Welcome to the GillyMac 2023 Block of the Month, the Magic City Quilt. The quilt is 60” square and in a medallion style. The unlike the 2022 BOM, this quilt contains only a small amount of applique, with all other parts traditionally pieced. This year the BOM runs from March to October.

I designed the Magic City Quilt to challenge all levels of sewists with their sewing accuracy, and for those that love quilting, there are endless possibilities with this quilt. The central block of the Magic City Quilt is echoed in the corners, and there are three patchwork rounds with Seminole-inspired chequerboards between each one.  I was inspired by the architecture of central Birmingham in the design of the quilt. In the past, Birmingham was also known as the City of a Thousand Trades and the Magic City.

I have used eight colourful fabrics and a background fabric for my quilt. However, I wrote the pattern so you could use small pieces of material from your stash if you wish.

The programme for the Block of the Month is as follows:-

1^st February – GillyMac 2023 BOM Launch at 8 am – Bespoke GillyMac 2023 BOM Pin Badge will be sent (in April) for each participant who signs up on this day.

2^nd February – GillyMac 2023 BOM Facebook Group invites circulated in Welcome Letter

6^th February – Requirements for the Magic City Quilt are circulated

1^st March – Video and Written Instructions available for Central Design

25^th March – (Saturday) 10 am-2 pm Sew Together Option Via Zoom

1^st April – Video and Written Instructions available for four deep Seminole Patchwork

3^rd April –2023 GillyMac Pin Badges posted for those who signed up on 1^st Feb

1^st May – Video and Written Instructions available for Circle Round and three deep Seminole patchwork

17^th May (Wednesday) 10 am-2 pm Sew Together Option Via Zoom

1^st June – Video and Written Instructions available for Spike Round

1^st July – Video and Written Instructions available for simple chequerboard and T-Junction Round

15^th July – (Saturday) 10 am-2 pm Sew Together Option Via Zoom

1^st August   – Catch Up Month and Making the Corner Blocks using March Video

1^st September – Video and Written Instructions available for building your Magic City Quilt

30^th September – Video and Written Instructions available for quilting the Magic City Quilt

30^th September – 10 am-2 pm Quilting Q & A Via Zoom

25^th October – Wednesday 7 pm – 8 pm BOM Cocktail Party- Check Progress with optional photo sharing and Q&A as needed.

January 2024 – Red Carpet Finale – final quilts show and tell.- Date to be agreed

I hope as many of you will join me as possible. Last year the group had a blast with widely different quilts being made. I am sure this year, with my design and your creativity, we will once again have a fantastic time.