The Ugly Block

Sometimes, even with the prettiest fabrics and a block pattern you love, the result just... misses the mark.

That’s exactly what happened when I stitched together my first Garden Patch block. I had such high hopes—lovely fabric, a classic design—and yet, when I finished it and stepped back, something about it just didn’t work. The colors didn’t pop the way I imagined. The proportions felt off. It was, if I’m being honest... kind of ugly.

Now, years ago, I might have shoved that block in a drawer and moved on. But this time, something inside me shifted. Instead of giving up on it, I decided to see it differently—not as a mistake, but as a starting point. I went back to the drawing board, not to fix it, but to build around it.

And that’s when the magic started.

Staying with the garden theme, I sketched out 10 simple illustrations—whimsical little garden pets and tools. A watering can here, a snail there, a cheeky rabbit and a wheelbarrow. Each one found its way into an applique block. Together with the original “ugly block,” and a more accurate 1/4" seam, they became something entirely new: a quilt that feels playful, full of personality, and absolutely one-of-a-kind.

This quilt is now destined for The Linus Connection, a wonderful Central Texas nonprofit that provides handmade security blankets to children in crisis. Kids in hospitals, foster care, shelters—any child who needs a bit of comfort. It warms my heart to think that something I almost gave up on might now be the thing that brings comfort and joy to a child.

Here’s the thing: There are no ugly blocks. There are no ugly quilts. Every piece we make tells a story. Sometimes the pieces clash or feel awkward or unexpected, but in the end, with love and a little imagination, they always come together. Just like people. Just like life.

So if you’re ever staring down a block that didn’t turn out the way you hoped, don’t toss it aside. Listen to it. Maybe it’s just waiting for the right story to be told.

We’ll be adding this appliqué quilt design to our Freebies section soon, so stay tuned!

Happy Quilting!