I did a little bit of quilting today and also took down about half of my Christmas decorations. This was another one of those days where I changed directions on what I was going to do, can you tell I don’t like to write down goals and resolutions? I decided to make the first two blocks that are part of the Solstice Challenge that Pat Sloan has started. This is a free quilt along, the challenge is to make 25 blocks in 182 days, want to join me? 
It won’t surprise anyone to see that I am using batiks for my blocks. I have about 3 yards of the pale yellow background that I thought would be good to use. I’m just going to use my stash and haven’t picked a color theme other than…..the pale yellow background.
Block #1 is the Churn Dash block and is a favorite of mine. Last year I did a Christmas Dash Tutorial making a table topper and 4 place-mats using this block in Christmas fabrics…..in fact I just packed them away today with my Christmas stuff. 
I used my AccuQuilt 12″ Churn Dash die to cut out the pieces. I hope I’ll be able to make most of the blocks with my dies.
Block #2 is the Day to Night block which is another easy block to make. You just have watch how it is laid out.
It is also a 12″ block and I used my 12″ AccuQuilt Qube. 
One Hundred Eight-Two Day Solstice Challenge hosted by Pat Sloan. This is the page for the Solstice Challenge with links to each block that you can download for free. I am going to challenge myself to make all the blocks and…..finish the quilt in 2017!
I also pulled out the collection of batiks that I will be using for the Island Batik New Beginnings blog hop in January. It is called Lake Life. I should have my project done but……….don’t worry, I’ll get it done. #newbeginningsbloghop
Carol S.
I love these in batiks! I’m using a bundle from my stash to make these blocks, but I’ve only finished one block. I need to get busy! Happy New Year, Connie, and thanks for all your quilt-inspiring posts.
Pat Evans
I have also started the Solstice Challenge although I will fall behind while we are on our 7 week trip to FL and NC. I’ll only have access to a machine about half the time. But at a block aweek, I should be able to catch up quickly. I’m using a floral I had 3 yards of as my constant. Love your cutting station and design wall. Not enough room in my house for either but I can dream.
Sara F
I had to check out the Solstice challenge and might just have to participate. BOM (or BO-Week) are usually one of my favorite things to do because I don’t get a chance to get bored.
Mary
I’ve been seeing the Solstice blocks popping up on blogs. Yours look great in those colors. The yellow is such a pretty background.
Miriam
Churn dash is a favorite block. I need to sit and cut and sew… not before Sunday, so I will admire your projects and add to my lists of “wanna-dos”. Enjoy!