Block 1

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It’s time for your very first block of the National Quilters Circle Quilt Block Challenge! Are you ready for it? We sure are! This week’s block is called the Celaeno Star!

Over the course of nine weeks, we will be creating the beautiful Pleiades quilt pattern, designed by the talented Gina Perkes of The Copper Needle.

Looking for fabric requirements? Find them here!

The finished quilt size is 66 by 66 inches. Click the button below to download a PDF with instructions for your first block. And make sure to share your progress in the Quilt Block Challenge Facebook Group – we can’t wait to see everyone’s work! If you’re interested in coloring your quilt block before making it, click here for a coloring page!

If you haven’t signed up for the Quilt Block Challenge, there’s still time! You can sign up here to make sure you get the block assignments delivered to you inbox each week. And make sure to visit Gina at The Copper Needle to see more of her beautiful work!

Other blocks from this challenge:
Block 1: Celaeno Star
Block 2: Merope Star
Block 3: Maia Star
Block 4: The Atlas Star
Block 5: The Electra Star
Block 6: The Pleiones Star
Block 7: The Taygeta Star
Block 8: The Alicyone Star
Block 9: The Sterope Star
National Quilters Circle Quilt Block Challenge – Wrap Up
Quilt Block Challenge – Basic Finishing Instructions

Discussion
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470 Responses to “Block 1”
  11. Norma Berry
    Norma Berry

    I hope I will learn a lot from you I love the Quilts I am not sure how to make them

    Reply
  12. Norma Berry
    Norma Berry

    I hope I will learn a lot from you I love the Quilts I am not sure how to make them. Do they have to be the same color blocks or can I do my own color

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Norma,

      We are excited to have you as part of the challenge. You can change the colors of the blocks however you would like.

      Have Fun!
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  14. Pam
    Pam

    I did’nt know anything about a quilt block challenge but it sounds fun. Where do I find out more?

    Reply
  28. ELLIE BOWER
    ELLIE BOWER

    I have never tried a block of the month, let alone a block of the week!! I will give this a go:)

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Sue,

      We are sorry that you are not receiving the emails.

      Make sure you also join our Facebook page NQC Quilt Block Challenge. All of the blocks will be posted on there as well.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  40. Lisa Fedak
    Lisa Fedak

    Hello, thank you so much for the opportunity to learn some new techniques. I have noticed some real confusion on the Facebook page. It might be helpful if Admin put something out explaining how the program runs and where to get the files ect on Facebook. Unfortunately some people are being rather negative about a really great opportunity.

    Reply
  52. Linda McKinney
    Linda McKinney

    Many of us have not received Block 1 pattern in an email. It really sucks that people are posting pictures of block 1 and more than half have not received the pattern. Is this going to continue where we have to hunt for the next block pattern each time?

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Linda,

      We are sorry that you are not receiving the emails.

      Make sure you also join our Facebook page NQC Quilt Block Challenge. All of the blocks will be posted on there as well.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  57. pat
    pat

    thanks for all the hard work you have done to make this quilt project possible..new quilter here .. so very excited

    Reply
  61. Jean Long
    Jean Long

    This is going to be a skill builder, fun and pretty quilt to make. Thank you so much for the jump start on this year’s creativity.

    Reply
  64. Karen Martelle
    Karen Martelle

    Monochromatic directions please and it says delivered to my inbox but so far at 6pm central standard time still no pattern in inbox? Yes or no or just on pinned posts?

    Reply
  65. DIANNE
    DIANNE

    Is the above pattern correct Now??? I don’t want to cut my fabric wrong, & waste it!!!

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Jane,

      We are sorry that you are not receiving the emails.

      Make sure you also join our Facebook page NQC Quilt Block Challenge. All of the blocks will be posted on there as well.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Jane,

      We are sorry that you are not receiving the emails.

      Make sure you also join our Facebook page NQC Quilt Block Challenge. All of the blocks will be posted on there as well.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  71. Pamela Murray
    Pamela Murray

    I thought I signed up for the email where I would get the information for the quilt block challenge… apparently not so. I did find the pattern for the first block on NQC facebook. For some reason I thought there was going to be a video with it?? Not true?

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hi Pamela,

      There won’t be a video posted on the NQC site, however Gina Perkes will be checking in on the Facebook group to offer tips throughout the challenge.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  73. Patricia Stiver
    Patricia Stiver

    Loved doing the first block. I am doing scrappy but it gave me an idea on what colors I would like to do another block with.

    Reply
  75. Paulette Hansen
    Paulette Hansen

    I thought I signed up already but did not receive an email. I see it on face book but prefer getting an email. I will be out of town a couple of those weeks feel better that it is waiting for me in my email. Did the challenge last year and really enjoyed it. Thanks for your help.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Paulette,

      We are sorry you didn’t receive the email. It was emailed out yesterday in our E-Newsletter. You can go on our Facebook site at any time to see the blocks past and present.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  76. Jan Hart
    Jan Hart

    I’m not getting the newsletters, so I tried signing up again and found I’m already signed up. I’ve checked my spam folder and there is nothing there. I also didn’t get today’s email for the challenge.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Jan,

      We are sorry that you are not receiving the emails.

      Make sure you also join our Facebook page NQC Quilt Block Challenge. All of the blocks will be posted on there as well.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  78. Donna
    Donna

    I signed up for the quilting challenge, and I got the email about the block one, however, I was under the understanding that we would listen to a live video of how to put the block together. All I was able to do was download a pattern. I do not have facebook. Is that where you only get the video and can ask questions? I am totally confused, and crushed after watching Gina live last night at midnight.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Donna,

      We are excited that you are signed up for the challenge. There is not a live video on how to put the block together, however Gina Perkes will be checking in on the Facebook group to offer tips throughout the challenge.

      Have Fun!
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Judy,

      We are sorry that you are not receiving the emails.

      Make sure you also join our Facebook page NQC Quilt Block Challenge. All of the blocks will be posted on there as well.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  86. Jeanne Vernon
    Jeanne Vernon

    The link for the fabric requirements for the Quilt Block Challenge is not working. Could you please send me the requirements by email. Thank you, Jeanne

    Reply
  87. Victoria Stein
    Victoria Stein

    First time with you guys…. need to go through my stash…. got lots of stuff! Glad to be on board!

    Reply
  89. Shelly Diaczok
    Shelly Diaczok

    I thought I signed up my did not receive the email with the pattern . I did get it off of facebook.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Martha,

      We are sorry that you are not receiving the emails.

      Make sure you also join our Facebook page NQC Quilt Block Challenge. All of the blocks will be posted on there as well.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Kat,

      We are sorry that you are not receiving the emails.

      Make sure you also join our Facebook page NQC Quilt Block Challenge. All of the blocks will be posted on there as well.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  93. Andassa Pickering
    Andassa Pickering

    Have just finished block 1 using vibrant colors cream for background jade light and dark for small1 1/2 inch center squares.rich red for large part d and bluey purple for small part.inside prairie point reddy purple
    Look good as i like to use strong colors

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Kathy,

      We are sorry that you are not receiving the emails.

      Make sure you also join our Facebook page NQC Quilt Block Challenge. All of the blocks will be posted on there as well.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Tracy,

      We are sorry that you are not receiving the emails.

      Make sure you also join our Facebook page NQC Quilt Block Challenge. All of the blocks will be posted on there as well.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  123. Debbie Ash
    Debbie Ash

    what do you consider the background? I’m doing the monochromatic version. thanks

    Reply
  125. Cindy Cay
    Cindy Cay

    I’ve been sewing for years but never done any quilting,,,looking forward to learning, thanks for including me.

    Reply
  128. Debra Ashley
    Debra Ashley

    I am excited to see all the blocks and participate, will do my first one this weekend!

    Reply
  131. Evy
    Evy

    I failed to save the fabric requirements page. Can you send it to me? I am really excited to start this challenge. Thank you

    Reply
  135. Crystal
    Crystal

    Hello- Thank you for the beautiful Block #1, I am not however receiving email notifications of the blocks. Thought you might want to know. Thanks

    Reply
  137. Neva Bradshaw
    Neva Bradshaw

    oop got off tablet on computer just found huge red sign that says download. I am printing it now. Thanks

    Reply
  140. Martine Toussein
    Martine Toussein

    I schould like the blocks in an email. I can t open a link here on my i pad.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Ina,

      Yes, the Quilt Block Challenge is free!

      Enjoy!
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  145. AKANANA
    AKANANA

    I just checked my email again and found my pattern info. Now to get picking out my fabric. Fun!!! Fun!!

    Reply
  149. Judy Zarzeka
    Judy Zarzeka

    I loved the 2017 NQC challenge Snowy Day and I am so happy to be part of this year’s challenge! Thank you from Bethlehem, PA.

    Reply
  153. Lois
    Lois

    OK, I got this !!! I have never made a quilt like this, let alone use a pattern. so good luck to me…lol

    Reply
  156. rebecca Cameron
    rebecca Cameron

    I did last years and really enjoyed it. Love star blocks and this one is great

    Reply
  164. Marie
    Marie

    Can you make a Word version of the directions? I do not have a pdf converter on computer.

    Reply
  165. Glinda
    Glinda

    I want to thank you all for the hard work of designing the weekly quilt blocks. No mater when the quilt blocks come out, they are wonderful and challenging. We are so privileged to be a part of this. I’m asking you all to forgive those who are impatient and demanding, and know that all of us enjoy your challenges.

    Reply
  177. Paulette
    Paulette

    I’m very new to quilting so I’m already having problems following the instructions. My list of colors show that C is white and D is light yellow but the 1st set of flying geese on page 2 states to use A & C but the colors in the example are using A & D. Page 3 does show that C is white. Is this by chance a typo or am I missing something? Thks

    Reply
  193. Shirley LaMay
    Shirley LaMay

    Looking forward to get started I am a beginner I have done some guilts with friends that help.

    Reply
  207. Celia K Powers
    Celia K Powers

    I am excited to get started. Thank you so much for your hard work in getting this out to everyone so we can enjoy it. Happy Quilting!!!

    Reply
  219. Carrie Davis
    Carrie Davis

    I love doing mystery quilts and block swaps have been looking for something like this to do.

    Reply
  232. Bev McAdams
    Bev McAdams

    I did not receive the 1st block in my email. But I found it on Facebook links. Thanks!!!

    Reply
  249. Joanne
    Joanne

    Look forward to this BOW! I didn’t get the newsletter with the link to the first block. I did connect to it from a link that was sent from Becky in the chatter. Hopefully the next block will come through without trouble. Does it come on Fridays Jan.12,19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, and March 2 & 9? Will there be “finishing” instructions on March 16?
    Thank you for you attention.

    Reply
  250. Horváth Kata
    Horváth Kata

    Szeretném megpróbálni, angol és idegen nyelv tudásom 0.😊 De segítséget kérek majd ez ügyben itthon Magyarországon! Előre is köszönöm!
    .

    Reply
  258. Sherry McGuire
    Sherry McGuire

    I finished my Block today. I decided to do the monochromatic version, was disappointed to not have the necessary cuts listed for that version. But I persevered and created my own version. Now I need to figure out how to post my picture.

    Reply
  273. Laura M
    Laura M

    Was looking for a way to bust my fabric stash, and saw block one on facebook and signed up. Looking forward to getting started.

    Reply
  278. Marilyn Holder
    Marilyn Holder

    Please add me to the blocks this year…….I do love learning new techniques.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Zenobia,

      Yes! The quilt challenge is free.

      Have Fun!
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Linda,

      The finished blocks are 16″.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  302. Kelly
    Kelly

    I missed the first week so I have been working on both blocks today. I have always wanted a scrappy red, white and blue in reproduction fabrics that i have been collecting. I’n not really sure if they are all reproductions but close enough for me. I’m also going to work with directional fabrics. I have recut and ripped out more today than any time except when I was back in 4h learning to sew garments! Pictures will be coming soon. I only have a few hours to sew a week.

    Reply
  311. Paula
    Paula

    Thanks so much! I am really enjoying adapting the pattern to my favorite color schemes. You sent a coloring page for the Celaeno Star; can we get one for the Merope Star also? It would be Great to have one for each of the stars as the challenge progresses. Thanks again!!

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Paula,

      We have emailed you the color page for Block 2.

      Thanks
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  319. carolyn beaty
    carolyn beaty

    I like to complete one block at a time and have a complete quilt made at the end

    Reply
  347. Nelma
    Nelma

    Thank you so much … can’t wait to get started!
    Thank you so much … can’t wait to get started!

    Reply
  360. karen godfrey
    karen godfrey

    very frustrated that each time i go to National Quilters Circle Newsletter I can not find the next block, I spend countless time doing searches. I know I am not text suave but can anybody help me.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Karen,

      There is a link in each block, towards the bottom to the other blocks that have been released.

      We would also suggest signing up for our Facebook Group, NQC Facebook Challenge. Everything is posted on there as well.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  363. Ann Rork
    Ann Rork

    I have read about others watching the tutorials for the blocks, where are they located? Also, I wanted to go back and print the monocromatic block page and don’t see the option anymore. I am quite computer illiterate though.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Bonnie,

      Block 4 will come out later today within the E-Newsletter.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  369. Sandy Ciani
    Sandy Ciani

    Hi All, Love trying and looking forward to a BOW… I have done BOM and it was fun. Are there instructions for monocolor for Blocks 1 and 2 posted anywhere? Thanks, a bunch….

    Reply
  374. Sandi
    Sandi

    On Block 1 and 2 you do not have monochromatic. I am really new at this and I am having trouble with the overall monochromatic color sheme page. Is there a possibility you could post those two square with the monochromatic option like on three and four. Thanks

    Reply
  375. Sharyn Bovee
    Sharyn Bovee

    Please add me to your mailing list . I have tried several times. I’m new at this, I would like to see Gina’s videos as well. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Sharyn,

      I have added your email address to the Block Challenge.

      Make sure you also sign up for the Facebook page, NQC Quilt Block Challenge.

      Thanks,
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  376. Jane
    Jane

    Hi! Love the quilt and joining the challenge late. Can you tell me the finished size of each block?

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Jane,

      The finished size of each block is 16″.

      Have fun!
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  380. Jenola
    Jenola

    I have been looking for a the monochromatic pattern for block 1 and 2. I have the ones for 3, 4, and 5. Where do I find them. The others have been with the pattern download.

    Reply
  382. Rhonda Duke
    Rhonda Duke

    Hi, I am looking for the monochromatic pattern for block 1 and 2, I have the other but these ones are not available as a download, love the patterns thank you

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Charlene,

      Click on Download Pattern within this post to get the pattern for Block 1.

      Have Fun!
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  384. missy k
    missy k

    Is there a monochromatic version of the first block like there is for the rest of the blocks? Thanks.

    Reply
  387. Gay Martel
    Gay Martel

    I just tried to send a message to you, but I dont think it went through, it disappeared somehow before I clicked to submit it. Can you send me the monochrome page for Block 1 and also the coloring sheet and monochrome page for Block 2. I couldnt find it on website. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

    Reply
  388. Sara
    Sara

    I’m doing this challenge in monochromatic and would like the sheets for #1 and #2. Thank you.

    Reply
  389. Maureen Oberdorfer
    Maureen Oberdorfer

    I forgot to download the monochromatic patterns for Blocks 1 &2 ( Celaeno and Merope Stars) and they aren’t on the website now. How can I access them?

    Reply
  391. Ramona Williams
    Ramona Williams

    Would you have the link for the monochrome version for Blocks 1 and 2? Thank you.

    Reply
  394. Kresti
    Kresti

    Are there monochromatic patterns for Blocks 1-2? I don’t seem to find these.

    Reply
  397. Georgina
    Georgina

    my block 9 download page expired. and when is the deadline for the challenge?

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Georgina,

      Block 9 will come out this week on Thursday in the E-Newsletter. There is no deadline for the challenge.

      Have Fun!
      Becky
      National Quilters Circle Video Membership

      Reply
  399. Nancy Kane
    Nancy Kane

    Are there mistakes in the measurements of any of the blocks? I read a comment on Facebook that indicated block 9 has mistakes.

    Reply
  401. Cindy Johnson
    Cindy Johnson

    I’m just starting this quilt. I have the directions for all 9 blocks and fabric requirements. Are there any directions for putting it all together?

    Reply
  404. Janie
    Janie

    Excited to begin! Is there a monochromatic color page for the first star block?

    Reply
  405. callie martin
    callie martin

    I’m finally ready for block 9 of the star block challenge cant download it can you help? thanks

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Callie,

      We have tested the download successfully. Please try refreshing your browser and accessing the download again.

      Thanks,

      Becky
      National Quilters Circle Video Membership

      Reply
  409. sherry
    sherry

    I cannot get the pattern to open when I press on download the pattern. Could you please send it to me again? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Sherry,

      We have tested the pattern successfully. Please try refreshing your browser and accessing the pattern again.

      Thanks,

      Becky
      National Quilters Circle Video Membership

      Reply
  410. Patricia
    Patricia

    Cant wait to get started. I have never done anything like this before. Excited to sew something new.

    Reply
  411. Linda Kesler
    Linda Kesler

    Keep telling myself, “ you’ve got enough to do.”. But I’m getting excited….

    Reply
  414. Elaine D
    Elaine D

    Hello, School is out so it is time to work on this lovely block challenge. Do you know where I can find the Color numbers for Blocks 1,2? The color coding without the numbers is a bit too challenging for me and the other blocks do have the colors coded to the master material list. Thank you

    Reply
  415. Dianne St Merat
    Dianne St Merat

    At present doing the Lexington Quilt,fascinated by Photos of the Pleiades being posted.

    Reply
  419. Loretta R. Ricci
    Loretta R. Ricci

    I would like to make the Lexington quilt and need all of the patterns. Thank you!

    Reply
  420. Sally
    Sally

    Because I’m not yet retired, I’m not sure I could keep up but I’d love to try to because I love these squares. It would be an excellent learning experience!

    Reply
  426. Edna Bennett
    Edna Bennett

    I just joined and was trying to download block 9 is it not available? Also I could not download the coloring page for block 2.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Dear Edna,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      Here is the link for all released weeks: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/

      Block 9 has not yet been released. For your download issue you may have to do a hard refresh or try it on a different devise, or change to a different browser.

      If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Joan
      National Quilters Circle Video Membership

      Reply