From Blocks to Quilts

Yes, I'm going to talk about my new calendar again! But blocks aren't what excites us as quilters; it's what the blocks become, right?

Calendar by C&T Publishing

I've been searching my computer files for quilt images to support my calendar blocks. You mean I forgot? Well, I've designed thousands of blocks and quilts over the past 32 years (and sewn several hundred quilts), it's hard to remember all of them!

There are 2 blocks in my calendar that are very traditional and common. When they are combined they create the Double Irish Chain. Here's a version from my first book (Bold, Black and Beautiful, AQS 2004). 

Double Irish Chain using two November blocks

My calendar blocks are much larger than I used in the quilt above, but notice how the plain (black) fabric in the Domino Chain block is perfect for adding some machine embroidery!

The Star Chain block in the calendar is a simple Ohio Star with some extra smaller squares. But it would be easy to use that for making up my Velvet Stars quilt (again from my AQS 2004 block). The calendar block is 16"; the block below is 12"

Velvet Stars, using Star Chain as inspiration

Another quilt uses the Tessellating Star block (December). Actually, I've made several quilts with that pattern. You can see the interlocking shapes with the two contrasting fabrics.

Tessellating Stars: 12" blocks

So, 3 quilts made almost 25 years ago were inspiration for 3 blocks in my calendar. The blocks are traditional, but it's always great to see them put into real fabric and real quilts!

Be on the lookout for the calendar to hit stores mid June. Ask your local quilt shop to carry it. I am offering them a FREE program of quilts which feature several of the blocks. More details on that later.