Block of the Month Quilt Reveal: A Traditional Sampler Finish

Block of the Month Quilt Reveal: A Traditional Sampler Finish

There’s something a little magical about finishing a quilt that’s been quietly growing alongside you for an entire year. Not loud, not rushed, just one block at a time, until suddenly you’re standing there holding a finished quilt and thinking, Oh wow… I really did that.

Today I’m so excited to share my finished 2024 Block of the Month quilt in the traditional colorway. This is a quilt that represents a goal, a creative experiment, and a whole lot of slow, joyful sewing.

If you’re curious how a block of the month quilt comes together or wondering if a sampler quilt is right for you, this finished quilt is a perfect example of the journey.

I also sewed up a scrappy version that you can read about it here.

Designing a Block of the Month Quilt From Start to Finish

For a long time, I had this little dream tucked in the back of my mind:
One day I want to design a Block of the Month sampler quilt.

In 2024, I finally decided to make that dream real. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time, I simply started writing one block pattern each month and sewing right alongside you.   Even I had no idea how the finished quilt would look until about half way through the year when I started to put the designed blocks into a cohesive design.

There’s something deeply satisfying about working toward a creative goal in real time. Each block felt like a tiny milestone, and watching the quilt grow month by month was equal parts motivating and inspiring. I stayed pretty consistent with sewing throughout the year (go me!), though I’ll admit the binding took its sweet time - this quilt has been finished and waiting to be bound for MONTHS.

But now? It’s finished, quilted, labeled, and ready to be loved in our home and I couldn’t be happier.

Why I Chose a Traditional Colorway for This Sampler Quilt

The Block of the Month patterns were written in three color options — scrappy, two-color, and traditional. The traditional colorway is essentially the palette I used when designing the blocks, so it feels like the “original voice” of the quilt.

This version has a classic feel, anchored by a color I don’t reach for very often: black. It adds depth and contrast in a way that surprised me and made the whole quilt feel grounded and timeless.  Traditional quilt colorways are a wonderful choice for sampler quilts because they highlight the structure of each block while still feeling timeless.

And while I loved the palette from the very first block, I definitely found myself drawn to certain fabrics as the quilt came together, especially a green print with moons and stars that still makes me smile every time I see it.

What Makes Sampler Quilts So Fun to Sew

Sampler quilts have a special kind of rhythm. Instead of repeating the same block over and over, you get a fresh creative moment each time; a new shape, a new layout, a new little puzzle to solve.

This quilt includes three different block sizes, which made watching it come together especially fun. It felt a bit like assembling a patchwork story with each block its own chapter, all working together in the end.

My favorite blocks from the year ended up being Brynn and Kate. The Kate block, in particular, is bold and confident, one of those blocks that could almost stand alone as its own mini quilt.

Technique-wise, this project leaned into traditional piecing with lots of flying geese and half-square triangles; classic skills that never go out of style and always feel satisfying to sew.  This also makes this quilt something that a beginner quilter can tackle!

And when I finally laid out the finished top? It surprised me in the best way possible. You know that moment when all the pieces click and suddenly it feels bigger than the sum of its parts? That was exactly it.

Quilting, Binding, and Final Details

For the backing, I pulled a cactus print from my stash.  This print is one I’ve loved for years but always struggled to pair with the right fabrics. Somehow, it turned out to be absolutely perfect for this quilt. (Isn’t it funny how the right project always comes along eventually?)

My step mom quilted this quilt with her longarm, and we chose a simple curvy pantograph which is one of my favorite go-to pantographs called Soho. The soft movement adds texture without competing with the blocks, and it gives the quilt a beautiful drape.  She also picked a golden yellow thread that would look great even on the black fabric.

To finish it off, I leaned into the black for the binding, creating a crisp frame that pulls everything together. And of course, I finished it off with my Nollie Bean label along with a 2024 date label, a little nod to the year this quilt came to life.

The Benefits of Sewing a Block of the Month Quilt

Block of the Month projects are different from quick finishes. They’re slower, more intentional, and woven into the everyday rhythm of life.

You work on them between other projects. You pick them up when you have a little time. You watch them grow gradually instead of all at once.  One of the biggest benefits of a block of the month quilt is that it breaks a large project into manageable steps, making it ideal for beginner quilters.

And that’s exactly what I love most about them.

They’re bite-sized.
They’re approachable.
They give you space to learn, experiment, and enjoy the process.

Instead of focusing on finishing a whole quilt, you just focus on the next block. And before you know it, you’ve created something truly meaningful.

Tips for Starting Your First Block of the Month Quilt

Let me say this loud and clear: you don’t have to keep perfect pace to succeed.

If you miss a month, you can double up later.
If life gets busy, the quilt will wait for you.

It’s your quilt. You make the rules.

Block of the Month quilts are a wonderful way to grow your skills because each block introduces something new. And because the timeline is built to be slow, there’s room for curiosity instead of pressure.

So if you’ve been on the fence about trying one consider this your gentle nudge to dive in.

The Joy of Finishing a Long-Term Quilt Project

This quilt represents more than a finished project; it’s the moment I followed through on a creative goal that had been living in my heart for a long time.

It’s proof that big ideas don’t have to happen all at once.
Sometimes they happen one block, one month, one small step at a time.

And honestly? I think that’s a pretty beautiful way to make a quilt.

More of a visual person?  Watch the quilt come together on YouTube!

How to Start Your Own Block of the Month Quilt

You can find all of the Block of the Month patterns in the shop.  They are available individually or as a complete set so you can sew at your own pace.  If you’re looking for a beginner sampler quilt, this Block of the Month series is designed to help you build skills one block at a time.

If you make one, I would absolutely love to see it. Share a photo in the comments or send me an email (hello@nolliebean.com).  Seeing your quilts is one of my favorite parts of this whole journey.

And yes… I’m already dreaming up the next Block of the Month. Because once you fall in love with the sampler rhythm, it’s hard not to want to do it all over again.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this quilt, it’s this:

You don’t need perfect timing.
You don’t need endless free hours.
You just need a starting point and the willingness to keep going.

And I’ll be right here, cheering you on, one block at a time.

xoxo ~Jenni