I finished my December Color Challenge Block yesterday; my last block for the 2020 Monthly Color Challenge hosted by Patterns by Jen. I have enjoyed each block this year, as well as learning a little about the birds that inspired each block. Thanks, Jen!
This month’s bird is the cardinal. We have some cardinal pairs that stick around our backyard. This photo was taken one winter a few years ag
He was kind enough to pose for me, long enough to snap a few photos. Handsome fella, isn’t he – and the snow was the perfect setting for this photo op.
When it came to choosing fabric for my block, I was a bit stumped at first. Not having much variation in my red stash, I wasn’t sure if I’d find two reds for the block. With a little digging, I managed to find these two fabrics and they capture the colors of a cardinal pretty well.
Incidentally, the lighter red is a fabric I bought when making this quilt (how can it possibly be three years ago?!). I ended up buying the entire bolt off the clearance rack (first time for me) and I’m just about to the end of it. It’s come in handy so many times, I’ll be a bit sad when it is all gone.
My December Color Challenge Block will join my other 2020 Monthly Color Challenge blocks while I think about layout for the quilt top. I have an idea, but I need to see if it will work, so stay tuned!
2021 Monthly Color Challenge
If you’ve enjoyed seeing my color challenge blocks, why don’t you join in? Jen has just announced the 2021 Monthly Color Challenge, and it’s going to be a good one! Jen’s been cooking up some great designs, and it’s a recipe for a fun year! I’m joining in once again, and I cannot wait to get started. If you are interested, you can find all the information right here.
Wendy
Those reds are great cardinal colours, love the lighter red fabric.
That pattern made a pretty block. That red fabric is nice. I’ve saved the downloads for the past few months I’ve missed – someday. I have signed up for next year, looks like fun!.
Those fabrics are definitely perfect for your cardinal red block. I look forward to seeing your finished color challenge quilt. And I love your pic of the cardinal. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in person, but I sure would like to sometime.
every now and then I have bought what was left on a bolt if I knew it was something I would use over and over again. Like the colors you used.
He certainly is a magnificent bird. Your block does him justice. You are going to have fun putting the colour challenge blocks together
Hi Wendy! What a great way to wrap up the color blocks for 2020 with red for the cardinal. And your photo is a fabulous example of one. Nice job and I look forward to seeing what layout you come up with! ~smile~ Roseanne
Pretty bird. Pretty block. I saw another version of this on Instagram yesterday.
Hi Wendy! I have been enjoying your blocks and was wondering how you join the monthly color block fun?
That’s a great photo of the cardinal, Wendy! I wish they came this far west, but they don’t. Your block looks great, too. I had to go find some cardinal reds so that I can make it – I just didn’t have anything that would have been right. Now I’m set to go!
You did great finding two contrasting reds where one of them isn’t pink! Not easy to do. I’m happy to have all twelve blocks finished and saw that Jen released a layout pattern today, too 😉
Beautiful block! I look forward to seeing the whole quilt! It’s gonna be pretty!
Lovely block and really cool picture of the cardinal. We don’t have them but I used to love seeing them on our trips to Vermont. They are just striking birds, especially on that snowy background.
Love this block! I have been out of touch in blogland, but catching up. The cardinal posing is just lovely….and I can’t wait to see your quilt. Mine is on the frame as we speak!
Very pretty reds in your block. Cardinals are one of my favorite birds to watch.
Red is my favorite color. You did a great job capturing the colors of this beautiful guy. I love seeing these cardinal in the winter, their red is extra vibrant against the grey skies.