#rbdblockchallenge 2025 Progress
I have watched the RBD block challenge on social media for a few years and love watching all the lovely designers putting their own spin on the blocks. The wealth of creativity leaves my flabbers ghasted. This year I made it a priority to sew along with everyone as an opportunity to expand my skills and open my quilty horizons. I’m so glad I did!
I am doing two sets of blocks. The first is with some semi-coordinated fabrics from my stash and the second with one of my all time favorite collections: Flowers for Freya.
The designer of Flowers for Freya is Linzee Kull McCray and designs for Moda Fabrics. They are delicate traditional patterns but the vibrant colors bring in a new level of fun. Some of her other collections also have very similar designs in different colorways. I honestly wish I could have a simple shirt-dress in nearly every one of her designs. I attached a link to my blog post on Mood Fabrics Shirt Dress. It’s a great pattern… anyway…
I’ve realized that my biggest hurdle is seeing which patterned fabrics and solids to use in order to really make sure my patterned fabrics can shine. I ended up getting a few matching solids and threw some plaid and some gray gingham to keep things settled down for my Flowers for Freya fabric. Some block remakes are in my future but I think I’ll be able to put together a nice little quilt by the time this challenge wraps up.
Block 1 (January 14th)
This is one of my favorites and I am really pleased how it turned out! Lori Holt is a great designer and her block, Bloom & Grow, really channels her typical design techniques.
Block 2 (January 21st)
I really loved putting this block together but my color choices are not the best. It is my rule of thumb now to always have at least one solid for my blocks. Around the Corner really is a fun block and I think I am going to continue making some more for this quilt!
Block 3 (January 28th)
This block really is A Rose Among Thorns. I omitted the stem and thorn because I cut so many pieces for this block already but I love it none the less.
Block 4 (February 4th)
Surprisingly. this was the first time I did an eight-in-one half square triangle. It was so easy! I think this is going to be my go-to method for making them moving forward. The second time making Twirl I changed the directions of the half square triangles.
Block 5 (February 11)
Flower Patch is finally when I learned that I need to have at least one solid in each block. It really helps the florals shine, doesn’t it? There were a lot of small pieces for this block but it was so worth it!
These blocks have been a lot of fun to make. While I don’t love them all, they have expanded my horizons on what it takes to put together various block designs. They all work together to create a great overall sampler design. I am challenging myself and working on building my skills!
I can’t wait to see what the next 11 blocks have in store!
Check out Riley Blake Designs for all the information you need to join and for past block challenges!