Hey there quilters!
I can finally share a first look of our 2027 Block of the Month and Quilt Sew Along: Backyard Bunch. I’ve been working on the design and pattern writing since the spring and I’m really excited to get to the sew along. Registration opens soon! Make sure you’re subscribed to our Three Things Thursday email list so that you know when registration opens to get the best price.
Inspired by some of the little creatures we might find right in our own backyards and parks, this quilt features 12 playful, modern critter blocks, including bees, butterflies, frogs, ladybugs, and more. And yes, every single block is entirely FOUNDATION PAPER PIECED (FPP)!
Block by block, each at our own pace, we’ll add a new critter to our Backyard Bunch, building a colorful collection of critters one block at a time. Whether you turn your blocks into a cozy quilt, a wall hanging, or something entirely your own, there are lots of ways to make this project your own.
Let’s get into this Block of the Month quilt design!
PHOTO ABOVE: Queen Quilt with OPTIONAL leaf border pattern and a Throw Version without the leaf border pattern
WHAT IS THE BACKYARD BUNCH 2027 BLOCK OF THE MONTH (BOM) QUILT PATTERN AND QUILT SEW ALONG?
Let’s sew together and make a beautiful quilt in 2027. Using only foundation paper piecing, FPP and NO Y-Seams (yes, the entire quilt!), Backyard Bunch brings a playful collection of 12 outdoor critters to life, one block at a time each at our own pace. From fireflies and bees to frogs and moths, these bold, modern designs are full of personality.
All skill levels are welcome, including adventurous beginners. By the end of the year, you’ll have a stunning quilt, practice new skills, and the delight of saying, “I made that!” Use fabric from your stash or pick up a curated fabric kit in our shop or from one of our quilt shop partners listed in the Welcome Packet.
PHOTOS ABOVE: Throw Size Quilts made without (left) and with OPTIONAL Add-On Leaf Border Pattern (right)
HOW DOES THE BLOCK OF THE MONTH (BOM) WORK?
Each month throughout 2027 (January–December), you’ll be emailed a link to download a detailed PDF Foundation Paper Pieced (FPP) pattern for a critter block in the Backyard Bunch quilt. Immediately after registering, you’ll receive an email 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.
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! We’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 we’ll be sharing piecing tips, tricks, and inspiration. The bonus content will be up on our blog indefinitely. We’ll also have the opportunity to get together on Zoom a few times during the year to connect with quilters from all over the world who are working on this project, ask questions, and enjoy a voluntary show & tell of blocks.
Included in the registration are instructions for 12 critters plus instructions for putting the blocks together into a quilt top. With these patterns, you can make 12 mini quilts, 3 runners/wall hangings, or a variety of throw quilt arrangements. NOTE: the only additional charge is for those who want to add leaf borders, required for the queen quilt. The OPTIONAL Backyard Bunch Add-On Leaf Border Pattern is available for $16.95.
PHOTO ABOVE: Throw Size Quilt made with “Checkerboard” assembly instructions
WAIT, THIS IS FOUNDATION PAPER PIECED (FPP)?
WHAT ABOUT THOSE CURVES?
YES! EVERY “curve” in this pattern is 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 critters and leaves! If you look closely, you see the straight lines but if you step back, they look like curves.
Additionally, even though the blocks are set on point and the quilt block shapes are diamonds, there are NO Y-seams required for any of the quilt layouts!
PHOTO ABOVE: Throw Quilt with OPTIONAL leaf border pattern made with our fabric stash
WHAT IF I’M NEW TO FOUNDATION PAPER PIECING (FPP)?
You can absolutely do this, even if you’re brand new to FPP and are an adventurous beginner. Backyard Bunch isn’t a super beginner quilt project, but I’ll guide you with clear instructions in the PDF patterns and bonus video tips. Many quilters who joined my past BOMs were brand new to FPP (some have never even made a quilt before) and they made gorgeous quilts! This quilt pattern is a great way to practice your FPP skills while creating something beautiful.
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 Backyard Bunch 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 2027, you’ll be amazed how far your paper piecing technique and confidence have come!
WHAT SIZE ARE THE BLOCKS AND WHAT CAN I MAKE WITH THEM?
Each of the 12 critter blocks in this quilt pattern measure 15½” x 26½” unfinished, and the layout options are flexible!
Use your blocks to make mini quilts, table runners, wall hangings, or a cozy throw quilt. The finished quilts measure:
• 3 runners / wall hangings (each measuring 60½” x 26½”) — each runner contains 4 blocks
• Checkerboard Throw Quilt: (60½” x 78½”) — all 12 blocks
• Throw Quilt with OR without optional Add-On Leaf Borders* (53″ x 65½”) — all 12 blocks
• Lap Quilt/Wall Hanging (52½” x 52½”) — use 6 blocks, your choice!
• Oversized Throw Quilt (78½” x 75½”) — all 12 blocks
• Queen Quilt* (90½” x 90½”)— 18 blocks (your choice which to repeat) plus Add-On Leaf Borders*
*OPTIONAL Backyard Bunch Add-On Leaf Border Pattern (sold separately) is required if you want to add leaf borders to your Throw Quilt or make the Queen Quilt. The leaf borders are also entirely foundation paper pieced.
PHOTO ABOVE: Three runners made with Backyard Bunch blocks
I HAVE SOOOO MANY QUILTS. IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE I CAN MAKE WITH THE QUILT BLOCKS?
I totally get it! The blocks (unfinished size: 15½” x 26½” each) are flexible. Here are just some of the things you can make with the blocks:
- placemats
- pillows
- table runners
- abstract wall art (framed or unframed)
- abstract mini quilts or swap quilts
- incorporate into a bag or a garment
WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST AND WHAT DO I RECEIVE?
For $69.95* total (a one-time charge), you’ll receive:
* This is the Early Bird price available December 3–20, 2026 only. Price increases to regular price on December 21st
** For those who participated in a previous Whole Circle Studio BOM, please check your email for special Legacy Pricing available Nov 19–Dec 1, 2026
• 12 Foundation Paper Pieced (FPP) Quilt Block PDF patterns to make all 12 Critter Blocks
The OPTIONAL Backyard Bunch Add-On Leaf Border Pattern ($16.95, sold separately) is required if you want to add leaf borders to your Throw Quilt or make the Queen Quilt. The leaf borders are also entirely foundation paper pieced.
• Monthly Tutorials and Tips
Each month you’ll receive my tips and tricks for paper piecing that month’s block on the blog. 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 be inspired!
• 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 (details listed in the Welcome Packet) 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:
• 12 individual blocks (each measuring 15½” x 26½” unfinished)
• 3 runners / wall hangings (each measuring 60½” x 26½”) — each runner contains 4 blocks
• Checkerboard Throw Quilt: (60½” x 78½”) — all 12 blocks
• Throw Quilt with OR without optional Add-On Leaf Borders* (53″ x 65½”) — all 12 blocks
• Lap Quilt/Wall Hanging (52½” x 52½”) — use 6 blocks, your choice!
• Oversized Throw Quilt (78½” x 75½”) — all 12 blocks
• Queen Quilt* (90½” x 90½”)— 18 blocks (your choice which to repeat) plus Add-On Leaf Borders*
*Optional Add-On Leaf Border Pattern: The Backyard Bunch Add-On Leaf Border Pattern is sold separately for $16.95. You’ll need it if you want to add leaf borders to your Throw Quilt or if you plan to make the Queen Quilt. It’s not needed for any of the other quilt layouts.
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, ALL ARE WELCOME, INCLUDING BEGINNERS as I’ll be sharing all of my tips and tricks. Wherever you are with your FPP skills, by the end of 2027, your piecing skills and confidence will have grown. 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 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.
Here are some of the fabrics I used to make my Backyard Bunch quilts. You’ll find all the details, fabric specifications, and links to purchase optional fabric kits in the Backyard Bunch Welcome Packet, which you’ll receive after you register.
• Grunge by Moda Fabrics (shown in photo above on the left)
• Speckled by Ruby Star Society (shown in photo above on the right with Bella Solids off-white)
• Chalk and Charcoal by Jennifer Sampou for Robert Kaufman Fabrics
• Bella Solids by Moda 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?
For a limited time, I’m offering curated quilt kits with the same fabrics I used to make my quilts! Details will be available in late November.
In addition, I’m also teaming up with some fabulous fabric shops that will be offering some fabric kits They are familiar with the Backyard Bunch Block of the Month and can help with fabric.
CAN I GIVE (OR GET) A REGISTRATION AS A GIFT?
Absolutely! Giving the experience of making is such a meaningful gift. To purchase as a gift, just check the “Is this a Gift?” box at checkout. I’ll follow up by email to confirm the recipient’s info within 24 hours.
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.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BLOCK OF THE MONTH + THE BACKYARD BUNCH QUILT BLOCK PATTERNS:
• Build your FPP skills month by month.
• Sew at your own pace. No deadlines or pressure.
• Have a creative goal to look forward to all year.
• Make a bold, modern quilt that’s uniquely yours.
• Connect with a warm community of quilters.
• And best of all: Make a quilt you’ll be proud to say, “I made that!”
Curious about other quilter’s experiences?
Here are what some of the participants in our previous Block of the Months said:
HAVE QUESTIONS?
I’d love to help you. Please send me an email here and ask away!
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION/PRICING OPENS SOON!
Sign Up Here for the Newsletter to learn when registration opens.
