Patterns, patchworks and projects
Not every quilt is made to mark a wedding or birth, no. Many speak to the political and social realms of society. With “Threads of Resistance”, transform your feelings about U.S. current events into a traditional or art quilt. An exhibit to follow. Excited.
Click the link below to learn more.
Threads of Resistance – Call For Entries, by Artist Circle
{Image credit: Artist Circle}
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Autumn quilting always seems to start the same way in my sewing room. I pull out a few orange scraps, add some warm neutrals, and suddenly I’m sewing pumpkins.
Pumpkin blocks are one of those quilt designs that work beautifully for fall scrap quilts. They’re simple, cheerful, and easy to repeat across a quilt top. Even better, most pumpkin blocks are made from basic patchwork shapes, which means they’re perfect for using up leftover fabrics.
If you’ve been searching for pumpkin quilt block patterns, fall quilt blocks, or scrap-friendly pumpkin quilting ideas, these tutorials are a wonderful place to start. Many of them can easily be turned into table runners, wall quilts, mug rugs, or full autumn quilts just by repeating the block.
The free patchwork pumpkin block from Lo & Behold Stitchery includes two sizes — a small 5.5-inch block and a larger 19-inch version. The smaller block is perfect for quick projects like coasters or mug rugs, while the larger one works beautifully as a pillow or mini quilt centerpiece. The construction uses simple patchwork pieces, making it ideal for beginners looking for an easy fall quilt block.
If you prefer classic patchwork blocks, the simple pumpkin quilt block tutorial from Burlap & Blossom Patterns is a great beginner project. The block can be sewn in multiple sizes including 6?, 12?, 18? and even a large 24? version, making it flexible for quilts, pillows, or seasonal wall hangings.
For quilters who love digging through their scrap bin, the scrappy pumpkin quilt block tutorial from Sarah Goer Quilts shows how to piece together orange fabric leftovers into charming pumpkin shapes. The scrappy style makes each block slightly different, which gives a fall quilt wonderful texture and personality.
The easy pumpkin quilt block tutorial from Create Whimsy uses only four fabrics and comes together surprisingly quickly. The step-by-step instructions make this a fantastic block for beginners, and the design works well when repeated to create a seasonal table runner or wall quilt.
The patchwork pumpkin quilt block featured on PatternPile is another scrap-friendly project that works beautifully with leftover autumn fabrics. The finished block measures roughly 13½ inches, which makes it a great centerpiece block for fall pillows or mini quilts.
The pumpkin quilt block tutorial from Connie Kresin uses half-square triangles to create the curved pumpkin shape. It’s a clever design that comes together quickly, and the tutorial also shows how the block can be repeated to create a small fall table runner.
The scrappy pumpkin block pattern featured on The Little Mushroom Cap is perfect for quilters who want a cozy autumn look. The block uses simple squares and corner triangles, which makes it beginner friendly while still producing a lovely pumpkin shape. The design works well in table runners, mug rugs, or full fall quilts.
Some pumpkin blocks include shapes like half-square triangles or small patchwork units. Quilters who make a lot of these blocks often speed up the cutting process with specialty tools.
For example, many quilters like using AccuQuilt half-square triangle dies, which can quickly cut the units used in many pumpkin block patterns.
If you prefer acrylic templates instead of dies, you can also find pumpkin quilt block templates and pumpkin quilt patterns on Etsy, which often include printable instructions and cutting guides.
Pumpkin blocks are almost made for scrap quilting. The body of the pumpkin can be pieced from multiple orange prints, the stems can be brown or green scraps, and the background fabrics can vary from block to block.
When several pumpkin blocks are sewn together, the slightly different fabric combinations create a quilt that feels warm, seasonal, and wonderfully handmade.
And honestly, pulling out a pumpkin quilt each autumn is one of those little traditions that makes the season feel extra cozy.
Do you realize how divisive this is? This is the very first line of the challenge, “The Artist Circle presents “Threads of Resistance,” a juried exhibition of work created to protest the Trump administration’s actions and policies.” What the heck? Are you trying to loose half your readers?
Hello Scarlett! This is a very interesting post and one I would never have known about on my own. I do not think it is something I will do, but I may know someone who just might. So thank you for including such a broad and interesting spectrum of posts on blogs to present for us! Have a great day!
Do you really think that people come to this site for political views?
Mercy…
Great idea. Artists can change the world.
Is Threads of Resistance only for opposition to the Trump administration? I voted republican for many reasons. Am I happy with what’s going on in our country? No. What I resist is how intolerant, unloving, and uncompassionate people are on both sides of this. For me, quilting is therapeutic and I think this is a great venue for expression of frustration given the current political climate. Is this call for entrants open to all of us, regardless of who we voted for or where we stand?
Thanks for your reply……
Good morning Lynn,
I visited the Threads of Resistance Facebook page this morning to see if I could get an answer for you. It is a protest against Trump policies, not against Trump voters. I agree with you that division on both sides is a problem that deserves attention from needle and thread.
Link to Threads of Resistance FB: https://www.facebook.com/threadsofresistance/
Of note is a comment from one of organizers on Feb 26 by Sue DiMeglio Russell Kaufman. She says
“i just really want to emphasize that every person/sewer should feel welcome to express a viewpoint. No one should marginalize themselves for any reason. Let the panel decide what best interprets their mission. Don’t let anything hold you back. I thank you.”
So, I say go for it Lynn. And I’d love to see your progress.
Warmly,
Scarlett Burroughs
Quilting Editor, Craft Gossip