More Information
WHAT IS A BLOCK OF THE MONTH (BOM)?
HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Each month throughout 2024, you’ll be emailed a link to download a detailed PDF Foundation Paper Pieced (FPP) pattern for a block in the Lower/Main area of the Greenhouse Garden quilt. Immediately after registering, you’ll receive an email to download the Welcome Packet along with any patterns that have been released to date. The remaining blocks will be emailed out the 1st of the month throughout 2024.
You can make one block a month or “binge” sew whenever it’s convenient for you. This is a low-stress BOM sew along and we’ll all work at our own pace. Each month, we’ll practice our FPP skills and at the end of the year have a beautiful quilt top to show for it! I’ll be here with you on this adventure to encourage you but during any month if you don’t have time to finish the block, no worries.
In addition to the patterns, there will be other bonuses including monthly content on the blog where I’ll be sharing piecing tips, tricks, and inspiration. The bonus content will be up on my blog indefinitely. There are special hashtags on Instagram (#GreenhouseGardenquilt and #greenhouseBOM) so we can all check out everyone’s beautiful blocks come together and cheer one another on! We’ll also have the opportunity a few times a year to meet up on Zoom to meet quilters from all over the world who are working on this project, ask questions, and have a voluntary show & tell of blocks.
Included in the registration are instructions for 12 blocks that create the main, lower greenhouse scene. With these 12 blocks, you can make 12 mini quilts, 4 runners/wall hangings, or a Throw quilt (with or without sashing/mullions). NOTE: the only added charge is for those who want to make the roof section and cacti side borders—required for Twin and Queen size quilts— the OPTIONAL Greenhouse Garden Add-On Block Pack is required (sold separately for $16.95).
Immediately after you purchase the Greenhouse Garden Block of the Month, you’ll receive an email with the link to download the Welcome Packet, which includes detailed fabric requirements for all of the options as well as Coloring Sheets and other helpful planning information.
WAIT, THIS IS FOUNDATION PAPER PIECED (FPP)?
WHAT ABOUT THOSE CURVES?
YES! This is TOTALLY Foundation Paper Pieced (no curved piecing or applique).
The awesome thing about FPP, other than it being incredibly precise, is that you can sew a few straight lines near one another at angles and then it looks like it’s a curve. It’s an easy way to achieve these organic, curvy plants! If you look closely, you see the straight lines but if you step back, they look like curves.
I’VE MADE A QUILT BEFORE, BUT I’M NEW TO FOUNDATION PAPER PIECING (FPP), COULD I DO THIS?
Yes—totally! If you know the basics of quilt piecing and are ready to learn and practice a new technique, you can make this. The blocks are geared towards experienced paper piecers, but if you’re an adventurous beginner, YOU CAN DO THIS! I break down these detailed blocks into easy to follow steps. We’ll gain experience with tiny pieces, piecing at different angles, and matching alignments. We had many beginner FPPers during the 2021, 2022, and 2023 BOMs —they made beautiful blocks and learned new skills!
It is recommended that participants get familiar and practice FPP before we dig in. I have a free FPP video tutorial/mini-class here. While general FPP instructions are NOT included in the Greenhouse Garden patterns, I will be sharing tips, tricks, and best practices that relate to the blocks (which can be used for other projects in the future) on my blog.
Wherever you are with your FPP skills, by the end of 2024, you’ll have lots more practice and improved your paper piecing skills. You’ll gain more piecing confidence while making beautiful, unique quilt blocks.
WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST AND WHAT DO I RECEIVE?
For $79.95 total (a one-time charge), you’ll receive:
• 12 Foundation Paper Pieced (FPP) Quilt Block PDF patterns to make the main, lower greenhouse scene.
For those who want to add the OPTIONAL roof section and cacti side borders—required for the Twin and Queen size quilts— the OPTIONAL Greenhouse Garden Add-On Block Pack is required (sold separately for $16.95).
• Monthly Tutorials and Tips
Each month you’ll receive my tips and tricks for paper piecing for that month’s block on the blog. We’ll piece the blocks together each month. You’ll sharpen your foundation paper piecing skills while having fun! These tutorials will remain on the blog indefinitely so you can go back and review at any time.
• Exclusive Online Zoom Get Togethers
Connect with me and other quilters face to face from the comfort of your home. I’ll be hosting a quarterly series of Zoom get togethers so we can do “show and tells” of our blocks, meet new quilters, exchange tips, and receive encouragement.
• Planning Resources
Immediately after purchasing, you will receive an email with a link to download the Welcome Packet in Adobe PDF format so you can start planning! Use one of my planned colorways or create your own color scheme with the supplied coloring sheets. Use the same fabrics that I used—download the fabric requirements and specifications here or plan your own. This pattern is perfect for all types of quilting fabric—solids, blenders, prints, or a combination. For those who like to keep it loose: plan as you go and use what you have in your stash or pick up fabric as we go along.
• Instructions for Putting It All Together
Instructions will be included for how to assemble the blocks into:
• 4 runners / wall hangings (each measuring 12½” x 57½”) — each runner contains 3 blocks
• Throw Quilt: (48½” x 57½”) — all 12 blocks
• Throw Quilt with Mullions/Sashing and Borders: (61″ x 69″) — all 12 blocks
• Twin Quilt* (72″ x 90½”) — all 12 blocks plus Add-On Blocks
• Queen Quilt* (88½” x 90½”)— all 12 blocks plus Add-On Blocks
*OPTIONAL Greenhouse Garden Add-On Block Pack is required for roof section + cacti side borders in Twin & Queen Quilt
(sold separately for $16.95)
Sew your blocks into a quilt or incorporate them into other projects—abstract mini quilts, wall decor, placemats, table runners, bags… the options are endless!
• Lots of Fun and Skill Building
This Block of the Month was designed for quilters who have some experience with foundation paper piecing (FPP) and are looking for a fun but challenging project. That said, beginners are totally welcome as I’ll be sharing all of my tips and tricks. Wherever you are with your FPP skills, by the end of 2024, your piecing skills and confidence will grow. I’ll be here to share all of my tips and cheer you on every step of the way. We’ll all go at our own pace. There’s no pressure to finish the block each month, but for those who want to keep to a schedule we’ll keep each other accountable and have a finished quilt top by the end of the year.
WHAT SIZE ARE THE BLOCKS?
WHAT SIZE IS THE FINISHED QUILT?
• Blocks 1-12 each measure 12½” x 19½” unfinished.
• The measurements of the OPTIONAL roof section + cacti side borders (required for the Twin and Queen size quilts) are listed in the OPTIONAL Greenhouse Garden Add-On Block Pack
The finished quilts measure:
• 4 runners / wall hangings (each measuring 12½” x 57½”) — each runner contains 3 blocks
• Throw Quilt: (48½” x 57½”) — all 12 blocks
• Throw Quilt with Mullions/Sashing and Borders: (61″ x 69″) — all 12 blocks
• Twin Quilt* (72″ x 90½”) — all 12 blocks plus Add-On Blocks
• Queen Quilt* (88½” x 90½”)— all 12 blocks plus Add-On Blocks
*OPTIONAL Greenhouse Garden Add-On Block Pack is required for roof section + cacti side borders in Twin & Queen Quilt
(sold separately for $16.95)
I HAVE SOOOO MANY QUILTS. IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE I CAN MAKE WITH THE BLOCKS?
I totally get it! The grid blocks (unfinished size: 12½” x 19½” each) are flexible. Here are just some of the things you can make with the blocks:
• abstract placemats
• table runners
• abstract wall art (framed or unframed)
• abstract mini quilts or swap quilts
• incorporate into a bag or a garment
WHAT ARE THE FABRIC REQUIREMENTS AND WHAT FABRICS DID YOU USE FOR YOUR QUILTS?
Fabric requirements depend on which option of the quilt you’re planning on making.
Click here to download the PDF with the fabric requirements and see which fabrics I used for all of the options.
Here are some of the fabrics I used (and will be using) to make my Greenhouse Garden quilts — all of the details and specifications are listed in the PDF link above:
• Chalk and Charcoal by Jennifer Sampou for Robert Kaufman Fabrics
• Grunge by Moda Fabrics
• Speckled by Rashida Coleman Hale for Ruby Star Society
• Chrysanthemum by Alison Glass + Century Solids for Andover Fabrics
• PURE Solids by Art Gallery Fabrics
• Kona® Cotton Solids by Robert Kaufman Fabrics
This is also a great quilt to get scrappy on and use fabric you have in your stash!
CAN I BUY A FABRIC KIT FROM YOU?
I don’t sell fabric, but I’ve teamed up with some fabulous quilt shops that do!
Here are a few shops that offer various fabric options (my recommendations and other options too). They are familiar with the Greenhouse Garden Block of the Month and can help with fabric. If you don’t see a specific option listed on their website, give them a call or email and they can assist you:
• Cotton Candy Fabrics (CT) | 203-885-0792 | www.cottoncandyfabrics.com
• Sewing Arts Santa Monica (CA) | 310-450-4300 | www.sewingarts.com
• Pink Door Fabrics (CO) | www.pinkdoorfabrics.com
• Jennifer Sampou (CA) — Chalk and Charcoal Fabrics | www.jennifersampou.com
• Pinwheels (GA) | www.pinwheelsquilting.com
• Calliope Quilts (MI) | www.calliopequilts.com
• Keystone Modern Creative (CANADA) | www.keystonemoderncreative.com/
• What the Fabric (UNITED KINGDOM) | https://whatthefabric.co.uk/
I’M HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME CHOOSING WHICH OPTION TO MAKE. ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR DECIDING?
No pressure to decide—you can wait until we start making the blocks. All of the layouts (Runners, both Throw options, Twin and Queen) use the same Blocks 1-12.
If you would like to make a Twin or Queen size quilt, the Greenhouse Garden Add-On Block Pack is required (sold separately for $16.95). Instructions for integrating the add-on blocks to the main Greenhouse Garden Blocks 1-12 are included in your monthly BOM instructions.
The Greenhouse Garden Add-On Block Pack is an immediate download after purchase, so if you wish, you can get started on all of your roof and cacti blocks right away.
CAN I GIVE A REGISTRATION AS A GIFT?
Yes! Giving the experience of making is an awesome gift—and one that lasts a whole year and beyond. How wonderful is it to have an heirloom quilt at the end of the experience? To purchase a registration as a gift, be sure to check the “Is this a Gift?” box at checkout. After the purchase goes through, I will email you within 24 hours to obtain/confirm the recipient’s info.
MY GUILD OR GROUP OF QUILTING FRIENDS WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS BOM/SEW ALONG TOGETHER. ANYTHING WE SHOULD KNOW?
This is a great project for groups of quilters to experience and work on together! In past BOMs, quilting friends gathered together regularly on their own either in-person or on Zoom, sewing together while chatting and having fun.
Please note that each quilter must purchase their own registration to the Block of the Month. Sharing the patterns, instructions, and related materials is not permitted. The patterns are provided for the registered quilter’s individual use only. By purchasing the BOM registration, the buyer agrees not to copy, reproduce or distribute copies or reproductions of this pattern to any person or group, or to allow others to do so.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PATTERNS?
Immediately after you purchase the Greenhouse Garden Block of the Month, you’ll receive an email receipt with a link to download the Welcome Packet so you can begin planning along with any blocks released to date. The remaining blocks will be emailed out on the first of the month throughout 2024. Quilt top assembly instructions will be sent out with the July and again with the December block.
WHY SHOULD I REGISTER AND JOIN THE BOM + QUILT SEW ALONG? WILL I ENJOY THIS?
Each month, we’ll practice our foundation paper piecing skills and at the end of the year have a beautiful quilt top to show for it! See what other quilters had to say about our previous BOMs + quilt sews along below. I’ll be here with you on this adventure to encourage you but during any month if you don’t have time to finish the block, no worries. Work at your own pace!
We’ll also have an opportunity a few times a year to gather on Zoom and meet quilters from all over the world who are making the Greenhouse Garden blocks. It’s a chance for us to gather informally, chat, and those who are comfortable can do a “show & tell” of their blocks.
Curious about other quilter’s experiences? Here are what some of the participants in our previous Block of the Months said:
I CAN’T WAIT TO GET STARTED. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO START PLANNING?
I’m as excited to get started as you are! You can start planning and getting ready by:
1. Think about which size and layout option of Greenhouse Garden you’d like to make — you can decide later, but knowing which size quilt you want to make will help you determine how much fabric you’ll need.
2. Use the Greenhouse Garden Coloring Sheets (included in the Welcome Packet, available for immediate download after registration). Play with color placement either by using colored pencils or arranging fabric swatches.
3. Think about your fabric selection— gather your fabric each month as you make the blocks, use what you have and make the blocks scrappy, or collect all of your fabric ahead of time. I have the detailed specifications of what I used for all of my quilts here as well as in the Welcome Packet. Need a recommendation for where to get fabric? I’ve got you covered! See above “Can I Buy a Fabric Kit From You?” for info.
4. Get excited and share the love! Download the “I’m In!” buttons by clicking on and then saving the graphic below. Share your excitement and the love on your social media. Be sure to include to tag me: @wholecirclestudio.
I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS!
I’d love to help you. Please send me an email and ask away!
maker showcase:
Kelly Rourke (verified owner) –
I’m a beginner at paper piecing. Sheri’s patterns are expertly excited. The instructions are clear and concise.
I’ve learned so much and have moved on to more challenging patterns, even drafting some of my own.
If you’re considering trying this method, definitely consider Sheri as your first trial.
Melanie (verified owner) –
This is my first paper piecing project. I agree whole heartedly with the comments above about how well written the directions are and how helpful the videos are! Sheri really thinks through every single question you might have. I really appreciate that each block explains how to cut and tape large sections and not just once in the beginning. I appreciate the cutting guidance so much! And yes, I make mistakes but know with Sheri’s encouraging words on paper and video, to keep trying. I am enjoying the process so much at this point, I wish I didn’t have to wait for the next block!
Lisa (verified owner) –
I’m a fairly new quilter (self taught by you tube and Pinterest lol) and the instructions for this are excellent! I am really enjoying building my skills. I also love seeing everyone else’s interpretation! Very inspiring and well taught!
Connie Rubler (verified owner) –
The Greenhouse BOM has been so much fun. I just love the pattern. Sheri explains everything so clearly and her video tips each month are excellent. I am an experienced FPP quilter and have been doing it for years and I can definitely say that this is very enjoyable for those who are experience as well as those who are new to FPP because Sheri is an excellent teacher and she is always available by email and responds very quickly. I would definitely recommend taking this class! I can’t wait to finish my quilt!
Anneli West (verified owner) –
I love this block of the month. Sheri’s instructions and patterns are clear, straightforward and easy to follow. I love paper piecing so I’m always looking for patterns, Sheri’s patterns are the benchmark for great patterns. Thanks so much.
Gil Flynn (verified owner) –
When I saw the BOM it got me interested in sewing again as I had lost my sewing way for a while.
I am now thoroughly enjoying this challenge and I am amazed at all the of hard work and planning that has gone into the design of the quilt. The instructions are so easy to follow which helps. I love seeing it grow each month.
At the beginning of each month I look forward to receiving the latest instructions.
Thank you very much Sheri.
Dawn C –
When I saw this pattern and the sample quilt at QuiltCon ’24, I just couldn’t resist signing up, and I’m so glad I did! The instructions are so well-organized and easy to follow, that I can’t wait for each new month’s pattern to arrive. It’s amazing how complex it looks, but how easy it is to piece, especially since Sheri figured out all the piece sizes to cut ahead of piecing.
Dawn C. IG @palmettodawnquilts
Bridget (verified owner) –
I’m having so much fun with this BOM! This is my first foundation paper piecing project. The instructions and videos are so helpful!!
Bridget K. (verified owner) –
I’m having so much fun with this BOM! This is my first foundation paper piecing project and its been great. The instructions and videos are extremely helpful!
Patricia Stein (verified owner) –
This BOM experience has been by far, the best I have ever experienced. I was brand new to Foundation Paper Piecing and thought doing one block per month would be just the right amount of challenge. Sheri’s teaching methods are so good, so complete and organized so beautifully, that one can succeed without any consternation. Sheri has been available every step of the way, not only to answer my many questions but to offer encouragement. She has taken me on a wonderful journey that will impact my future quilting for years to come.
I am a self-taught quilter via YouTube, primarily, never having taken a formal class. Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill is someone I will return to again and again to continue to grow in my quilting and piecing. I cannot say enough about how positive my experience has been. I recommend anything that Sheri teaches/presents. She is outstanding!
Lynne (verified owner) –
I am really enjoying sewing this BOM! The patterns are extremely well written and with the helpful videos, I was easily (tho carefully) able to make the first 5 blocks. Thanks to Sheri for this fun make!