Here is my November entry for the Patterns by Jen 2019 monthly color challenge. That means that there is only one month to go! I can’t believe it. I also can’t wait for December to get here so I can see the final block.
This challenge has been a joy, and the emphasis on colors has really made me think about my fabric choices and placement.
When I started this project way back in January, I decided to use batik fabrics, and this month was no exception. Yellow was the color prompt, and it was a bit of stretch for me fabric-wise. I don’t have a lot of yellow batiks on hand, so I had to use two different ones for the darker parts of the block.
The prompt for the October entry for the Patterns by Jen 2019 monthly color challenge was red, like a red rose. I’ll be honest here. I was not sure I was going to love this block, and it is not because of the pattern, but because of the color.
I love reds, but I do not have a lot of them, especially in batik. Since I’m only using batiks, and I have been trying hard not to buy any new fabric for this project, I was skeptical.
However, I don’t think I needed to be. I paired these two fabrics and they work. In fact, they work really well. I’m not sure if it is because of the movement in the lighter red, or because of the black in the darker fabric, but this has ended up being one of my favorite blocks of this challenge.
It’s all about the color lilac for the September entry for the Patterns by Jen 2019 monthly color challenge. That is such a pretty color and, since I have a fair amount of it in my stash, I didn’t need to go out and buy any new fabric.
Depending on who you talk to, that could be considered a good or a bad thing. It’s not a problem though, I’ll still find an excuse to go to the fabric store.
This month’s block was fairly simple to put together, but I definitely had to work on my points for the pinwheel center.
I find that it’s easier to get sharp points when I work with batik fabric, but that might be because I love working with it so much. Because it is a little bit stiffer, I think my points come out sharper.
Picking out the fabrics for this month was fun, especially the lighter lilac. The darker purple was a different story. With a fair amount of fabric to choose from, I couldn’t decide if it was too dark or not.
Ultimately, I’m really happy with the results. The block fits in well with the others.
I just can’t believe that there are only three months left for this challenge. It’s gone by so quickly.
I keep pulling out all of my blocks and trying to come up with a layout I like. One option in particular draws me in, but I have to wait until the last blocks are done before I make my final decision.
If you want to join in the fun, head over to the Pattern by Jen blog and check out all of the details.
So far it’s been a lovely challenge, with every color of the rainbow represented.
Here’s what I’ve done so far. Three more blocks to go, and I’m ready for them!
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August is here and so is my August entry for the Patterns by Jen 2019 Monthly Quilt Challenge. If I do say so myself, I love the way this one turned out.
I wasn’t too sure about this month’s red-orange color prompt for a couple of reasons. First of all, orange isn’t a color I work with a lot. Second of all, because I don’t work with it much, I don’t have a lot of fabric to choose from. Because I challenged myself to using only batiks, it was a stretch finding fabric that was suited.
Luckily, it didn’t turn out to be a problem, and I have added this beauty to my ever-growing stack of the other months’ blocks. Only four more to go, and I’m already playing with some quilt layout ideas in my head.
What fun this challenge has been so far. Not only have we made some terrific blocks, but the prompts we’ve gotten from Jen have been inspiring in the garden as well.
Each month’s color choice is based on a different flower, and this month’s selection hit the nail on the head. My block definitely reminds me of the orange and red marigolds that are blooming in my garden as I type this.
Challenge Progress
Here’s a look at what I’ve done so far. If you are inspired to give it a shot, check out the Patterns by Jen website for all of the challenge information.
Next month, the color prompt is lavender, and that is definitely a color I have plenty of batiks in. Depending on the design, I’ll just have to decide if I want to use lighter or darker lavenders. I can’t wait!
If you would like see more about my blocks other than my August entry for the Patterns by Jen color challenge, you can find them here.
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links, I may get a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for more information.
I had a feeling that the July entry for the Patterns by Jen 2019 Monthly Color Challenge was going to be a tough one for me. Aqua was the color prompt and I knew that I didn’t have a lot of that color on hand. Also, the block has flying geese in it, and to be honest, that is not my favorite pattern.
While I absolutely love that way flying geese look in quilts, I have always had a problem sewing them. I don’t know why. I think it might be because I overthink it a bit. Whatever the reason, going into the July challenge, I knew I had my work cut out for me.
When I started this process back in January, I decided to go with batiks. I love working with them and, fortunately, I have a nice collection of them to choose from. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include many aquas. In fact, I could only find one aqua and one cream colored fabric with aqua in it.
Lo and behold, the block turned out great, and with Jen’s instructions, I easily assembled my nemesis block unit, the flying geese! Now I have all kinds of ideas for a quilt incorporating the pattern.
I have been delighted with this challenge so far. I’ve learned some new quilting methods, and I’ve been pushed to use colors I don’t normally work with. In fact, with the exception of the May block, I’ve been able to use batiks from my fabric stash. Because the colors are inspired by flowers, I’ve also learned a little bit about gardening too.
What’s Next
Now that my July entry for the Patterns by Jen 2019 monthly color challenge is finished, I’m ready for August, but I’m just going to have to be patient.
The color prompt for next month is red orange that is inspired by the marigold flower. It’s going to be another bright one and I can’t wait. If you like challenges, and like the blocks we’ve done so far, check out the Patterns by Jen website for more information. You’ll love it!
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links, I may get a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for more information.
