Around the Block: Oklahoma

Over the next several months, my friend, Kathryn, at Quilt of the Month is hosting a tour of the United States called “Around the Block.” We are traveling – virtually, of course – across the country, making 6” blocks as we go, and I am honored to be the featured designer for the state of Oklahoma!

When I moved to Oklahoma in January of 2015, I really didn’t know what we would find. Born and raised in Texas, I knew that regions within a state can vary tremendously, and yet I honestly expected Oklahoma to be all flat land and red dirt as far as the eye can see. 

Well, as is so often the case, I was wrong.

Oklahoma is a stunning state! The southeast is full of rolling hills and tall, tall trees. The northeast is lush and green. And the west – well, that red dirt creates the most awesome sunsets I’ve ever seen.

Living here is Tulsa, we get the best of it all: gorgeous spring flowers, perfect fall evenings, crisp and cool winters, and long, hot summers. On top of the beautiful landscape and the joy of experiencing all four seasons, Tulsa has unbelievable music and food scenes, fabulous parks and green spaces, fascinating museums, and wonderfully talented performers with our opera, ballet, and theaters. Tulsa has the attractions and pulse of a thriving city, but the personality and vibe of a quaint, small town. Coach and I often tell people that we live in a hidden gem, and we’ve only explored a fraction of what is right here to enjoy.

I hope when all this COVID and quarantine craziness is over, you will cruise down Route 66 and stop by for a visit! 

In the meantime, let’s get back to our tour Around the Block…

When I was asked to create a block to represent Oklahoma, those red dirt sunsets over the plains were the first thing I envisioned. 

But, I wanted to do my due diligence, so I researched a little more to see what additional inspiration might jump out at me… 

I discovered that our state bird is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, our state animal is the American Bison, and our state tree is the Redbud.

I found out that Oklahoma has 11,611 miles of shoreline, more than the combined non-tidal coasts of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. The world’s largest concrete totem pole is in Foyil, Oklahoma; it is 60 feet tall and 30 feet around at its widest point. Oklahoma is one of three states that produce helium, it produces more gypsum than any other state, and is the only state that produces iodine. “100 Amazing Facts about Oklahoma”

I clicked on a link to see our state wildflower: the Indian Blanket.

And then I knew – my block would be a version of this vivid wildflower, those breathtaking Oklahoma sunsets, and my love of quilting.

I started with the traditional “Road to Oklahoma” block:

I played with the half-square triangles and set the colors to mimic the Indian Blanket’s dark center, fiery petals, and golden tips.

I just love how the block turned out – it is very quick and super easy to sew together!

The instructions are a pdf pattern for you to download or print:

I’m not requiring an email sign up to access it – I think a subscription for every state would be a tad excessive – but I would love for you to explore my quilting business: Quilt 2 End ALZ, Inc.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit connecting quilters (and those who simply love looking at, admiring, and collecting quilts) to the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease. If you choose to subscribe while checking out our website, we would be honored to have you in our Q2EA community and look forward to keeping in touch!

I also hope you will share your Oklahoma Indian Blanket with me, so please tag @quilt2endalz on your social media photos and posts.

Thanks for taking a tour Around the Block with me!

With love and hugs from Oklahoma,

Ashli

PS: My fellow designers are true artists and very creative!! I’ll be updating the list of patterns as we go each week; click here to find all the fun and unique blocks from all 50 states plus Puerto Rico.

DOOR PRIZES

Throughout this year-long quilt-along, the featured designers are giving away fabric, patterns, notions, tools, and all types of goodies.

You can earn entries by downloading their state pattern, exploring their website, and even visiting their Facebook page.

Click here to enter!