May's Block Grandma's Attic BOM 2020

May's Block

Happy May Day! Things are greening up here in Minnesota and I'm dreaming of warm days spent in my garden. I've made a big ol' list for the greenhouse and have started seeds here at home. I'm quite proud of myself for keeping them alive so far! I invested in some grow lights and it seems to be making all the difference. I started seeds at the beginning of the whole 'lock down' thing with the help of Amazon. I sorta went into prepper mode thinking what if this lasts longer then we think and I couldn't live without being able to garden. The governor has just extended our stay at home orders for another two weeks. I could cry.... Mother's Day is a bust... sorta sucks because we won't be able to get everyone together for our annual luncheon with all my sisters at mom's. I'm not sure what we're going to do for Mother's Day at this time. So I'm planning on breaking the governor's rules and driving to my mom's to plant her flowers at least. I know I won't be able to give her a big giant hug but I can at least visit with her at a distance in the backyard. I really miss seeing her in person but I'm grateful for technology and being able to visit face to face on the phone. I'm done whining.... 

 If you are new to the BOM here's the details.... There will be a new block design each month for a total of 12....  it will be a traditional sampler quilt. I'm planning it as a stash buster. It's based on two colors, a main color and a white/cream background color. You can choose any color for your main color, blue, red, green, anything....I'm making mine out of red fabrics. I have a lot of red Civil War fabric on hand, so that is what I'm using for mine. So go raid your stash for some fabric. You will need;

4 1/2 yards white/cream

4 yards red

1/2 yard red for binding

5 1/3 yard for backing

The finished size is 67" x 87"

Let's get started on this month's block, it's a spin off of a Snail Trail Block. The Snail Trail block is a spiral type block, sorta like a log cabin as you start in the center and it 'grows' with each section you add on.  You will need 1 red (or colors of your choice) You will make four blocks and then sew them together to make a large 4 block square. So go to the website and download the directions, grab a cup of coffee or some pop and let's go sew.

Following the directions cut out all of your squares and triangles...

Starting with the squares labeled D, sew together making a 4-patch block. Iron. This is the center of the Snail Trail block. Then add the B triangles. Line up the center of the long side of the triangle with the seam of the 4 patch block. Sew a 1/4" seam. Iron. As you can see the red triangles and the white (background) triangles are opposite of each other on the block. Placement is everything to get the 'swirl'.

Then add the C triangles. Line up the center of the long side of the triangle with the center of the side seam of the block. Iron. Remember the red triangles and the white triangles are opposite of each other on the block.

Now it's time to add the A triangles onto your block.  Iron. The block measures 10 1/2" x 10 1/2". Make 4 Snail Trail Blocks total. Sew the 4 blocks together to form a 20 1/2" x 20 1/2" block.

~ Snail's Trail ~

 I hope you have fun making this month's block.  Remember the goal is to use fabric from your stash!

The monthly FREE pattern is available on my website. I have a special 2020 BOM section on my website. Each month the FREE pattern will be posted. But as soon as the new section or block is out the old block pattern will no longer be a freebie. But it will still be available for a small fee on my website or in my Etsy shop. If you want to share your finished blocks, feel free to post them on Facebook Group (Quilt Doodle Designs Grandmas Attic BOM 2020) and tag me or post them on Instagram tag Quilt Doodle Designs. I love to see everyone's progress as we stitch along together. 

Happy quilting! Stay Well!

Cindy and Belvedere

Website Note- So excited! The new website is up and running and oh so pretty! With the new website, there are a couple of extra steps to get the pattern. May's pattern is free this month, you will have to checkout to get it. Then a link will be sent to your email for the download. Remember if you don't see the email for your pattern, please check your spam or trash folder in your email.