My Favorite Block Quilt Along–Possible Layouts
I know the deadline of May 25th is looming and you are all antsy to get your tops pieced so you can qualify for the fabulous prizes so I wanted to share with you a few possible layouts for your blocks. Remember – you can lay it out however you would like – these are just possibilities!
For these three options I used 20 – 12 inch blocks and 20 – 6 inch blocks to start with. I have more blocks than that made personally but I wanted to show you all the options with the basics.
Option 1.
5 x 5 grid
It turns out you can make a perfect 5 x 5 grid using twenty 12 inch blocks and 20 6 inch blocks. Group your 6 inch blocks into sets of 4 and you have 5 more 12 inch blocks for a total of 25 blocks.
I drew rough squares around the blocks so you can see how I arranged my blocks to make this 5 x 5 grid.
If you don’t want a square quilt in the end you can add different sized borders to create a more rectangular quilt.
Option 2.
4 x 5 grid with two 6-inch block strips

Here I layed the blocks out with a 1 x 4 grid of 12 inch blocks on top and bottom. The center is a 3 x 4 grid of 12 inch blocks. Between the 1st and 2nd and 4th and 5th rows of 12 inch blocks are eight 6-inch blocks all in a row. ![]()
Again – I did a rough outline of the blocks in black so you can see a bit more clearly my layout. With this option you have four extra 6-inch blocks that you could use in cornerstones of a border.
Option 3.
Make it Work
For this option – I arranged my 12 and 6 inch blocks randomly so lots of movement was made throughout the piece. ![]()
Once again, I rough outlined each of the blocks so you can see how the 12 and 6 flowed together. There is one extra 6 inch block left over for this quilt. I would probably add it to the back of the quilt or incorporate it into my label.
I will probably be using a layout similar to this one for my final quilt. I just like how you think you’ve found the pattern only to realize that nope – not a pattern…just randomness.
I hope these three options helped you get some ideas on how you want to layout your quilt and get you heading in the right direction to have your top pieced by the 25th!
Read MoreMy Favorite Block Quilt Along–Blocks 1 thru 20
Happy Tuesday! I have to be honest. I haven’t spent much time in my sewing room for the last week or so…just too many other things going on. I finally snuck down there this morning and finished some more blocks for the My Favorite Block Quilt Along. I have some work to do figuring out the layout and adding some more 6-inch blocks but I’m positive it will all come together by the May 25th deadline for the quilt top…
PRIZES to be WON!
My friend Shannon brought up a good point – quilt alongs tend to get put in a pile to ‘finish later’. Well – we don’t want that to happen! We want to see what you come up with so Shannon of Fabrics N Quiltsgraciously offered to sponsor a prize for finished quilt tops! Please use at least 12 of the 20 blocks for your quilt top to qualify for the prize and it MUST included Shannon’s block – Broken Pinwheels.
Finish your quilt top by Saturday, May 25th, post it to our flickr site and be entered to win one of TWO $25 gift certificates to Fabrics N Quilts!

Once your tops are done – you probably want to have it quilted! Finish by Saturday, May 25th, post to the flickr site and be entered to win one of 2, $50 Gift Certificates for Quilting from Marcia’s Crafty Sewing & Quilting!
I’ll be showing you potential layouts for your quilt and probably a few more 6.5-inch options or ‘tweaks’ in the weeks to come but feel free to go with what your quilt is telling you to do with it to put it all together! My goal for this finished quilt is to make people see something different every time they look at it. I always find those the most fun! Alright – let’s meet our 20th and final designer for the quilt along – Laurie Latesh orQuiltTime4Me on Twitter.
Here are the blocks I have so far all spread out on my design wall. I have some ideas of layouts and organizing this quilt but I’m sure I have lots of playing around to do yet.
Let’s take a quick peak at some of the design walls that have been shared in our flickr group recently…
It’s not too late! You can still join in the fun! All the links for the blocks are listed below…
Important Links
- Block 15, Pincushion and Dancing Spools Block from FabricFascination
- BONUS – Big Geese
- Flickr Group
- Twitter & Instagram hash tag #mfbqa
My Favorite Block Quilt Along–Block 20 from Laurie
Happy Thursday everyone! I have to admit – I’m exhausted. I showed some of my art quilts at the RAW Madison: Marvel show last night – it was amazing but I didn’t get home until 1am. Of course – Pip decides to get up at 5 – oh, well, I’m sure I’ll make it through. One thing happening today that will make my day more exciting and less exhausting is the 20th block of the ‘My Favorite Block Quilt Along’ is revealed today! That means we’ll all be in possession of all 20 blocks. Don’t forget – there are possible prizes if you finish your quilt top by May 25th!
PRIZES to be WON!
My friend Shannon brought up a good point – quilt alongs tend to get put in a pile to ‘finish later’. Well – we don’t want that to happen! We want to see what you come up with so Shannon of Fabrics N Quilts graciously offered to sponsor a prize for finished quilt tops! Please use at least 12 of the 20 blocks for your quilt top to qualify for the prize and it MUST included Shannon’s block – Broken Pinwheels.
Finish your quilt top by Saturday, May 25th, post it to our flickr site and be entered to win one of TWO $25 gift certificates to Fabrics N Quilts!

Once your tops are done – you probably want to have it quilted! Finish by Saturday, May 25th, post to the flickr site and be entered to win one of 2, $50 Gift Certificates for Quilting from Marcia’s Crafty Sewing & Quilting!
I’ll be showing you potential layouts for your quilt and probably a few more 6.5-inch options or ‘tweaks’ in the weeks to come but feel free to go with what your quilt is telling you to do with it to put it all together! My goal for this finished quilt is to make people see something different every time they look at it. I always find those the most fun! Alright – let’s meet our 20th and final designer for the quilt along – Laurie Latesh or QuiltTime4Me on Twitter.
What is your favorite thing about quilt alongs?
I like the variety and always learning new techniques…I have been quilting for 30 years and am still learning something new all the time. I also like the idea of trying something (technique, pattern, colors) that I wouldn’t normally use, being forced outside my box
When you look at your quilts – what color do you seem to use the most of?
When I look at my quilts I don’t see any one specific color but instead I see that I am drawn to tone-on-tone fabrics…not solids but textures.
When you look at your fabric stash – what color do you seem to have the most of?
My fabric stash reflects a similar pattern. Although I do have many multi-color prints in my stash, I buy them for the “spots” of texture.
What other quilt alongs are you participating in?
I am only participating in this one quilt along right now. I wish I had more time to participate in more.
Apples or oranges?
I guess I would pick apples, although I’d rather have a pear.
Favorite number: 26
It’s time for the final ‘Favorite Block’ reveal…
And Laurie chose the
Broken Square Block
Click HERE to download the instructions for the Broken Square Block
Make sure you add your Favorite Block Blocks to the Flickr Group when they’re done! We want to see them!
Important Links
- Block 15, Pincushion and Dancing Spools Block from FabricFascination
- BONUS – Big Geese
- Flickr Group
- Twitter & Instagram hash tag #mfbqa
My Favorite Block Quilt Along–Block 19 from Pat Sloan “the Voice of Quilting”
It’s the last week of new blocks for the My Favorite Block Quilt Along. I can’t believe there’s just two blocks left! So crazy! I think I timed out the quilt along pretty well as the weather is turning nicer around here and I need to get outside and work on orchard things soon! But I’m still going to miss all the fun with you all.
Today we have the amazing Pat Sloan – ‘The Voice of Quilting’ sharing her favorite block with us. Pat is always such fun and I think you’ll enjoy her mini interview below.
What is your favorite thing about Quilt Alongs?
I love the community of quilters that I work with when I participate in a quilt along. And the creativity is always fun to see! Everyone comes up with such unique and personal blocks and projects to go with the quilt along theme!
When you look at your quilts – what color do you seem to use the most of?
That is tough! I have hundreds of quilts. I would say more quilts are in ‘real’ tones. Like blue of water and sky… green grass… brown fields… red flowers. I don’t use a lot of screaming brights in big pieces. And I don’t seem to make many purple quilts….. Maybe I need a purple quilt.. mmmm
When you look at your fabric stash – what color do you seem to have the most of?
Green.. LOADS Of Green!
What other quilt alongs are you participating in in 2013?
Earlier this year I did one for the Nancy Drew fabric and another on a ‘me’ quilt. Next will be tour to celebrate Marie Bostwick’s new book and YOU are partnering with me on this one do to the block, thank you Kim! Then this fall I will be in a fun hop with Moda designers. I think I’ll also be hosting a hop myself for my newest fabric line “Bobbins and Bits”.
Apples or oranges?
Apples for sure! Crisp apples… I’m very particular! I grew up in ‘Apple Country’ in central New Jersey
Favorite Number: 3
Be sure to follow along with Pat on all of her online and radio adventures! It’s easy with the links below:
- Online Quilt group http://www.Quiltmashup.com
- Facebook for some fun! http://www.facebook.com/PatSloanQuiltFun
- pinterest: http://pinterest.com/patsloan/
- twitter: http://twitter.com/QuilterPatSloan
- Be sure you are signed up for my email newsletter at my blog …http://blog.patsloan.com/
- listen to my weekly Radio Show and Podcasts! http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/radio/index.html (also recorded!)
- Come take a workshop from me, or have me come teach for YOUR group!
http://patsloan.typepad.com/pat_sloans_events/
It’s time to reveal Pat’s favorite block…
An Original Appliqued Flower Block!
Click HERE to find out how you can make your very own “Bloom” block!
Isn’t it fantastic!?
Make sure you add your Favorite Block Blocks to the Flickr Group when they’re done! We want to see them!
Important Links
- Block 15, Pincushion and Dancing Spools Block from FabricFascination
- BONUS – Big Geese
- Flickr Group
- Twitter & Instagram hash tag #mfbqa
Share this Quilt Along by Grabbing My Button!
The 20th and final block goes up on Thursday, April 25th!
Read MoreMy Favorite Block Quilt Along–Block 18 from Army Quilting
I can’t believe how close we are to wrapping up the ‘My Favorite Block Quilt Along’. I hope you have all enjoyed this as much as I have! I know I’ve learned a lot, met new people, and in the end, I’ll have a beautiful quilt. Okay – enough mushy quilty words. Let’s meet Sara Amerine of Army Quilting – the designer of our 17th block and find out a few random things about her:
What is your favorite thing about Quilt Alongs?
I love QALs because not only do you get to learn a lot of things, but you also get to meet other quilters. You’re also able to see lots of different ideas for the same pattern.
When you look at your quilts – what color do you seem to use the most of?
Blue. I LOVE blue.
When you look at your fabric stash – what color do you seem to have the most of?
Red. Most of the quilts I make I donate to wounded servicemen and women, so my stash is basically all reds, whites, and blues.
What other quilt alongs are you participating in in 2013?
There have been so many great QALs that I’ve wanted to take part in this year. However, due to our crazy schedule right now I have been unable to do so. I do hope, once things slow down, to catch up on the Rancher’s Daughter QAL over at The Scrappy Apple Yard.
Apples or oranges? Apples
Favorite Number: 19
Follow along with Sara on her online adventures:
Blog: wrappedinlibertyandjustice.blogspot.com
Blog: libertyandjusticebee.blogspot.com
Etsy: etsy.com/shop/TheAmerineClan
Flickr: Army Quilting
And Sara is sharing with us her ‘Favorite Block’ today. The…
Yankee Puzzle!
Click HERE to find out how you can make your very own Yankee Puzzle Blocks!
Make sure you add your Favorite Block Blocks to the Flickr Group when they’re done! We want to see them!
Important Links
- Block 15, Pincushion and Dancing Spools Block from FabricFascination
*Photo coming soon*
- BONUS – Big Geese
- Flickr Group
- Twitter & Instagram hash tag #mfbqa
Share this Quilt Along by Grabbing My Button!
The 19th block goes up on Tuesday, April 23rd!
Read MoreMy Favorite Block Quilt Along–Block 17 from Sew BitterSweet Designs
It’s Tuesday – which means….it’s time for the 17th block of the My Favorite Block Quilt Along. Today our block comes from the fabulous Melissa Dunworth of Sew BitterSweet Designs! Let’s find out a bit more about Melissa before we discover her favorite block!
What is your favorite thing about Quilt Alongs?
Seeing how other people do things and learning methods that may be better than the ones I’m using.
When you look at your quilts – what color do you seem to use the most of?
Blue is the most prominent color
When you look at your fabric stash – what color do you seem to have the most of?
Definitely blues and purples. I have way more red and pink that I ever thought I would too. This picture is of my yardage and my scraps (the scraps are sorted by color in the bins). All of my pre-cuts and fat quarters are stored…elsewhere. Needless to say if my stash grows anymore I think my hubby might have a heart attack!
What other quilt alongs are you participating in in 2013?
I’m planning one of my own later this year, but other than that, no current plans.
Apples or oranges?
Apples, oranges are now taboo in our house because of our daughter’s kidney condition.
Favorite Number: 12

Follow along with Melissa’s online adventures:
- Website/Blog: Sew BitterSweet Designs (http://sewbittersweetdesigns.com)
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SewBitterSweetDesigns
- Flickr: CraftyMamaD
- Twitter: @CraftyMamaD
- Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/mdunworth
It’s time for the big reveal – Melissa’s favorite block is the….
Stripper String Blocks
Click HERE to find out how you can make your very own Stripper String Blocks!
Melissa gives us instructions on how to make these blocks in 5 different sizes! Feel free to do whatever you want – these are great blocks for this Quilt Along. I plan on using mine to help me ‘blend’ in some of the fabrics I haven’t used very much of and use up some of those scrappy strings I have left from cutting other blocks.
Make sure you add your Favorite Block Blocks to the Flickr Group when they’re done! We want to see them!
Important Links
- Block 15, Pincushion and Dancing Spools Block from FabricFascination
- BONUS – Big Geese
- Flickr Group
- Twitter & Instagram hash tag #mfbqa
Share this Quilt Along by Grabbing My Button!
The next block goes up on Thursday, April 18th!






























































