Block 1

By Editor & filed under Uncategorized.

blog-banner-header_-block-1

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

For this challenge, we will be working on the beautiful Snowy Day Quilt Sampler designed by Andrea Smith of Happy Cloud Creations. The finished size of the quilt will be 56.5 x 56.5 inches, but below you’ll find some instructions in case you’d like to change the block size. In this post you’ll also find information on fabric requirements and other tips on fabric and color choice.

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!

block-1
nqc-bottun_download-pattern

Basic Instructions

1. Read all instructions before beginning your block.

2. All seam allowances are 1/4 inch.

3. Pattern assumes most width of fabrics are 42 inches. If you like to prewash your fabric, you will want to purchase 1/4 yard more fabric to account for shrinkage.

4. Basic sewing, piecing, and quilting knowledge needed.


Fabric Needed

Color A (Navy): 2/3 yard

Color B (Pink): 1 yard

Color C (Teal): 2/3 yard

Color D (Grey): 2 1/2 yards (includes 1 yard of sashing)

Binding: 1/2 yard Backing: 3 3/4 yard

Andrea has chosen pretty pinks and blue hues for her design, but feel free to use whatever colors use like. It is recommended you keep Color D a contrasting color from Color A, B, and C to help the designs stand out. This design would also make a great scrappy quilt.


How to Change Block Size

Where the pattern says 4.5 x 4.5:

    Divide your total finished size block by 4 and add .5
    Example: 20/4=5+.5=5.5

Where the pattern says 5.25 x 5.25 (squares used for hst):

    Use the previous number and add .75
    Example: 5.5+.75=6.25

Where the pattern says to use 2.5 inch strip:

    Divide your total finished size block by 8 then add .5
    Example: 20/8=2.5+.5=3

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 Andrea on Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy to see more of her beautiful work!

Ready for the next block? Here’s what’s coming up next:

Block 1
Block 2
Block 3
Block 4
Block 5
Block 6
Block 7
Block 8
Block 9
Finishing/Assembly Instructions

nqc-photo-challenge-in-content-banner-ad-big
Reply to Murna Sparks
  • (will not be published)

184 Responses to “Block 1”
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Dear Debbie,

      Please make sure that you have checked both your Junk Mail and Spam.

      Happy Quilting!
      NQC Video Membership

      Reply
  9. Michele Dubois
    Michele Dubois

    I filled in the information for joining this challenge almost a week ago. I never received a confirmation email. So, I joined again. I did this 3 times. Never received anything. Now that the first block is out, I never received an email about that either. The only reason I’m able to send you an email to tell you this is because someone shared the link on FB. This is definitely not the way to instill confidence in your company! This is absolute BS! I will never join another challenge that involves NQC nor will I ever pay to join NQC either. Not after this experience!

    Reply
  27. BECKY LAYMAN
    BECKY LAYMAN

    Will we be using the same fabric for all the blocks? Sorry, just trying to figure out fabric and I am OCD.

    Reply
  28. Danielle
    Danielle

    I just need to know from a beginner standpoint, do I cut strips and at what width? And how and where to go from there! I feel totally lost with the above directions!

    Reply
  29. Evelyn
    Evelyn

    I am looking forward to starting this, and to seeing what others are doing. Great way to come out of winter hybernation.

    Reply
  32. Sandy hardy
    Sandy hardy

    Can’t wait to get started. I will be out of town and will need to catch up after the first. Two weeks.

    Reply
  55. Audrey Tannahill
    Audrey Tannahill

    What is the total fabric requirements for the whole project? Would like to purchase all in one shop. Do not want to not having enough to finish due to mistakes or not matching dye lots.

    Reply
  56. Janet
    Janet

    My sister in law tried to get signed up for this challenge and was unable to. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  62. Jody
    Jody

    hiWill each months block come in the regular news letter or separate cover? If in the regular mews letter will it be highlited so we don’t miss a month?

    Reply
  68. Terry Payne
    Terry Payne

    I thought I had signed up through Facebook, but did not receive an email yesterday!! Thank you!!!

    Reply
  70. Linda Gilbert
    Linda Gilbert

    I was wondering when I should expect to receive the first email. Others I know who signed up after me have already received 2 emails from NQC. I am already a member of the Facebook Page. That page does not allow messages to be sent so I’m contacting you here. I signed up again for this free quilt challenge.

    Reply
  73. Rita Magee
    Rita Magee

    Am anxious to get started! I have never done this before so guess I just needed the prompt!:)

    Reply
  78. Patricia Hanks-Thomas
    Patricia Hanks-Thomas

    Will we be using the same selection of fabric on #1 block as well as the following 8 blocks?

    Reply
  84. Judy Heilman
    Judy Heilman

    I just chose my fabrics for the challenge. I will need help figuring out which is for each letter in sguare.
    Ty.

    Reply
  89. Janice
    Janice

    I’m a week late starting (had to do taxes) but hope to catch up this week and then will post a pic

    Reply
  92. Becky Burke
    Becky Burke

    Can you post the number of squares needed in each color for the entire quilt. I have always cut all my fabric first before I start sewing. I would love to have the info so I can precut my squares. Thank you.

    Reply
  101. Deb
    Deb

    I just got my fabrics and sat down to cut out my pieces. My question is am i just cutting out the pieces I need for this block, and putting the rest of my fabric aside until next block then jusy cut the pieces for that block

    Reply
  103. Dawn Weygandt
    Dawn Weygandt

    There is a typo in the instructions. You have that you only need 2 pink squares but you need 3.

    Reply
  115. Bonnie
    Bonnie

    I was bummed last Thursday when I didn’t receive the quilt pattern. I asked a couple friends to email me their pattern so they did and I made the quilt pattern. How do I remedy this problem and get it sent to my email address?

    Reply
  116. Teresa Murphy
    Teresa Murphy

    I think this is great. I have made 2 quilts doing challenges. From jellyrollfabric.net. All block on them are HST also.

    Reply
  119. Marjorie Miller
    Marjorie Miller

    I purchased what I need except the “1/2 yard backing” What is this? Where can I find it?

    Reply
  120. Linda !ayhews
    Linda !ayhews

    So anxious for block 2. It’s so much fun to see all the different fabric choices.

    Reply
  123. Doris page
    Doris page

    I never received block one. A friend sent it to me. I want to make sure I am on the list for the snowy day quilt blocks

    Reply
  129. Kay
    Kay

    I joined late but I printed off the first two blocks. My colors will be different as I am using left over material I already have.

    Reply
  132. Marion
    Marion

    Thank you so much for sharing this pattern. The size of the blocks is terrific and will make a great quilt for a baby in the hospital.

    Reply
  135. Lea Dawn
    Lea Dawn

    I love to piece – still working on my free motion quilting skills. This particular challenge piques my interest because unlike a BOM club – I get to choose my own fabrics. Can’t wait to get to work on this project and looking forward to the end result!!

    Reply
  139. Eugenia
    Eugenia

    I got a late start but have just finished block 1. I have not done any quilting for a couple of years so I am trying to remember things like use 45 degree line to cut combo pieces down to correct size 4.5. Now my unfinished block size is 17.75″ so seams are off. Definitely a bit of a challenge for me.

    Reply
  142. Sandy
    Sandy

    I’ve only received the first block. Can I still get the rest that have been sent?

    Reply
  143. Pamela Witkowski
    Pamela Witkowski

    I am going to try this. Also my sister-in-laws are going to try also. These instructions seem pretty easy. I am a new student to quilting. This site is so interesting. I do not have internet access where I live so I have to keep going back to my library to access this. Please please keep doing such wonderful ideas like this.

    Reply
  144. Jackie
    Jackie

    I’m VERY new to quilting. I’m not seeing a KIND of fabric to get… any suggestions to what’s easy to quilt with?

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hi,

      We recommend quilting cotton, 100 % cotton. This is definitely the easiest to quilt with and the best to start with if you are just learning.

      Hope this helps!

      Reply
  145. Teresa Steinlen
    Teresa Steinlen

    Is there a place where we can see what a completed Snowy Day quilt looks like!

    Reply
  148. LindaK
    LindaK

    Your directions are the best…easy to follow and always on time. Thank you!! A little late in starting but can’t wait to see the outcomes!

    Reply
  149. Beth Pabst
    Beth Pabst

    I just got hooked up through a friend. I have several charm packs, pastels. I am going to make one with them and see how it turns out.

    Reply
  152. Shirley
    Shirley

    I have finished all 7 blocks so far using some of the fabric from my stash. I only bought the pink since I didn’t have any. Looking forward to rest of blocks and to see how it comes together.

    Reply
  155. Pam Green
    Pam Green

    I’ve signed up for the weekly updates, and been following the facebook page. I saw in one of the posts a day or so ago, that there was a printable list of how many of each color and size HST and squares are needed for the entire quilt. I’ve looked and looked for that post again, but can’t locate it… Can you please give me a link to that information? It may come out tomorrow in your newsletter, but just in case that piece isn’t included, I’m asking now. thanks! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this challenge.

    Reply
  157. Tina Ayers
    Tina Ayers

    Thank you for sharing. Love them. Looking foreard to getting back to my machine.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hello Donna,

      Yes, the challenge has already begun.

      Enjoy!
      Becky NQC Video Membership

      Reply