When we were invited to submit a block for 100 Blocks, we had to stop and think about how to design in a different way. We don’t ever design as a single block. Instead, we’re always designing from the perspective of how the blocks relate to one another. Designing a single block, without being able to show an overall design, would be a very different way of thinking.
So we decided that we would design a block that would be as flexible as possible, working equally well with Civil War reproduction or modern prints or solids. Over the years we’ve found endless possibilities to piecing strips with solids, although this block would be equally fun with batiks or prints.
There are so many options for how to set this block. You could surround it with sashing that contrasts with the ¼” strip in the block to create a grid:
Or you could rotate the blocks for an entirely different look:
The best thing about 100 Blocks is that there’s something for everyone. There’s appliqué and piecing, traditional and modern. You might even decide to combine some of the blocks in the magazine with a few of your own. If you’re interested in purchasing the issue, call us at (708) 445-1817 and we’ll ship one out to you. To see more blocks from the magazine and to have a chance at lots of giveaways, hop on over to 100 Blocks. If you’d like to have a shot at winning a free issue of the magazine, leave a comment below and we’ll randomly choose one.
What a great block!!!! I love it! Thank you for participating in this blog tour!
I’d love a chance to win this wonderful magazine! Thanks for the chance to win!!!
It’s my first time to your site. I love the layouts that you show….the second is my favorite.
I’d love a chance to win. All of the blocks look fun to make.
It’s great that y’all contributed something modern to this magazine!
I just love your block idea. You also give us another option, which I also like. Thank you for giving me a chance to win. What a great gift to win – so many blocks and so many ideas. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your talent and skill with the world!
I can see how it would be a challenge to design a single block. I love how you show the versatility. Very helpful!
Interesting block – I see the possibilities for different settings, types of fabrics, etc.
Great block, I could really get carried away sewing these up. Thanks
Very, very versatile block. I’m thinking to make several in happy fabrics to give to our guild charity coordinator. Good Linus quilts.
Thanks – would love to win the mag! JC
I took 4 classes at the Houston festival last week (2 long arm, a Stack & Whack, and Contoured Quilted Photography, which I loved!) But as I sat in each classroom, I whispered to myself, “Hopefully next year I can finally learn from Weeks & Bill in person!”.
Lessons from childhood are hard to undo — coloring outside the lines, not following directions exactly. This post made me realize the hampering of my creativity as a child shows up in my quiltmaking today. It’s not that I’m trying to follow the pattern exactly, it just doesn’t occur to me to add my own spin to it.
Love your block. Hard to wait for Nov 16th. Itching to see more of the blocks.
I love how versatile this block is and all the possibilites. Thank you.
This quilt block is so versatile it could be used with almost any fabrics, whether from a grouping or scrappy.
Love this block – there are, as you say, so many options.
Simplicity itself and so versatile! Thank you for being a contributor to this great publication.
Love how simple this block is to make.
Your block and colors are beautiful, would love to get the magazine to learn the different techniques.
I would sure love to have this book
Your block is simple and versatile…thank you so much for this fun opportunity!
This is very cool! I wasn’t expecting a block like this–as you mentioned, this magazine forces you to think differently when designing just ONE block–so this was a surprise! It is really flexible and anyone can use it anywhere! Great!!! I love how you showed the examples, too….soooo looking forward to the magazine coming out and making some blocks!! Gotta start planning NOW!!
michelle
Definitely a problem when you can only reveal the block, I have that same issue, but was happy when my friends at least voted for my block in Jackie Robinson’s design contest this Spring.
I like your additional option suggestions to help the creative juices flow!
thanks for the chance to win – i love seeing all the options for block placement, too!
What a great block for busting some stash!
Thanks for a chance to win this great new magazine!
I’m more of a traditionalist so your block isn’t what I usually like but in dark reds and gold and browns it would be pretty.
Wow I never thought of doing that! Thanks for a great idea.
Love your site. So many wonderful ideas! Thanks for the giveaway. nanasew at gmail dot com
Would love to have the magazine.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Billie
I love your quilt designs. Your new book is fantastic. Thanks for the chance to win this magazine.
I love how a very simple block can look so different when turned one way and then another or made up in different fabrics and you have a whole new look! Thanks for a chance to win a copy of the magazine!
I would love to win a copy. I really should have gotten the first volume. Maybe they will reprint it :/
I would love a copy. Please enter me into the giveaway. Thank you!
this is great!! love the simplicity of that block!!
I would love to have that magazine.
Thanks for the giveaway and have a wonderful week!!
Great that your modern look is getting the exposure!
great!! love the simplicity of that block!
I would love to have the magazine.
Thanks for the giveaway and have a wonderful week!!
I love the versatility and flexibility of this block. I can see it done up in so many different color schemes and fabric themes!
What a great way to spend Monday morning, hopping and getting sneak peeks. Thanks!
I don’t often work with solids -but like the idea of this for scraps – kind of a “string block” but horizontal! Love the layout options!
I’d love to win this – Volume #1 was so great, this will be great too!
Your block and your quilts look so fresh and modern. Beautiful! I’m looking forward to the magazine.
It’s nice to see such a flexible block. Thanks for being involved with this great resource for quilters.
block quilts are how i learned, so i’ll always have a soft spot for individual blocks (and samplers!). this is great!
I like your block and the possibilities it allows.
I love the versatility of your block. Thanks for the chance to win!
Just the kind of block I love. I bet the book will be a wonderful resource for everyone…
Dianne in BC
I LOVE your work….great block with lots of design options! LOVE the modern look.
I loved the first 100 blocks and will probably love this 100 blocks. Thank you for a chance to win a copy.
Thanks for the givaway! Love your post about it!
Your block is a great idea for my left over fabrics.
Would love an chance to win the book!
Thanks for the giveaway. I like the way you show different ways of using your block.
What ideas on how to use your block. HUGS… and stitches
I can imagine that block used in many different ways. Thanks for the chance to win.
Interesting how you challenged yourselves to think outside your usual way….I always think blocks & work to bring them together…while you the opposite. I like that approach :)
Thank you.
I think your block looks great! I can’t wait for the magazine to come out, so that I can try it myself!
Fun block! And it looks like a fun magazine full of great ideas!
Geat block for scrappy. Just bought extra purple fabric the other day for a scrappy. Congrats for your block being chosen for book. Would love to win a copy.
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love a copy!
Thank you for the chance to win a copy
Thanks for this opportunity to win, and great block!
love these colors and the fluidity of the shape. I like coloring outside the lines!
I love to win this book!
Thank you you the chance.
Well done once again my friend! Save me a copy at the book signing next weekend! Judy
Thoroughly contemporary yet rooted in the past. I like
the color choices.
Blessings
Blondie
interesting block
Thanks for a chance to win!
Fun block. I would love to win a magazine.
Your block looks great. Lots of options.
Thanks,
First time to visit your site. Love your designs. So fresh and modern. Am looking forward to see this new magazine.
I like your block and really appreciate seeing different layouts of it … totally different looks.
A versatile block! And modern too!
I love the version that is set off by the sashing
Loved your block and the inspiration for different layouts with it. Thanks for the opportunity at a chance to win the 100 Blocks Book.
I really like the version with no sashing…it seems much more textural to me.
Loved the first one. Can’t wait for Volume 2 to come out!
Love this block!It has so much potential and I have been working more with solids lately.
Great block!
How nice!!! Its a great idea …
Thanks for the chance!
How nice!!! It is a great idea!!
Thanks for the chance!
LOve everything about your block! Been a long time fan of your designs!
What a fantastic block! =)
I like the look of your Improv quilt on your blog. Thanks for the giveaway!
I just love your work! Great idea for 100 Blocks.
I love how you both always think outside of the box. It is inspiring!
I would love a chance to win! Thanks!
This is a wonderful block. Thank you for the opportunity to win the 100 blocks magazine. I never saw last years. alternate email mlwright29 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Your block is simple but has many possibilities! That is the beauty of it. It can be for any level quilter!! :-)
Thanks for the great giveaway! Love your block and am already thinking of different quilts to make with it.
Intriguing block, especially when you consider the endless options in layout design! I’d love a copy of the new edition of the magazine!
What fun to see 90 comments, hope that many become regular readers.
I do like what you did with the block.
Becky
Such a Versatile Block!
Love it.
Cheers
I like your block, it’s different. I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on your new book, I love the modern designs.
Would love to win a copy of Volume 2. One way or another I’ve got to have this publication in my library! Your block design will be perfect for using up my stash.
It was interesting to hear how you design as a whole. Thanks for putting together the options.
Thanks so much for sharing your block design with us! Looking forward to studying this magazine and dreaming of new quilts.
It sure looks like there is something for everybody in this fantastic issue! Thanks for the giveaway!
I like your idea for the block. It makes the use of the block very versatile.
A terrific and versatile block! I’d love to win the giveaway!
I’m looking forward to this magazine after seeing more about it. I was not even thinking of moving toward learning to quilt when the first issue came out so I’m looking foward to this one as I have been reading all I can so I can learn as much as I can. Having this magazine would be awesome because there are so many different types of blocks as you said. I will be able to try different ones without buying multiple books for each type. I would love to win one and if, by some stange coincidence I won two, I already plan to pass one on to my son’s girlfriend who loves crafting. I KOW it won;t be long before she is asked to be part of our family and I’ve already told her I want to teach her to use my fancy embroidery machine so I have someone to pass it on to along with my fabrics and other things packing my sewing room. She and I can learn to quilt together.
I love your block! I’m very excited about this new issue-can’t wait to see it!
It’s great to have setting ideas for the block. Thank you!
I love the versatility of your block. I can’t wait to get my hands on the magazine.
WOW! Love all the info and variations that you have elected to share. Congrats on making 100 Blocks V2!!
I’d love to have that new book.
Would love to win the 100 block magazine!
I really like your block!
I love the variety of the designs and hope to win the book so I can try them. Thank you.
This is the first time on this blog and I have really enjoyed the experience!! Love the blocks, they are great!! Thank you for the chance to win the book!! :)
I would love to win. Count me in for the giveaway.
Great ideas! I would love to win this magazine.
Thanks for the chance to win!
It’s nice to meet you! One of the things I love about blog tours is that you are introduced to so many new bloggers. Your book looks great…I’m going to have to go looking for it!
Your block is very soothing to look at. I like that!!
Love stripes and your block. It’s so simple and elegant.
Thanks
Great block! I can’t wait to see this issue! Maria
I so enjoyed the first edition of 100 Blocks. Looking forward to seeing the new issue. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
Interesting block! I’d love my own copy of 100 Blocks.
I love your block! your designs are right up my alley and I’m excited to see you are part of this magazine.
Nifty block. I loved the first issue, I’m sure I’ll love the second one.
I like finding all these new blogs and blocks!
I like the block you designed. It seems so simple, yet very versatile!
Your block’s really interesting, I’d love to win a copy of the magazine, I’m one of the 120 who’d love to own one **sigh**
don’t see my comment awwww I’d love to win the magazine!!!
the best thing about the 100 blocks issue is finding new blogs to visit like yours
Love the colors on this!!
This looks like a great block and a great book.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
Very clever! Love it!
Love your block.
I would love to win a copy of 100 blocks.
A simple block is good, and wouldn’t it look nice on-point too? Thanks for the chance to win this magazine giveaway.
What a unique concept! I am intrigued.
I love your block design!! It’s so versatile!!! Love it!! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Love the block. Some great ideas on how to use the block.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Jen
I bought the first magazine; it’s a good resource. I’d like to have the new version too.
I love your design concept!
Very nice!
I love the stripes! I love the versitality! GREAT job thinking outside the block! ;-)
Wow! I can think of dozens of ways to use this block. Now where am I going to find the time to make even one of them??
Of course, I love it! I will have to get this issue one way or the other. :)
Cool Block!
I love wonky strip blocks.
Would be fun to use in a modern quilt with batiks for my daughter.
Debbie
Cool block – I like simple – the colors are what make it – thanks.
THe look and feel of your block (s)change so much when you spin them around. Thanks for the chance.
It looks like a very fun magazine- Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
Regards from a Western Canadian quilter,
Anna
I like your block! It looks like a great magazine!
I really like your block!
Thanks for the giveaway and great block. It’s a lot of fun checking out new blogs.
I love your block and your new book looks good too. I’m going to try to make your open house. I live in southern Wisconsin, but I’m originally from Illinois so I know where you are located.
What an inspiration to have this preview of the book. I like the version with the sashing.
Beautiful block. I like the rotated blocks version. I think it would look great in jewel/bright color too.
Great block and so many quiltideas! Love it!
I have Vol#1 and love it. Would be great to WIN Volume #2. Great block for any fabrics!
What a neat quilt pattern. Thanks for sharing. Love it!
I LOVE your block – and so easy but really fun when put together. Thanks for the giveaway.
The colors in your block are so calm. Reminds me of water.
I like the rotated strips and especially like the color combination
I could see this block made with my scrap stash. Thanks.
Oh….great block for guys! Thanks!
Thanks for the block…great for guys!
Oh your block has so many possibilities, Yes I need to win the magazine so I can use your block.
Just checked your blog and wow, I want your book Quilts Made Modern.
THANKS for the chance to win the awesome magazine!
Your IMPROV quilt is FABULOUS !!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the simplicity of it, yet it just holds it’s own in beauty ! Looking forward to seeing more from you :)
Would love to win the magazine, I am a novice quilter. Love your block;
I love your block . I have been looking for scrappy quilt ideas and I think this would be great.
Thanks for the opportunity to win one of these magazines …BTW Love the block you designed!!!
I like your block. So simple and very versatile
Great block! Love seeing ways to use it in a full quilt. Thanks for the chance to win.
Your block looks awesome! I haven’t been to my LQS or sewing store to take a look at this new edition, but it looks great! Thanks for the opportunity to win! :)
Wow! Great block, and fabulous colors. Thanks for the great ideas.
Really like your block. And the way you show it used in a quilt. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love your block and can’t wait to see Volume 2!! I loved Volume 1!!
SheilaC
Those colors are YUMMY!!! Are they your own hand dyed fabrics?? Where can I purchase? I not only want a copy of 100 Blocks, but I also MUST have your new book. Weeks, I liked your choice for the cover photo with that beautiful piece of antique furniture under your gorgeous quilt!
I love the visual effects this block gives! Great job!
I love the blocks all rotated! I’d love to win a copy of the book.
Your blog looks great! So modern and versatile. I’ll definitely make this one! Thanks for the opportunity.
Interesting block. I’m going to play with it.
snuginmyden@yahoo.com
Great block! Can’t wait to see the magazine, all the blocks shown so far are too great!
What a great block – and, yes, I can see it in modern or vintage fabrics. I’d love to have the chance to win a copy and Congratulations.
Your idea for a block is great! I want to try it out.
Congrats on your block! Thank you for letting us celebrate with you through your participation in this blog tour!
nsue21702 at gmail dot com
I love your blog and have recommended it to several of my friends. Your fresh approach to life, parenting, and quilting is fun to read! I can’t wait to purchase your new book!
@Kathye–the fabrics are not hand-dyed. They are commercial cottons and were scraps from the Beach Glass quilt that is on the cover of our new book Quilts Made Modern. We are sell a kit for Beach Glass so call us (708) 445-1817 if you are interested (we’re in the process of getting them up on the website).
Randomly entering my name here — love the pattern, hope to be sewing SOON (life seems to interfere). Thanks!
What a great block. Another great illustration of how simple can be simply stunning.
Always look forward to your informaton and the great ideas you have. I would love to have a copy of the magazine.
Love the geometrics of your pieces!
Beautiful block! Love the color combination! Thanks for sharing!
I’m really enjoying this bog hop – lots of great blogs to discover
I’d love to win a copy of 100 Blocks
Gill
Hi – I picked up the book sometime before Christmas. I ended up using the idea of the block to make this quilt top. (Sliced into 5″ wide chunks of stripes and then stacked with 5″ wide muslin) http://2monkeys.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-quilt-top.html It was fun, easy-ish (once I figured out what I wanted to do), and I like how it turned out. :)