Hello, friends! The brand new Sewcialites Quilt Block 20 is this week’s Sewcialites Quilt-Along block by Lisa Bongean. I made my first block for this delightful quilt last summer. Then I got super busy and promptly fell behind. But I’ve decided to jump back in and am determined to get caught up with my missing blocks. Today I’m sharing thoughts on this week’s block along with ideas for what to do if you’ve also fallen behind with this or another sew along.
Sewcialites Quilt Block 20
This week’s fun log cabin block was designed by Lisa Bongean–the queen of very small piecing. I was super excited that her block this week was a nice and simple log cabin block. The simplicity of this week’s block is actually what convinced me to join back in.
Block 20 Tips and Tricks
The best way to make sure this week’s block comes out accurately is to cut carefully and make sure your ¼″ seam allowance is accurate. Then just have fun picking fabrics.
You can really make this one scrappy and fun and could even use several different lights along with several different darks. I chose to use a few different navy prints from our Happy Days fabric collection (shipping next month) with a tone-on-tone ivory background.
Tips for Block of the Month and Sew Along Projects
I was super excited to be able to design a couple of blocks for this fun quilt and to participate in another fun sew along. But last fall was so busy for me that I quickly fell behind, always meaning to jump back in each week when I saw the beautiful blocks being shared. I decided now was as good a time as any to start catching up, and I’m so glad I started back in. I’m loving these blocks! Here are a few tips in case you’ve also fallen behind on this or another project:
- Start where you are–for me this meant making this week’s block first and not worrying about all of the missing blocks.
- Don’t be afraid to change things up–I made my initial block in the 9″ finished size. But when I decided to jump back in I also decided to challenge myself with the adorable 3″ finished size. After making that decision I went back and re-made my initial block.
- After making the current block, go back and make earlier blocks. I decided to make a few in the recent past first and so I made blocks 18 and 19. Now that I’ve got those made I’ll go back to the beginning while keeping up with the current weeks as I go.
- You can find more ideas on keeping up with block of the month quilts and sew-alongs on this post: 10 Tips for Block of the Month Projects.
Sewcialites Links and More…
I’m so excited to be back to sewing these blocks. Since there are 16 more blocks, I’ve got sixteen weeks to catch up on my missing 16 blocks–so doable by making just two blocks a week. Get all of the details on the Sewcialites quilt by heading to the Fat Quarter Shop Jolly Jabber blog here. (You can still download all of the previous blocks in this sew along).
Happy quilting, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Patricia says
The block of the month tips is just what I needed to keep up. Thank you
Susan Byers says
I cannot find the pattern for block #20
Jackie Lohrey says
Susan I think the release has been delayed due to the crappy weather in Tx this week. Not sure for how long though.
Jackie Lohrey says
Sherri I really like the direction your posts are going for 2021. Last year I was all about building my stash and I really did not have a very good plan so my projects were all over the place. This year I am trying to be more thoughtful about the money I spend and the projects I choose, partly because I’m working a ton of overtime with no end in sight so I have less time in general and partly because I am great at starting projects and not so great at finishing one thing before I start another. I had a major reality check when I entered my WIPs and bucket list projects in my planner. Your posts so far this year have been VERY helpful and I thank you! I had a good laugh when I read this one, I felt like you wrote it just for me. 🙂 Also, I made the sweet potato hash recipe from last Saturday’s post and it was great the first day and even better the second. All I can say is YUM! The only other thing I have to say today is…t-shirt 🙂 Sorry Sherri, I just had to!
ROBIN L FARLEY says
I read on the Fat Quarter Shop block 20 will be released on Feb 26, 2021 due to our wonderful winter storm!
sherri McConnell says
Oh, that is good to know! Thank you!
Debra Taylor says
How do you decide on fabric for a block of the month project? Do you just pick a layer cake and use that? How do you know what to buy?
sherri McConnell says
A Layer Cake with a couple of fat quarters of prints you like the best is a great way to start.