Block-of-the-Month: January

We're excited to share our 2013 Block-of-the-Month Quilt Along!


Each month one of our guild members will prepare a modern block to share. If you're a member, we'll be presenting each block at our monthly meetings as well. If you are not a member, first off, please join us! If you're out of our area, simply find each BOM here, on our blog.

I'm in charge of January's block. When I was creating the BOM Button (grab one for your blog!) I was completely inspired by this block. It's fabulous. After I reworked it to fit with our lettering, I thought, "Why not make that our first block?" So, that's how this block came about.

January's Block-of-the-Month:

Don't let all these labeled pieces fool you, it's a breeze to cut out. And you don't need much fabric. Just a few strips will do you! I found it easiest to cut a strip the width of my fabric (WOF) and trim from there. Yes, it'll give you some waste, but I wanted ease and I can always use the scraps for something else.

If you already have scraps, just cut each piece individually.

For easy to print instructions: Click HERE

Cutting it out:

Strip Cutting:

Fabric #1

Cut one strip: 2" x WOF 

From this strip, cut the following lengths:

• Cut one at 11.5" (1b)
• Cut one at 10.5" (1a)
• Then trim (1a) so that it is 10.5" x 1.5"

Fabric #2 

Cut one strip: 2" x WOF

From this strip, cut the following lengths:

• Cut one at 11.5"(2b)
• Cut one at 9.5" (2a)
• Then trim (2a) so that it is 9.5" x 1.5"

Fabric #3 

Cut one strip: 2" x WOF

From this strip, cut the following lengths:

• Cut one at 8.5" (3a)
• Cut one at 11" (3b)
• Then trim (3b) so that it is 11" x 1.5"

Fabric #4 

Cut one strip: 2" x WOF

From this strip, cut the following lengths:

• Cut two at 12.5" (4b)
• Cut one at 4.5" (4e)
• Cut two at 1.5" (4f)
• Trim the remainder of the strip down to a 1.5" width and cut the following lengths:
• Cut one at 2.5" (4a)
• Cut one at 3.5" (4c)
• Cut one at 2.0" (4g)

Cut one strip: 1" x WOF

From this strip, cut the following lengths:

• Cut three at 12.5" (4d)

Cutting Individual Pieces:

Fabric #1

1a: Cut one at 10.5" x 1.5"

1b: Cut one at 11.5" x 2"

Fabric #2

2a: Cut one at 9.5" x 1.5"

2b: Cut one at 11.5" x 2"

Fabric #3

3a: Cut one at 8.5" x 2"

3b: Cut one at 11" x 1.5"

Fabric #4

4a: Cut one at 2.5" x 1.5"

4b: Cut two at 12.5" x 2"

4c: Cut one at 3.5" x 1.5"

4d: Cut three at 12.5" x 1"

4e: Cut one at 4.5" x 2"

4f: Cut two at 1.5" x 2"

4g: Cut one at 2" x 1.5"

Sewing it together:

Using the diagram as a guide, simply match up the pieces to be sewn end-to-end.

1. Sew 1a to 4a
2. Sew 4c to 2a
3. Sew 3a to 4e
4. Sew 4f to 1b
5. Sew 2b to 4f
6. Sew 4g to 3b

Press seams to the dark side or open, depending on preference.

Next, layout the block on your worktable. I find it helps to keep all my pieces in order and I can get a quick look at how the block it going together and make sure I sewed the correct pieces together. 

Then, simply sew each row together. Because some of the rows are very narrow, I pressed all my seams the same direction. After, sewing and pressing, trim as necessary.

There you have it! First block done. Don't forget to add your block to our Flickr group.

Join us next month for February's BOM!