January Color Challenge Block

I am so excited to get the 2018 Monthly Color Challenge started!

Ready for the first block? Each month there will be a different block pattern and you can choose to make the 12" finished size or the 6" finished. Find the introduction post HERE.

12" finished block

6" finished block

Here she is in both the large and small size.

 I will be providing 3 different settings, and one of them will be for those of you who choose to do both sizes as shown here. For the blocks above I switched the dark and lights around, just for fun.

Grab your free pattern HERE.
**The block patterns, and setting instructions, will be available for free until June 2019, at which point they will be bundled and sold as a full pattern.**

Blog Hop

You will want to visit the other bloggers. Take a look at the blocks they have made and get inspired. There are a couple that are doing some added extras all year long, you don't want to miss that!

Jen S of Dizzy Quilter

Sherry of Powered By Quilting

Jen R of A Dream and A Stitch

Nancy of Masterpiece Quilting

Dione of Clever Chameleon Quilting

Joanne of Quilts By Joanne

The Prize

Information on how to enter for a chance to win this months prize is at the bottom of the post. This month we have a beautiful fabric bundle from Northcott. So pretty!

Supplies

You will need two red fabrics, one dark, one light. Feel free to use only two fabrics or use multiple scraps. It will be important to use scraps of the same value, so your pattern shows in your block.

A ruler with a 45 degree angle is needed for trimming. For this block I used the Wing Clipper® and Square2® rulers from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design.

Piecing hints

When making your Square in a Square unit, fold each piece in half and match the folds. This picture shows the triangle offset, but you want to line up both edges. Repeat for the opposite side, then to the last two open sides.

This picture is for the 6" finished block, the 12" block will require trimming just the dog ears.

This unit finishes larger than needed.

You will trim this unit to 2 1/2" square.

Find instructions for making Flying Geese using the No-Waste Method HERE.

When stitching the corner units, stitch so your needle is closest to the outside edge, this will help keep your unit size accurate.

When stitching the Flying Geese units to the rectangles, keep your stitch closer to the edge in order to keep your point.

I like to pin the end of each unit as I stitch them together, this helps keep them lined up accurately.

I do the same when stitching the rows together. That last pin really helps keep the blocks square. I also found that by sewing with the Square In A Square unit on top, the fabric didn't stretch as much and I could make sure to keep my points.

It is extremely important to lay out the units for the block and making sure the corner units go in the right direction. If you have followed the pressing arrows, the seams should all nest.

Pressing instructions are included.

What's next?

You've visited the bloggers, you've made the block, or something in red, and you're ready for the next step. Entering for prizes! On January 24th I will open up a link party. From January 24 - January 31 you can add your red "something" to the link up party. One entry per person, please. On February 1st I will randomly choose a winner. Please make sure you add your email address!! 

**Remember! Every month you enter gives you an entry for the grand prize. If you enter all 12 months you receive 12 entries into the grand prize!**

Grand Prize

Jen at Dizzy Quilter is providing the grand prize! 

The generous prize provided your top quilted by her (up to 90" x 90"),  a $202.50 value!

You must provide the backing, 8" longer than width and length. Batting can be purchased from Jen, for $20, if you like.

Return shipping is included for US residents only.
**Please note, the quilt will not be trimmed or bound, those services are extra**