quilting

SAHRR Center Block

January 15, 2024

Today is the day to share my SAHRR Center Block, and the kick off of the 2024 Stay at Home Round Robin (SAHRR) hosted by Quilting Gail. This is my fourth year participating as a co-host for the SAHRR. It’s such fun to see what everyone chooses for their center blocks, and then watching the progress as each quilt grows.

If you are wondering what the SAHRR quilt along is all about, please go to this link. Gail has done a fantastic job of explaining the event, and answering any questions you may have. I hope you join in with us this year – it’s going to be a fun time of sewing together!

I had my mind made up on what to use for a center block this year. I wanted to go small, and I knew exactly what block I wanted to use. Earlier this year, I moved into a new sewing space (which you can see here). I moved everything in and now it was time to find that block. I knew exactly where it was – except it wasn’t there. I hunted high and low in all the logical places. Hmm.

However, as I was hunting, I came across another block, and I knew I had to change my plan. The block I’ve chosen is an orphan block – made by my grandmother, Selma. She was a seamstress, and a popular one at that in our little community. My mother often told me that my grandmother did not like to make quilt blocks, and it is evident from the block I’ve chosen. Take a look at how distorted it is.

Image shows a quilt block Square in a Square done in blues, reds, and yellow - piecefulthoughts.com

I squared it up best I could. It looks a bit better.

Square in a Square quilt block in yellow, blue and red - piecefulthoughts.com

Now it’s your turn to find your center block. You have this week to find it (if you’re like me – LOL). Once you have chosen your block, don’t forget to link up with Quilting Gail – click on this link to get to her post. That link is also where you will be able to see the center blocks of those participating with us – so be sure to check it out. And this is the schedule for the SAHRR in the coming weeks. Clicking on the host links will take you to their posts today, and you can see their center blocks.

Visit each of the SAHRR co-host bloggers to see their centre blocks.

Next week, I’ll be back to show you the first border for our SAHRR blocks. See you then!

Oh – and I did find that little block, finally – not at all where I thought it was. Haha.

Wendy

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35 Comments

  • Kate
    January 15, 2024 at 10:35 am Reply

    How fun to use a block made by your grandmother! Looking forward to each of the prompts. I probably won’t keep up, but it’s still so much fun.

  • Katherine Duquette
    January 15, 2024 at 10:54 am Reply

    I hope to participate this year. I think using a center block that has history and meaning to you is wonderful. Your grandmother must have been a great mentor.
    I messaged you a picture of the block I will try to use. It was in my pile of “I made it and don’t know what to do with it”. Have a happy week.

  • Rochelle Summers
    January 15, 2024 at 10:58 am Reply

    So wonderful that Grandma’s block will be featured as the center of this project. Did you stabilize it with starch? I can’t wait to see what you come up with for us next week.

  • kjhahn8343662788
    January 15, 2024 at 11:20 am Reply

    How nice to be using a block your grandmother made, especially since it seems to be a rarity. This will make the quilt that much more special.

  • Bernie
    January 15, 2024 at 11:30 am Reply

    I have soooo much vintage fabric – one of which looks a lot like the floral in the center. I can just imagine the feel of the fabric in this block. I think it is wonderful you are using it – it will be a sweet quilt when finished. Will it be a mini to hang on the wall?

  • Eva
    January 15, 2024 at 4:32 pm Reply

    This is amazing …. First I looked up what a steamstress is, I think I understand. My grandmother was at a fabric sewing in pieceworking. Hard work on wooden cair, 12 hours, 6 days… so, may be they had in common not be in the mood to do the work we love.
    The fabric looks like cloth fabric may be. Light linnen, they used for summer dresses. Love the colours, powerfull summer fabric. Yellow like the sun and blue like the water, in Sweden? See the lovely summertime in these fabric. Guess we will all have fun fun fun this year! Thank you for all the work to make this SAHRR happen.

  • Janine @ Rainbow Hare
    January 16, 2024 at 2:48 am Reply

    That is a lovely block and wonderful that it was made by your grandmother. I have decided to join you this year but my block isn’t quite ready yet. Hopefully, I will get caught up in the next couple of days 🙂

  • texasquiltgal
    January 16, 2024 at 6:37 am Reply

    That is a very special block indeed! I’ll have fun following along to see what you do with it.
    And the other block – my first thought was that maybe your assistant Wilbs moved it in an attempt to be helpful? 😉

  • Cocoa Quilts
    January 16, 2024 at 7:40 am Reply

    Wendy what a great find!!! So glad your original choice block is in hiding. Looking forward to seeing where this block goes.

  • marissthequilter
    January 16, 2024 at 10:50 am Reply

    It’s wonderful that you have a block made by your grandmother and that you are using it as the centre for your new round robin quilt. (I think that your first choice block was hiding on purpose!). It is going to be a very special quilt, given the lovely family connection and those bright flowers and colours

  • JanineMarie
    January 16, 2024 at 11:12 am Reply

    I love reading about sewing projects that link the generations. This will be so special because of your grandma. I’m sort of glad you couldn’t find that other block, but now that you have, you could make two SAHRRs. 🙂

  • rl2b2017
    January 16, 2024 at 6:46 pm Reply

    Hi Wendy! Oh, I am so glad you are using your grandmother’s block. Selma may not have liked to make quilt blocks, but she did make this one. It’s been patiently waiting to be featured in a project. Make Selma proud and rock that center block selection. Its imperfection is what makes it all the more a perfect choice. Gosh, I can’t wait to see the next round and where you take it. The sky’s the limit and Selma is smiling upon you with favor and love. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne

  • Tracie
    January 16, 2024 at 7:29 pm Reply

    I love the sentimental choice for your center block. How fun! And I can’t wait to see your inspired choices as the QAL continues. Isn’t it funny that your grandma was an accomplished seamstress and didn’t care for quilting? So many quilters are just the opposite.

  • Mari
    January 17, 2024 at 10:14 am Reply

    Oooh, a vintage block! What a neat idea, and she used great colors. Most vintage blocks are pretty wonky. Prior generations would be stunned at all the great tools we have to make perfect blocks.

  • Vivian B.
    January 17, 2024 at 6:49 pm Reply

    Awww, great choice of block for the center of your SAHRR. She sounds like she was the center of her community so it is fitting! I would be doubly cool if you had any more of her fabric that you could incorporate into the later rounds. Or maybe fabric from other family members?

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