Friday, May 1, 2026

May 2026 Monthly Color Challenge

 

2026 Monthly Color Challenge May blog header with tree frog on a branch and Patterns By Jen logo

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.


Bright blue poison dart frog with black spots perched on a textured surface, shown in a natural habitat setting
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


Stack of folded blue and light blue quilting fabrics with subtle texture prints, topped with a small blue frog figurine, placed on a green fabric patterned background with a Patterns By Jen logo


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. 


Close-up of a blue and light blue flying geese quilt block arranged in a geometric pattern, with a small blue frog figurine resting on the corner against a green lily pad background

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!


Square quilt block featuring a repeating flying geese design in blue and light blue, set on a green fabric print background with a small frog figurine and a white water lily in the corner

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.




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