It’s only early September, but somehow Christmas is already creeping into the back of my mind. Or perhaps it’s more the realisation that we’re now just over 100 days away from Christmas! And that means it’s the perfect time to start thinking about another 100 Days Until Christmas challenge.
I have to admit, I’m a big fan of these kinds of challenges. They give me a little extra motivation and help me stay focused on a project. Last year, I accidentally started this whole thing when I jokingly posted on Instagram asking if anyone would be interested in joining me in making the Tula Pink sampler. It consisted of exactly 100 blocks, so the idea was simple: make one block every day for 100 days.
I received so many lovely responses that I simply had to go ahead with it! You can read all about how that challenge started and how it turned out in this blog post, which I wrote together with a few other members.
Over the past few weeks, a couple of quilting friends have already asked me whether I was planning to do another 100 blocks / 100 days until Christmas challenge this year. Initially, I wasn’t planning on it, but the idea slowly started growing on me again.
During our last quilting bee with my lovely Frisian group, Lapkes & Leafde, the subject came up once more. And, well, by the time I got home, I was feeling rather enthusiastic about giving it another go!
So, naturally, the first thing I did was rummage through my fabric and pattern storage to see what I already had that might work for a 100-day project.
Finding the right project
For a challenge like this, I think it’s important to choose something that isn’t too complicated. After all, you need to be able to find time for it every single day. Each block shouldn’t take too long to make, but it should still be interesting enough to keep you motivated throughout the challenge.
I also know myself quite well by now. Making 100 nine-patches, for example, would probably drive me crazy!
While digging through my drawers, I came across a set of 3″ scrappy triangle blocks by Leila Gardunia. The foundation paper piecing (FPP) pattern makes 50 blocks on a single sheet, which means I would already be halfway there!
My plan is to make those 50 FPP blocks and then create the other 50 by randomly cutting and piecing together different scraps to make another set of 3″ blocks.
So, this year’s project will be a combination of 50 FPP blocks and 50 improv blocks. A nice mix of precise piecing and a little improvisation!
As for the fabrics, I’m planning to dive into my scrap drawer and see what treasures I can find. It’s getting to the point where I can barely close it anymore, so this seems like the perfect opportunity to put some of those scraps to good use.
For the background side of the half-square triangles, I’m thinking of using low-volume fabrics, but keeping those scrappy as well. I love the idea of having lots of different fabrics and little surprises throughout the quilt.
Are you joining me?
The lovely thing about this challenge is that you can choose absolutely any project you like, as long as it involves making 100 blocks.
Perhaps this is the year you’ll finally start (or make some serious progress on) your Tula Pink sampler. Maybe you’re feeling particularly ambitious and want to make 100 Dear Jane blocks, or perhaps you have another quilt project waiting patiently for its turn. Whatever you choose, I’d love for you to join in!
If you’re taking part, please share your progress on Instagram, tag me @sewbySanne. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #100blocksuntilChristmas so we can all follow along and cheer each other on.
Let the countdown begin!
I started on September 16th. If you make one block every day, you’ll have sewn for exactly 100 days and completed all 100 blocks on Christmas Day!
Of course, I couldn’t resist trying out one little block already. You can see my first attempt at the top of this post. I think this is going to be a fun one!
I’ve also created a little countdown calendar to help keep track of the days.
I’ll be sharing my progress on Instagram, and I’m hoping to write another blog post closer to the finish line to show you how all those little blocks have come together.
So, who’s in? I’d love to hear what you’re planning to make!
Happy sewing,
Sanne
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