2024 February Monthly Color Challenge Block

 Did you get your January block finished? If not, that's ok! We have months, and I have faith in you. For now, let's get a look at our February block!

Our challenge this month is inspired by tropical fish. Such beauty lays under the water, it's hard not to be inspired.

Photo found at ModestFish

This month our color is orange and we look to the Tangerine Discus for our inspiration. (You thought I was going with Clownfish, didn't you? 😉)

From ModestFish Colorful Freshwater Fish: "Named after their disc shaped bodies, discus are available in an array of cool patterns, colors, stripes, spots, or striatations.

This fish has become famous for its bright colorful patterns derived from selective breeding. Common varieties are often pretty shades and intensities of green, red, brown and blue. 

When it comes to choosing a colorful freshwater fish for your aquarium though, discus are not one I would recommend for a beginner.

If you do choose dicus, you’ll need a 55 gallon tank (minimum), filled with lots of live plants, decorations, and open swimming areas. Since this species is a shoaling fish, you should keep a minimum of 3-5 together."

From ModestFish/Discus: "Tangerines are a solid orange color, similar to the creamsicle color that is the base color of pigeon blood discus. There are several color morphs under this heading. I think the prettiest are the ones with bright white markings on their faces and backs."

The older I get the more I love orange and this fish would totally be in my tank. . . if I had one.

I'm using Benartex's "Burlap" fabric line. I love the texture of the fabric, sooo much. **Note, I ended up cutting the dark orange incorrectly, so I had to switch to a different fabric. **

 

Our featured blogger this month is:

Anja of Anja Quilts

Find her on Instagram

 

Ready for the  block? It's a fun block, but definitely requires a little more attention when piecing it together.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook group (make sure to answer the questions so I know you are a real person 😉) where you will get a lot of support and questions answered! If you aren't on Facebook you can also follow Patterns By Jen on Instagram. Use #2024MonthlyColorChallenge when sharing so I can be sure to see your block.

I hope my feed is swimming in orange this month!

Ready to get the pattern? Go to Payhip and download it now! The block is free for the month of February! Each set of instructions includes a "How To" video.

It's too late to receive the January and February block instructions through email, but you can still sign up to have the March - December Monthly Color Challenge blocks (and the layout!) sent directly to your inbox. Sign up HERE.

 

Let's make something Extraordinary!

 

Jen

New to Patterns By Jen?

 

Don't forget to sign up for the Bites of PBJ newsletter while you are here for early releases and sales just for subscribers!

 

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2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

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Quilt Studio ~ Ruler Storage

 Today I'm sharing how I like to organize my rulers.

A new studio means a new set up. I don't know about you, but I have to use the space for awhile before I know if I like it or not. To be honest, I'm not sure I'm quite satisfied yet, but I do know I want my rulers ups where I can see them.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Affiliate Links. When purchases are made through these links I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your purchases help support my small business and keep my husband's head from exploding every time a new quilting notion arrives in our mailbox. Thank you for that. Find out more about Affiliate Links Here.

Ruler organization, like pretty much everything in quilting, is so personal. We know what we like and what works for us. Sometimes, though, we need inspiration to find what we do like. That's why I'm sharing today. To help inspire and get those organizational ideas flowing.

I personally love having my rulers up and where I can easily grab them. For a long time in my old studio they were stored in this drawer. Handy because it's my cutting table, but not that handy if I had to dig.

In the following pictures you may note that my peg board is cracked and scratched. Way back when KMart closed I was able to grab a few peg board pieces from their dumpsters. I could paint them, but I'd rather be sewing. You can find peg board in all different sizes to fit your space. Here's an Amazon link with lots of options.

When I was using just a wall I had these hooks for my rulers. It was frustrating though, because the rulers would catch when I pulled them off. I kept that in mind when I was looking for new hooks to use with the peg board. 

I really like these, though I didn't need to order as many as I did. LOL They have just enough of a tilt to them to keep the ruler on , but not so much to make it difficult to take it off and put it back on quickly.

My one issue with these hooks is how hard it was to take them out and move them. Maybe I missed a trick, but my fingers were sore by the end. My advice, do a better job of planning than I did. Ha!

I really needed my ruler area to be restful to my eyes. I moved rulers a lot. It took longer than it should have maybe, but I did find what I liked, and it's actually the first thing I see when I walk in the door to my studio and it makes me smile.

When I did a Pinterest search for quilting supply storage I liked the idea of bins for my peg board as well. I chose these, and I confess, I thought they would be too small. It ends up they are perfect. 

In the cups I have my rotary cutter and scissors, marking tools and sewing tools. These are the sewing tools I use most often, not all of them.

In the squares I have my clothes pins, found in the Target dollar area a few years ago, that I use to mark rows and units. You can keep a lookout for something similar, usually around back to school time, or check these out at The Fat Quarter Shop.

The other square holds a magnetic pin holder. This is my grandma's old holder and her pins. Makes me smile to look at them.

What about those rulers or templates that don't have holes? I was blessed by a wooden ruler holder made by my uncle. I found a similar one here.

Right now this holds my rulers for sewing clothing and my marking/trimming pads. Honestly these might go back in the drawer. I don't like giving up that space at the top of the mat, and I know I will need to move it to cut yardage sooner or later.

I'm really happy with this set up. So happy, I came back in the room a few times after I was done just to look at it and enjoy.

PS Those liquor boxes to the side?

Full of flamingos. Hahahahahaha They will get unpacked someday. If you are ever packing to move, liquor store boxes are perfect. Sturdy and not too big, so you can't overload them.

Bonus ruler tips.

1) Rulers that slip. There are many products that keep your rulers from slipping, but a quick, cheap, easy to find remedy is clear medical tape. It MUST be clear, but it works great to grip the fabric.

2) Write your name on your ruler with a Sharpie and then cover it with a piece of scotch tape to keep it from rubbing off.

3) If you don't have specialty rulers for trimming units like half-square triangles, flying geese, etc, mark the ruler you are using with a sharpie. The marker will wear off eventually or you can color over it with a dry erase marker and wipe off.

4) Rulers will wear down. When you find this has happened, bring it to a place that cuts glass. Have them trim it down 1/2 inch and you have a nice straight edge again.

5) Remember the pattern storage tips in the Bites of PBJ newsletter? Use a binder and sheet protectors to keep the instructions handy for those specialty rulers.

Do you have any helpful tips for ruler usage or storage? Let me know in the comments.

Go make something Extraordinary!

Jen

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2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

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2023 Monthly Color Challenge Quilt Show

The official last post of the 2023 Monthly Color Challenge is the Quilt Show Post.

I love seeing the blocks each month fill my Quilt and Learn With Patterns By Jen Facebook group. This post celebrates the culmination of your work all year. We have some beautiful finishes and fun extras!

The 2023 Monthly Color Challenge Quilt Tops

Toni"s quilt is a beautiful top. I am *loving* that orange, black and purple combo. The cat's cute, too. *wink*

Brandi's top is pieced and SO pretty. I love the aqua she chose to sash and border with. It really gives your eye a resting place, so important in BOM quilts.

Gail's finished quilt, all in Island Batik fabrics is gorgeous. You can read about her quilt on her blog here. She is a Monthly Color Challenge Blogger!

Debbie's quilt looks so fantastic. I'm loving that purple and yellow hourglass blocks, and it's NOT because I'm a Minnesota girl (Vikings). *grin*

Carolyn's top is coming along so nicely, note she made two of each block and got a bigger quilt! She also graced us with more pretty inspiration in the background. Love it!

Rubiana's quilt! What is it about black and white that just makes a quilt glow?! Her border looks almost chain like. Amazing!

You may remember Susan from last year's finish. She used her blocks to make an apron (see this post). This year she used the blocks to make a long arm cover. What???!!!! I love how she makes this challenge hers.

Raylee's gorgeous finish! Love her work so much. Using two different background really adds a new element to this quilt, and the border! Wow! Raylee is a Monthly Color Challenge Blogger, find her HERE.

Check out her YouTube video for finishing inspiration. She really took the Color Challenge to heart and used her scraps for everything, including the binding. She talks a bit about her border choice, the fun quilting motif, and you don't want to miss the fabulous backing! Don't forget to subscribe to her channel. *smile.*

Paula used the October block to make this quilt. I love when a quilter get's inspired by a block and just goes with it. She has a fabulous quilt now and I'm SO very glad she shared it with us.

Joanne also chose to make a quilt using just the February blocks. I love the color and the outcome. She is a Monthly Color Challenge Blogger, find her HERE.

Shout out for Annette's 2022 Monthly Color Challenge Quilt.

It's never too late to finish a quilt! It's never too late to send me a picture of any of your Monthly Color Challenge quilt, or add them to the Facebook Group, either. *grin* We want to cheer you on! Well done, Annette!

Thank you so much for stitching along with me for the 2023 Monthly Color Challenge.

If you missed the 2024 Monthly Color Challenge Announcement you can find it here or click on the tab at the top of the page. This years inspiration is coming to us from amazing tropical fish. Enjoy color with us all year long!

Let's make something Extraordinary!

 

Jen

New to Patterns By Jen?

 

Don't forget to sign up for the Bites of PBJ newsletter while you are here for early releases and sales just for subscribers!

 

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2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Find paper and digital patterns in my Etsy shop.

 

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring

 

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

2024 January Monthly Color Challenge Block

 Are you ready for a New Year and a new Monthly Color Challenge?!

Our challenge this month is inspired by tropical fish. Such beauty lays under the water, it's hard not to be inspired.

Photo Credit

This month our color is green and we look to the Green Tiger Barb for our inspiration.

From AZGardens:

 It’s hard to overlook the Green Tiger Barb in a tank, thanks to its fluorescent green body, silver and gold blotches and neat orange fins.  These fish should be put in schools of at least six, and they’re known for being quite active.  That said, you should note they like well-planted aquariums that have either soft or slightly acidic water.

In regards to breeding, we recommend putting them together in the same aquarium, as they will pair off instinctively.  The females will lay eggs, the males will fertilize them and the baby fry will be swimming within 4 days.  The frys need formulas before they can take on flake food, while adults need veggies, meats with protein, flake foods and live and frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms.

I love greens and this fish would be hard to say no to, especially adding the gold, silver and orange!

 

I'm using Benartex's "Burlap" fabric line. I love the texture of the fabric, sooo much.

 

Our featured blogger this month is:

 

Joanne ~ Everyone Deserves a Quilt

 

Find her on Instagram,too!

 

Ready for the  block? It's a super simple block with Flying Geese Units and a Square in a Square unit. Two of  my favorites.

 

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook group (make sure to answer the questions so I know you are a real person 😉) where you will get a lot of support and questions answered! If you aren't on Facebook you can also follow Patterns By Jen on Instagram. Use #2024MonthlyColorChallenge when sharing so I can be sure to see your block.

  

I hope my feed is swimming in green this month!

Ready to get the pattern? Go to Payhip and download it now! The block is free for the month of January! Each set of instructions includes a "How To" video.

It's too late to receive the January block instructions through email, but you can still sign up to have the February - December Monthly Color Challenge blocks (and the layout!) sent directly to your inbox. Sign up HERE.

 

Let's make something Extraordinary!

 

Jen

New to Patterns By Jen?

 

Don't forget to sign up for the Bites of PBJ newsletter while you are here for early releases and sales just for subscribers!

 

Newsletter sign up

 

2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Find paper and digital patterns in my Etsy shop.

 

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring

 

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

 

Announcing the 2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 I'm so excited to announce the 7th Annual Monthly Color Challenge with Patterns By Jen!

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Affiliate Links. When purchases are made through these links I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your purchases help support my small business and keeps me out of my husband's new truck fund. We are both very appreciative. Thank you! Find out more about Affiliate Links Here.

This year we're taking our color inspiration from tropical fish. There is a plethora of color swimming around out there, and we're going to tap into it. Are you in?

I am using fat eighths of Benartex basics line Burlap. I received a box of these gorgeous fabrics when I joined Benartex as an Ambassador for 2023. You can see the fabrics in this unboxing video, at about the 6:56 mark.

2024 Colors

January - Green Tiger Barb (Green)

February - Discus (Orange)

March - Cherry Barb (Red)

April - Electric Blue Hap (Blue)

May - Electric Yellow Lab (Yellow)

June - Harlequin Rasboras (Raspberry)

July - Duboisi Cichlid (Silver)

August - Purple Dottyback (Purple)

September - Kuhli Loach (Brown)

October - Wrought Iron Butterfly (Black)

November - Gourami (Teal)

December - Marigold Wag Swordtail (Gold)

The general rule is a fat quarter of light and a fat quarter of dark will be enough. The finished size of each month's block will be 12".  

There is also the option to have all of the same background, instead of using the color for that month. 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. I hope you will take a look at what you have on hand and try to use it. 

Here are a few bundles that I think would work for the Color Challenge. NOTE: Most of them will still need a couple of colors added to the bundle, so make sure you take a look at what color we are using so you aren't surprised/disappointed.

Tilda Solids by Tilda Fabrics

Beyond Bella by Annie Brady

Florence's Fancy by Betsy Chutchian

Calico by Lori Holt

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.

Here are the fabric requirements for the layout coming in December.

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.

To help with squaring up the units we are making, a 6 1/2" square ruler or 6 1/2" x 12 1/2" rectangle ruler will be helpful, but are NOT required. If you have the 6 1/2" x 24 1/2" ruler that will work just fine.

You can find the 6 1/2" square ruler here.

You can find the 6 1/2" x 12 1/2" ruler here.

To have the block sent directly to your email sign up HERE.

NOTE: If you signed up for previous Monthly Color Challenge Emails you do NOT have to sign up again.

Make something extraordinary!

Jen

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