January 350 Blocks Report

Posted on January 31, 2021 by prairiemoonquilts in 350 Blocks Project

Already a month gone of this new year we’ve been given! I spent the entire sewing portion of my month working on cleaning up old projects and running the longarm. This is shaping up to be the Year of Really Intense Custom Quilting in the longarm area of my business. I need some easy sewing projects to give me a break from all that — whew!

As always, I feel like I didn’t get much done, but I managed to make 31 blocks, so I’m actually not off to a bad start! I’m sure I’ll need that extra cushion in some future lean months.

Here’s the rundown:

I made 14 blocks for a commission quilt I’ll show you after it’s been delivered to its owner.
I made 10 Churn Dash blocks for a quilt I’ll be showing you hopefully sooner rather than later.
I made 3 more Wild Nine-Patch blocks.
I made 2 blocks for my friend, Donna, for a guild exchange.
I made this one EPP block I showed you in my last post:

And one improv Log Cabin block got added to my Daewabo table runner:

I’m making 9-patches for a Comfort quilt, but I’m going to wait and count them once I have them all done, so I don’t accidentally count them twice.

I also finished 3 quilt tops, so my to-be-quilted pile is growing larger — eek! I’ve also taken on the full-time job of trying to keep my cutting table clear! Have I mentioned how difficult it is to keep myself from adding more projects to the table?

It’s been my goal to clear the table off every week and process any scraps I make — that’s been going well, and today I will do it again, to have a clean start to February!

So how did you do? It’s our first report of the year, so I hope you’ve gotten some good sewing time in. Please leave a comment or contact me to report in your January totals. We already have 81 people signed up, and if you aren’t in yet, it’s never too late, so let me know — we’d love to have you join the group.

I have the Project page updated. Our February block goal is 28 blocks, which will get us to 44 for the year.

I’m excited to hear what you’ve been working on. I hope to be better about taking pictures of my blocks next month, too. I guess I get so busy sewing, I forget to take photos! Happy Stitching — Have a great February!

83 responses to “January 350 Blocks Report”

  1. Maxine E says:

    I made 5 blocks. I took out a WIP and made 5 blocks and remembered why it was a WIP. I was not feeling it at all. I started another project so I am busy cutting up the fabric. Hopefully I will have more blocks to add to my total for February.

  2. candy says:

    When you process the scraps, what sizes do you cut?

  3. Love your improv log cabin blocks. My January total is 88. A great start so when I fall in to that hole I may be covered for a lean month or two. lol

  4. Becky Cogan says:

    I had a good month for sewing. I made a total of 61 blocks.😊

  5. Suelynn Williams says:

    I made 5 blocks, too! Recovered from my disappointment of having to return my machine to the repair shop after one day of sewing from its last trip there, and I set up the machine my husband bought for me in 1971. I think it sews better than my newer one. So the month is ending on a happy note with the next project on the cutting table today. Your blocks are so interesting to see!

  6. KT says:

    Just 10 blocks for me for January. Hopefully February will be better!

  7. Debbi says:

    I guess I haven’t signed up for this year yet, but count me in! I’ve been in the sewing room quite a bit this month but can only count 2 blocks. However those blocks did have 57 pieces each. They are sample blocks for one of my new projects. I’ve done some organizing and prepping fabrics that account for most of my time.

  8. Delana says:

    Well, my total for January is zero. 😬 I was in my sewing room quite a bit working on ufo’s and picking up.

  9. This month’s total: 10 blocks

  10. PAULA M MORGAN says:

    I completed one Tipsy Triangle top from last year- made one replacement signature block 😉 and should be done with Yankee Doodle Dandy flag quilt. I took an online Stash Jazz class – counting those blocks next month when my wall hanging is done…Also putting my material in color order, neatly folded, and putting everything under a 1/4 fat or yard in the scrap bin to cut smaller…total blocks for Jan. = 235

  11. Susan S. says:

    It doesn’t seem as though I sewed a lot this month, but my notebook reminded me that I made Mommy and Me aprons for my daughter and her 2 children, as well as chef hats to match their aprons. I also made my DGD a buffalo plaid dress and matching hair bow. 217 blocks were sewn, fairly simple ones, but I am sure that will balance out with more complicated ones as the months go by.

  12. Ceil Podzimek says:

    I managed to get 42 blocks done; 30 of them for a charity quilt I’m making to start off our guild’s charity quilt month. I have 4 more quilts in the ready stage with a lot of the cutting done. February will be a busy month!

  13. Fran says:

    Made 195 blocks. This will probably be my best month of the entire year as I am behind on my appliqué blocks which take me forever.

  14. Elaine Walker says:

    I made 132 blocks in January. That sounds like a lot, but they were very simple blocks for a scrap quilt. I made that quilt top and completed a ufo from 3 (?) years ago.That will probably be the only month I have two completed quilts. Lol
    Elaine

  15. Debra Freese says:

    I am working my way through the “Hope’s Journey” quilt book by Betsy Chutchian. I’ve completed 25 of the sections. It is difficult to count the blocks in each section so I’m just going to say 25.
    I joined the “Gather” QAL hosted by @suzyquilts. I know it’s a quilt along but I have worked ahead and assembled the top. Again it is hard to count accurately because of partial HST’s. So I’m saying 80 for the entire quilt top.
    I should be working on client quilts and I will, but I’m having to much fun.
    So count me at 105 for January.

  16. christopher thomas says:

    hello everyone…

    my block total is 362 total blocks

    i was able to get 6 quilt tops done so off to a good start of doing a quilt a week

    all my blocks were house blocks that i was using up scraps from all the masks that i made last year…

    still have a lot of scraps to use up but going to do some more houses this next month

    also today i made a bunch of the signature blocks…..i plan on keeping them with me and when i run in to friends when out and about i think i am going to have them sign blocks so that i can make a 2021 friends quilt…..

    always have to be doing something

    well back to the sewing machine for another hour before i cook breakfast for tonight going to try and put one more house quilt together

    i am going to remember to take some pictures and send them so everyone can see

    • PAULA M MORGAN says:

      Good for you! 6 tops in a month, can not even fathom the possibility! I like your thought of having your friends sign a premade quilt block. Look forward to seeing pictures of your accomplishments.

    • Susan S. says:

      Good for you! Would love to see your house quilts . I love scrap quilts the best.

  17. Sharon Gratz says:

    Hi Shelly, The virus struck but I’m on the other side of it and doing ok….just very very exhausted……..so I haven’t been able to sew as much as I’d like to but was able to get 22 blocks for January’s count. I also was able to get a couple borders put on a UFO so that’s closer to sending to the quilter. 🙂

  18. Julie M. says:

    Hi Shelly,
    So glad to be participating again this year. My January count was 83. I have been busy making a few quilts to donate.

  19. SharonG says:

    I made 64 blocks this month. and quilted 2 quilts and have a couple ready to be quilted– It is starting to snow and the northeast is expecting several inches– February will be a good month for counting blocks

  20. Crystal Farinella says:

    I made 44 blocks … they will become Quilts of Valor. I’m going to start processing my scraps each month too. Thanks for the inspiration!

  21. Karen E. says:

    I made 120 blocks in January. Many of those were 4”blocks for my Schoolgirl Sampler designed by Kathleen Tracy. In some fit of over-optimism, I said I’d finish 22 UFOs during 2021 in my guild’s UFO Challenge and many of them have LOTS left to do. Even if I get 11 or 12 done, I’ll feel good about that.

    Thank you, Shelly, for continuing to do this. I know there are many other things on your plate.

  22. Louise says:

    I had a great month and made 270 scrappy blocks. My daughter in law and I will lay them out over the next couple of weeks and then I will have a lot of quilting to do.

  23. Sandi Scarlett says:

    I made 102 blocks for January. 56 were hst blocks for Stitches From the Heart but some of the blocks weren’t needed. 4 blocks is for a machine applique’ top and 30 blocks are stars for another quilt top. I also had to sew 15 strips and then 102 2.5″ strips for a Bargello but I don’t know how to count that. I have 23 rows sewn, 18 more rows to go.

  24. Deana J says:

    I did great for January – 19 blocks total. It certainly isn’t what Louise posted, but I am pleased nonetheless.

    Deana J at http://dreamworthyquilts.blogspot.com

    I posted about it there. Thanks!

  25. Cindy Wienstroer says:

    I finished putting together a full size quilt but did not get it quilted yet. Did quilt 12 small table topper or runners / wall hangings and 4 full size quilts. My block count is : 108 – 5” stars, 3 double square stars, 120 – 4 1/2” blocks for winter blues, 1 hexie block (22”), 1 – 3 1/2” signature block, 100 – 4 1/2” for winter blues, 44 corner blocks for winter blues, 8 tree blocks & 32 snowball blocks. So i guess the count is 417. I will not be able to keep this up! But will keep plugging on.

  26. Cathy Wight says:

    I made all 80 blocks for the Kira quilt from GE designs. Now to get them laid out, arranged, and sewn together!

  27. Three quilt tops plus all those blocks in January? You are doing great!

  28. Diana S says:

    Great progress for the month Shelly. Am loving your blocks. I was pretty productive for the month even though we were away for 5 days. Used that for binding quilts! My total for January is 64.
    10 for a Quilting with Love project that I host. 4 were sent to the Sunshine group to be put into quilts and 50 for my Fading Charm quilt top. Oh, and I did find the top of my cutting table!

  29. Donna Giambaresi says:

    I made 40 blocks this month. Most of that is made up of rows for my Mosaic quilt (1.5 x 2.5 inch pieces) but includes 5 Log Cabin blocks and 2 Heaven’s Staircase blocks, a new project for me. I have GOT to stop starting new projects …

  30. 22 for me for January – big up from December! LOL I love your improv log cabin. It reminds me so much of entire Gees Bend quilts!

  31. Christi Bentley says:

    I guess I got more done than I realized……..114! I made blocks for the Morewood Mystery quilt, some tiny pinwheel blocks for a wall hanging, blocks for Grassy Creek, which I’m putting away for awhile, and several heart blocks for Valentine’s pillows, wall hangings, and a piano runner.

  32. Randy Menninghaus says:

    51 for January. Looks like cleaning and sorting scraps got me making blocks again!

  33. Marlene Clausen says:

    6 blocks! Most of the month spent on quilting UFO’s, cutting and piecing two tops that had no pieced blocks, and taking down, putting up, sorting, etc. for a top to bottom sewing room reno.

  34. Shirley Guier says:

    I have no idea how to count my blocks. I made a queen size Cascade and I’ll sew my rows together today. Let’s go with 40. If it were 9 inch blocks I’d have a 100 blocks but that seems too much. I’ve been trying to study the one you quilted to plan my quilting attack but haven’t figured it out yet. I loved how you quilted Victoria’s.

  35. Joan says:

    224 blocks completed. Finished one top that took care of many one and one quarter inch squares–I’m really focused on getting those tiny squares (cut and saved over the years) put into tops, so started another top.
    Completed several rows on Down Home Darling–finishing the last round on the blocks as I sew the rows together. I am so impressed with this process I want to start another one in either Christmas fabrics and or maybe one in brights with a yellow center…

  36. Carissa says:

    I managed to sew 56 blocks this month. I also cut up a lot of scraps into regular sizes so that they can get sewn up more easily.

  37. Darlene Y says:

    Hi Shelly,
    I only made 1 signature block! I have been very busy cleaning, cutting scraps and have some blocks in progress but they were left over from a previous quilt so even though they are revamped don’t feel I can count them.
    Hope you have a wonderful day. I would imagine chores will be harder w/snow.

  38. Pam Avara says:

    56 blocks — most for the wedding quilt, some leader/ender blocks and possibly a couple of BOM blocks, but I can’t remember

  39. Judy S. says:

    I had 89 blocks this month. Now I have a little cushion for those months when I decide to quilt all of them.

  40. Kathi B says:

    I got off to a very good start – 60 blocks! I’m still making some progress on my scraps…it’s going to take me awhile, but will be much easier to put them to good use.

  41. Wendy says:

    I managed to get 85 blocks done this month. I love that little calendar project you are doing – that block is so cute!

  42. Amanda M. says:

    I made 254 blocks for 9 different projects in January. I had set a goal of 10 blocks a day since it seemed every plastic bag I opened for a while contained an UFO that wasn’t finished. I also managed to finish 5 quilts in January; 1 only needed the binding and another was merely a panel I quilted for a fast arriving baby. 1 was a commissioned quilt and the final 2 were charity scrap quilts which didn’t even make a dent in the scraps. Cold forecast means more sewing time until a cow decides to calve in a snow storm.

  43. Paula M M says:

    3rd attempt to report! 235 is my total-

  44. Shirley B says:

    I made 39 blocks.

  45. Marsha Parkhill says:

    21 blocks for me this month

  46. Rose Marie Smith says:

    I did 84 blocks this month. 1 is embroidery! woo-hoo
    53 are handpieced……okay really simple 9 patches. This is work on the UFO’s and scraps of stuff laying around. What a year has gone by!

  47. Judy Sovereign says:

    Made a whooping 21. Been a busy month as got new baby Allie. She is a golden doodle. Keeps me on my toes. My grumpy old men [yorkies who are 13] are still not sure about her. Got second covid shot and took me out of the game for 4 days.

  48. Sally H says:

    93 blocks for January – more than expected. They are stretched over 7 projects, and one scrap box is almost empty.

  49. Karen says:

    I got 5 blocks done. I know not much, but it’s more than I’ve done in months, so I’m happy. Been making masks and other things instead. But thanks to doing your organizing challenges, I can see being alot more productive this year. And it’s so inspiring to read what everyone is doing!

  50. Deanna says:

    Being home for two weeks with Covid made January unusually productive: 220 blocks. Worked on a total of 6 quilts. Finished two tops. YAY!

    • Randy Menninghaus says:

      good for you.. I am glad you are feeling better. A member of my quilt group posted 9 Irish star quilt along quilt she made for our local cancer treatment hostel. Your Irish star continues to make the rounds in central Maine

  51. Wanda says:

    16 blocks for January

  52. Linda Knight says:

    I made 72 blocks and 1 mile a minute quilt top using up scraps. I quilted and bound 3 small quilts and although I would always love to spend more time in the quilt room this month feels like a successful month.

  53. Ginabeth says:

    I tried to keep my count and felt like a did a good job. So my total 87.

  54. My January total was 11 blocks. I did quilt a baby quilt. Had a lot of “stuff” to take care of this month. Hopefully February will be better!

  55. Danice says:

    Eleven blocks for January 2021.

  56. Slow block month – total of 11.

    Working on alterations of a bridesmaid gown. The gowns are made so very long to accommodate the various heights of girls/women. I honestly think that makes it more difficult to assure 1) you are working with the correct numbers as the weight of the extra fabric sure makes a difference, and 2) when underskirts are cut and hemmed, the chiffon grows both in length (at different rates around the skirt, believe me on this) and yardage. I swear it does! I detest working with chiffon which is probably why I feel that way. Anyway, that is what I’ve been doing. Sorry you asked?

  57. Tonia says:

    I was surprized to see my results! 55 total that breaks down this way: 10 blocks for the graduation quilt that is now at the quilters! WaHoooo
    15 of block A for the Mystery and 30 petal blocks for same. I have a bunch of leader/ender 9patch centers, but decided to count them when I decide what they are the center of……and finish them. For a bonus one finished top is now sandwiched and pinned! Yes, I will get some things off THAT ufo pile this year.

  58. Beverly Hovis says:

    Not sure this posted.
    I did 67 blocks in January!
    I’m working on UFOS!
    Love your goats.

  59. Marilyn Holder says:

    January total is 15.
    I have 10 blocks toward a quilt for a friend and 5 blocks toward a scrap which will at some point be a quilt. Keeping busy in these cold days.

  60. Pam Desilets says:

    Hi everyone I only got 16 blocks done, but I have been very busy cleaning and organizing my sewing room. Almost done only one more box of scraps to be cut up and put away. More for next month and trying to keep putting things back where they belong.

  61. January was a very productive month for me–154 blocks made for several different projects. Also got one quilt top assembled and another just needs the border added.

  62. Beverly V says:

    I managed 12 blocks for January. I have several cut, but sewed 12 for scrappy quilt. Not bad for being gone for half the month. Still have goal of finishing memory quilt, but don’t know how much I will get to sew in February. I have to take on more chores and take care of hubby as he fractured both his clavicle and scapula.

  63. Coralie Wallacecory.quilts says:

    Three blocks to report for January. Hopefully February will see better progress. Take care everyone. Coralie from Canada

  64. Coralie Wallace says:

    Three blocks finished in January. Hopefully more progress in February. Take care and thank you Shelley

  65. Christine Thomas says:

    I made 38 blocks – a big improvement on my last few unproductive months!

  66. Marsha Y. says:

    My January total is 34 blocks!!! I am excited since I have not sewn much since last summer. I didn’t get as many blocks made as I wanted to since I stopped to work on farm taxes. Looking forward to a productive year.

  67. My January total is 32 blocks. I also finished up a project from 2019 so I’m very happy!!!

  68. Barbara B says:

    My most productive month ever, 293 blocks

  69. Paula Mullet says:

    I’m a bit late reporting. January was a busy month. I had 53 blocks this month: 8 nine patches for a disappearing nine patch baby quilt, 17 stacked bricks blocks, 2 apple blocks, 20 fox blocks and 6 Color by Number blocks. These blocks became 3 finished baby quilts! Yea!

  70. My January wasn’t as productive sewing wise as I would have liked. I finished 12 blocks 😒
    Here’s my post:

    https://quiltschmilt.wordpress.com/2021/02/03/my-january-block-report/

    I did however pick up my long arm and frame and managed to get it set up and running. 😉

  71. Raewyn says:

    Well done on your tally; you’ve been busy!! Mine for the month was 24 – not too bad as I also finished a long overdue cot quilt in January. I only just got around to counting my blocks and blogging! https://stitchingfarmgirl.blogspot.com/2021/02/block-count-and-goal.html

  72. Clara says:

    Off to a slow start – 16 blocks for January. My main focus was sewing borders to one of my UFOs and this month I’ll pass it along to my longarm quilter. Hurrah!
    Love the photos of all your projects, Shelly.

  73. Mary D. says:

    Sorry to be so late reporting. I have a whopping one block for the month! I’ve sewn a lot, but it has been mostly block units. I’ve been working on the latest Bonnie Hunter mystery as well as one from a few years ago. I’ve also babysat more than usual and done plenty of machine quilting.
    The bad news is my granddaughter was looking at the one block I made and there was a major mistake in it. The good news is I’ve fixed the block and already have quite a few blocks done for February.
    Hope you’re staying warm!

  74. Barb Roberts says:

    Starting this year with a bang! 135 Hashtag blocks, 108 hourglass blocks, 14 mini old maid’s puzzle blocks, 8 red and white star blocks, 5 blocks for a Dresden with flying geese border, and 180 HSTs for a Christmas quilt. Grand total is 450.

  75. katie z. says:

    I don’t think I ever reported in for January. (I was busy preparing for surgery, so there’s a lot I didn’t do!). I have 112 blocks for January!

  76. Betty Keene says:

    Thirty two blocks completed in Jan 2012

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