December 2022 Snowman Block

In keeping with the winter season, we’ll be working on a snowman block for the month of December. There are several reasons why I’ve chosen this block. Snowmen are versatile. They can be decorated and dressed to suit any personality or sense of humor. The snowman block offers us the opportunity to be creative in anticipation of the winter season. The block is easy to assemble and can be made in any size to suit your purpose. The background can depict a wintry mix or a Hawaiian vibe.
So break out that stash and have fun with it!

For our purposes here, I’ll include measurements to create a BOM sized for Comfort Quilts. These measurements will also work to create a festive mug rug . Include a tasty tea, coffee or hot chocolate mix and a favorite treat and you can personalize a gift for someone special or treat yourself.
Besides….who doesn’t smile when they see a snowman?

Supplies:

(1) 7″ square white fabric
(4) 1 1/3″ background fabric
(2) 2/14″ x 7″ background fabric
(2) 2 1/4″ x 10″ background fabric
small scrap of orange fabric for nose
Small amount of Steam-a-Seam2
(1) 12″ square of quilt batting
(1) 12″ square of backing fabric
(1) 2 1/4″ x WOF strip fabric for binding
small pieces of black fabric for eyes and mouth

**Refer to “The Making of Frankenbatting” under Tips, Tricks & Techniques to assemble small pieces of batting in preparation for quilting the snowman block

Mark 2 1/3″ squares of background fabric on the diagonal. Sew one square to each corner of the 7″ white square. Trim corners 1/4″ away from stitching. Press corners outwards with seam allowance towards background fabric.

Sew 7″ strips of background fabric to opposite sides. Press outwards with seam allowances towards background fabric. Sew 10″ strips to the other two sides. Press outwards with seam allowances towards background fabric.

Make triangular-shaped nose from orange scraps and fuse to snowman using SAS2. I used a blanket stitch to applique the nose. Follow the same process to cut and applique the two eyes.

Sandwich the snowman block, batting and backing. Use your favorite meandering or swirl free motion quilt design to quilt the snowman OR simply stitch in the ditch to secure the layers.

Trim the block to 10 1/2″ and secure binding using your favorite method.

Use your imagination and the personality of the recipient to design your snowman block further. This block can also be used as a mug rug. Include a mix of tea, coffee or hot chocolate along with a special treat and you have a heartfelt and unique gift for the giving.

Note: Remember to applique fabric pieces for the nose and a mouth if you choose to include it for giving to children. Also, it can be difficult to sit your mug on buttons.

Whatever you do….have fun with it!