2026 BLOCK OF THE MONTH
Ellen Fournier is leading us in making different improv blocks all this year. Choose colors and fabrics you like because we will not be collecting the blocks at the meetings — just showing them off! At the end of the year you can put together your own unique improv quilt.
January 2026 Block of the Month — Improv Log Cabin
Log Cabin blocks are a great introduction to improv quilting because you know the basic logic of the block and it is easier than a traditional log cabin! You will need at least 2 different fabrics and a ruler and rotary cutter for trimming edges as you build the block.
- Begin with a center block, square or rectangular. It doesn’t have to be perfectly square, but it should have 4 sides and approximately 90-degree corners.
- Cut several strips from your chosen fabrics. They can vary in width and do not need parallel edges. The longest needs to be a little longer than the final dimension of the block, i.e., if you plan on a 10” square make a few of your strips longer than 10”.
- Now begin to build your cabin. Sew a strip to one side of your center block and trim across the top of the center and the attached strip. Press seam away from the center. Sew a strip at least as long as the center plus the side strip to the top, press seam away from the center, and trim along of the side of the center block and the top strip.
- Continue adding strips in a spiral around the center, pressing away from the center and trimming as you go.
- When the log cabin reaches your intended size square it up!
You can add variety to the block by sewing two skinny strips together lengthwise and using that as a single strip, or by piecing together short pieces to make a strip.
Improv log cabin blocks are a good way to use scraps, especially for monochrome scrap blocks.
February 2026 Block of the Month — Fun with Curves
Improv curves use the same curved sewing technique as Drunkard’s Path blocks but
don’t require a special template!
- Begin with 2 squares of contrasting fabric, at least 1 inch larger than your desired
final size. - Lay one square exactly on top of the other, right sides facing up, and cut a curve through both with your rotary cutter, roughly in the center of the squares. The curve can be as gentle or tight as you want, but it is best to begin with a fairly gentle one.
- Sew together the left-hand piece of the top fabric and right-hand piece of the bottom fabric, overlapping the beginning and end of the seam by ¼ inch (just like a Drunkard’s Path block).
- Gently press the block and trim to desired size.
- Use the remaining pieces to make a color-reversed block.
This technique of cutting a curve on two pieces of fabric can also be used to insert
curvy strips or sections into blocks.
2025 BLOCK OF THE MONTH
In 2025, Peggy Clark asked you to be a
“QU Stripper.”
Ten of the blocks of the month in 2025 were 8 and 1/2 inch square that was either sewn diagonally or straight across. In April we contributed to the Big Bend Hospice Quilted Squares Project.
