X’s and O’s

Though the history regarding the symbolism of X’s and O’s at the end of a letter or note is long and contested, we have all probably used this familiar, affectionate closing in a letter or card to a loved one or been the recipient of such a signature. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there will be a lot of X’s and O’s everywhere. I’ve already seen it on a couple of mugs and a pillow, and I plan on putting a few of them on a cards to my nieces and nephews. For this months block lotto your challenge is to create X and O blocks.

These fun, simple blocks are fast to make and a great way to use up some of your bigger scraps. It’s also a great way to use up those charm packs you picked up on an impulse or the few odd charms you didn’t include in your project. Use this short video to take a 5″ square (same size as a charm pack) and two 2-1/2″ squares to get started.

A food themed X and O quilt from SewDaughter.Wordpress.com

We are asking those choosing to participate to make X’s and O’s so that the winner will have a quilt like the featured photos in this post. It would be great if everyone who participates would make both an X and an O, but it’s not necessary to participate.

A cheerful, scrappy X’s and O’s quilt.

For colors and fabrics this month, there are no specific fabrics that you need to purchase, so sew from your stash if you would like. The only thing we are asking is that your background colors be a light neutral – off-white, ivory, cream, etc. Prints on the background fabric are good for adding a little texture or interest, but they should compete with the X and the O. Those should be clear in each block. The X’s and O’x can be any color or pattern your heart desires. After all, hugs and kisses come in all colors! Here are 4 blocks that I made, and you can see that each is quite different from the next, but the background helps unify them.

A few blocks I made to prepare for this post.

Let us know if you have any questions, have fun and keep sewing!

XOXOX,

Dustin