The Splendid Sampler - Block 13, 16 and a bonus block...

It's been a while since I made some of the splendid sampler blocks, and you really do fall behind pretty quick... Today I started out just prepping some of the blocks, I had a really bad headache, and then prepping is a nice and quiet activity....

This evening, I was ready to sew, and I started by making block 16 "Pieces of Friendship"

I moved on to block 13 "Scrap Stars" - this one was a little tricky, so I took my time. I was so pleased that it came out the right size, because that's a lot of seams in one little 6.5'' block :-)

The last block I pieced today is a bonus block. Why not make an extra, when there are 4 patterns waiting for me.......??

But I just love this "Inside Out" block - and it really is a fast block to put together

I would like to make a whole quilt of these - but then I would probably make each block bigger......and wonky :-)

The Splendid Sampler - Block 12 "Checkerboard"

This was a fast and fun block to sew. I didn't cut all the little sqaures, but cut 1.5'' strips and went from there. I considered choosing a different color for each strip, but I have made the decision to stay as close to the original patterns as possible. For me to learn as much as possible.

So here it is:

This block was designed by Pat Sloan. It was fast and fun to sew. Makes me want to finally sew that trip around the world quilt :)

The Splendid Sampler - playing catch-up. Blocks 9, 10 and 11.

I have been working on a lot of other projects, so I have fallen behind on my blocks for The Splendid Sampler.

I had cut blocks 9, 10, 11 and 12 a few days ago, so they were ready to sew "whenever I had a couple of minutes" - I just never did! Or....when I did, I chose to do something else :)

Today I finally just sat down by my machine and started....

Block 9 "Local Quilt Shop"

This was a fun block, I really like house blocks, but I don't think I ever made one before! One of many advantages to The Splendid Sampler - trying new things!

Block 10 "Iowa"

This one reminds me of a frosted donut, or sherbert..... My daugther loves it and wants me to make her a pillow with one giant Iowa block. 

Block 11 "Crocheted Thoughts"

This one obviosly still needs the crochet/embroidery. I am not sure how I am going to do that, So I am leaving it like this for now..

I still need to sew blocks 12 and 13. But I feel like I am caught up for now. I'll have some time to sew over the weekend - but I have a special block planned. So the sampler may have to wait until next week..

The Splendid Sampler Update - I am behind!

It's difficult to do 2 blocks every week. It sounds easy, but it really isn't. So...now I am 4 blocks behind. I decided to just cut the fabrics needed, and then they are ready for me to sew, when I get a chance.

I am going to start with the newest block, and work my way backwards...

Pat Sloans "Checkerboard" block

"Crocheted Thoughts" by Alyssa Thomas:

Sherri McConnell: "Iowa" - I really like this one :)

...and "Local Quilt Shop" by Jane Davidson

Now I just need some time to sew!!

The Splendid Sampler, Block 8 "Friends Around the Square"

I seem to always be a block or 2 behind everyone else :) 

Today I made block 8, it was a fast and fun block, designed by Julie Karasek.

I am downloading the patterns from The Splendid Samplers website when they are published, then when I have time, I am ready to go. I hope I'll keep doing this - also when I am 8 - 10 or even 20 blocks behind :)

The Splendid Sampler, Block 7 "Snug as a Bug"

I have been putting this one off a little bit, I even considered doing a bonus block instead, just because I am not comfortable with embroidery. I put on my brave pants, and I did it...

It's a lot more white than any of my other blocks, but I like it.
These are my first 7 blocks:

This is such a fun project, if you haven't already, you should join. Go to The Splendid Sampler and get started! All the information is there.

The Splendid Sampler, Block 6 "Focal Point"

For this block, I actually did need to stay focused. It's another one of those "it may look simple, but really it isn't!"-blocks:

 The pattern is designed by Natalia Bonner, and you can find on The Splendid Sampler's website until spring 2017.

The Splendid Sampler - February blocks done

The first month has been so much fun. The patterns have been so pretty, and also so challenging.

I am still thinking of redoing block 4 "Happy Happy", Those circles just are not very round, and they are not growing on me - quite the opposite!

Other than that, I am happy (!) with my blocks so far:

I want to sew block 6 today, but then, I also want to read these: 

I think I'll make a cup of tea and sit and read for a bit :-)

The Splendid Sampler, Block 4 "Happy Happy"

2016 will be the year I learn to appliqué...I will! I love appliqued quilts, but I am way too intimidated to try it.

This year I have made sure I am part of different projects that all include appliqué - because then I can't avoid it :) I didn't know The Splendid Sampler would be one of them, but why not?

Jen Kingwell designed this block, and I loved making it. It's a little wonky in places, but for a first try I would say it is ok.

The Splendid Sampler, Block 5 "Simple Simon"

This was fun! But also, I need to remember, that simple is not always easy... This was great for practicing accuracy, because if everything is not cut and sewn right, those seams are not going to lign up right...

To join the fun, go to The Splendid Sampler's website, download the patterns and go!

The Splendid Sampler, Block 2 "Wings"

I made this block twice as well. The first one is mostly white, and that just doesn't work for me. I was concerned that a mix of colors would make the block so busy that you wouldn't be able to see the butterflies - but I think it works.
I am not very good at quilting over embroidery, so I decided to draw the antennae onto the butterflies. 

To get an overview of the LO, I did lay it all out on the table before sewing it up. It's fun to sew with such little pieces. These are 1'' finished.

If you want to join, go to www.thesplendidsampler.com - the patterns are free, and it's a lot of fun to sew these 6.5'' squares. I am probably not going to be able to sew all of them, but that's ok. It's a fun learning process.

The Splendid Sampler, Block 1 "Hearts Aflutter"

I am trying to catch up the first 2 blocks. I had made one of block 1 already, but didn't like it. So I made another:

I always like pictures with quilts with lots of white - but they never really work for me. Somehow I cannot balance the white, and it just doesn't look good. So I am going to play it safe, and use very little white, and lots of color :-)

This was the first block I had made:

Much too much white for me.... I kept it, but it will most likely be an orphan going into another project some other time....

The Splendid Sampler, Block 3 "Lots of Love"

So since I am behind, I am starting with block #3 - and then catching up!

I chose to put the color in the background fabric, instead of in the hearts. I like it.

It's a lot of little scares. My first time sewing with 1'' squares.

Cutting was the most difficult part

Now on to block 1 and 2.

You can find all the patterns and other info on The Splendid Samplers website.