Today, I officially start my 55th year and the beginning of my Double Nickel Quilt Challenge.  I have started designing my 55 quilts and as I promised last time, I have a FREE block and quilt pattern to share with you.  I call this quilt "Bright Shiny Nickels".

This is a modern quilt with no sashing or border. All of the squares were cut from my scrap  fabric stash.  A pre-cut charm pack would work well also. 

I call the block-"Nickels in the Corner".  It is 13 1/2" square finished.  It's very quick and easy and you can use up a lot of your scraps.  The background can be scrappy also.  I chose a solid white fabric for the background but you could use any color.  A scrappy white on white background looks great too. The sewing can be done in an evening or two depending on how late you like to stay up!

Here is a quick tutorial on how to construct the basic block-

For each block you need-
  4-5" squares of assorted fabrics
  2-5" squares of background fabric
  1-5"x14" strip of background fabric (or use 3-5" squares sewn together)

Sew print squares to each side of your background squares and press your seams to the print squares.

Sew your 3 strips together and your block is complete.

Two variations of this block are needed to construct a quilt.  For your FREE quilt pattern, click HERE

I love the quilting design chosen by Linda of L&R Designs.  The simple grid design contributes to the modern feeling of this quilt and can be sewn easily with a long arm or domestic machine.

Here are some close-ups.

The next quilt will be posted after New Years day. 

Happy Holidays!

Am I crazy?

Can I create 55 quilt patterns using 5" squares during my 55th year?  Well, I'm going to try.  On December 9, 2010 I turn 54 and start my 55th year.  I want to commemorate this year. I have way too much fabric and I don't believe the one who dies with the most fabric wins.  I figure if I can use my fabric stash to make quilts for people-family, friends, and maybe some strangers-then a lot of people will win.  I will have the joy of creating, giving and sharing and the recipients will have the joy of receiving a work of art to brighten their day that will also keep them warm.  I also win by gaining some extra storage space.

So, I am challenging myself to create 55 quilt designs that use 5" squares.  The quilt patterns will need to be simple and quick if I'm going to come up with 55 of them.  I plan to use as many of my fabric scraps as possible.  By scraps I mean anything less than a fat quarter. To begin, I am cutting my scraps into 5" strips or 5" squares depending on how big the scrap is.  Scraps left over after that are being cut into a 2 1/2" strip or square.  The small scraps left over will have to be saved, of course, to be incorporated into some of the patterns.

I challenge all of you, at any age, to use your fabric and create beautiful quilts that will be loved by those you give them to.  If you are interested in following along and reducing your scrap fabric stash, start by cutting some fabric scraps in to 5" strips or 5" squares if the scrap is not large enough for a strip.  Next cut the leftover scraps into 2 1/2" strips or squares.  Save those little scraps too.  You never know how they might come in handy.

Once you have a stack of squares cut, check back here for 55 ways to use those squares.  The first FREE block and pattern will be posted on my birthday, December 9th as a gift to all of you.