Shades of Grey Tour - Butterfly Block

 

Welcome to my stop on the Shades of Gray Tour. I'm glad you stopped by! My block is designed in honor of my sweet cousin's daughter who has Dravet Syndrome. Purple is the color used for epilepsy advocacy and, while the butterfly is also used for all epilepsy awareness, the Dravet Syndrome Foundation is heavily tied to it.

I designed not just one butterfly block, but seven. The first is a simple block using the Signature Block units. The pieces are small, but worth it. Press those seams open to get the points to match up nicely without pins.

Then I thought how different each person with Dravet Syndrome is. Their journeys and personalities each unique and special. The sweet miss I had in mind when I designed this block is fire and she's got the best laugh. Just like butterflies, each with their own uniqueness they bring into the world.

And so began the design process of pretty, quilty butterfly wings. 

These butterflies are not for the faint of heart. There a little pieces and you are going to want a nice, new sharp needle in your sewing machine.

I think each one is worth the time (and possibly frustration 😉 ) of piecing and quilting. 

Get your free Block here.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Shade's of Gray Tour blocks and designers. 

A few previous designers to check out (these are direct links to their blocks):

Jen of Faith and Fabric

Kate of Katie Mae Quilts

Tonya of Memory Barn Studio

A few upcoming designers to check out (links to their pages):

Sue of Sue Perry Creative

Ashli of Ashli Montgomery

Kathryn of Dragonfly's Quilting Design Studio

Thank you so much for stopping by! Don't forget to grab your free Butterfly Block before you go! 

And check out the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge if you like a good Block of the Month challenge. 💜

Go make something you LOVE.

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Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

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July 2026 Monthly Color Challenge

Hello July! Can you believe we are now past the midway point of 2026. Crazy. In two weeks I'll be sharing the layout for the quilt and that will really make it feel like we are almost to the end. For now let's just enjoy the amazing block for July. There is something about black and white that just adds a little zing to a quilt. This block does not disappoint.

2026 Monthly Color Challenge: A Free Block of the Month Program

I have loved sharing the frogs with you through the last 6 months, but I have been dying to share this month's frog with you. Oh my gosh, I just want to give him squeezes!

Our inspiration this month is the Black Rain Frog. This little guy is "sometimes compared to an avocado because of its dark bumpy brown or black skin." (World Wildlife Magazine) He only grows to 1 1/2 to 2 inches, making him even *cuter!* He also has such a plump body, and short legs, that he can't hop, he walks. That part kind of makes me sad, I think he would be so cute doing little hops. He truly is the reason I added black this year. I want one.

The fabrics I am using this year are Whisper Weave and Whisper Weave Too. They are basics from Benartex and have a wonderful texture to give these blocks some movement. This month our dark is Midnight and our light is White.

Each set of instructions comes with it's own how to video, so no matter your skill level you can make the Monthly Color Challenge blocks with us. My goal is to design blocks that not only help you work on your piecing skills, but also build your confidence as a quilter. The how to videos are a big part of that.

This month we use Hourglass units and Flying Geese units to make a stunning block.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns by Jen Facebook group and share your blocks, cheer each other on, and ask questions along the way. If you post on Instagram, be sure to tag me and use #monthlycolorchallenge so I can see your fabric pulls and finished blocks!

Here’s a look at the full July block. You can download the pattern HERE and jump right in. I can’t wait to see what you create! It will be a black tie affair.

If you’d like each Monthly Color Challenge block delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe using the sign-up link below.

The July block is free through the end of the month and available in my Payhip shop. If you’re finding this later, don’t worry, it will still be there for just $1.

While the January – July emails have already gone out, you can still sign up to receive the August – December blocks (plus the final layout!) delivered directly to your inbox. Join us HERE.

I’m so grateful to be continuing the Monthly Color Challenge this year, and even more grateful you’re sewing along with me.

Go make something you LOVE.

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

June 2026 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Welcome to the halfway point of the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge. Six blocks in, six blocks to go. This month should be a fairly quick block to put together. It uses simple half square triangle units (HST) and rectangles. Once done you can go out and enjoy the spring/summer weather, or fall if you are in the southern hemisphere. 💜

2026 Monthly Color Challenge: A Free Block of the Month Program

The little froggies have just made the year so fun and the little guy who is inspiring this month's color is just the cutest froggy ever. Well, until next month.

Photo credit: Photo by Drew R. Davis

This month our color is grey. (How do you spell grey? E or A?) Our color is inspired by the Cope's Grey Tree Frog. This frog can actually be found in South Dakota, in the north eastern and south eastern parts of the state, though there is some evidence of them being out in the hills as well. 

The fabrics I am using this year are Whisper Weave and Whisper Weave Too. They are basics from Benartex and have a wonderful texture to give these blocks some movement. This month our dark is Slate and our light is Cloud.

Each set of instructions comes with it's own how to video, so no matter your skill level you can make the Monthly Color Challenge blocks with us. My goal is to design blocks that not only help you work on your piecing skills, but also build your confidence as a quilter. The how to videos are a big part of that.

Half square triangles are my absolute favorite quilting unit to make. They always have been, and at this point, probably always will be. In the how to video I show you how to trim them for accuracy using your regular quilt ruler, no specialty ruler needed.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns by Jen Facebook group and share your blocks, cheer each other on, and ask questions along the way. If you post on Instagram, be sure to tag me and use #monthlycolorchallenge so I can see your fabric pulls and finished blocks!

Here’s a look at the full June block. You can download the pattern HERE and jump right in. I can’t wait to see what you create!

If you’d like each Monthly Color Challenge block delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe using the sign-up link below.

The May block is free through the end of the month and available in my Payhip shop. If you’re finding this later, don’t worry, it will still be there for just $1.

While the January – May emails have already gone out, you can still sign up to receive the June – December blocks (plus the final layout!) delivered directly to your inbox. Join us HERE.

I’m so grateful to be continuing the Monthly Color Challenge this year, and even more grateful you’re sewing along with me.

Go make something you LOVE.

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

Turning Point - A Benartex Spring 2026 Block Hop Block

 

Welcome quilters to my stop on the Benartex Spring 2026 Block Hop! It has been so fun to see the blocks designed by some amazing designers and then made up by you. The block I designed I have named Turning Point, as it really has a lot of movement for a block so traditionally pieced. LOL 

I have a tutorial up on my YouTube channel. It doesn't go in depth, but it does touch on making HST and FG units as well as adding those setting triangles. If you are a new quilter, this could be helpful for you. If you like pictures instead of video, scroll down for the same tips.

You can download your pattern here.

Watch the Tutorial:

https://youtu.be/vETFdgqpCA0

Did you miss any of the previous stops on the Block Hop? You can find them all HERE.

The Benartex Spring 2026 Block Hop continues through May 28 when the quilt top and finishing will be revealed. You won't want to miss seeing how these all come together.

Scroll down for some up close pictures my tips for making Turning Point.

Go make something you LOVE.

New to Patterns By Jen?

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Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

Turning Point Tips

From this point on this post will be a little photo heavy. If you have any questions about the block, please reach out.

When marking your squares for Half Square Triangle (HST) and Flying Geese (FG) units, line up your ruler just a tish off the corners to make room for your marking utensil. This ensures your drawn line will go right through the middle of your corners for more accuracy.

When cutting your squares in the diagonal, if you don't have a rotating cutting mat, turn your square just a bit so you can comfortably cut each way without moving the pieces.

When making your FG units, lay your smaller squares just off the edge of the larger square. This makes keeping that point easier. 

Do the same with the next step.

Trimming without specialty rulers

When trimming your HST units, trim as little off as you can for the first cut. That way if your ruler slips you have a little leeway.

When making the final trim, line the ruler lines on the fabric along the edge, not off of the fabric. 

When trimming the FG units it's important to keep the middle mark lined up with the point of your unit.

It is also important to line up your seams with the outer measurement. 

On both sides. Rotate your FG unit and do the same thing.

Last, big "dog ears" are ok when adding the setting triangles. Do not trim them off. 

EQ Giveaway!

 I am excited to share with you an EQ8 Giveaway!

*I am an Electric Quilt affiliate. Links included in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Patterns By Jen 💜 Read the full disclosure HERE.

I have used Electric Quilt Company software to design my quilts since the very beginning. I started with EQ5, so it's been a software I've used for a long time. Don't do the math, though, I know I'm getting older. LOL

The Electric Quilt Company has something new, the EQ for You Starter Box! It comes with everything you need to start using this amazing software. And. . . I have one to give to a lucky reader. 

Inside the box you get

• EQ8 Software - Minimum requirements are Windows 10 or macOS Big Sur (11)

•EQ8 Lessons for Beginners Book

• Simple Starts Add-On for EQ - downloadable software

•1 year EQ Membership Voucher

• Instructional videos and Printed Guides

• EQ Mouse Pad and Sticker - Super cute

You can watch the full unboxing video here:

One thing that I really love about using EQ8 is the ability to see my quilt designs with the fabric I want to use. It shows me, before the first cut, if the fabrics will work or not. It also allows me to play with the layout. Turning blocks with a click of the mouse has lead to a few "Oh my gosh!" moments when a pattern has gone from pretty to amazing. Looking at you Square Illusions. 

Enter Here

To enter simply fill out THIS FORM with your email address.

The giveaway runs through May 31, 2026. I will randomly pick one lucky winner from the form linked above and  Electric Quilt Company will send them a brand new, unopened EQ for You Starter Box. Good luck!

Go make something you LOVE.

New to Patterns By Jen?

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Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

May 2026 Monthly Color Challenge

 

It is the 5th month in the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge and I'm loving the blocks that have been shared so far this year. Thank you so much for stitching along with me. May's block has flying Geese units again, but take note, the trimming measurement is not the usual 1/2" mark. As usual you can find a link to the how to video at the end of the instructions.

2026 Monthly Color Challenge: A Free Block of the Month Program

This year we are inspired by the color of frogs. We have some beautiful colors to work with this year, though no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find a true purple frog. Very sad.

Photo credit: The Living Rainforest

This month our color is dark blue inspired by the Blue Poison Dart Frog. These frogs are so bright and beautiful, it's hard to believe they are so bad for you. These frog weren't discovered until 1969 and can only be found in "northern Brazil and in only a few isolate areas of rainforest in Suriname." - The Living Rainforest

The fabrics I am using this year are Whisper Weave and Whisper Weave Too. They are basics from Benartex and have a wonderful texture to give these blocks some movement. This month's colors are Denim and Navy.

Each set of instructions includes a full how to video for that month. My goal with the Monthly Color Challenge is to not only have you using fabrics from your stash, but to help new quilters grow their confidence and experienced quilters have an easy going, no stress quilt to make in their own time. From how to make that first cut, to marking the ruler for trimming accurately to the last press. We make this quilt together.

This month's Flying Geese units are getting turned on point, which is one of my favorite ways to give a traditional block a new look. 

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns by Jen Facebook group and share your blocks, cheer each other on, and ask questions along the way. If you post on Instagram, be sure to tag me and use #monthlycolorchallenge so I can see your fabric pulls and finished blocks!

Here’s a look at the full May block. You can download the pattern HERE and jump right in. I can’t wait to see what you create!

If you’d like each Monthly Color Challenge block delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe using the sign-up link below.

The May block is free through the end of the month and available in my Payhip shop. If you’re finding this later, don’t worry, it will still be there for just $1.

While the January – May emails have already gone out, you can still sign up to receive the June – December blocks (plus the final layout!) delivered directly to your inbox. Join us HERE.

I’m so grateful to be continuing the Monthly Color Challenge this year, and even more grateful you’re sewing along with me.

Go make something you LOVE.

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

How to Make Cloth Napkins (Beginner-Friendly Tutorial)

 

Do it yourself cloth napkins with a touch of whimsy.

Cloth napkins are such a great way to add a special touch to your table. Whether it's a holiday or every day, cloth napkins make a pretty addition. When you stitch a fun design around the edge, you've just upped your table setting. 🤣

Today's Snippets tutorial shows how to cut your squares and get a good press so you can finish these napkins really nicely.

Watch the full tutorial.

Supplies needed:

For one napkin

Two 16" squares

 *******

For four napkins

Eight 16" squares

Finishing Tips:

Sew a 1/2" seam allowance, then clip the corners. Once you have turned it right side out give it a really good press before top stitching. Take this opportunity to use some of the fancy stitches on your machine if you have them. Use a contrasting thread to help them stand out. The larger seam allowance gives you a wider base for your stitching so have fun with it!

More projects you can personalize or use the extra stitches on your machine for:

Personalized Pillowcase - This is such a sweet project. It's very beginner friendly as well, and adding that personalization makes it feel really special.

Bowl Cozy - This makes a great gift! Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up in May. This was a much appreciated gift. Use accent thread to "write" a special message inside the cozy.

Go make something you Love!

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.