Quilt Block of the Month

My fondness for quilting began several years ago when I signed up for a BOM (block of the month) at a LQS (local quilt shop). Back then, they did 2 blocks each month, so I completed 24 blocks each year. Enough for 2 quilt tops. For the past two years, they have only done one block per month, which I like a lot more. If you are interested in quilting, I would recommend finding a BOM that is beginning and sign up for it. Some of them charge per month, but the one I do is per year and only costs around $20-$25 for the the entire year. This includes the book and all the fabric for each month's block.

This has also been a good way to slowly but surely add to my plethora of quilting tools. At first I purchased what I needed as I went along. I was buying a new ruler nearly every month, but now I find I have what I need to accomplish each task. Now I buy mainly fun things, that help in fine-tuning. I Always take advantage of the 50% off coupons to Joann's, Roberts & Michaels. I NEVER pay full price for anything, except ((*sigh*)) fabric.

Anyway---here's the point to this blog... I was surfing yesterday and came across a random blog (I do that a lot) where the blogger listed a bunch of online BOM's that are just starting up. I'm going to paste her list on my blog, so this is her talking now, not me:

The start of the new year is normally also the start of new BOM's (Block of the Month series) online. Each month a new block is posted by the designer, and you complete that block before the next month's block is posted. This is a wonderful way to introduce yourself to new techniques, without the pressure of an entire quilt in front of you all at once. If you choose a BOM you want to do, don't forget to write down the web address so you can find it again! (Don't laugh -- this happened to me!)
Here is a list of free BOMs for you to consider:

I always admire the symmetry and simplicity of Amish quilts. Here's an Amish inspired BOM that just started this month:
http://floridacabinfever.com/

Do you love applique? Here's a beautiful BOM done all in red, lots of applique (so far). She may have taken down Block 1. Each BOM is available only until the 15th of the month.
http://estheraliu.blogspot.com/

A little more challenging, but wow - what a beautiful quilt! Called "A Study of Stars" and brought to you by The Quilt and Needle. This is a 2008 BOM, but it's still being posted and gives no date that they're taking it down.
http://www.thequiltandneedle.com/block.asp

Another applique BOM -- and beautiful! This one comes from the Netherlands, and it is in Dutch but hey - you can download the blocks and figure out basic applique for yourself!
http://tinyurl.com/7kc4cp

Here's a 2008 Block of the Month Sampler Quilt - what a great way for a beginner or advanced beginner to learn new skills!
http://delawarequilts.com/BOMs/08Sampler/

And while you're at Delaware Quilts, do check out her tutorial on String Blocks and great variations of putting a string block quilt together:
http://tinyurl.com/8p7zwe

Fat Cat Patterns if offering a free Bird House BOM. Block patterns will be available for two months only, and January is up now.
http://www.fatcatpatterns.com/bird_houses.htm

Here's a BOM that starts in Febuary '09 - Called a 9-patch Spool Sampler. Before the first block is posted, she gives you fabric requirements (though this would be a pretty scrap quilt too!)
http://lynbrown.com/?p=555#more-555

Ooooo...I may have to do this one. I've never done a Row Quilt before and this one looks interesting. Another good way to use up scraps, one row at a time! Row 1 for January is posted.
http://www.ucquilts.com/bomjanuary2009.htm

"Country Cups" is the name of this 2009 BOM. Might be for the more advanced appliquer, but it sure is pretty! New block posted the first week of each month. Only the current month's block will be offered for free.
http://ajpadilla.com/patterns/bom/country-cups

Block Central has a new BOM for 2009 called "Memory Lane". Very traditional quilt blocks and a quilt I'm sure you will be proud of upon completion. January's block is posted.
http://tinyurl.com/87d7do

Debbie Mumm is offering a 2009 BOM called "Natural Wonders". You'll make 9.5" square sampler blocks each month using a variety of piecing and applique techniques. Blocks will stay up throughout the year.
http://tinyurl.com/8deu43

BOM Quilts is offering a good sampler quilt for beginners that gives you a nice variety of easy traditional blocks. Instructions for both baby and twin size quilts. January is posted.
http://tinyurl.com/8hnnva

The Quilter's Guild of Plano TX is offering a Basket block BOM. Some very pretty baskets here! This BOM started in mid-2008, but all blocks are still available.
http://tinyurl.com/9w4z2f

Do we have any hand-embroider'ers in our membership? Join me (yes, I do hand embroidery) in this very sweet BOM from the Netherlands (though she also posts in English). The series is called "Once Upon a Time". I love the first one - you embroider a tower, then add braided yarn for Rapunzel's hair hanging out the window! January's block is posted.
http://capricornquilts.blogspot.com/

And another BOM for the hand embroider-ers -- very simple, very sweet. The first block is posted.
http://tinyurl.com/7ag6xy

Nancy Rink Designs is offering a beautiful, traditional block BOM. The series began in July '08, but all blocks are up and active.
http://www.nancyrinkdesigns.com/free.html

Enjoy!