Welcome to day 3 of our 100 Blocks blog tour. It’s a glorious spring day in Colorado: the grass is greener, flowers are blooming and days are getting longer and warmer. This is my favorite time of the year!
Back in chilly November, I began looking for design inspiration for 100 Blocks, Volume 3. After I made Ice Crystal for Volume 2, I thought it would be fun to make a series of foundation-pieced seasonal blocks.
Ice Crystal from 100 Blocks, Volume 2
With that in mind, I used Electric Quilt to design a foundation-pieced flower. I was pleased with my results and couldn’t wait to gather my favorite batiks to sew it together.
Don’t look for the flower in 100 Blocks, Volume 3. That block evolved into an entire quilt. See my Primrose Patch on the May/June ’11 cover.
I needed another design for 100 Blocks. It’s now January. It’s getting colder and I’m really missing some warm sunshine. That’s what I needed, a sun!
After some trial and error with colors, I got the right yellow fabrics and foundation pieced my Sunblock.
Sunblock by Eileen Fowler
I wanted Sunblock to be sunshiny and bright. In a calendar holder, one Sunblock works great. But just in case you don’t want to wear your sunglasses to view a entire Sunblock quilt, here are a couple of color options in quilt settings:
Sunblock with teals and pinks
scrappy Sunblock
I could use some additional ideas for seasonal block designs.
Leave me a comment with your suggestions by 11:59 pm MDT Thursday, May 5th, and I’ll draw a random winner to receive a copy of 100 Blocks Vol. 3.
Edit on 5/6/11: Thanks for all the wonderful comments. There were some very creative ideas. I have a great list for future block designs.
Now, our winner of the 100 Blocks issue (drum roll, please). Random.org has selected #51.
Teresa E ( 5/4/11 at 6:24 am)
How about 4 sailboats that resemble a mariners compass when pieced together.
I also love sunflowers or fireworks.
Congratulations, Teresa!
Pingback: Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour | Quilty Pleasures Blog
This block is absolutely beautiful!
My all time favourite for any design is autumn leaves. Don’t know how you can make it into one of your amazing pieced blocks though.
What a stunning block! I love how you show the different color options. I like the scrappy Sunblock , it reminds me colors of the rainbow. Would you be able to transform a rainbow into a paper-pieced pattern?
Congrats!
That is a wonderful block design. It does have so many possibilities. I think an acorn with oak leaves would be really nice for autumn.
I love it!! I love the rainbow of suns quilt. Gorgeous!!!
Just what we need around here: SUNSHINE! Been very scarce. I love hexy blocks. I realized after I started quilting: I’m not a round peg, nor a square hole. I am a HEXAGON!
That block is gorgeous. Unfortunately I don’t have any ideas for you
Christmas baubles for a festive block. Love your scrappy block.
The multi-colored suns just seem to spin like gears! How about something red,white, and blue?
What a great complement to your ice crystal block! Let’s see, you’ve got snow, sun, flowers, something like swirling (autumn) leaves, maybe?
Your block is stunning. I love the multi brights.
Sue
So pretty! The possiblities are endless – thank you! I can not wait to get this issue!
Maria
I love the idea of a sunblock. I live in the woods and it would be very welcomed here!
This would look lovely in Christmas fabrics… reds and greens.
Love your sunblock! Something for autumn would be nice. Around here, we have lots of sugar maples which turn glorious colours – red, green, yellow, orange and brown. I bet you could do something awesome.
I see a table runner!
Your block designs capture the essence of winter and summer really effectively. As choice of colour is associated with the seasons, the whites and blues give the impression of chilly and the brilliant gold and strong colours summer, so why not softer, pastel hues for spring flowers and perhaps caramel, copper, olive and aubergine for autumn (or whatever colours you feel are appropriate)?
I think christmas would be a pretty theme but the yellow in orange are the best….congratulations
Beautiful block! Love the teal and pink version! How about a pastel version for spring?
Cool Block! Get it.. Cool… Icy. Really, it’s a very nice block. The blue one is my favorite.
Sunblock is just the block for this gray, rainy day in Maine. Wish I had it on my wall! I see a Scrappy Sunblock in my future…as soon as I learn to foundation piece.
To continue with your theme, I’d love to see a ring of Fall leaves.
What about an Indian Summer Sun done in fall colors? Would be awesome! Love the Pattern for the magazine you came up with!
Lovely block! So great also in scraps! I always love a winter theme with snowflakes. Thanks so much!
your block is beautiful it would look good as a tablerunner
Mary Ellen
Wow! what a stunning block, I just went OH! OH! how beautiul. It is so great, can’t think of anything that I would change. Have you tried red, white and blue?
Lovely block! scrappy one is very colorful
I’d love to see tulips and autumn leaves.
Your block is really gorgeous. Have you thought about black and white? Black and white together can really make a stunning quilt.
I think the block is great just the way it is in the scrappy look:) I love lots of color in a quilt and I think you have captured this.:))
Love the sun – how bright and summery. The scrappy quilt is my favorite idea for using it. The obvious for fall would be leaves and such as others have suggested. How about wheat fields/stalks, maybe sunflowers. Just brain-storming, not sure how these would work as foundation piecings, but that’s your job – LOL
I would try leaves for Autumn. Gold, rust, brown, dark green…. Love your scrappy sun quilt! Have a great day!
I love both of those blocks ~ especially the ice crystal. Makes me cold just looking at it. I think flowers for spring would be great.
Just lovely!
Beautiful, I think a set of 4 leaves in fall colors would be a good addition.
Beautiful. You do very nice work!
I love your sunny block! I could definitely look at a whole quilt of them, especially since we’re short on sunshine here in Kentucky. For other seasonal blocks, I think you could do a great star variation for the 4th of July.
Both blocks are so intricate and beautiful. I’ve scratched my head for a while now and can’t come up with any suggestions not already listed here.
for autumn you can’t go past those gorgeous maroons and browns with a touch of yellow. My favourite has to be the maple leaf so something that manages to join your star and the leaf….don’t know how though
Sunblock! What a very original block – I LOVE it!!! I may have to buy the issue just to get your block (no, seriously!) I love the way light just radiates out of the center! I think it would be absolutely amazing in really bright brights.
I think the planets / space theme would be cool
I love autumn leaves and trees would be great. Congrats on a great block.
I suggest that you add a tiny triangle at all four corners of your pieced block so that when the blocks are joined without sashing, either straight set or on-point, a secondary, tiny star design will be formed.
Seasonal blocks are all about changing the colors as it seems there are definite color combinations for each season. This is a wonderful giveaway and opportunity to win this book. Wonderful block . Judy C
Keeping with the same style of design, Fall could be a circle of leaves overlaping at the center. I like your sun block, but the scrappy color version is my favorite.
The first thing that came to mind was a ring of leaves for me as well. I really do like your new block.
Keep drawing from nature and the universe. How about a star – not just any star, one like we see here on earth on a very clear night that just touches your soul.
Your block is really WOWZA! You picked the absolute rights shades of yellow and orange against the blue. Perfect. How about an umbrella? Fall leaves? Flag?
The block in the Wing and a Prayer site is awesome. Love the airy feel.
How about 4 sailboats that resemble a mariners compass when pieced together.
I also love sunflowers or fireworks.
Very beautiful block. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of the magazine.
Mary
I loved the ice block and now the sun block is great too. I think a budding spring flower might be nice or some fall leaves. ALways one of my favorites.
What a beautiful block. Love how the center of the block looks like it is spinning. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.
Love the color combination!
paper pieced pleasures, oh my! love, love, love the Ice and the Sun! Good job. Thank you for sharing.
The use of the gradiated colors make theses block very vibrant! This would mak a very interesting quilt. Great block!
Autumn colors would look pretty as some beach type colors for summer.
Love your block!! It captures sunshine perfectly!! I would like to see an autumn block using all those beautiful fall leaf colors!
Love your block. What about doing in in teals.
How Cheery! I know how much we all need the sun in the long winter months, especially this year! The two blocks together would make a wonderful “Fire and Ice” quilt.
That block is amazing. Would love a free copy!
This is our ninth day in a row with no sun. Just looking at this block is therapeutic. Thanks.
This block is fabulous! I am not a foundation piecer but I may have to try this one! I love the yellow and red but the scrappy one is so fun!
Looking at your block, I wonder what it would look like if it was made in 30′s fabrics. They are light and cheerful — but won’t blind you. I suspect it would give a totally different “feel” to your block. I really like the scrappy look in your second example.
I absolutely love the Sunblock pattern. Just looking at it would brighten anyone’s day. And the fabrics in the scrappy quilt make the whole thing really POP!
I’m thinking a cute 3-block table runner would be awesome in fall colored batiks…or maybe a 4-block square tabletopper in red, white & blues. This block is really versatile! Can’t wait to see it in the magazine!
Love both the sun block and the ice crystal blocks. I suggest a moon block to go with the sun block.
Pine trees. I love this block. The yellow is spectacular, especially since we have not seen much sun yet this spring!!
Love the blocks Can’t wait to try them
Love both blocks. I can see them used together in one quilt – sort of a contrast between winter and summer.
I LOVE the brilliance of the Ice and Sun blocks. The sun block in red, white & blue would stir a salute out of anyone!
I’m loving the scrappy version! What a cool block.
I love your sun block – it’s so cheery and uplifting. How about doing a fireworks block?
I love the scrappy sun block quilt.
Sunblock by QM Associate Editor Eileen Fowler is my favorite. Would love to make it some time
How about stylizing this configuration into a pretty Spring six-petaled flower?
Fantastic sun block. Turn it into a flower for summer (with a sunny center) Thanks for sharing
Oh, I really like the scrappy Sunblock! Nice quilt.
Love the blocks. I can see it with a black or dark blue background, like the northern lights.
What a great block! I love the scrappy ones. I would love to see it done in jewel tone batiks.
THAT is a very clever block pattern! I’m really looking forward to giving it a go! I’m having a hard time coming up with “seasonal” suggestions, but I wondered how it would look in black/white/grey/red/purple combinations.
What a great block! Can’t wait to play with this one.
Gorgeous!
I love paper piecing!
This would look great in a rainbow of colours!
What a happy block. I will love pp it. Gloria
I love this block and have the issue featuring it. Fall colors definately would be georgous.
Oh man, I really love this one. How striking. I’m just getting started with paper piecing, but this is something to shoot for!
Your block is beautiful. It looks like it is moving.
You could make a Sunflower in two tones for fall. It is a nice Block to switch colors on. Thanks for the variations, and a chance to win the Magazine before it’s on the shelves.
How about a butterfly. Something that looks like fireworks. Maybe a pumpkin. Good luck. I look forward to your other ideas. I love this block!!
Wow! What a beautiful block!
I really like the yellows and oranges, black and white would be fun too. Great Job!
How about a tree in all seasons? I’m from New England…it’s pretty dramatic. Spring in such a vibrant green (or sometimes flowering) but the ground is still bare or just barely starting to green up…..Summer is lush green on green, fall brings the beautiful reds/oranges/yellows….and winter has it’s own lonely beauty of naked trees against a gray sky with a blanket of white….
Gorgeous blocks! I’m going to have to try to find a Vol. 2. I love that blue block. I’m definitely going to give the Sunblock a try. Thanks for great ideas.
Your correct…. sunglasses are must for this block, it even radiates warm rays.
Ideas for a seasonal paper pieced block… fall leaves, Colorado must have some wonderful fall color to give you inspiration….
Kay
Metro Atlanta
Your blue crystal version block is fantastic! I love finding more ‘snowy day’ blocks. Thanks!
Your block is fabulous. I really like how it radiates the color. How about making an autumn tree exploding and radiating in color!
Love these blocks. Is there a way to combine scrappy icy blues and whites into snowflake blocks???
How about sunflowers or wheat sheaves for an autumn theme? Thanks for the chance. I love the scrappy block.
Beautiful block, Eileen. You have a gift for designing foundation patterns.
The scrappy version grabs my attention. Your block is so versatile. For me autumn is filled with design ideas from harvets to leaves that there just may be too many.
All I can say is WOW! Beautiful!
you are an artist!
Pick me!
XOXOX Subee
Just beautiful ! Love the scarppy sunflower quilt – stunning!
What about a patriotic sunflower quilt?
Both color variations are amazing!
Your block is amazing! As stated above, totally captures the sun
Seasonal blocks … what hasn’t been done? Your sun is beautiful and along those lines it’s hard to compete. All that comes to mind for me is autumn leaves, apples, mittens, snowflakes … or Christmas ornaments come in lots of varieties. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this wonderful edition of the magazine!
I loved both quilts, and colors, I would like to see it in black and white, with the colors of the seasons as backgrounds, such as oranges for fall, blue for winter, wild pink for summer, and yellow for spring….
Love this block in the blues the best.
This block is absolutely gorgeous and I love the yellows in it!
Sorry can’t help with a suggestion.You are doing great as it is.
WOW! both are so neat. Congrats!
What a cool block. How about holiday colors? The scrappy quilt reminds me of Easter eggs, so a Christmassy one might be appropriate too.
I love the block. I wonder how it would look in Christmas colors? The star could beocme a red poinsettia. I love the scrappy version.
I love this block – I too would like to see it in Christmas colors. (Or maybe a collection of the blocks for each season?) Hmmmm.
Maybe a sunflower block – I know you just did the sun. Then how about a snowflake.
how about making one for Christmas that would look like a poinsettia?
So bright and sunny love this edition in the yellows, oranges and blues, love the icle blue winter block too.,.. maybe a fall theme should be next?
Just came home with your magazine yesterday! Thanks for a chance at the giveaway. I would suggest a Halloween block. Use some orange/black/yellow and a touch of purple.
I love your blue snowflake block as much as your sun block. I would have to sew both of them! Fourth of July could be done in red/white/blue?
I love your block. Spring colors for me. I also like the ice crystals from last year.
What a pretty block! I have to try foundation piecing now! Love the scrappy version, but the yellow really sings. Ice Crystals is really pretty, too, and the flower quilt!
love the snow and star…wow! love to see more trees, fat, skinny, short tall, bushes…lol
Can’t remember if I already left a comment, but if not – Great block. Thanks for sharing.
How about christmas cactus blossom or lillies. Thanks for a chance to win.
Cindy W.
I love this block as much as the Ice Crystals! For Summer I’d like to see ppieced beach balls in the sand with water in the background, or a couple of beach balls and a beach umbrella in the sand, or a starfish (that would be very cool).
What patience to put that all together. Independence Day is coming up. How about red, white and blue for a QOV quilt?
This is my favorite block so far. Absolutely beautiful. Looks like you have winter, summer and spring (with primrose path) cover, so now you need to make a block for autumn. I recommend falling leaves.
I love the bright, sunny, scrappy version of the quilt using your block. It’s so HAPPY!
OK, this is totally my favorite so far! Can’t wait to see it in the magazine!
Judy
SunBlock is simply dazzling! Next, you could work your magic on some leaf or tree blocks.
Amazing blocks! I like some of the ideas suggested – autum leaves or acorns, sunflowers or tulips – or may corn stalks for the fall
Love your blocks. maybe I’m crazy but how about a block that looks likes a summer campfire?
Sunblock is one of my favorite blocks that I’ve seen from the magazine so far. I love the vibrant colors. Like a lot of other commenters, I think fall leaves (in a wreath pattern) and spring flowers would comliment your Ice Crystals and Sunblock.
your blocks are fabulous and so versatile! You seem to favor multi-colored points so how about a Fourth of July firework block ?
What a cheerful block. LOVE IT! It’s a great block the way it has the movement in it. Gosh, I am horrible at ideas but something for Christmas would be awesome using golds, silver, red and greens but what exactly, I’m not sure. Maybe ornaments of some kind?
Wow! What about using black, grey and white with a touch of red?
Gorgeous blocks!
Love the scrappy suns! Your designs are awesome.
I love applique so i’d pick something for spring: tulips, froggies, and bright colors.
How about a mums for fall? It could be similar in shape of the two blocks you have done already, make it look like you are looking straight down on one flower. Hope this makes sense!
How about daffodils for spring. We really are waiting for spring to arrive.
OH HOOOOO!!! Like this block! Reminds me of summer. I like it very much. The more blocks I see on this tour the more I am wanting to see this magazine!! You did a good job for sure!!
Your block is stunning, I could see it done in green batiks for St. Patrick’s day!
That is so darling. I love the other seasons you can do with it. nothing like a versatile block.
~a
I LOVE this block…can’t wait to make it!
How about some watermelons for summer time to go with the sun!?
I love the sun block. The variations in other colors are wonderful. I love foundation piecing.
really love the scrappy sunblock. I am not very good at paper piecing but love the look it gives
love the look of it! I would try piecing different shapes into the seasonal blocks, pumpkins, cats, holly leaves, apples, etc.
Wow…thats a beautiful block.
Love the multicolored suns. Such a change from the gloomy weather. Thanks.
Love the scrappy block! How about red and green for Christmas?
Great blocks. I prefer the scrappy sunblock. It would surely brighten up a table.
A great burst of sunshine! I’d like to use the block as part of a landscape in an art quilt.
LOVED THIS BLOCK. It will definately be on my list of ones to make. Thanks for sharing.
Your block really pops and I would love to walk into a room and see a whole quilt made using those colors. Well done. How about twirling flags for the Fourth of July.
Eileen, your Sunblock is great. I can see a scrappy quilt using Ice Crystal and Sunblock togeher…what’s in store for Volume 4? Sandi
Your sunshine block is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the different colorways. The bright scrappy example makes me think of stars.
When I think of summer, I think about beaches, so I would suggest something with waves or the ocean as a seasonal block for the summer.
Wow! Nice touch there of colors. Nice blending of the colors, really making the most out of it!
I love your sun block, and the ice crystal one. What about one based on leaves for autumn?
Lovely block. You have really captured the brightness of the sun. I love the autumn colors and always think of the changing leaves. Spring bulbs are another favorite. The Icicle block was also great.
I love these season blocks!!! Maybe a blooming Dasiy for spring
I like doing FPP and I loved your Crystal block, Eileen. You’re keeping up the great work with the Sunblock block, too! I like what you did with the yellows. You can probably do something similar with greens for a spring like block.
Your sunshine block is pretty, I like yellows, but your Ice Crystal block is awesome. Thanks for the opportunity to when the magazine.
what a fab block.. I think it would be extremely flowing if the colors in each block went from dark to light, from winter blue to spring green or yellow, night to day, clouds to sun. Does this even make sense?? I can see it in my head LOL, o-well beautiful blocks
I love color and favor the one with all colors. I’m thinking purples, golds and greens with a mardi fabric border of beads and masks.
Stunning block! I loved the winter one too. Another idea would be a Christmas tree!
So sunshiny, I just love it!
What a great block, and giving us the different color options, well, thank you! Seasonal…I immediately go to the winter holidays. What about a spin on this block using a candy cane idea (with the hooked ends radiating out?
I have a few suggestions for you, red and green for christmas, country colors (I love them) and then fall colors… Your sunblock looks alot like the sun, we’re having this, we’re leaving the last days of summer
I love the Snow Crystals….I’m need Volume 2 just to get that pattern! And I love Primrose Path….just adore it. I’m so glad it was published in the monthly magazine and I got my subscription! Your new Sun is awesome!
I agree with others…..red-white-blue patriotic flags or hearts or something. And I love autumn leaves. How about more purple?
Gorgeous block! My favorite is the scrappy quilt with all the sparkling multi-colored blocks! It makes me happy just looking at it!
they are both beautiful–would tulips work in that configuration just changing your colors around?
wow! apparently i need to find myself a copy of volume 2, ice crystal is amazing! and the sun block is so bright and festive, i can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of volume 3!
living on the west coast, i’m a huge fan of ocean imagery. done in grey blues, it could be a more winter, blustery block, or in teal blues, it could be a warm summer block.
the one thing that always signifies spring here (since our seasons are hard to tell apart with the near constant rain!!) is cherry blossoms, which are always lovely. for that matter, rain would be a wonderful block too! it would be very cool if your series worked for those of us who live in more temperate climates – some years we don’t even get snow at all!
This block would look great in any holiday prints, especially Christmas prints. Actually, this block would look good in any print!
Thank you,
Debra Cannon
This is a beautiful block with so many possibilities. I can’t wait to begin.