What if you make (or win) a bunch of this month’s blocks, but … You want to make a large quiltYou want something different than “balls” In the block directions, I suggested you could think of this block as a blocky Drunkards Path block and consider layouts used for that traditional quilt unit. What about this one? Drunkard’s Path quilt found online In this traditional quilt, an equal number of blocks are made with...

With the latest update update, there is a new editor. It was known as Gutenberg when it was under development and is now just called the WordPress Block Editor. It looks a little different and that may be a bit daunting … to refresh your memory, here’s how a new post in the old (now called Classic) editor looks: And here’s how the new Block Editor looks when you start: The new Block editor includes many types of...

The next time you crate a post, you’ll notice that that there’s been some changes. Along with an update of the underlying WordPress for this site, came a new, more flexible editor. I’ll put together a tutorial post this weekend, but in the meantime, please don’t get frustrated and be a little patient with me until then.

Nann reached out to let me know that there was a mistake in the cutting directions and that the 1 x 3 1/2 inch rectangle should be 1 x 3 inches.  Thanks, Nann! I have updated the link in the original post.  If you have already downloaded the directions, please delete that one and download the corrected directions: Fireball Block Directions – CORRECTED...

As blocks are made, I will update this list. My hope is that there will be enough to make at least two of these 48-block quilts (42 by 54 inches) … or other wonderful quilts. Total blocks made so far: 158 Barb K – 8 Barb P – 4 *** WINNER *** Carol – 3 Cathy K – 8 Cathy L – 3 Christa – 2 Elizabeth – 9 *** WINNER *** Jo – 2 Julie W – 6 Karen B – 8 (donated) Karen N – 3...

Happy New Year! As I was waiting for my Black-eyed Peas to cook this morning, I was thinking about the year that was, here at the Block Lotto. Last year, when I realized that the work and health-stuff I was dealing with was overwhelming, a number of quilters stepped up and took over the Block Lotto–one month at a time.  I probably haven’t said it enough, but I am very grateful to Robin, Cathy K, Angie, Beth, Deana, Nann (who hosted...

We’re beginning a year of 6-inch blocks in 2019 with this uneven log cabin block I called Fireball. The fabric guidelines are below and included in the print-friendly  block directions. I have included directions for traditional piecing and a foundation pattern for those who prefer paper foundation piecing. January Block – Fireball-CORRECTED This block gives us all an opportunity to cut precisely and sew quarter-inch seams …...

Based on the survey feedback, here’s my vision for 2019 and the rules for anyone who’d like to create a pattern and be the Block Mom for a month next year. Blocks will: Be 6 inches finished size As postal rates increase and rules become more restrictive about “squishie” envelopes, this feels like the right size Have designs which become something more when they are joined into a 4-patch. This could be something like the...

Update: Information for a couple quilters was incorrect or omitted–If you made blocks in November, be sure to check the list and get back to me ASAP if your information is missing or somehow incorrect.  This is the list of 50 blocks as of Friday, Dec 7: Teresa   8 Cathy K   2 Linda W  4 Margaret 4 Marcia 6 Nann  9   (donate) Karen B 4 Karen N   4 Barb K 1  (donate) Peggy 1 Cathy L  6 Carol   1 If there’s anyone not on the list or...

Terry is having problems posting–while she and I work on that, here’s her...

I left the survey open longer than planned, hoping for more responses and just closed it.  We had 48 quilters respond–which is about half as many as last year.  You can see the results of the four multiple-choice questions and some of my thoughts here: 2019 Block Lotto Survey Results Based on your input and the suggestions you supplied, here are some of the highlights from my plan: There will be a theme and uniform size (6 inches) for all 2019...

I sent email to everyone who made California Poppy blocks on Sunday, but forgot to post about it. If you made blocks and didn’t receive email from me, let me know.  Ditto if you find a mistake in your information–there were three Linda’s who made blocks last month, so I was a little worried about their blocks in particular. … and while I have your attention, if you haven’t already done so, please take a few minutes...