinterest.
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Patricia Cash says
September 2, 2015 at 7:17 AMSounds like a good project for me. Thanks for the block of the month.
Lesley Gilbert says
September 2, 2015 at 8:33 AMLooking forward to your new block series. Thanks for the link for the Dritz gauge. I’ve now ordered one from my Amazon UK site but the item is coming from USA – so cheap and not even available on ebay uk 🙂
Melissa Mortenson says
September 2, 2015 at 1:47 PMOh, I’m glad you found it! I never realized it wasn’t for sale in the UK.
Lisa Annette Lee says
September 2, 2015 at 9:41 AMI already like your newsletters and look forward to them! Now, I am so excited because I find quilting a daunting task. Cutting straight lines is a problem LOL Thank you!
Melissa Mortenson says
September 2, 2015 at 1:47 PMLots of straight lines!!!
Cathleen says
September 2, 2015 at 9:57 AMWhich sizes or sizes of clips do you recommend to start?
Melissa Mortenson says
September 2, 2015 at 1:47 PMThe smaller ones. I just bought the bigger ones, and they are super handy but I still use the smaller ones constantly.
Phyllis says
September 2, 2015 at 2:39 PMI can quilt, but I am looking forward to your tips. Great idea, this!
Melanie says
September 2, 2015 at 5:32 PMSounds fun! I’m in! Everybody should visit the basics every once in awhile!
Scarlet Taylor says
September 2, 2015 at 9:24 PMthanks so much for taking your time to do this!! Im so excited!
Janet Swallow says
September 3, 2015 at 8:37 AMThis is just the project I need at this time. Thank you, Melissa, for this awesome “PolkaDot” website! God bless you for your outreach!
Melissa Mortenson says
September 9, 2015 at 2:08 PMThank you Janet…. I hope you enjoy the series, I’m really looking forward to it
Robin says
September 3, 2015 at 9:57 AMI found your blog recently and have been trying new things. I love it! Can’t wait to get started on the Block of the Month project with you! Thank you for your time and devotion!
Robin
Cathy Darrow says
September 3, 2015 at 10:37 AMThis idea was perfect timing! I need to learn to take the time out of my day helping everyone else to do something small and fun for me (and not just a hey, I should catch up on this, so that this thing for someone else will be easier) Looking forward to it. 🙂
Melissa Mortenson says
September 9, 2015 at 2:07 PMI’m all about squeezing a tiny bit of creative time into my day. I hope you enjoy the series!
Karla says
September 3, 2015 at 1:25 PMLooking forward to your block of the month series! I’m a quilter newbie!
Sherry says
September 3, 2015 at 1:30 PMI am always excited about joining in on a Block of the Month. I have quilted for a little while but always learn new things by following a tutorial. Thanks for doing this.
Rebecca says
September 3, 2015 at 2:36 PMI’m in! Thank you. Can’t wait to see what we will be creating. And thank you for committing !
Melissa Mortenson says
September 9, 2015 at 2:06 PMSo happy to have you!!!
Catrina Woolhiser says
September 6, 2015 at 11:14 AMI’m excited to participate. II’m a newbie. My friend and quilt instructor lost her battle with cancer June 25. I’d given up on quilting. She would guide step by step through FB msgs. Thank you for doing this.
Catrina Woolhiser says
September 6, 2015 at 11:15 AMI’m excited to participate. I’m a newbie. My friend and quilt instructor lost her battle with cancer June 25. I’d given up on quilting. She would guide me step by step through FB msgs. Thank you for doing this.
Melissa Mortenson says
September 9, 2015 at 2:05 PMSo happy to have you!
Holly Casos says
September 7, 2015 at 12:11 PMI have always found the idea of making a quilt too daunting. But I love this idea of making one square at a time. It is something I think I can wrap my brain around. SO, here I go! I’m in! Supplies are ordered. Well, no fabric yet, but the rest of the stuff is on it’s way.
Melissa Mortenson says
September 9, 2015 at 2:04 PMOh, I’m so glad you’re “in” Holly! It always is nice when I can picture a person I know when I’m writing this stuff up!!
Char says
September 9, 2015 at 1:27 PMSo how do I sign up to your sight? I think I am missing something.
I don’t want to miss any blocks.?
Melissa Mortenson says
September 9, 2015 at 2:01 PMover on the side bar right under the first 2 ads is a box that says “be in the know” enter your email address and then click “verfiy” in the email you get. You’ll then get an email reminder each time a new post is added (a few times a week). So glad to have you!!
Char says
September 9, 2015 at 3:21 PMCool, thank you.
Jana Oglesby says
September 10, 2015 at 7:01 PMWhat day will you start?
PicklePie Mama says
September 11, 2015 at 8:05 AMI wonder if I can get my bum in gear to join in…
Sounds like it will be a good project for me as it is only a bit a month ☺
Jan Holland Hailey says
September 12, 2015 at 10:47 AMI have asked my sister to join me in your BOM; I think it is the perfect project for us. At this point we are planning to do the blocks from each of our stash and maybe do some swapping. We don’t live in the same city but at times we can get together to compare notes & blocks. We both sew & quilt but everyone can improve skills & learn new tips — right?! Thanks for leading this.
Pam says
September 22, 2015 at 12:09 AMI don’t see the block yet, am I missing something or is it yet to come. Thank you I am new to quilting, teaching myself, this will be perfect. Thank you
Melissa Mortenson says
September 22, 2015 at 9:59 PMFriday!
Flo says
September 22, 2015 at 7:36 PMLooking for September block of the monthand more information. Just starting quilting and didn’t want to miss out. Thought this would be a great way to learn
Thanks
Melissa Mortenson says
September 22, 2015 at 9:58 PMThe first block in the series posts this Friday (9/25).. So glad to have you on board!
Patricia Polmanteer says
September 24, 2015 at 1:11 PMWhere do I sing up for your bom? I have been remiss in checking my emails (last count was 1124 .. oh no) and I seem to have missed the post for this. Thanks for the chance to try quilting’s for everyone.
Margaret Gauthier says
September 26, 2015 at 6:34 PMI can not find out how to download the blocks.
Just wondering if this can be done.
Thanks
Melissa Mortenson says
September 26, 2015 at 9:33 PMAt the top of the post there is a link that says “to view all the posts in this series CLICK here”. It will take you to the index. So far one block has been posted.
Cathy Hanlin says
June 2, 2016 at 1:30 PMJune of 2016.I am so excited to do the Block of the Month(2015) Keystone Quilt (of Bunnies) Thank you it is so easy because of the sizes; as I have tried other Block of the Month and the measuring of 7/8″ on some of the pieces was hard to follow beginning quilting so I did not finish them but wanted to learn the block pattern.
My question; did you just duplicate two other blocks for July and August? or am I not finding them? Thank you and such a easy to follow project and I want to order the “Sister Sampler Quilts” so exciting and a little challenging book of projects!
Melissa Mortenson says
June 6, 2016 at 11:34 AMNope, July and August are new blocks, they have not been shared here yet. They will be in July 1st and August 1st.
Jo Langlois says
August 5, 2016 at 10:43 AM1. My sister is in Europe now. She was told to watch out for pick pockets. She took a money belt.
2. About the piece of furniture. Not grey, white or ivory. Something medium to bold to make a statement. The could be the color that ‘ I love that color, but what would I use it on’. Sesr through Pinterest.
jenn says
March 16, 2018 at 12:19 PMWhat is the finished size of this quilt?