The 350 Blocks Project, 2022

Posted on January 15, 2022 by prairiemoonquilts in 350 Blocks Project

Well, here we are again!

This makes the  ELEVENTH ANNUAL! More than 10 years of block making. You’d think I’d have more finished quilts to show for it — eek! I do actually have a larger to-be-quilted pile than I had last January — shameful.

I made us a new graphic — I was tired of looking at the green one!

Again this year, the rules will remain the same. Keeping it simple. But be sure and read all the way to the bottom for an extra challenge this year!

If you’ve done this before, then you’re an old hand at this, but, as usual, I’m hoping we get some new folks joining in. 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 2022 (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).

There is one caveat to that last rule above: If you’ve been holding off counting all the blocks for a quilt until you have them all done (as I sometimes do to avoid accidentally counting them twice), then you can count those once you have them all finished. I don’t want them to fall into some weird gap and not ever be eligible for counting! But I don’t want you picking up some long-forgotten UFO and counting blocks from it that you made over 10 years ago — I wanna keep it fair.

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, and I’ll add you to the list. (It keeps me from getting confused — there’s a lot to keep track of.) I won’t automatically assume you want in, and this way, if you’re done playing along and want out, you can get out, no questions asked!

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 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. Again this year, I’m making it like a block-a-day challenge, so 28 blocks in February, 30 in September, etc. It’s just a random goal to work toward, if you need one, but you can make as many or as few blocks each month as you want to.

* 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. You basically have most of the month to report in, because I announce each month’s prize winner during the report for the month after (for example, I announce the January prize winner at the end of February). But . . .  be sure to leave a comment to 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 10 days 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, even if your total is ZERO, which happens to the best of us.

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 at the top of 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. This rule is in place 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 one time in January then never reports in again, over someone who reports in regularly.

So are you ready?

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.

A couple years ago, I created this free printable for us to use. I use it myself, and it works better than any other method I’ve tried, so I’ll be doing it again. I just tape the list to my studio chalkboard, add my tallies there, and change it every month.

Here’s an example of how I use mine:

Several of you have been asking for the link again, so here it is. Simply click here to download it: 350BlockTracker

And for an additional new challenge this year, our star block maker, Christopher, is offering up another fun challenge. Christopher has started a FaceBook group HERE, called the “10,000 Block Challenge”. Christopher is planning to attempt to make 10,000 blocks this year, to double his last year’s total from the 350 Blocks Project.

He is inviting anyone to join in the group. While you do NOT have to commit to making 10,000 blocks, you can decide if you have a goal (even if it’s the 350 for this project), or you can even join in without a goal. The main thing is that it will be a fun place to share what you are working on. Rather than simply reporting a number to me every month, you can actually post pictures of what you’re working on, if you wish, and we can all see it, too. I think it’ll be more fun than just me showing you what I did and then getting numbers from you.

So if you’re on FaceBook, and want to join the group, just click HERE and join in. It’s totally optional, and you don’t have to be in the group to still participate here in the 350 Blocks Project, so just do what you’re comfortable with. You also don’t have to be participating in the 350 Blocks Project to join the group. It’s an either/or or both thing — totally up to you and what you want to do.

I haven’t decided how many blocks I want to shoot for yet this year, but it’ll be fun to see pictures of what you are all working on! So here we go with 2022! Have you made any blocks yet?

91 responses to “The 350 Blocks Project, 2022”

  1. Rose Marie Smith says:

    Of course I am playing along. This has been a lot of fun and a way to look back at what an astonishing thing quilting can be at times.

  2. Randy Menninghaus says:

    I am way up there already ( with blocks) so count me in . I am still using the piece of masking tape on the bed of my sewing machine and 1111 and a cross to indicate blocks .My friend Bev C. is participating so watch out Christopher she will give you a run for the record lol.

  3. I’m joining this year!

  4. christopher thomas says:

    You know I am game again…….I have been sewing today since I am not going any place today!!

    Happy quilting everyone….

    And please join the page we will have a lot of fun

  5. I am in again as well. Since most of my blocks are needle turn applique, I am happy to finish one each month. Being part of this group keeps me motivated.

  6. Phillis Harding says:

    Count me in. I am ready to start again

  7. Ginny says:

    Yes, I’m in. It will be interesting to see my total at the end of the year. I have so many things I want to do. Ideas running around in my head and fabric for patterns bought. Then I see something I just want to do. Add to all that moving into our new house should happen in 3 months or so. That will have me very occupied for a time.

  8. Diana S says:

    I am in! It is always so much fun to see what was accomplished at the end of the year!

  9. Wanda marvel says:

    I’m playing.

  10. Judy S says:

    Count me in again!

  11. Ceil Podzimek says:

    I’m in again! I enjoyed counting up my blocks each month last year. Can’t wait to keep track along with everyone else.

  12. Marsha Y. says:

    Count me in. We are so lucky to someone like you that inspires us to keep making progress and enjoy it at the same time!!! Thanks Shelly!

  13. Susan S says:

    I am in ! Thank you. It’s nice to be able to see that I accomplished something!

  14. Debra Freese says:

    ✋ I’m in!
    I’ve made a few blocks already. I am working on a Turnstile quilt and have 12 of the 16 done. Also a sew along hosted by Jessica Dayon that will take a few more weeks to complete. Anxiously awaiting a copy of Jen Kingwell’s book “Quilt Recipes”. I know there are at least 2 quilts I want to make from that book not to mention the recipes included. 😋

  15. Cindy Wienstroer says:

    I want to play! It keeps me focused & on task. Thanks for sponsoring the challenge.

  16. Maxine E says:

    definitely playing along! 🙂 I am going to do better this year. I probably said that last year! 🙂

  17. Amanda M. says:

    I’m in! I’ve been keeping track of production which currently sucks after taking a little chunk out of the pad of my left thumb with a paring knife last week.

  18. Angie in SoCal says:

    I’m in, but with all I see coming in this new year, don’t know how much quilting I’ll get done. What will be will be. Thanks for letting us know about the 10,000 project. Happy New Year!

  19. PattiK says:

    l’ve never done this but, think l’ll give it a try since l want to get some quilts (fabrics) done that have been lingering way too long. Maybe this will be the motivation needed. Thanks.

  20. Fran says:

    I am so happy that you continue keeping up with our blocks. Count me in.

  21. cathy karinen says:

    I am in. This is my first year and it sounds like a lot of fun

  22. KT says:

    Count me in! I don’t finish many quilts each year, but love the sense of accomplishment I get by keeping track of how many blocks I make. Thanks for hosting this again!

  23. Aileen K says:

    I’m In!
    It’s been a very long while since I participated. I have not down anything in about 10 months. Hoping to find my Mojo again!

  24. Paula Mo says:

    I will play again. I suspect I will start slow like 2021 ended- I would be happy to reach 100!

  25. Kathi Benchley says:

    I’m in! Thank you for continuing with this challenge. It gives me the added push I need to keep on sewing!

  26. Beverly C. says:

    looking forward to this new challenge

  27. Karen E. says:

    I’m in again for 2022. Happy New Year to everyone!

  28. Sharon Gratz says:

    Hi Shelly, I’m in again this year. What I really like about this is that it let’s me know that I haven’t been a slug all month and that I really did accomplish something. Thank you!

  29. Beverly V. says:

    I’m in. Thanks Shelly. This keeps me motivated to get sewing done when I can. I keep putting more and more on my plate. I am trying to finish up a lot of my UFOS. Some need blocks made, so this is a good motivator. I also enjoy reading what others are doing.

  30. Mary D. says:

    Count me in, please!

  31. ChristieB says:

    I am so glad I found you! I decided to do this challenge, as it will keep me accountable and I will (maybe) get things done! HUGS… and stitches

  32. Pam Desilets says:

    Count me in too!!!
    Happy sewing

  33. Marsha Parkhill says:

    I’m in again. I already have some blocks done.

  34. I’m in for 2022!!! Always fun and helps keep me on track through the year.

  35. Shirley Guier says:

    Yes, I will be playing but I haven’t made any blocks yet this year.

  36. Shirley B. says:

    I will be participating!

  37. Barbara W. says:

    Count me in! Hope it inspires me to get a lot of blocks done!

  38. Cheree Hull says:

    I will be participating for the first time!

  39. You can count me in again. I love counting blocks. It helps me feel I am achieving something each month, even if I don’t reach the target.

  40. Judy Sovereign says:

    Add me in again. Has helped to keep me more on track.

  41. Raewyn says:

    Yes please Shelly, count me in too! Thank you.

  42. Barbara B says:

    I’m in

  43. Tonia says:

    I’m in! And off to a good start with a finished back for a graduation quilt! I look forward to this each year and you all inspire me to get more done. I have to admit that my big goals this year are to finish up with at least one new skill learned and mastered, and to have no ufo’s on my list for next year. But that will also include trying to at least get the 350 done!!!

  44. Louise says:

    Count me in again this year. I love counting my blocks and the accountability the program gives.

  45. Dianne D. says:

    Count me in! Sounds like a fun way to keep track this year! And naturally I’m starting with a question … I just finished a tumbler top … 4” tumblers, 22 rows of 24 tumblers … 528 of the little suckers. Should I count as 22 blocks?

  46. Wendy Tuma says:

    Count me in! I’ll see if I can keep track a bit better this year 🙂

  47. Peggy says:

    I’m giving piecing another go after about a year of lost sewing mojo. I actually started cutting some blocks today. Hopefully I can keep it going.

  48. Joan says:

    Thanks for keeping us motivated to sew, sew, sew! Because of the snow and cold indoor time, I’m already at 48 blocks and planning to complete more as the month progresses.

  49. Marlene Clausen says:

    Will play again.

  50. Linda Knight says:

    I’m in again in 2022. I love to quilt and this gives me incentive to share with others.

  51. sharonG says:

    SharonG
    I am in– I would like to contribute to the cost of this project– do you have something set up– PayPal , Venmo, mail a check?

  52. Charlotte Key says:

    I am joining the 350 project for the first time this year.

  53. Hi Shelly. Please count me in! Love doing this challenge and try to beat my own totals each year. 😄

    https://quiltschmilt.ca/2022/01/16/the-2022-350-blocks-project-has-begun/

  54. Clara says:

    I’m joining in again, Shelley! 3rd time the charm to meet or exceed the goal set for the month. Happy New Year to you!

  55. Pam Richards says:

    I would love to do this!! First timer. Will be going back to January 1 to count!!

  56. Wendy O says:

    Third try!
    I’m In! Let’s make some BLOCKS!

  57. Count me in again this year. I sort of dropped out last year after my husband’s illness and subsequent passing, and was in limbo after that. But I would like to work on it again this year.

  58. Paula Hedges says:

    My dreams for 2022 are far from the past, so I will join in with a desire to use this as incentive to keep making blocks and I just may get a few of those cut projects moved to finished! So, add my name and hopefully I can reach 350 this year!

  59. barb Czarniecki says:

    This is my first time- I hope I can keep up!

  60. Carissa says:

    I really enjoyed this last year, so I’m definitely up for joining again! Thanks so much for hosting!

  61. michele says:

    I’m in! I have a pocket calendar I use just to keep track of sewing goals 🙂

  62. Marilyn Holder says:

    Count me in again. Shelly, it helps me to stay focused! Usually, I have the project at the machine and ready to piece even if it is only 10 min; trying to stay organized.

  63. Mary says:

    It sounds like fun and a good excuse to revive my neglected blog. I’m in too.

  64. Deanna says:

    YAY! I’m in (again). So like the tracking and progress. Thank you for kindly hosting.

  65. Christine T says:

    Yes, please count me in again, it was fun and I achieved far more than I expected! Thank you for organising this.

  66. Yes, I’m looking forward to another year. Thanks for keeping this going!

  67. Sheila says:

    I’m in again!!!!
    Last year I got derailed because of a move, COVID and life in general. Hopefully my sewing space will be more productive!

  68. Helen Beall says:

    Another first timer, but I’ve been sewing for 75 years.

  69. katie z. says:

    I am definitely playing again this year!

  70. Kathy Gaines says:

    Hello, I discovered your website when I saw you new book out, “Quilt for Hire”. I would like to join the Challenge; it seems like a great way to be encouraged to get some blocks done. I also appreciate your Studio Organization Challenge, that is a much-needed activity in my quilt room.

  71. This sounds like a fun challenge. I’m going to join in for the first time.

  72. MegBar says:

    I’m in! New here but sounds fun!

  73. Barb Roberts says:

    I’m in again. Thanks, Barb

  74. Delana Becker says:

    Count me in again!

  75. Suelynn Williams says:

    Hello! Please include me in the 350 block challenge. I knew I was missing something! I couldn’t find my 350 blocks tracking sheet, and it suddenly dawned on me that a new year has started! My machine is in the shop again (it’s the bobbin mechanism that breaks at least once a year) – 3 1/2 weeks’ turn around on machine repair these days. My email provider closed up shop! If not one thing…it’s another! Happy January 2022!

  76. Darlene Yiznitsky says:

    Hi Shelly, Please count me in for 2022. I like the block tracker sheets you created that will help me keep count each month.
    Thank you for hosting again this year!

  77. Beverly C. says:

    I have been keeping track of the blocks that I have made to be a part of this challenge. It doesn’t change how many I do, but I’m blown away with how fast they add up!

  78. Debbi says:

    Don’t know how I missed this! I’m in! It’s such a motivator and I appreciate you doing this Shelly.

  79. Barb Magruder says:

    My Sister Kathy G. told me about this, so I am signing up.
    Thank you!

  80. Marcia Debra says:

    i’m in. First time. Here we go.

  81. Denise Edwards says:

    Hi , I’d love to join you. Denise

  82. Elizabeth Otto says:

    Finally feeling well enough to get back to sewing. I am in and will be starting in March.

  83. Mary S says:

    I’m a bit late, but checking in with 48 blocks finished for February.

  84. Elizabeth Otto says:

    March was a bust but April was wonderful. Finished 92 blocks.

  85. Vickie Barnes says:

    I want in. This sounds like so much fun. I’ve finished a couple of quilts this year and have several more blocks on my design wall. Hopefully this will help me finish some stuff and get some stuff done. I’m tired of folding fabric and am itching to quilt something!

  86. Marilyn Holder says:

    Total blocks for May: 73! Posting now because we are going out of town for a few days and I did not want to forget. When we get back, there will be lots to do.

  87. Paula Peterson says:

    I’m joining in the fun a little late in the game. Yes, I’m a Newbie who’d like to keep myself motivated and continuing w/forward progress. Should I report my blocks on each (previous) month individually? Or lump them altogether for JUL or AUG? Tx. Looking forward to keeping myself motivated. 🙂

  88. Linda C Dahlheimer says:

    This sounds like a terrific plan to accomplish my many projects.
    Count me in!!

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