Quilting enthusiasts and crafters alike, gather round! July brings with it another exciting installment of Patterns by Jen’s Monthly Color Challenge for 2024. This month, we dive into the vibrant world of Benartex’s Blender Collection, New Hue, where hues collide and creativity knows no bounds. And this year’s overarching theme—tropical fish—adds an extra splash of inspiration and vibrancy to each month’s design.
Embracing the July Block: Fun and Easy with Benartex's New Hue
The beauty of Jen’s Monthly Color Challenge lies in its ability to merge learning with creativity seamlessly. This month, I had the pleasure of working with Benartex's New Hue collection, a palette that bursts with fresh and dynamic colors. The July block itself was a joy to create, thanks to its straightforward design and clear instructions provided by Jen. For quilters at any level, from beginners to seasoned pros, this challenge serves as an excellent opportunity to hone skills and explore new techniques.
The Theme: Tropical Fish
This year’s theme, tropical fish, infuses each month with vibrant color schemes and playful patterns inspired by the diverse underwater world. From the iridescent scales of a parrotfish to the striking stripes of a clownfish, each block captures the essence of these aquatic beauties, encouraging participants to explore bold color combinations and intricate designs.
Here is a list of the other months' colors, and a link to all the bloggers participating:
July's Theme: The Duboisi Cichlid Fish
July’s block pays homage to the Duboisi Cichlid, a fish known for its stunning coloration and distinct markings. Native to the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika in Africa, the Duboisi Cichlid features a striking contrast of deep charcoal and bright gray. These vibrant colors are perfectly captured in the New Hue collection, making it the ideal fabric choice for this month’s challenge.
Creating the Duboisi Cichlid block was particularly enjoyable due to its bold and contrasting color scheme. The dark hues represent the rich underwater environment, while the gray accents mimic the cichlid’s unique markings. This combination not only brings the fish to life on fabric but also allows quilters to experiment with color placement and pattern creation.
The Appeal of Benartex's New Hue Collection
What sets Benartex’s New Hue apart is its versatility. The collection boasts a spectrum of colors that blend effortlessly, making it ideal for both the bold blocks that demand attention and the subtle gradients that add depth to any quilt. Whether you're piecing together a modern quilt or paying homage to traditional designs, New Hue’s array of shades ensures every creation is uniquely yours.
Learning Through Challenges: Building Quilting Skills
Beyond the sheer enjoyment of working with beautiful fabrics, Jen’s challenge acts as a catalyst for skill-building. Each block introduces new concepts and techniques, allowing participants to expand their quilting repertoire with every stitch. From mastering precise cutting to perfecting seam allowances, the challenge encourages growth in both proficiency and confidence.
Community and Support: The Heartbeat of the Challenge
One of the most rewarding aspects of participating in Jen’s Monthly Color Challenge is the sense of community it fosters. Across social media platforms and quilting forums, participants share their progress, exchange tips, and celebrate each other’s creations. This camaraderie not only enhances the quilting experience but also inspires new ideas and friendships that extend beyond the challenge itself.
Why You Should Join the Fun
If you’re looking to inject a burst of creativity into your quilting journey, look no further than Patterns by Jen’s Monthly Color Challenge. Whether you’re a newcomer eager to learn or a seasoned quilter seeking fresh inspiration, this challenge promises something for everyone. With each block, you’ll discover new techniques, explore exciting color combinations, and connect with a vibrant community of fellow quilters.
Final Thoughts
As July unfolds and we delve deeper into Patterns by Jen’s Monthly Color Challenge, I find myself eagerly anticipating the next block and the opportunity it presents to further explore Benartex's New Hue collection. The joy of quilting lies not just in the finished product but in the process itself—the chance to create, to learn, and to share with others who share the same passion.
So, whether you’re already knee-deep in quilting projects or contemplating your first quilt block, consider joining the challenge. Let Jen’s guidance and Benartex's New Hue collection ignite your creativity and take your quilting skills to new heights. After all, in the world of quilting, every stitch tells a story, and every challenge brings us closer to mastering our craft.
Happy quilting, everyone!
*Note: For more information on Patterns by Jen’s Monthly Color Challenge and to explore Benartex’s New Hue collection, visit Patterns by Jen and Benartex.
Join the conversation on social media using #PatternsByJenChallenge and #BenartexNewHue.
Free zipper pouch pattern when you sign up for our Newsletter!
Handcrafted Bags and Sewing Patterns available on Be Mandy Things Website!
Join the Be Mandy Things Sewing Patterns Facebook page.
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for daily sneak peeks and updates.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
