Our block of the month has seen us sew blocks inspired by the treasured finds in our homes. In issue 41 of Today's Quilter magazine, Jo shows us how to sew them all together to make a truly unique quilt. In case you've missed an issue, or you're just looking for some inspiration for your next quilt project, catch up with the series so far, block by block, in our gallery below.
Jo Avery's Block of the Month series is making us smile on so many levels – it combines 3 of our favourite things in the world: tea, antiques and patchwork. Jo created a new block (or multiple blocks) every issue for a year and we're sewing along with her to create a finished quilt inspired by the household items that we treasure in our homes. We're loving seeing all your blocks-in-progress and reading the blog posts from fellow quilters who are sewing along with the series. Here's our month-by-month high points to date...
Month 1: Pop the kettle on – Teapots quilt block
Jo Kick started the series with her vintage teapots last Autumn. Read Jo's tips for piecing her teapot blocks here. Find Jo's teapot blocks instructions in issue 29.
Month 2: Anyone for tea? Tea cup quilt block
The tea party theme continued in month two with Jo's vintage teacups in issue 30 (read all about it in Jo's blog post here). We know you're loving the curved piecing for this block from your instagram comments 🙂 Keep them coming! Find out how to sew Jo's teacup blocks in issue 30.
Month 3: Vintage Jug quilt block
With their large and small versions, Jo's patchwork jugs from issue 31 are a lovely quilt block for showing off favourite print fabrics. Read all about them in her blog post here. Find Jo's jugs blocks instructions in issue 31.
Month 4: Cute Caddies quilt block
This month's block gives us an excuse to try adding a bit of embroidery and appliqué – find out how to sew these blocks in issue 32. Jo's shared her behind the scenes notes on the block on her blog here. Find Jo's jugs blocks instructions in issue 32.
Month 5: Beautiful bowls
Halfway through and this month's block is a great chance to practise your curved piecing and Flying Geese. Find out how to sew these blocks in issue 33. Jo's shared her behind the scenes notes on the block on her blog here, including how she turned this block into her Crockery Cupboard quilt. Carolyn Forster's created some lovely variations on her instagram using Outback Wife fabric by Gertrude Made. Find Jo's bowl blocks instructions in issue 33.
Month 6: Perfect plates
Jo added two new plates blocks to her fabric-filled crockery cupboard in issue 34, adapting a Dresden plate with a central porthole for the block's design. Jo's shared her notes on sewing this block on her blog here and Sarah Edgar, of Pretty Fabrics & Trims, has given it a Liberty twist over on her blog. Find Jo's bowl blocks instructions in issue 34.
Month 7: Anyone for tea & boiled eggs? (with a royal twist)
Oh did you hear, there's a royal wedding coming up here in the UK? As the big day approaches next month, Jo reveals her soft spot for comparative mugs with a pair of new vintage crockery quilt blocks to celebrate. Find Jo's bowl blocks instructions in issue 35..
Month 8: Sew antique treasure with 2 new blocks
Jo's created two new blocks for her June instalment to the Vintage Home series – this candlestick block (above) and table lamp block (below), inspired by her own bedside lamp. Get sewing the designs in issue 36 of Today's Quilter and read Jo's blog post about this issue's blocks here.
Month 9: Celebrating our sewing rooms
Issue 37's pair of sewing room-inspired quilt blocks include an excuse to dabble in a spot of appliqué! Jo has used the technique to add lots of charming buttons to her button jar block, while the thread spools block is a quick block to stitch up with simple piecing. Read Jo's blog post about this block, in which she reveals a very special piece of vintage stitching that she unearthed while researching this month's designs.
Month 10: Sew a vintage sewing machine!
It's hard to pick a favourite from Jo's The Vintage Home, but if we had to, this super-sized block from issue 38 would definitely make our shortlist! For the 10th month in our series, Jo has created this beautiful block, inspired by retro sewing machines. Read all about it, and see some of the fascinating historical machines that the sewing community shared with her while researching the design, on her blog here.
Month 11: Bon voyage luggage quilt block
In issue 39 (published August 2018), we packed our bags and left the sewing room. Jo left the sewing room and turned to another beautiful vintage item – luggage!
Month 12: Sew the last designs in the series
We're excited to reveal the final two designs in this The Vintage Home BOM series... Jo's created a sweet pair of blocks to finish off the series. You can find both patterns, plus step-by-step instructions, in issue 40 of Today's Quilter magazine. It is no secret how much we love quilting and cats (especially our Editor Fiona), so we couldn't resist sewing our own version of Jo's cat block this month ourselves.
Ta da! Sew all these blocks together to make a quilt to treasure.
More quilt galleries to explore...
