Well, what's a kimono without props? I designed this block about 25 years ago for paper piecing. Then I turned it into one for rotary cutting and sewing. I call it my Japanese Lantern. It is the April 17 block in my upcoming Block a Day Calendar by C&T Publishing. Japanese Lantern: 9" I realized (too late) that I should have made it 12" so that it can be used with the Kimono from yesterday. So, I will offer this to calendar owners in the 12" size, too. Once it comes out I will make that announcement. Then the two blocks can go together! Here is a digital file created 25 years ago for Quilt Magazine. The kimono is slightly different, but this is how I envision the two blocks together in a simple quilt: All I need to do is add a simple strip to the bottom of the Lantern to make it the 14" height. Here are two blocks I made yesterday using the Equinox Collection by Benartex. I am going to remake them one more time using a lighter blue for the Lantern (and a lar...

Today is April 16 and the block featured in my new calendar is the Kimono. Wanna see? Tiny Kimono Oh, dang! How'd that slip in? But, isn't this cute? I made a 4 x 6 postcard about 20 years ago and even found some sandals I could cut out and attach. Here's a quilt made using the calendar block. I just gave this to a dear friend last week. She was SO delighted! Bamboo Garden Kimono quilt The block in the calendar is 12" x 14" ( The blocks in the quilt above are larger.  )Yes, they are 12" x 14"! I just checked.  And you can get the pattern for the quilt above in my Etsy store . The calendar is due to hit your local quilt shops and Amazon by mid June. It is published by C&T Publishing - check out their Facebook page to see all sorts of other gorgeous craft book offerings. (Evidently their page was shut down for 2 years and they had to start all over again! What a shame) New Block a Day Calendar The Kimono block is easy and quick. And it's NOT squar...