I designed the January block for our Year in Stitches quilt along to evoke the feeling of a cozy home on a cold winter night. Having a snowman was an obvious choice for the front yard; somehow he morphed into a friendly snow woman with a flowing scarf, red purse and a cheery wave. I chose Batiks which work well for landscape designs; the organic flow of the dyes mimics the changes of color in nature. Batiks are popular for applique as well because even small pieces add visual interest. batik fabrics were a wonderful choice. The cream background is a lovely contrasting backdrop to the color in the batiks, and the leaves are designed in the round to mimic the circle of life; restful movement through the seasons.

The block attaches to our free Calendar Keeper pattern, or use it as a block in a quilt.

You can download the $.99 January block pattern here.

-Ann