Announcing the 2025 Booksy Block Project!

Hey friends! I know so many of us quilters also love to read (or listen to audiobooks as we're sewing). We're quilty and booksy, right? I've been wanting to find a way to combine books and quilts in a way that doesn't feel boring or tedious. I came across a group of crocheters (is that the term? Probably not) that were crocheting a granny square for each book they read, ultimately combining each square into one big blanket. From there, the idea for a Booksy Quilt was born. 

What is the Booksy Block Project?

For each book I read (or listen to) in 2025, I plan to make a 12-inch quilt block from fabrics that coordinate with, or are inspired by, the book cover. At the end of the year, I'll combine these blocks into one big quilt. I don't have a specific reading goal or anything like that; I just plan to read for pleasure and see how many books I end up getting through. It's anyone's guess what size this quilt will be.  

How Can I Participate?

If you'd like to join me, here's the plan: it's totally free and casual. Each month of 2025, I'll share a new 12-inch classic quilt block pattern, here on the blog, that you can use for your booksy blocks. Each block will use traditional piecing techniques and won't be too difficult. It's totally up to you which blocks you choose to make; keep it simple with one block pattern or try them all! If you're a new quilter, this will be a good way to build some skills. At the end of the year, you'll end up with a bespoke scrappy quilt to commemorate the books you've read throughout the year. 

Booksy blocks will be a great way to use up scraps or sew your stash and play with some fabric colors or combinations that you might not have otherwise. I find that sewing a single block is a productive way to get out of a sewing rut and get a quick win. 

As far as the community aspect of this goes, I plan to do some sharing over on Instagram. I hope you'll join me! It would be fun to share what we're reading and get some new books added to our to-be-read lists. If you'd like to share your blocks there, I'd love it if you would tag me @ritualquiltcompany and use the hashtags #booksyblockproject and #ritualquiltcompany. 

What's the first Booksy Block?

I thought you'd never ask! Ha! The first block is one called Squire Smith's Choice block. It dates back to 1899! While it might look a little complicated, it's easily broken down into half square triangles. Click the photo below to get this pattern sent to your inbox. 

I was a little excited to get going on the first block, so I used a book that I finished last night (New Year's Eve). Technically, it was a 2024 read, but I don't think the quilt police are coming for me! 

How can I keep track of my reads and my blocks?

I've made a fun little log that you are free to download to keep track of the books you've read along with the fabrics used and blocks made throughout 2025 (click the image below):

Be sure to check back for next month's block. You'll have to sign up for each block as we go throughout 2025; this ensures that I'm not clogging your inbox and you only get the blocks you really want to make! 

I can't wait to read and sew with you in 2025!