I’m juggling a bunch of new projects right now and my sewing table is obnoxiously busy. Some of these projects are behind the scenes for future sharing, but I’ve also got plenty to share today! For one thing, I’m finally catching up on the March 2023 Riley Blake Block Challenge blocks.
I’m continuing to make my blocks out of my recent Portsmouth fabric collection which is available in stores now.
You can read more about the details of the 2023 Riley Blake Free Quilt Block Challenge here. Here are the March Blocks and links to those patterns.
All of the blocks are 10″ x 10″ (10.5″ x 10.5″ unfinished).
Block 8 is called Splice, designed by Kristy Lea. Block 8 free pattern PDF here.
Block 9 Star Blossom block designed by Fran Gulick. Block 9 pattern PDF found here.
And this week’s block, Block 10 Follow the Leader was designed by Sue Daley. Block pattern found here.
Here are my blocks so far. You can see the January blocks here, and February blocks here.
I’ve had a few people ask me for fabric/yardage requirements and I’m so sorry, but I don’t really have any official yardage requirements for the blocks I’ve done so far and don’t know yet what I’ll use for the upcoming blocks until I get to them. I’m kind of winging it as I go. Which I know isn’t helpful to anyone else. But it’s all I’ve got in me right now.
So my answer would be: assorted Fat Quarters. The background color is the Confetti Cotton in Cloud.
Also on my cutting table: these Liberty Flower Show Coastal Walk 5″ charm squares – I’ve got a fun scrappy project underway with them.
Another project coming soon made with this Eden collection by Gabrielle Neil Designs. The colors and prints are so warm and sunny. Just what I need on a cold, wet day like today!
Also new on my cutting table right now:
I got a fun bundle of patterns sent by the Fat Quarter Shop recently. New Lori Holt vintage-inspired two-tone quilt and a cross stitch chicken and more patterns from It’s Sew Emma.
I’m especially inspired by Susan Ache’s new book Summer Memories featuring classic red, white and blue quilts + a bunch of adorable cross stitch patterns!
Also new this week:
A preview of the April Perfectly Pieced box arrived this week! The fabric bundle is another absolute winner – I’m really excited to play with it! I’ll be share more details + project in the next week or so. 🙂
So there’s the latest scoop on what’s happening around here. More than I can keep track of somedays, but at least it’s fun stuff.
Also a bit of this scenery today:
While I am VERY ready for warm spring temperatures, I figured I might as well get in a good snow hike in the nearby foothills since that’s what’s available. It was chilly but pretty.
Okay, now lets move on to real spring!
RaeLyn
Ooh, I think I see a pattern reboot. That Eden fabric is gorgeous (but needs a valid link), I’m excited to see the finished project, thanks for the inspiration!
Amy
Good eyes! Yes, reboot coming soon. And it looks SO great! And thanks for the broken link notice – I just fixed it. Thanks for looking out for me!
Joan
LOVE this new color combo, I want to paint my house these colors! This fabric line so yummy and spring like! In western Chicago we haven’t gotten enough snow to shovel, but the dampeness seems even colder. It’s ok more time to QUILT!
Amy
Agreed!
Tina Fulbright
Hello Amy. Oh my, you are so busy!! I don’t know how you keep track of all your projects. I am wondering why my points are too close to the edges when I make some of the blocks. I try to take a scant 1/4 inch seam. Should I cut the pieces slightly larger than the pattern calls for? Thank you so much for your expert advise.
Tina
Julie
Winter was slow to arrive here & is apparently hanging around for a bit. Fortunately as sewing is an indoor activity for me, and the spring bulbs can take a joke, the lingering guest isn’t having too much of an impact. Your Riley Blake blocks are especially fetching in Portsmouth.
Amy
Thank you! And yes – the good news is I don’t feel guilty about doing yard work. More time to sew! 🙂
Devonna Tabor
Thank you for the new blocks in Portsmouth fabric! Absolutely beautiful!
Gwyn
Your controlled color palette for Portsmouth is perfect for the RBD block challenge. Are you using it for something from Summer Memories?