Optimisms, sought and noted
Today I have been sewing new blocks for my Positivities quilt. Club members just received the second pattern booklet earlier this week, so it is early days yet in our 12-month club. But naturally, I am working ahead. Would you like to see?
I am sewing good ol’ fashioned plus blocks. These never do get old! They’re super scrap-friendly and super straightforward so you can sew them on a lazy day and everything comes out swell. And today is certainly a lazy day, haha! I am giving myself permission to be distracted from my work and even went on a walk in the middle of the day. It was refreshing.
Now I have a batch of plus blocks ready to be sprinkled throughout my Positivities quilt-in-progress. In fact, I think it is high time that I layout the quilt blocks that I have sewn so far and see how this is looking. Don’t you agree?
Okay, so there are still some giant holes and the lighting on my design wall isn’t ideal today, but you get the idea. I like the energy! Now I am feeling inspired to start assembling things and fill in the negative space properly with the Tilda Peacock blue so that I can really see how it’s going to look. Exciting!
It is not too late to join us! If you join the club now, you’ll receive the January and February editions right away and then the March edition when it is published early next month. You can still choose to pay in one lump sum (and save!) or opt for the monthly subscription model. Come join the fun!
xoxo,
Rachel
Tapestry Garden is a block of the month club. Come sew-along with us as we bring this modern sampler quilt to life, creating group by group of beautifully interwoven patchwork throughout 2026. This original round runs January - December 2026.
Patio, Iris, Trellis, Coneflowers, Stone Path, Waterlily and more - each patchwork group is its own particular delight. Together they make up an ode to patchwork pleasure that’s as delightful to behold as it is to sew.
This sampler quilt is designed and sewn based on color value. The pattern will guide you to use low, medium or dark value fabrics for each element of the quilt. As a result your patchwork will have the same balance in contrast and value placement as mine. Plus, you can usea wide variety of scraps or stash fabrics without becoming too focused on color itself. The pattern also calls for solids at times, in order to create visual definition in the patchwork.
Skill level: Suitable for confident beginners or intermediate quilters. During the course of the year, you will learn techniques for foundation paper piecing, simple curved piecing and machine applique. No prior experience with these techniques is assumed. This is the least technically challenging of all my BOM programs thus far.
Size: 74” x 84” throw quilt
Fabrics: This is a scrap-friendly quilt! With your purchase, you’ll immediately receive the introductory Prelude PDF for quilt planning. It discusses tool, yardage and scrap needs, possible color palettes and includes a blank color sheet. In addition to scraps and misc. stash fabrics, you’ll need 2 yards of solid fabrics in total.
Before the 5th of each month, Jan-Dec in 2026, you’ll receive a club email with:
A pattern for the monthly patchwork group
Lessons in technique: color value, applique, foundation paper piecing and curved piecing.
Inspiration from our community
Tips for each leg of the journey
Plus, 3 extra quilt patterns, each of which is a spin-off from one Tapestry Garden patchwork group to create an entire quilt. The final photo is a preview of one bonus quilt pattern: Deco Bloom.
Joining after January? You will receive all club materials that have already been released.
