Windmills and Pinwheels Quilt Block Challenge: Week 2

The first week of the National Quilters Circle Quilt Block Challenge: Windmills and Pinwheels was a great success. We love seeing all the beautiful fabric combinations you are all choosing. Are you ready for the block two? Over the course of eight weeks we will be making the Windmills and Pinwheels pattern designed by Toby Lischko of Gateway Quilts and Stuff.

The Windmills and Pinwheels quilt is a fun blend of pieced points and curved applique. Made in a medallion style, you can either piece or applique a large center block and then build upon the center as you work your way through this eight- week challenge. For several of the blocks you will be given the choice of patterns- one a pieced block designed by Toby and one a slightly different pieced version designed by Ashley that incorporates applique. The applique design inspiration came from one of the main print fabrics, which features flowers. While we have provided applique templates for you to create the same designs, feel free to play around and create your own- we can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Looking for the fabric requirements? Find them here!

The finished quilt size for the large option is 86” x 86” and the small option is 58” x 58” Click the button below to download a PDF with instructions for your first block, or the center applique pattern to build around. And make sure to share your progress in the Quilt Block Challenge Facebook Group – we can’t wait to see everyone’s work!


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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 your inbox each week.

Find the other challenge materials here:
Fabric Requirements
Windmills and Pinwheels Week 1
Windmills and Pinwheels Week 2
Windmills and Pinwheels Week 3
Windmills and Pinwheels Week 4
Windmills and Pinwheels Week 5-6
Windmills and Pinwheels Week 7
Windmills and Pinwheels Week 8

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

34 Responses to “Windmills and Pinwheels Quilt Block Challenge: Week 2”

  1. Claire Alvarez

    really like the applique option

  2. JACKIE STILLMAN

    I just finished the four blocks for week 2. Do I sew them together or what? The instructions just say to make four blocks but nothing after that

  3. ray

    thank you for the challenge

  4. Diana Kendall

    This challenge is exactly what I needed to get inspired to quilt this summer.. I appreciate this group and love the sharing! Thanks for the fun!!

  5. Melanie

    I'm a little confused on the cutting instructions. I am making the small quilt and thought I would use the smaller sizes listed, is that right?

  6. Janice

    I love a quilt challenge and pinwheels are one of my favorites.

  7. Dawn Sivert

    I spent most of my life sewing garments and about 10 years ago I started quilting and I just can't get enough of it. I love trying different challenges.

  8. Maxine Barbour

    Looking forward to getting started!

  9. Michelle

    I'm not receiving the weekly blocks and I did sign up, I've checked all that was received and I've received your advertisements, but not the blocks.

  10. Glori

    Joan I have not had any issues on getting my instructions for the block, maybe it is the internet company that is messing up. I think you and the others are doing a fantastic job, keeping up with everyones problems. You are doing great. I can't wait for the next block.