It’s time for our first block of the National Quilters Circle Quilt Block Challenge: Windmills and Pinwheels. Are you ready? We are! 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!
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
Where are the directions for the appliqué center?
Dear Monica,
Thank you for contacting us.
We only had block 1 on the page, but we’ve updated it to have the applique option now.
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
Can you send the instructions for windmill and pinwheels to my email. I’m having trouble with Facebook.
Dear Brenda,
Thank you for contacting us.
If you would like to email us you can at programdirector@program-director.net
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
And sew it begins! Woohoo!
Can i have the patern for block number 1 please
Hello Margaret,
Thank you for contacting us.
Here is the link for week one: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/
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
Love to piece quilts
What does the quilt look like so I can see if it’s an easy pattern?
Never mind. I didn’t click on the Download Fabric. It looks hard.
Dear Linda,
Thank you for contacting us.
There are 2 pictures of the quilt challenge: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/fabric-requirements/
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
Thank you
Can’t wait
What will the finished quilt look like?
Dear Cheri,
Thank you for contacting us.
There are 2 pictures: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/fabric-requirements/
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
no comment
The applique version looks wonderful! Will there be how to applique instructions also, as my skills are a little rusty! Thank You #
Dear Michelle,
Thank you for contacting us.
You have two options to make this quilt, the first is with no applique. You just download the blocks weekly and finish as normal. If you’d like to make the applique patterns, they you start with the center applique block, and mix and match your own quilt. There will also be applique patterns provided on weeks 2, 3, and 7.
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
My first time at a Block Challenge
Looking forward to it
Do you have to download pdfmaker.live to get the instructions
Dear Annette,
Thank you for contacting us.
I have sent you an email containing the information you are requesting.
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
When do we get the appliquè patterns?
Dear Linda,
Thank you for contacting us.
You have two options to make this quilt, the first is with no applique. You just download the blocks weekly and finish as normal. If you’d like to make the applique patterns, you start with the center applique block (provided today), and mix and match your own quilt. There will also be applique patterns provided on weeks 2, 3, and 7.
We only had block 1 on the page, but we’ve updated it to have the applique option now.
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
I see the pieced center block, but would like to do the appliqués center. When will that be made available?
Dear Emily,
Thank you for contacting us.
You have two options to make this quilt, the first is with no applique. You just download the blocks weekly and finish as normal. If you’d like to make the applique patterns, they can start with the center applique block (provided today), and mix and match their own quilt. There will also be applique patterns provided on weeks 2, 3, and 7.
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
Thanks for the challenge!
First time here trying to figure it all out
Very helpful to have a chat option. TY
Here we go!
sounds fun
I’m using my Tucker Trimmer on this one!
Looking forward to this
Excited
Have nothing to say at the moment
Looks great
In the directions for the small quilt it says 7 fabrics are required. Is the backing included in this number?
Dear Diana,
Thank you for contacting us.
We have updated the directions on the challenge, they were a bit too confusing. Can you check the site again to see if this helps you.
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
Tks
Looking forward to starting this..
Awesome choice of colors –
Going to give it a try.
I can’t wait to start on this challenge. Sadly, I found out after we left on a two month RV trip. I brought my machine, but left my accuquilt kit at home ☹️. But, I will be purchasing the fabric & downloading every week.
What is the yardage required of each of the five colors?
Dear Giedre,
Thank you for contacting us.
Here is the link for the fabric requirements: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/fabric-requirements/
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
I am glad to finally get started on this new challenge. Thank you!
This is exciting. I hope I can keep up. I work 2 jobs and have limited time but I am so looking forward to this. It may take me a little longer so be patient with me and please pray for me.
Thank you
Thank you for the posts
I thought I signed up to get email instructions but did not get them.
Dear Cheryl,
Thank you for contacting us.
Sign up link:
https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/a17042/?
You have two options to make this quilt, the first is with no applique. You just download the blocks weekly and finish as normal. If you’d like to make the applique patterns, they you start with the center applique block, and mix and match your own quilt. There will also be applique patterns provided on weeks 2, 3, and 7.
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
I plan on using QOV colors
Is there a picture of the completed quilt online somewhere?
Dear Carol,
Thank you for contacting us.
At this link you will see the pictures: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/fabric-requirements/
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
I am having trouble getting the challenge block as I have signed up for it several times
Dear Candy,
Thank you for contacting us.
Here is the link:https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/a17042/?
Or if you visit the site you can find them by searching for “challenge”
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
I have never done applique before…How do I even go about doing it?
Dear Patti,
Thank you for contacting us.
First step is to sign up at: https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/a17042/?
You have two options to make this quilt, the first is with no applique. You just download the blocks weekly and finish as normal. If you’d like to make the applique patterns, they you start with the center applique block, and mix and match your own quilt. There will also be applique patterns provided on weeks 2, 3, and 7.
We only had block 1 on the page, but we’ve updated it to have the applique option now.
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
Can you send the instructions for windmill and pinwheels to my email. I’m having trouble with Facebook.
Dear Brenda,
Thank you for contacting us.
Here is the link for the instructions: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/
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
Looks very interesting. I enjoy these quilt challenges and am learning a lot. I have not figured out how to post a picture as yet of what I have done. Hopefully I can get someone to show me how to do that, as I am sure it is easy–just haven’t done it yet.
cant wait to start
Where can I find the cutting instruction for accuquilt 8″ die . Thanks
Dear Mythili,
Thank you for contacting us.
Each week will have the cutting instructions in the download. week one: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/
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
I have a love hate relationship with flying geese, lol. Looking forward to the challenge
Love the pattern first time doing this
I don’t have a accucut machine. How do you find out what size the pieces are that you cut? Is there measurements a templates?
Dear Mary,
Thank you for contacting us.
Each week will have the cutting instructions in the download. week one: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/
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
Can’t wait to start
signed up for challenge did not receive 1st block in my email
Dear Diane,
Thank you for contacting us.
The only instructions that have been released so far are week one. Week two comes out next Friday.
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
Didn’t Receive 2nd week instructions??!
Dear Jan,
Thank you for contacting us.
The challenge started on June 21 and each week there will be more instructions released every Friday at 5:00 am CST.
Sorry for the confusion.
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
I have not received the directions to my email.
Dear Kathy,
Thank you for contacting us.
Please make sure you have joined first:https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/a17042/?
I’m also including week one: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/
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
Excited
This is my first experience.
what does the smaller version (non appliqué) look like? what does it leave out?
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for contacting us.
You can see them both here: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/fabric-requirements/
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
I got held up lastweek but will try to accomplish wk 1
Excited
Are the fabric requirements the same for the pieced and appliqué quilts?
Dear Rose,
Thank you for contacting us.
You have two options to make this quilt, the first is with no applique. You just download the blocks weekly and finish as normal. If you’d like to make the applique patterns, then you start with the center applique block, and mix and match your own quilt. There will also be applique patterns provided on weeks 2, 3, and 7.
We only had block 1 on the page, but we’ve updated it to have the applique option now.
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
First Challenge and quilt. can’t wait. what sizes do we use for the 64×64. same as the full size quilt?
Dear Donna,
Thank you for contacting us.
The two sizes are 86X86 and 58X58. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/fabric-requirements/
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
Anxious to start
Must I use the colors you recommend?
Dear Elke,
Thank you for contacting us.
The best part of the challenge is you can use any colors you want.
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
Where do I find a picture I can print of the finished project? Is there a coloring page? Thank you. Karen Efterfield
Dear Karen,
Thank you for contacting us.
There is no coloring page but this link will show you a picture: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/fabric-requirements/
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
Can’t wait
Looking forward to this challenge
Add the resulting size of the triangles such as in the last cutting step, and instead of just saying “die #4, state the size of the die for those of us who have the dies but not the qube set with their stupid labels.
Dear Subscriber,
Thank you for contacting us.
I appreciate your feedback and it has been forwarded to the proper department. Your comments are important to us and help with the development of our online video streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
If you have any other questions, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership Video Membership
Since there are only 6 fabrics for the small quilt how will this change the quilt look and blocks. Is there a picture of the two different sizes?
Dear Sandra,
Thank you for contacting us.
You can use this link to see the pictures of the quilts: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/fabric-requirements/
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
just finished block one how often do the block come out
Dear Carroll,
Thank you for contacting us.
The new blocks get released every Friday morning.
Have Fun.
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Hi, Please help!!!! It’s Thursday June 27th, and I just went on the Challenge site to download and print out the pattern instructions, however week one is not available for download, but week two is. I’m hoping I can still get week one. Please advise.
Dear Faye,
Thank you for contacting us.
Here is the lnki you can use to access all released weeks: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
What does the full quilt look like?
Hi Terry,
Thank you for contacting us.
You can see the picture of the quilt here on this link: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/
Have Fun
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Is it possible to have a picture of Winmills and Pinwheels that could be printed of with the instructions? We would greatly appreciate it. It would help us so much. Thanks a million for all your hard work. We love it.
Dear Hazel,
Thank you for contacting us.
We do not have a printable picture at this time, unless you can us your snipping tool on the one on the site.
I will also pass along your request to the right department.
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Look forward to starting this quilt.
I’m sure I’m doing something wrong but when I click on the link for week 2, all I can see is the instructions for week 1. Please help. I enjoyed doing the first block but now I’m stuck. Thanks
Dear Jeannie,
Thank you for contacting us.
You can follow along with the web site too. Here is the link for the posted weeks: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/fabric-requirements/
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
Could not get pictures on Applique to download to printer
Dear Bev,
Thank you for contacting us.
If you are having issue with downloading, you can take a snip-it and then put it in a email to print.
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
I somehow missed the applique info for week 1. Got week 2 fine but now I cannot access week 1. Help, pls!
Dear Anita,
Thank you for contacting us.
This is week one: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/
You have two options to make this quilt, the first is with no applique. You just download the blocks weekly and finish as normal. If you’d like to make the applique patterns, then you start with the center applique block, and mix and match your own quilt. There will also be applique patterns provided on weeks 2, 3, and 7.
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
Love what you do
Hello I am trying to find the pic of both of the finished quilts and cant. can you send me a link? thank you!! also I am not getting the weekly block in my email. I have to go to the website
Dear Patty,
Thank you fro contacting us.
Here is the link with the picture: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/fabric-requirements/
If you have joined the challenge you may want to check your spam/junk folders.
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
I signed up several times & even joined NQC too
I am just starting. Is it correct that #6 fabric is less for the large quilt than the small quilt
Dear Nancy,
Thank you for contacting us.
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!
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-208-7187, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Thank you.
Is there a pic of the small quilt anywhere?
Hi Granny,
Thank you for contacting us.
You can see the picture in the fabric requirements: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/fabric-requirements/
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
I will be on holidays the first three weeks of August. Will I still be able to download the blocks when I get back?
Thank-you
Dear April,
Thank you for contacting us.
Yes, all the released blocks will stay on the web site until the end of the challenge.
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
Its too late to catch up now, will there be another challenge starting soon.
Dear Florence,
Thank you fro contacting us.
Here is the link with all the released weeks: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/
Have Fun!!
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
Wondering how I will get my week 7 and 8 as I will be on holidays until the 25 of August and will have no internet service.
Dear April,
Thank you for contacting us.
Save this link and you should be ok. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/
It will have all the weeks on it.
Have fun on holiday.
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I need instructions for how to join each block week to week
Dear Valerie,
Thank you for contacting us.
You can find the “putting it all together” in the instructions for block three: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-and-pinwheels-quilt-block-challenge-week-3/
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
I have a 9″ cube. What size will my quilt be when finished?
Dear Janet,
Thank you for contacting us.
That would depend on how many blocks wide you want to go and how many blocks long you want to go.
And also depending on the seam allowance.
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
I would like to know when week seven will be online? Thank you, Karen Efterfield
Dear Karen,
Thank you for contacting us.
That will be out on August 2nd.
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
Is there a drawing of the quilt to use to play with color variations?
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for contacting us.
Here is the link and click on the fabric requirements and you will see the pictures: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/windmills-week-1/
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
Have the instructions for week 8 been released yet?
Hello Maggie,
Thank you for contacting us.
Blocks are released on Fridays.
If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-706-3538, at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I have signed up and have not received an email letting me know the next block is available. I did find the link to the website but week 8 will not let me click on it for the final? Please get back to me. Thank you, Sue
Dear Susan,
Thank you for contacting us.
Week 8 will be released this Friday, please stand by.
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
Already signed up, but wont let me in to get the blocks.
Dear Carol,
Thank you for contacting us. We were experiencing technical difficulties on our website and apologize for the inconvenience. The issue is now resolved, so please attempt your access again.
If you are still experiencing problems, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
barbarabroussard@gmail.com
make this site easier for older sewers to operate
Hi Barbara. Please let us know if you have any questions and we will be happy to assist you. Please chat, email or give our customer service team a call.
Thanks!
Sarah
National Quilters Circle Video Membership