"We all begin somewhere. And wherever you begin, it is good. When you first begin quilting it can seem like everyone is so much more talented than you - that somehow they were born with the gift of knowing how to create perfect blocks with impeccable seams that always fit together just right. But do you know what the real secret is? They learned how to do what seems second nature to them a little bit at a time. Nobody is born with all the skills they will possess at any point in their lives, and everyone can improve, whether they are beginners or experts. You never really arrive. That’s the beauty of growth in quilting and in life... during this magical time of year... I feel renewed creative energy flow in my life. Choosing to make something new takes courage and every time you sit behind a sewing machine, you are choosing to be brave. You are making something new that never existed before and I applaud you for your bold actions! Quilting may seem like a simple artform, but it can have long-lasting effects that ripple through generations. By exercising your creativity, you are making this world a more beautiful place. Be gentle with yourself as you grow. Allow yourself to make mistakes, because that is where the greatest learning takes place. And when you look back, you will see how much you have learned. I believe in you and I know that the little things you do each day will eventually add up to bigger things. That is the law of the harvest. Wherever you begin, choose to make something that brings you happiness today and eventually you will feel great joy."

It Begins by Setting the Mood...

This issue’s theme is “Harvest” and we’re excited to share the bounty of ideas and fun that goes into making this issue of BLOCK Magazine.

... and becomes something amazing.

Go Behind the Scenes

Making It Fun...

Each year, BLOCK Magazine hosts a sew along and this year's is more beautiful than ever - the Staccato Star! Above, you can see Natalie and Liz getting ready to film helpful tutorials that will live in the digital version of BLOCK.

Collecting Creativity...

As we begin to add even more videos to our digital issues of BLOCK Magazine, we took some time to have a Video Team Sew Day to get hands-on practice with what we love to share - how to make beautiful things! We put our video team behind the sewing machine and in front of the camera as they also took turns trying out new camera angles and making 8-at-a-time Half Square Triangles into their own blocks - stay tuned for a peek at their finished quilt, heading to our Missouri Star Machine Quilting department! They’ve chosen our machine quilting pattern, “Sticky Buns” and will get a little help from Liz Gubernatis to bind, label, and hang their quilt in the studio.

Meet the Team | Kimberly Forman

Kimberly manages the pattern team - overseeing the writing, illustrations, design, and editing of each pattern. Months before an issue release, Kim will assign each task to a team member, working with other members of the team to ensure the accuracy of each pattern. She pours her heart into each issue, making a big effort to complete a flawless magazine by proofreading each issue cover to cover - 3 times over!

Take a Peek New Issue Coming Soon

But this mission is no small feat. The organization is powered by the kind donations from people all around the world. Subscribe to BLOCK today and learn how some quilters and sewists use their talent with a needle and thread to make menstrual supplies for Days for Girls.

Here, we’re sewing the step-outs, the pictures on the side of patterns that show each step of the process. To make a pile of pillows isn’t as many steps as you might think! Do you make coordinating pillows? How do you like to finish your pillows?