June has arrived – which means it’s time for Block 2 of the Monster Mash Quilt Along! If you’re new here, visit my intro to Monster Mash blog post HERE. In a nutshell, we are sewing up a frightfully fun Halloween sampler quilt using some of the most popular blocks from my Hey Boo collection that arrived to quilt shops in April. Here’s a look at the finished project:

Before I forget, I am excited to announce that Kaitlyn @ Knot and Thread is a sponsor of this quilt along. She’s offering a 20% discount on longarm quilting on all Monster Mash quilts. (They must be submitted to her within 3 months of the quilt along ending – which means the deadline for the discount is February 2025.)

Block 2: “The Skull”

Block 2 is a cute lil patchwork skeleton block. I hope you like making him as much as I did! And don’t worry… you only need to make one of these. In fact, Block 1 “Haunted House” is the only one that needed multiples (which is why we started with it last month).

The Fabric

Fabric is Hey Boo by Lella Boutique for Moda Fabrics, as well as a few coordinating Moda Bella solids. (For this skeleton block, I used 9900 284 “Charcoal” here.) The white print is the white on white print in the collection. By the way, if you are looking for a kit, reach out to your favorite local or online store! I know many have put together kits, and there’s a good chance they will sell out quickly. You can access the full materials list for Monster Mash here if you decide you want to put your own together.

Finished block: 16″ x 16″

Finished quilt: 76-1/2″ x 76-1/2″

To make “The Skull” quilt block, here’s what you’ll need:

• (1) fat quarter white fabric
• (1) fat quarter background fabric
• (1) scrap 10″ x 10″ charcoal fabric

The Pattern

There are a couple ways to access the Block 2 “The Skull” pattern instructions. (If you have a kit, check to see if the patterns are already included.)

• OPTION 1: is via the LB231 “Pushing Up Daisies” quilt pattern. I sell the pattern in printed booklet or PDF formats in my shop here. (You can also opt to buy the Hey Boo pattern bundle to get all 4 of the quilt patterns used for the blocks in the shop here.)

• OPTION 2: is “The Skull” single block PDF download available on my site:

Cutting Hints

IF USING THE “PUSHING UP DAISIES” PATTERN, refer to page #7 where Step #14 lists exactly what you need to make (1) Skull block and cut accordingly.

IF USING “THE SKULL” SINGLE BLOCK DOWNLOAD: no special notes, just follow the pattern instructions.

Piecing Tips

As with Block #1, it’s important to note that I list the measurements of the unit in each step. This important to check when working with small pieces (i.e. the nose, the teeth, etc.). If you find your units not measuring correctly in any given step, check your seam allowance accuracy.

This block uses a variety of beginner techniques. We make half-square triangles (for the nose), easy corner triangles (for the eyes), andwork with some smaller pieces. When sewing the row of teeth together, I like to press each seam with a hand roller as I go. Then I press the whole row at the end with an iron. (Too much steam can warp them so be carefully if using a steam iron.) There are a lot of little pieces in a row, so this is where a slight seam allowance discrepancy would add up. (The individual teeth/gaps should measure 1/2″-wide finished.)

The Prize

For June, I’m giving away a fat eighth bundle of my upcoming collection Love Blooms (arrives to shops Nov 2024). To enter, just be sure to post a picture of your progress of Block 2 “The Skull” on social media with the hashtag #MonsterMashQuiltAlong. I’ll announce a winner before the next block release on 7.10.24!