I am so excited to be participating in #QuiltBlockMania again this year!
The theme for February is Maker. While this seemed like an easy theme, I really wanted to step outside of the box and create something unique. I also wanted the blocks for this year to have a cohesive theme so that they can be put together into one quilt at the end of the year. So not only will I be creating blocks based on the monthly #QuiltBlockMania theme, I will also be making them match the overall theme of Across the United States.
The first block in the series was this adorable Pinata applique. If you didn't get it, it is still available on my website when you sign up for my newsletter.
When I think of makers across the United States, I think of the amazing artistry of sweetgrass baskets. Sweetgrass baskets are woven from sweetgrass or bulrush and they are mainly produced by Gullah artists in the Lowcountry area of South Carolina. I love the artistry of these baskets and even purchased a tiny one of my own. Isn’t it the cutest?
I used the idea of stalks of grass wrapped by another stalk of grass. The Sweetgrass Basket block uses strip piecing and comes together so quickly. (A nice change from my usual patterns - ha!) I made my block with teal fabrics that were leftover strips from previous projects. The strip piecing makes it super easy, but you can also create a scrappy look by using pieces instead of strips.
This block is free through the month of February 2024. After that, you can purchase the pattern for just $3. You can get the block by clicking the link: Sweetgrass Basket
You could also make a fun quilt using all the February maker blocks in the #QuiltBlockMania collection! Check out the other free blocks for this month from these amazing designers:
Gear Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Hammer by Patchwork Breeze
Canning Jars by Crafty Staci
Rotary Cutter by Katie Mae
Cricut Maker by Appliques Quilts and More
Spool and Bobbins by Inquiring Quilter
Music Maker by Scrapdash
Variegated Thread by EvaPaige Quilt Designs
Pretty Spools by Sew Worthy Mama
Pottery by Inflorescence Designs
Quilt Maker by QuiltFabrication
Maker block by Patti's Patchwork
Heart Hand by Brown Bird Designs
Quilting Bear by Colette Belt Designs
My Favorite Things by Robin Kinley Designs, Etc.
Cross Stitch Block by Slightly Biased Quilts
Paint Palette by Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts
Sewing Friends by Epida Studio
Make My Mark by Cristy Fincher
I Love to Make quilt block by Victoria Peat
Rainbow Glimmers by Craftapalooza Designs
Maker Block: Sewing Machine by Oh Kaye Quilting
Pincushion by Flowerdog+Co
Painters Tools FPP by Amanda Harris
