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Every so often, I have the pleasure of collaborating with other designers and creators in the quilting community. Sometimes this involves testing new patterns, while other times it's about participating in a block-of-the-month program or a fun challenge. Recently, I had the opportunity to join in on a delightful project with Jen from Patterns by Jen, who has been hosting themed block-of-the-month challenges for a few years now.



Jen's challenges are designed to be accessible for all skill levels, offering easy-to-follow instructions while also helping participants refine their quilting skills. This year’s theme is centred around colours inspired by tropical fish. I was thrilled to be invited to create and showcase one of the blocks, and I chose September since it’s my birthday month! The colour for September is brown, and the featured fish is the Kuhli Loach. Here’s a little peek at what the Kuhli Loach looks like (source: Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii): Ultimate Care Guide - Fish Laboratory).



For this challenge, the final block measures 12.5 inches unfinished (12 inches finished) and consists of four hourglass blocks. I chose this particular block because, surprisingly, I had never made an hourglass block before. Although I've created plenty of half-square triangles, I saw this as a great chance to learn something new.

The instructions provided by Jen are incredibly straightforward, even for someone like me who sometimes struggles with pattern instructions. I found each step easy to understand and follow, which made the process enjoyable.

I ended up creating three different versions of the block:

First Version: This one follows Jen’s pattern to the letter, using two fat quarters from my stash.

Second and Third Versions: For these, I experimented using my magic numbers precuts. I wanted to see if it was possible, and the answer is yes! However, it required 16 6.5-inch squares to make one block, as I had to trim back to the correct size at each step. This approach is more time-consuming since it's essentially a "one at a time" method. However, the upside is that I ended up with smaller half-square triangles and hourglass blocks, so there was no waste. I plan to use these extras for another project. But if you're looking to make the block quickly, I recommend sticking to Jen’s instructions.


Magic Numbers is a system I am using to deal with my scraps, to keep them in the form I can quickly use up and they fit together in so many layouts. To find out more, subscribe to my newsletter and upon subscription confirmation you will receive a link to a full video tutorial about Magic Numbers.


My versions include one made in browns and another that’s completely scrappy. A small tip when assembling the blocks: use the spinning seams technique to make the block flatter when you sew them together as a 4-patch. There are quite a few seams meeting there! If you need more help, I have a bite-sized tips video you can watch HERE.

Below are all three blocks I made:



I really love the block and the quilt designed by Jen. These blocks are simple enough for every skill level but also offer room for skill improvement. With clever use of colour, this becomes a fun project that anyone can enjoy. There’s still time for you to join the challenge if you're interested! Just head over to Jen’s website to learn more. You’ll also find links to other creators who have participated in the challenge and shared their creations since January.

To sign up for the program and to read more about it (and to catch up!), check here: Announcing the 2024 Monthly Color Challenge.

And here’s a quick look at the completed months so far:

Due:

  • October - Wrought Iron Butterfly (Black)

  • November - Gourami (Teal)

  • December - Marigold Wag Swordtail (Gold)

Bloggers participating:

January -

Green Tiger Barb

Joanne Hubbard

February -

Orange Discus

Anja Clyke

March -

Red Cherry Barb

Marlene Oddie

April -

Electric Blue Harp

Gail

May -

Electric Yellow Lab

Kathy Bruckman

June - Raspberry

Harlequin Rasboras

Raylee Bielenberg

July - Silver

Duboisi Cichlid

Amanda Whisman

August -

Purple Dottyback

Patti Carey

September - Brown

Kuhli Loach

Malgorzata Banjo

October - Black

Wrought Iron Butterfly

Becca Fenstermaker

November - Teal

Gourami

Katie Bock

December - Gold

Marigold Wag Swordtail

Sandra Starley


Happy Sewing everyone!

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Writer's picturePola Quilting

Who doesn't love a good dessert? Well, in the quilting world, that’s a scrappy pattern! 🎉 Introducing the Triple Sundae block—a fun and easy design made with a mix of magic number precuts and solid strips. 🍦

Ready to mix and match your scraps into something beautiful? Head over to my YouTube channel now to watch the full tutorial and start creating your own Triple Sundae block! 🎥✨

Full pattern available here:




Please see below links to some tools and materials used. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases but without any additional cost to you:

My Favourite tools and equipment in sewing room UK links: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/polaquilting


My Favourite tools and equipment in sewing room US links: https://www.amazon.com/shop/polaquilting






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And its better than ever!



To take control of your scraps, you need to focus on these 3 things: 


1️⃣👉🏽Develop a scrap project library

If you’ve been saving your scraps for some unknown project in the distant future, you will never make any progress on reducing your scraps. You need to build a collection of scrap-friendly patterns, projects, and techniques to choose from tailored to what and how you like quilt.


2️⃣👉🏿Organize and manage your scrap stash

If your scraps aren’t organized it’s almost impossible to find the scraps you need for your scrap-busting projects. Scrap organization can be as simple or complex as you need it to be but a bin full of random scraps won’t cut it for most projects (unless you’re using them as stuffing). 


If you continue to quilt as you organize your existing scrap stash, you will just be making more scraps. Having a plan of action as new scraps come into your space will keep you from having a large unorganized overwhelming pile in the future.


3️⃣ 👉🏼Have confidence in putting colors together

Nothing will slow down your progress faster than having doubts about the colours you’re mixing. When you’re staring at a rainbow of colours, oddball fabrics, and loud prints, it’s easy to second-guess your fabric choices and delay starting your project. Whether you’re going for a scrappy or cohesive look, having confidence when putting fabric scraps together makes it easy to get started.

You can learn how to do all three of these things during a free event happening August 15 - 18!




✨Conquer Your Fabric Scraps Summit✨ was created to inspire quilters like you to have a well-organized collection of scraps, mix and match colors confidently, and put those fabric scraps to good use.


It’s the perfect way to get motivated and excited about working with your fabric scraps for the last few months of 2024.


Get all the details and grab your free ticket to the Conquer Your Fabric Scraps Summit at the link in my bio, and I’ll see you there!


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