Rainbow Scrap Challenge Block for 2026

My string bag is over flowing. I needed to come up with a sample block that I could make during the year. I had planned a different block until I discovered that I would have a hard time coming up with enough variety and enough size of the scraps needed to make the block. I rethought blocks. I perused Pinterest. 

String bag

While I was sewing the border of Grassy Creek, I had two pairs of string blocks cooling from pressing on the ironing station. I noticed that the X made a nice looking design. Gertie, my inner squirrel, jumped in to request that I turn the blocks. I oriented them to a vertical position. She swished her tail. No silly, she seemed to say. Keep the vertical orientation and move the bottom block to the top. Make a diamond shape instead of an X shape.

X Block string orientation

I did, I liked the result. I thanked Gertie for her input. Of course, she went racing around the studio with joy. I have a few gray strings that need a partner. In other words, I will need to make an equal number of uphill and downhill blocks. I had a lot of gray fabric left from making Grassy Creek so I plan to make enough string blocks to act as a border around the blocks I piece in the color of the month during the year.

Diamond string orientation

I will piece rectangles with the available strings. I will need four string rectangles to make one diamond. This may take me more than one year to complete; but, I'm okay with that! I like having a plan!

Container of gray scraps

Goal number eight on my December list was to determine the RSC block for 2026.  Linking to Oh Scrap, Scrap Happy and Sew & Tell.