Block of the month

For the next year I will share directions for making a 20″-24” table mat or small wall hanging once a month. Each will be based on a single block. The first reason for doing this is to provide my mother, who is in a care center, a bright spot in her room. When she first moved in for rehab I brought one of my small wall hangings once a month to brighten her room. I found they were a good stimulus for her to have conversations with staff and visitors and they also engaged her mind to examine how they were made, what patterns were used and patterns that emerged at the different angles from which they were viewed. She likes seasonal things and also bright colors—I think because her eyesight is failing and the brightness and strong contrast is easier to discern. She also likes to hear the stories behind why they were made. After going through the few small things I had in my closet I found myself scrambling to make sure she had a new and different one. Thus, a plan to insure there is a new one each month for the next year.

This effort also fits well with my desire to try different blocks that are of interest to me but that I do not necessarily want to use to make a larger quilt. Of course, it also feeds my addiction to try new fabrics and color combinations that may not fit any specific home décor needs. I hope that others may choose to use the directions in whatever way it fits with their need to create something from fabric.  (All will be fast and easy so would also make great gifts to have on hand for housewarming and other occasions.)

The first project will be posted next week on whatever day I have a strong enough internet connection to enable pictures to upload.  I hope you enjoy and will share this site with others.