The National Museum of the American Indian is running a Quilt Along this year as part of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There are four 10 inch blocks that can be made into a wall hanging. Block patterns are released on the first day of June, July, August and September 2026.

You can read about, and join, this Quilt Along by clicking this Quilt Along Link which will take you to the museum’s website at the Smithsonian.

The blocks follow a historical timeline from the time before settlers arrived, through today, and looking toward the future.

The bison were a fun raw edge appliqué. I made mine with a collection of brown prints and a reproduction 1930s floral which I chose to represent the prairie.

The Hawaiian block is a needle turn applique block. I picked a bright yellow background (warmer and less green in real life) and a purchased hand-dyed piece of fabric with blues and greens I found in my stash. It reminds me of the ocean. I had done some needle turn appliqué in the past, but making a Hawaiian block with its tight curves was a new adventure for me. It took some time, but once I got in a rhythm, it was fun to stitch.

I’m waiting to make all the blocks before I assemble and quilt them. This is a great project. Please sign up and join all the folks across the country doing this sew along. It’s free.