Summer Solstice 2025 Blocks

I have my Summer Solstice 2025 blocks to show you today. This sew along was hosted by Alderwood Studio, and each block was created by a different designer. I did not join in the sew along, choosing to work at my own pace because the blocks were noted to be advanced and challenging.

The last time I shared anything about my progress on the Summer Solstice 2025 blocks was back in March. Since then, the whole project has been in time out. In that post, I left with a photo of the last block I was working on. Here is the photo where I had left off.

Those four units were foundation paper-pieced, and I was quite pleased with how they turned out. Here is a photo of the finished block on the design wall with the others I had finished.

The block looks pretty good, right? Well, let me tell ya, I was in a mood after finishing that block. While I thought I was being very careful while adding the two “rinds” – the pink and light pink arcs – I must have distorted them because the four units that make up the block were so wavy. I was so disappointed, and a little embarrassed, and frustrated. So while I pondered a solution, it went into time out for quite awhile! But in the wee hours one morning, a solution came to mind. I was not going to redo that block, and I was pretty sure I could fix it. The fix worked, and now I am okay with it.

There are nine Summer Solstice 2025 blocks. In my last post with a list of tasks, I noted that I might do another Summer Solstice block, so I decided to get one done.

That block was the last of the blocks with curves, and it went together well. Each of the blocks had a different designer, and each had their own methods and tips. It was interesting to see which instructions were clearer to me, and which ones required re-reading before, or during, construction. Since that block was easy enough, I felt confident and moved on to the next.

That block was also foundation paper-pieced and went together quickly. I do like this block, and think it would make a fun pillow or mini quilt. The blocks are 18-1/2 inches unfinished, so they are a nice size for pillows or mini quilts. Okay, one more to go, and it looked like an easy one.

It was easy but I still managed to make it a struggle to get the block done. I heaved a sigh of relief when I finished the final seam! The next step is sashing and border, but that may not happen for a few days. I want to take a break from this quilt and work on something fun.

These Summer Solstice 2025 blocks definitely challenged me. Interestingly, the center right block (with the large circle) was one of the easiest blocks to construct. The JOY block was very fun, too. Someday I will make another of the center block in the top row (the flower), because I want to prove to myself I can match it better!

My goal for making these blocks was just a personal challenge to see if I could make these advanced level blocks. I have been quilting for close to 30 years, so I figured I was ready. While they aren’t perfect, they are done, and I’m happy with that. Once I have the top sewn together, I’ll share a post with all the size and fabric details.

So my to do list from my post two weeks ago didn’t get much attention, but here’s an update.

• Quilt the Autumn Pumpkin mini quilt – Nope, but batting and backing are ready!
• Keep working on the medallion quilt – a little bit! Post coming soon!
• Hang fall quilts – Yes, some are up!
• Another Summer Solstice block? – Done!

I’m linking up today with Brenda at Songbird Designs (Monday Musings) and Carol at Quilt Schmilt for To Do Tuesday.

Wendy