Who's ready to start 2021?
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The Monthly Color Challenge will begin it's fourth year January 1st, and even though we are still a few weeks away from starting a new year, I am so excited to share what the 2021 Monthly Color Challenge is going to look like! This year we're getting our inspiration from Fruits and Veggies.
I would like to say it's because after 2020 I want to focus on eating better and taking better care of myself, but lets be honest, it's still going to be all about the comfort food. At least for the first few months. Get ready to go fabric stash diving for yummy colors to sew with!
2021 Monthly Color Challenge Colors
January - Eggplant (Purple)
February - Lemon (Bright Yellow)
March - Yam (Red Orange)
April - Cherries (Red)
May - Potato (Brown)
June - Pumpkin (Orange)
July - Lime (Green)
August - Mushroom (Tan)
September - Pineapple (Soft Yellow)
October - Grapefruit (Pink)
November - Blueberries (Blue)
December - Green Olives (Olive Green)
Recipe Bonus
Since we are going to be hungry all year long some of the 2021 Monthly Color Challenge Bloggers are going to be sharing recipes throughout the year.
How much fabric do I need?
The general rule is a fat quarter of light and a fat quarter of dark will be enough. This year there are two sizes to choose from; the usual 12" finished block size and for those who would like challenge a 6" finished block size. You choose the one you want to do, or do both!
There is also the option to have all of the same background, instead of using the darker color for that month. This year I am using a low volume background for the 6" blocks. If you are using the same background throughout the year you can download the cutting instructions for the background fabric HERE.
Blocks are available for free during the month. After the month has passed blocks are available for $1.
Do I *have* to use my stash?
No. If you want to go purchase some new fabrics to play with you are more than welcome to. *I* do, because I don't keep a stash. There may be colors you really don't have, maybe they aren't your favorite to work with, maybe they ARE your favorite, so they get used all the time and your stash is low on the color.
Here are a few bundles that I think would work for the Color Challenge.
This low volume bundle is supposed to ship in December and would be enough for the background of both the 12" and 6" blocks.
This one looks like it would have all of the colors needed.
These Grunge bundles have the right colors (you will need to add a blue to the Harvest Bundle), but according to The Fat Quarter Shop, it will be a few weeks before they restock, so it's up to you if you want to wait.
Will there be a quilt layout?
Yes! Early December the layout instructions are given to you and are free until the end of January. A bonus is that the layouts from the previous years work for the current year, so if you don't like the layout, you can find instructions for different versions in the Payhip Shop for only $1.
I'm a total beginner, should I even try?
Definitely! This is the perfect time to join! Each block is beginner friendly AND comes with a "how-to" video linked right in the instructions. The Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook group is full of helpful quilters, too, so make sure you join and ask any questions you may have.
To get started I recommend you check out the link Beginners Unite. A post that has great information and "how-tos" for beginners.
What supplies do I need?
You will need all the pretty fabric colors listed above, a cutting mat, rotary cutter, rulers, fabric marking tool, pins, and an iron.
We will be making half-square triangles (HST), Flying Geese (FG), Square in a Square (SIS) blocks as well as some traditional four patch units. I like these specialty rulers for trimming these blocks. They are NOT required, but they definitely make trimming a little faster/easier.
Tucker Trimmer for HST
Wing Clipper for FG
Square Squared2 for SIS
You can find these in my Etsy shop HERE.
***Now through December 31, 2020***
Receive FREE SHIPPING on any ruler with code 2021MCC
***Free shipping good for US residents only, International orders will receive $5 off their order once it's placed.***
To have the block sent directly to your email sign up HERE.
NOTE: If you signed up for the 2020 Monthly Color Challenge Emails you do NOT have to sign up again.
Start looking through your stash then come back for:
Meet the bloggers! December 21st.
Meet the sponsors! December 23rd.
Happy Stitching!
Jen
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