Welcome to the last block of the 2018 Monthly Color Challenge.  You made it!  I personally cannot believe that I have stitched the last block in this quilt.

The color theme for December is Black and White.  Thank goodness – a color I can identify without my color wheel.

The 2018 Monthly Color Challenge is hosted by Jen, of Patterns by Jen.  Her blog has her block design for the month, along with information on the great giveaway this month.

This month if you complete something using black and white fabric, you can enter to win this beautiful bundle Bella Solids fabric from Fat Quarter Shop.   Jen’s blog has a linkup that opens for the last week of the month.

Be sure to visit my fellow bloggers this month, too, for inspiration and new block designs.

Jen at Patterns by Jen
Sherry at Powered by Quilting
Dione at Clever Chameleon
Nancy at Masterpiece Quilting

Circle Play

I decided to go with a fairly simple block this month.  I need more simplicity in my life sometimes.  Please disregard the dingy colors.  I need to upgrade the studio lighting.  These are actually nice bright whites.

Supplies

• 6 1/2″ quarter circle ruler (Mine is from Betty Crocker Ass)
• Black and white fabrics – less than a fat quarter of each is needed
• White fabric for background
• Rotary Cutter
• Self healing mat
• Sewing Machine
• Pins
• Iron
• Thread

Cutting

Cut 4 background arcs of white fabric using your Piece B template
Cut 6 strips of white fabric 2 1/2″ x 7 1/2″
Cut 6 strips of black fabric 2 1/2″ x 7 1/2″

Only half of the cut strips are pictured.  This was initially an experiment.  And yes, it does look like I need a new ironing board cover.

Construction

Sew your strips into 4 sets of three strips.  You will have two that alternate white, black, white, and two that alternate black, white, black.  I pressed my seams to the dark side this time, to allow the blocks to nest nicely.

Cross cut your strips into  2 1/2″ sections.  You will get 3 pieces from each strip set.

Switch them around, and stitch them together.  We are just making a standard 9 patch.

Take time to pin your intersections.  We have a lot of contrast here, and a little bit of attention goes a long way.

Lay out the 9 patches together.  It will be important to keep them properly oriented as you cut the arcs.  I used a directional print, so I made sure they were all lined up properly.  You also want to have a checkerboard effect.

Lay your Piece A arc onto your square.  Line up the corner of the template with the inner corner of the block.  Cut carefully.

Cut all 4 pieces, making sure the template is lined up properly.

Attach your Piece B background arcs to your pieced centers.  I used a lot of pins, but neglected to photograph that step.

Join all 4 pieces together. Tah dah!

The gang is all here!  I have an interesting layout idea – let’s see if I can get it together before the end of the month.

Thanks for playing along with us this year!  It has been so cool to see others making my blocks and experimenting with improv.  If you make any of the circles, tag me on social media.  I really love seeing them.  I’m @jenstrauser on Instagram, and Dizzy Quilter on Facebook.

Previous blocks

January Color Challenge
February Color Challenge
March Color Challenge
April Color Challenge
May Color Challenge
June Color Challenge
July Color Challenge
August Color Challenge
September Color Challenge
October Color Challenge