September 2026 Block Lotto: Denim

This year, we are embracing UPCYCLING! We are hoping you'll have lots of fun, and see fabrics of all kinds in a new light.

Have old clothes, linens or towels that are beyond their best years, or that you're tired of using, but don't know what to with them? We'll be exploring how to reuse these items and share them to create new quilts to love! If you don't have any of the types of fabrics suggested, asking family and friends, or your local buy nothing facebook group, is a great way to source fabrics. Each month, we'll also ask you to bring your extras to share for upcoming blocks! Find out what materials we will use next on the main block lotto page.

This month, we're using denim. Not the modern stretchy jeans that wear out so much faster than they should, but the solid cotton kind (or other non stretchy types). Where to find denim? In jeans of course, but don't forget those jean jackets and other jean accessories.

The MQG put out a video this summer from an artist that uses jeans in his creations. He speaks about what motivates and inspires him, discusses the tools he uses, and shares some of his work and that of other artists. Find the link to the video in the resource section at the end of this page.

Due: Our next in-person event, in October.

Techniques and concepts: Upcycling, deconstructing

New to block lotto? Learn about it here

What you'll need

Denim (non stretchy), any colour/wash
Scissors
Seam ripper
Rotary cutter
All the sewing things
Curiosity, and a sense of adventure!

Steps

Deconstruct your denim with the help of a seam ripper, or cut it in large pieces with scissors or a rotary blade. Deconstructing takes more time, but if you do take this time, you'll find interesting shaped pieces and wear patterns that may spark ideas to make your blocks.
There are only two rules... The first, your block needs to have one decorative element, or at least one seam (no just cutting out plain blocks to hand in!). The second, your block should be cut at 9 1/2 inches square (giving a little extra so your block can be trimmed down is always helpful).

Only have one pair of jeans? The backside can be just as fun as the front, so don't hesitate to flip your denim around to the "wrong" side when creating your blocks!

Need ideas?

Patch some holes, from the front or behind, leave the fraying or cut it off.
Applique some of the elements you found when deconstructing your jeans.
Add interest by embroidering or stitching Sashiko style.
Reuse patches taken from other apparel.

Additional resources

Working with Denim by ELiu Hernandez (MQG Member Resource Library*) (In a hurry? Don't have the patience to watch a 17 minute video? The presenter speaks quite slowly, so you can easily watch the video at a 1.5 by clicking on the speed icon at the bottom right of the video)

Free Denim Quilt Patterns & Jean Quilt Ideas - Recycle Old Jeans | FreeQuilt.com

* Your OMQG membership includes membership to the MQG. Can't find your account? First contact the OMQG's membership coordinator to confirm your membership and that your MQG account was created. Still can't get in? Use the "forgotten password" links on the MQG site,or, contact the MQG directly.

Vice President's Quilting Elements Challenge - Bold Use of Colour

This year, we are exploring modern design elements, and how they can be applied to your quilting practice.

This month's theme is Bold Use of Colour. We've often seen bold colours used in modern quilts, but have you thought to apply it to the quilting?

"White on White Log Cabins" (By Robert J Bosscher @rjbosscher) is a wholecloth quilt and great example of how quilting and colour can be used as a single point of of interest.

"Stash Colour Wheel Revisited" (by Lynne Hanson @lynnepusscat) demonstrates how colourful quilting can enhance an overall design.

Your challenge, should you accept it, is to make a quilt sandwich out of a decent sized scrap and then practice quilting with colour. We're looking forward to seeing your creations!

Photo credits: Lindsay Upiter

Vice President's 2025-2026 Challenge - Party Line

I was very inspired by our guest speakers last season and thought the "Telephone Challenge" Karen Bolan presented as part of her talk on "Collaboration is Fun" would be a fabulous fit as our VP Challenge this year, but, naturally with a twist! We won't have just one prompt, but, up to 5 depending on participation. The prompts have a theme but that is all part of the big secret (or reveal, depending on your perspective).

So how will this work?

We will start with a picture prompt.
The 1st person will make a mini based on their interpretation of that prompt.
The 2nd person will use that 1st mini and make a mini based on their interpretation of the 1st mini.
The 3rd person will use that 2nd mini and make a mini based on their interpretation of the 2nd mini.
And so on until we have 4-5 minis based on that picture.

** How many times can I say "mini" on one page?! 😸

Ok, so how is this a “party line” and what are the rules? …

The “party” is that:

There will be more than one prompt shared.
More than one person *could* get the same prompt in the same month resulting in two different takes on the same prompt.

The Rules:

Have fun!
Each mini is no bigger than 12”x12 and doesn’t need to be square.
The mini should be quilted, backed, and bound.
Please attach your name and the month to the back so I know the who and when in order to tie everything together when we do the big reveal in June.
Each mini is due by the next event. Please give to Sam or provide a picture until you can hand it in.
Because we are keeping all of the minis a secret, please conceal the mini in any type of opaque bag or share on the down low so that others can't see the front 😉.
DO NOT SHARE YOUR MINI or anything you know about the prompt UNTIL THE CHALLENGE IS DONE - ie JUNE.

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And just like that, the 2025-2026 challenge is over. The theme was "Canada," with the "big reveal" at our June 22, 2026, event. Check out this group's creativity!