quilting

November Color Challenge Block

November 16, 2020

How is it possible we are halfway through the month of November! It’s time for me to share my November Color Challenge Block for the 2020 Monthly Color Challenge hosted by Patterns by Jen. 

This year, Jen is focusing on birds for her inspiration for the colors of our monthly blocks. November’s bird is the Buff-breasted Sandpiper. If you’ve been following me awhile, you’ll know that birds are often in our family conversations, since our daughter is a bird biologist. When I mentioned this bird to her, she said she had hoped to see one while in Alaska last year, but was never able to find these elusive birds. She also mentioned that the male had a unique mating technique – flashing his armpits at the lady birds. Umm . . .what?? You can see that odd behavior in this YouTube video. He certainly gets the attention of the ladies, doesn’t he? 

Well, clever Jen, she came up with a block design that is perfect for the Buff-breasted sandpiper. Not only does it require buff-colored fabric, but look at how those corner blocks resemble the behavior of the male bird. I got quite a chuckle out of that while stitching this block together. 

2020 Monthly Color Challenge - November Block - hosted by Patterns by Jen - piecefulthoughts.com

I had to go searching for buff-colored fabric; I don’t have too much in my stash. Since the male seems to be the star of the show, I was happy to find this darker buff with stars, just for him. 

The lighter buff fabric was very thin and a bit finicky, as you can see from the lovely wrinkles in this finished block. But seriously, don’t those corner blocks look similar to the male’s wings flapping up? (It takes so little to amuse me somethings – ha!) 

We have one month left for the 2020 Monthly Color Challenge, and I’ve heard little rumors that a 2021 challenge is in the works. If you haven’t joined in on one of these, consider joining us next year. It is a relaxed, fun monthly project. Jen creates blocks that are simple to construct for any level of quilter. 

Speaking of Jen, if you haven’t visited her blog lately, you might want to pop over and subscribe. She’s having a Countdown to Black Friday event, where she is offering sales on her site for the month of November. Check it out if you want to get some early shopping in! Jen’s blog is right here. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing my November Color Challenge Block today! Happy stitching, everyone!

Wendy

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17 Comments

  • marissthequilter
    November 16, 2020 at 4:00 am Reply

    I spotted the forked tail immediately but had to look a little closer to see the flashing armpits (wingpits?) but then, behold, there they were! What a clever design. And a I love the muted colours.
    We were in the mountains this weekend and saw the Red-chested cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) for the first time ever. This bird has a very loud call which we hear all summer, but they are extremely shy, so it was a real thrill to see one. We refer to it by its Afrikaans name of Piet-my-vrou, because that is the sound it makes.

  • thedarlingdogwood
    November 16, 2020 at 8:10 am Reply

    I enjoyed that video immensely!! I’m trying to remember if this is a bird we saw on our Alaska trip. I know we saw a few new-to-us birds while hiking and I don’t remember if we were able to identify them or not. I kept a journal of all the animals we saw, I’ll have to dig it out and see. Love your block and its armpits!!! 🙂

  • rl2b2017
    November 16, 2020 at 8:16 am Reply

    Hi Wendy! That is too funny about the male bird flashing his armpit. Isn’t it fun to have Molly home just for info like this?!! Also, I wouldn’t have known to look for this bird in Alaska! Dang – now I have to go back again for sure. Love this block and especially love the fabrics you chose. It is definitely a nod to both genders in this bird family. ~smile~ Roseanne

  • Rochelle Summers
    November 16, 2020 at 11:03 am Reply

    Thanks for that lovely video. Found that reference to flashing armpits so funny I had to forward to my SIL who has counted the plover on the beaches of the central CA coast. I hope it makes her laugh. It is always surprising to me when I find one of those limp, thin pieces of fabric in my collection. My only excuse is I must have loved the color. Your block is wonderful. I love the inspiration she used this year.

  • Danette Stankovich
    November 16, 2020 at 12:31 pm Reply

    I watched the video and he did get the female’s attention! He has lovely white armpits, for sure! Yes, I agree, the block was picked out just for him, too. Great to look in your stash for just the right colors.

  • Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts
    November 16, 2020 at 2:17 pm Reply

    Loved the video – those ladies were definitely interested in him! Your block looks great – I love your buff fabric choices. I was just starting to think about what I might use for my block when I came across your post and Roseanne’s. Off to work on that right now!

  • txquiltgal
    November 17, 2020 at 6:40 am Reply

    Oh my gosh, those females are so excited at that armpit dance! Nice block and you did well choosing colors. If Jen has a 2021 Challenge I might join in just to employ somethings I learned from this year’s challenge and “do it right” this time. 😉

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