May Block Lotto - Inspired by Gee's Bend

 Block #8 - Celebrating Sadie Bell Nelson

The last block in our celebration of the quilters of Gee’s Bend features the centre medallion from a quilt by Sadie Bell Nelson (1936-1981), circa 1965.  The medallion is a Monkey Wrench block, also known as Churn Dash.  I am staying true to Sadie’s colour choices, but reshaping the block into a square rather than a rectangle.  The block finishes at 12 inches square.

Fabric requirements

Peach, grey, pumpkin orange, turquoise, dark brown, and green solids (or near solids).

Cutting

From the grey 

1 - 5.75” x 5.75”

From the pumpkin orange

1 - 5.75” x 5.75”

From the turquoise

1 - 6.5” x 6.5” 

From the peach

8 - 2.5” x 3.5”

From the dark brown

2 - 2.5” x 3.5”

From the green

2 - 2.5” x 3.5”

To make the block:

Use a ¼” seam throughout.

Start by making four at a time Half Square Triangles (HSTs).  

1. Stack the grey and the pumpkin orange squares, right sides together. 

Sew around all four sides of the square.  

Cut along one diagonal. 

Without moving the block, cut along the second diagonal.

Open each HST and press seams to one side.

Trim to 3.5” square.  Set HSTs aside.

2. Sew a 2.5” x 3.5” peach rectangle to each side of the dark brown 2.5” x 3.5” rectangles.  Press seams away from the centre.

3. Sew one of the above units to each side of the turquoise square.  Press seams away from the centre.

4. Sew a 2.5” x 3.5” peach rectangle to each side of the green rectangles.  Press seams away from the centre.

5. Sew an HST to either side of the above units.  Press seams towards the centre (so that seams will nest in the next step).

6. Sew the above units to the top and bottom of the turquoise square unit.  Press seams away from the centre.

You are done!  The block should measure 12.5” square.

We need you! Positions to fill for the 2025-2026 season.

We are looking for folks to fill these positions in the upcoming 2025-2026 season.  These positions help the guild flourish, bring the guild together, and provide opportunities for learning, connection, and fun.

• Program Coordinator
• Workshop Coordinator
• Block Lotto Coordinator

If you are interested but have questions before diving in, contact Kirstin @ PresidentOMQG@gmail.com.

Program Coordinator

• Communicates program and event information for members through email, blog posts, Facebook, and/or other social media formats.
• Communicates regularly with The Board on upcoming speakers and status of planned speakers.
• Attends meetings of The Board as needed to make proposals to The Board on programs and events.
• Actively works on future months’ programs, events, projects, challenges, Block of the Month.
• Coordinates giveaways, challenges or events based on the programs presented.
• Attends monthly guild meetings.
• Supports the planning, implementation, maintenance, and documentation of The Guild’s public programs and educational initiatives.

Workshop Coordinator

• Develops workshop schedules, coordinates with hosts and instructors, and plans all logistical details including managing the workshop budget. 
• Handles external communications with hosts, instructors, and participants, and manages inquiries.
• Ensures timely delivery and preparation of workshop materials and supplies.
• Serves as a point of contact for participants, addressing their questions and needs.
• Provides support to instructors, ensuring their needs are met and facilitates a smooth learning environment. 

Block Lotto Coordinator

• Creates or finds individual block designs for each month.
• Posts the patterns on the blog each month by writing or providing links to clear and detailed instructions for each month's block, including cutting instructions, sewing techniques, and any necessary tips.
• Responds to questions or concerns from participants regarding the patterns or program.
• Keeps track of which participants have completed which blocks in order to do the monthly draws.