The 350 Blocks Project, 2019

Posted on January 11, 2019 by prairiemoonquilts in 350 Blocks Project

Here we go again! It’s time to kick off the 8th Annual 350 Blocks Project!

I’m actually more excited about it this year than ever! I have a personal best to beat, and a LOT of sewing to get done. How about you?

Time certainly flies when you’re having fun — this is the 8th year we’ll be keeping track! Some of you have been with me from the very beginning, and it’s exciting to see how we’ve done as a group from year to year.

I started this in 2012, and I didn’t keep track of much because I wasn’t sure anyone was doing it with me, and when I got to 350 blocks in August, I just stopped keeping track, so I have no statistics from that year. But starting in 2013, so many of you wanted to join me, I started keeping serious track of things, and it’s only gotten bigger every year, so I made this graphic to show a few statistics from previous years. If you want even more detailed statistics, there are links at the bottom of the main Project page that will take you to each year’s statistics and winners post.

 

And now it’s time to get started with 2019 — are you ready?

Once again, the rules are minimal and fairly simple. (I see no need to complicate things.)

If you’ve done this before, nothing much is changing, but I’m hoping we get lots of new folks joining in this year. Anyone is welcome to join (at any time), and here is how it works:

  • • The blocks you count are your blocks, from projects of your own choosing, and they belong to you. You don’t have to send anything in. All you have to do is report to me how many blocks you made each month.
  • • As for counting, you’re on the honor system — A quilt block counts as one block.
  • • If you’re not quite sure how to count something, such as a complicated border, just divide it into sections that seem like blocks, and count them that way. For instance — four complicated borders? I’d count those as either 4 or 8 blocks, depending on how large and how complicated.
  • • What if your quilt is a modern quilt that seems like one large block? If it’s really simple, just count it as one large block, but if it’s a bit more involved, break it up into sections and count each section as a block.
  • • Your count can only include completed blocks made in 2019 (not block units), so you can go back to January 1st, and count any blocks you’ve made so far, but not back any further than that, and not the individual units that make up a completed block (units don’t count until they’re in a completed block, in other words).

Here are the general rules:

* Let me know you’re playing along

Simply comment on this post, or contact me to let me know you’re in. I delete all of the previous year’s info to start fresh, so if you are playing along again this year, please let me know again (some of you already have), and I’ll add you to the list. (It keeps me from getting confused — there’s a lot to keep track of.)

The web page for the 350 Blocks Project is HERE, where I list all the information regarding the project and how it’s progressing. If you’re participating, I’ll put your name (and a link to your blog if you have one) on the project page. You can jump in any time. If you told me you’re in, but you don’t see your name on the list, please tell me again. It’s entirely possible that I click the wrong things and miss it!

If you only want to do some of the months, that’s fine. You’ll be eligible for the prize that month. Can’t start till later? No problem, you can still do the months you’re able to. Just do what you can.

Our block goal for the month is posted on the Project page, and again this year, I’m doing random numbers, because it’s more fun for me (see how it’s all about me?).

* Report in every month

I’ll put up a monthly blog post about the project, either on the last day of the month, or the first day of the next month, where I’ll show you the blocks I get done (if any). When you see one of those posts, you need to leave a comment on it, telling us all about your own progress, and either link back to your own blog post, or at least let me know how many blocks you’ve done. You can also email me directly with your current number of blocks, or use the contact page to let me know. I’ll give you a few days to report in each month, so that you have time to leave your comment and be eligible for the prize, because . . . if you don’t let me know you’re playing along, I won’t know to include you in the drawings!

I’ll post your number of completed blocks next to your name on the project page, so you can see how you’re doing compared to everyone else. (I usually update the page about a week after the monthly report, and then again at the end of the month.) This is NOT a race, however, and everyone who reports in is eligible for the prizes. I repeat, it’s not a contest, it’s just for fun! And prizes!

Monthly prizes

At the end of each month, I’ll have a prize drawing for those who have made progress that month. I’ll draw one random winner from everyone who reports in that month. What this means is: You MUST report in each month in order to be eligible for that month’s prize drawing.

If you’d like to be reminded when the report goes up, you can subscribe to all the latest News From the Ranch by filling out the form in the sidebar, and you’ll automatically get an email when there’s anything new!

* Grand Prizes

At the end of the year, there will be some Grand Prizes. If you actually meet the goal of 350 blocks, you’re eligible for the big Grand Prize, and if you don’t quite make it, you’re still eligible to win some prizes just for participating. Everyone who has reported in at least six times during the Project is eligible for the final prize drawings. I’ve changed this rule just a bit from years past, simply to be more fair to those who report in regularly. I don’t feel it’s fair to award a prize to someone who reports in once in January, then never reports in again, over someone who reports in regularly.

So are you ready?

If you’re up for the challenge, let me know you’d like to participate, and you can steal this button for your blog if you like (NOT mandatory). Just link back to: <https://prairiemoonquilts.com/other-stuff/the-350-blocks-project/> if you want to.

The main Project page can be found HERE, where you can see current information, a list of participants and their numbers, and links to past statistics and winners posts.

65 responses to “The 350 Blocks Project, 2019”

  1. Julie A Craven says:

    Hi Shelly,
    I joined last year, but life happened and I didn’t make it to the end. hehehe
    Joining again this year, wish me luck.
    Good luck to everyone else.

  2. KT says:

    Count me in!! I’ve enjoyed participating the last few years–keeps me motivated!

  3. Tia Hockenberry says:

    Shelly,
    I’m in! Woot!
    Tia

  4. Denniele Bohannon says:

    Count me in!

  5. Mary Jo says:

    Ah, sweet motivation (I hope!!) I’m in

  6. Cathy Wight says:

    OK, if I understand correctly…i just finished 4 more of your happily ever after blocks to be ready to sew 20 of them together. So I could count the 4 blocks I just did last week? If I add a border, I break it down as maybe 4 blocks? I also did quite a few delectable mountain blocks to put together- so each of them will count too? Guess I’ll try.

  7. Ruth Ann says:

    I joined last year for the first time and was surprised how many blocks! I’ve never kept track in my 40+ years of making quilts. I’d like to be a part of it again!

  8. Debbi says:

    I’m in! Need to sew much more this year, maybe this will keep me on track…

  9. Sherry V. says:

    Hey Shelly! I see that you already have me on the list. . .yippee!

    Looking forward to having a very productive year this year. . .or at least better than last year! LOL

  10. Mary D. says:

    I think you have me on the list, but I’m reporting in just case there’s another Mary D.
    Hope you’re enjoying this snowy day.

  11. Janet M Smith says:

    Sure. I’ll join in. I’ve never completed a year yet, have no reason to think this year will be any different. But I’ll give it a shot just because.

  12. Ginny Smith says:

    I’m in and hopefully nothing will keep me from taking part. I am back sewing and plan to be all year.

  13. Cathy S says:

    Shelly,
    Life happened and wasn’t able to participate last year. I am hoping this year will be better, my daughter is over in Japan and once a week we are doing a quilt along. I am teaching her to quilt through “FaceTime”. So excited to get back into quilting and keeping track.
    Thanks, Cathy S

  14. I’m in – this is always so motivating. Ahem – in the last rule the year needs to be changed to 2019. Just saying.
    Blessings,

  15. Brenda Estes says:

    I am gonna give it a try for the 1st time. Thanks

  16. Betty Keene says:

    Count me in. I am used to doing this so that I am always counting my finishes from habit.
    Betty K

  17. I think you have me on the list, but just want to make sure. This is my first year to try this and I’m excited!

  18. Janet D says:

    I had to quit last year, but I’m in for this year.

  19. Cynthia says:

    The count has started here. I think I am addicted to counting my blocks. I love the fact I can look back and see yes I did do something for the month when I feel I haven’t achieved anything. I am in.

  20. ChristieB says:

    I have seen this going on and just never sure what the rules were. I am going to join this project! I like accountability and challenges, so I’m in! HUGS… and stitches

  21. Barb B. says:

    I’m in!! Thanks for the stats, too. It’s fun to looks back.

  22. Sherry Wollard says:

    This sounds like fun. Count me in.

  23. Wendy says:

    I’m in! What I love about doing this is that some months I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished much. Then I tally my block count, and I’m always encouraged by how much I actually got done! Thanks, Shelly, for hosting this!

  24. Becky says:

    I’m so IN!

  25. katie z. says:

    Of course I’m in; I’ve been here since the beginning, even if I did lose track with moving and a new baby!

  26. Marcia in TX says:

    I had said earlier I wanted to join in and this is my 1st time. I see on the project page there is a Marcia. Is that me? Marcia in TX (or Marcia S.) or another Marcia? This is so neat that you do this and I am thankful I found your blog. Thank you.
    Marcia in TX

  27. Scarlett says:

    Hi Shelly! I am going to participate this year.

  28. Tonia says:

    Count me in this year!

  29. Darlene Yiznisky says:

    Hi Shelly,
    thank you for hosting again & asking the rest of us to join you. Please count me in for 2019!

  30. Paula M says:

    I think I would like to give this a shot, I have signed up for a couple of sal’s, this little part may just keep me motivated…..

  31. Barbara B says:

    I’m in and looking forward to another great year!

  32. Leslie Kemberling says:

    Hi Shelly,
    My quilting buddy just forwarded this to me. sounds interesting. I’m in!

  33. Joan P. says:

    I would like to participate. I have already started keeping track. It’s very motivating. Thanks for the push I need to work at finishing projects!!!

  34. Marsha Y. says:

    Hi Shelly! Count me in this year. Hope this is a better year for actually finishing all those UFO’s that I am still counting!! It seems I find new ones every day.

  35. Kari says:

    Another year.,.a fresh beginning….will get off to a slow start as off the grid for a month but count me in!

  36. Clara Chandler says:

    Hello, Shelly.
    Please add my name to the list of participants for 2019. I was both inspired and motivated to finish several projects last year as I saw the number of blocks tallied.

  37. Marla Brown says:

    I’m in!

  38. Aileen Kline says:

    Hi Ladies!

    I’m in! This helps me see that even if I didn’t make a quilt top, I have made progress!

  39. Karen says:

    I’m in, too. Hoping it will help me finish up some UFO’s.

  40. Shirley B says:

    I’m going to try it this year! Please include me.

  41. Nelson S says:

    I’m in! I’ve got many quilts to make as gifts this year and work keeps me busy making quilts as well. Really looking forward to seeing how many blocks I make throughout the year.

  42. Susan Guffey says:

    I’d like to join, sounds like a good project to start with this cold weather and a fun way to track progress! thanks.

  43. Patricia Hotz says:

    Hi Shelley I’m gonna do it again this year, hoping I do better than I have the last couple of years. Thanks for the fun inspiration>

  44. SharonG/FL says:

    I have never done this before but like the idea. Sign me up please.

  45. Christopher Thomas says:

    Count me in, I started last year, but keep on forgetting to tell you how many blocks I did. This year I hope to do better. Here is to a better year of quilting

  46. Barbara G. says:

    I would like to be in. Hopefully, I will get more done this way. Although I know there will be some months with very little sewing going on.

  47. Julie M says:

    This will be my first year to participate. Sounds like a fun way to keep motivated to use up that stash!

  48. Joy Dabney says:

    Heard about this. I would like to join.

  49. Paula says:

    I have thought about this before. I think I will give it a try. Thanks for organizing this.

  50. Michele says:

    I’ve been remiss in blogging, and checking other blogs, but last year was the first year I actually kept track all year – and I bested my goal!! Here’s to another productive year.

  51. Erin Northcutt says:

    Ok trying again to meet this goal! This might be the year 😊😊

  52. Danice says:

    Count me in again this year.

  53. Teresa Dodson says:

    I would love to join in on this! It will be very motivating. Thank you!

  54. Marie Gibson says:

    Hi Shelly, I have never done this before, I saw it on Wedding Dress Blue Blog and decided to have a look, I won’t have any finished for January, but I’d like to join and see if I can get some done for other months, so count me in please.

  55. sharon says:

    I want to be motivated . I need to be accountable — at least to myself

  56. Leanne NZ says:

    Count Me In
    Leanne – New Zealand.

  57. Counting blocks rather than progress seems a good way to go but doubt I’ll make 350 – can buy try
    Mary in Canterbury UK

  58. Shelly E Richards says:

    Hi, I participated last year, or tried to. After several phones died (through no fault of my own) I lost track of your blog and am just now finding you again.

    Shelly R.
    January 2019 blocks : 49

  59. b l says:

    Neat challenge! February 2019 blocks:2

  60. I would love to join!! I may actually make progress. I have loved browsing around your blog.

  61. Shirley Guier says:

    92 blocks for April. 2 tshirt quilts and one baby quilt.

  62. Tonia says:

    I haven’t posted for three months! But, by latest count in those three months I have 77 blocks to add! Our ranch is in full summer mode. Mr. Wonderful is irrigating and stacking hay..Fences have been checked by Grandson #3. Baby chicks have tailfeathers and fun personalities–can eggs be not so far in our future? The
    “hold out ewe” had an enourmous lamb is and the garden growing! Life is good, How about you?

  63. Ginabeth Young says:

    I know it is late to the game, but I sew a lot. So I’m starting today. I finished 3. Will keep track the rest of the month and post in September.

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