Mini Quilt of The Month - January: Courthouse Steps

Quilts often seem a little intimidating, to me at least, because of their size and scale. I'll get inspired to try something but often get discouraged when I think about all the steps involved, from cutting a million little pieces to basting the finished top, to hand finishing the binding. So I was really excited when Joelle and Page approached me about doing a new monthly series on The Purl Bee featuring mini quilts. I love the idea of trying out different quilt ideas on a smaller scale where you can actually finish a bunch of them. It's also a great idea for decorating since they look so cute all hanging together on a wall! 

We are always inspired by vintage quilts, their colors, patterns and textures are so incredible and really deserve to be put on the same artistic level as painting.  So, for our very first Mini Quilt of the Month we decided to explore a traditional quilt block called "Courthouse Steps" which takes its name from the stepped pattern it makes. This block is a variation of a log cabin block, which you may be more familiar with, but it's pieced in a slightly different manner.

We are really looking forward to bringing you a new mini quilt project every month this year.  Each one will be thoroughly explained from cutting to finishing so we think they will be a great place to start if you've considered making a quilt but are intimidated by the process. To get started on this fun new sewing adventure please visit my Courthouse Steps Mini Quilt Project Journal here!

Thanks-- Molly

Comments

[Camilla~ Bloom]

This is so inspiring...very lovely!

[ozgrkdn]

Hi,quilt is very beautiful.Colors are amazing.I'll trying soon:))Have a nice day:))

[Kepanie]

What an awesome idea!!! That makes quilting less intimidating. This is something I want to learn eventually after I learn some basic sewing skills.

[Miss Butterfly]

What a great idea ...Think I will have a try at your monthly mini quilt !

[Lois]

They look fantastic! I'd love to get into quilting one day - maybe I'll give yours a go when I'm feeling brave enough.

[vero]

The effect of the dot fabric is amazing; it gives live to these blocks.

[woolf]

wow, a monthly. such a great proposition! and a lovely log cabin at that...
mhm... i will try that one out this spring.
cheers!

[Sarah]

This is perfect! Exactly what I need to fulfill my new years resolution to start quilting. Stoked!

[Siobhan Rogers]

They look great and love the gold with the greys and naturals

[Sara]

Simply beautiful and very inspiring. The colors chase the grey, cold days away. Great post, Molly. I can't wait to see what you come up with next month.

[Lauren]

These are so stunning! I love this new feature...can't wait to see what's next!

[Dodie Jacobi]

Can't wait to see monthly mini-quilts! They make such good gifts, placemats, covers for icky tabletops, etc. I'm also really into Cheddar fabrics as the unexpected fabric in an otherwise homogenous design, but seeing so much at once makes me hungry!

[Beth]

Mini-quilts - YAY!

[Mary Beth at Yarn U iPhone app]

I also love the mustard tones...but this could work great in blues, reds or even black.

[Nancy R]

These are so flippin' GORGEOUS! But I can't help it, I would LOVE to see them all
sewn together in a big king size quilt. I'll have to add it to my list. Thanks Molly!!

[Linda-1st time grandma to be]

Love this - wouldn't 4 framed be great!!!

[Rachael]

Mini-quilts are a great idea! My little sister has been wanting to try her hand at quilting, but hasn't ever gotten around to it because it's such an overwhelming project to start. I've shared this with her!

[ana v.]

Lovely!

[Josie]

I look at these and they brighten my day. Great job Molly.

[Elizabeth E.]

Great idea! I'm happy you are doing this series. Thanks so much!

[rocket dog]

Wow what a great I idea, I never try to make this type of work before so I would like to do so thanks for given nice post.

[karen]

I should add that these little minis are fabulous. As always, you have a great color sense!

[Vanessa]

Love the tutorial. I've loved Margaret's stone urchins for ever so long. I posted about them and the tutorial on my blog http://six0sixdesign.blogspot.com/2011/02/fridays-stones-in-your-pockets.html. Fab blog.

[Help For Families]

This is pretty interesting design. Can't help but amazed on the complexities of quilting. I've never tried quilting before as find it very difficult to make with but with your project, it motivates me to try this one. I'm looking forward to study this one on how to do the quilting. I hope I can do it.

[Patti]

I would love to see a picture from the back of what was used to hang the mini-quilts because they look so great together!

[monaluna]

These are just beautiful! I love the color palette.

[Melanie]

I really want to try this ... is there a trick to printing out the complete instructions? I have tried several times and it keeps locking up. Can't wait to see the monthly quilts!

[terry]

Is there a February mini quilt of the month? I loved the January one!

[purl bee]

Hi Terry-

There will be a February one, we're working on it this very moment and we should be posting it soon. Can't wait to share it with you!

Thanks for the nice comment- Molly