Splendid Sampler Fun
Have you seen the activity over at The Splendid Sampler Website? It’s amazing to see all the blocks coming in! Many have been adding their own touch to the blocks, and so many looks are created just from the fabrics alone! You still have time to get started and remember this isn’t a race to the finish line. The Splendid Sampler goes on for an entire year and during that time life is going to get in the way.
I sent my newest fabric line off to Moda and then took Saturday to start on my sampler blocks. Once I started sewing I was hooked. The blocks are so different, and many feature techniques I haven’t used in years. I’m looking at this as a learning experience, a chance to brush up on my skills and a chance to enjoy the act of sewing for myself.
Choosing my fabrics was great fun. I’ve had a sampler quilt in my mind for the longest time, just waiting for a group to come along that I could join. I want a soft, shabby chic look and in the end I want a quilt I can display on a large wall as a focal point in my home. I have a several charm packs and layer cakes of Printemps by 3 Sisters so I started with those. Then I added a bundle of Whitewashed Cottage, favorites from the Durham collections, and some of Renee Nanneman’s fabrics.
Just look at Renee’s Bee fabric! Don’t you love it? The background has the softest tinge of pink, just enough to give it that vintage look. And if you look at her Wickerweave fabric peeking out of the very top, you’ll find that I’m using it as a basic throughout my quilt. You can see it in block one, “Hearts Aflutter” below.
My heart definitely took wings when I made block two. I pieced the half-square triangles using triangle paper and Printemps helped me add a bit of a sassy look with its subtle red color. I’ve decided not to add the butterfly embroidery now. I may go back and add it later.
Melissa Corey’s Block Three I fell in love with, but I have to admit I made it three times. If you hop over to her blog, she gives some tips on constructing this block that will help. After 3 attempts, I ended up pressing all the seams open and here’s my final block selection:
Today is another full day of sewing for me. I’m going to applique Jen Kingwell’s darling flower vase block, and then I’m working on something that I’ll show you later this week. It’s for my special grand-daughters who will be visiting me from Germany in just 3 short weeks!
Tell me if you’re attempting to make this sampler quilt and how your progress is coming along. Are you enjoying this as much as I am?
Have a great day!
Anne
23 Comments
Pat Godkin
I love your block for the sampler. I have some of the bee motif fabric. It is so pretty. I used it in one of my train cases.
Jill Beck
I love the bee fabric but I’m having a difficult time locating it. Could you divulge your source? I like your fabric choices for the Splendid Sampler better than any I’ve seen so far. If I were to make this quilt those are the fabrics I would use, beautiful!
Julie
I love your fabric choices! I am printing off the patterns but have not been able to start my blocks yet……a few commitments to complete first.
Karen Kaplan
Hi Anne, it’s beautiful. You have a wonderful gift for inspiring us to work towards bringing such beauty into our lives and homes. Thank You .
Carrie P.
Yes, I am participating. The quilt along has inspired to get back in my sewing room after 5 mos. of not sewing. I think I am getting my mojo back.
Barb R.
Anne, your fabric choices are so lovely – pinks and soft reds and creamy colors – so luscious! I know your Splendid Sampler quilt will be just beautiful. I haven’t started yet (too many other things going on right now) but I’m saving all the patterns and hopefully … one of these days.
Looking forward to seeing what you are making for your grand daughters too.
p.s. – are you designing a Halloween quilt?
viv
I was so excited to see your block included the bee fabric. I haven’t posted a picture of my block, but I used the golden been fabric in mine. Maybe now I’ll have the courage to post it…
Margaret
Your color choice is inspired! I’m not doing the sampler in part because I have plenty going on now, and in part because I couldn’t think of what fabrics to use so that it wouldn’t look mish-mash. I think your sampler will be absolutely beautiful and I will be eager to see it as you progress.
Susan
OOH, I love your fabric selections! This quilt is going to be absolutely beautiful! I love it already.
Colleen
I really like your fabrics and the abundance of fabrics . I do have a few Figtree fabrics that I have just saved because I like them and Robyn Pandolf ( I may be way off on the spelling of her name which is why I used Figtree instead of trying to spell Joanna Figaruo )
Colleen
DeAnna Dodson
What sweet fabrics! I’m not generally an insect person, but I LOVE the bee fabric. So cute!
I’ve been collecting these block patterns, but haven’t had time to sew anything. I hope to soon.
Enjoy your visit with your grandbabies!
kshackabq
Typically, I don’t join sew alongs, but this one has me hooked. I’m having such fun with these wonderful blocks. Love the soft colors and shabby look of your blocks, Anne. I’m finding the variety of colors and styles is incredibly interesting and definitely part of the fun.
Karen in Breezy Point
I’ve been trying to resist the Splendid Sampler sew along, but your blocks are so beautiful in those fabrics, I may have to rethink things!
Brenda Towsley
I am also working on this sampler. I have 4 of the 5 blocks done. I need to finish up block 4 and am really enjoying this QAL. Love your fabrics! Very shabby chic.
mimi'sdarlins
Anne, I love your fabric selections, just so gorgeous! I have some of this bee print in my stash too, fell in love with it. Can’t wait to see all your blocks come together, it is one of my favorite fabric groupings.
sunny
I’m tempted, but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Love your fabric choices!!
RuthB
Your shabby chic look is lovely Anne. Of course I love everything you make. I haven’t started this project yet but you have inspired me to think about it. Thanks for the eye candy!
Danicia
I always love your fabrics and patterns. Keep up the good work🐿
ina
oh, yeah. i’m making it. i’m using American Jane’s last fabric line. I haven’t had a chance to work on block 4 yet but plan to later today. This quilt will be for me. ;p
Christine B.
What beautiful fabric choices Anne and your blocks are beautiful too. I am stitching the Splendid Sampler… I have just finished the last block released… it is such a lot of fun and there are so many inspirational blocks being produced! Have a lovely time with your grandchildren! Christine x
Hildy
I definitly plan to make this quilt-along but haven’t decide on my fabrics yet. I was tempted to make a white-red version with a few blocks and the heart blocks are perfect for it (btw I love your Flutter block with the 4-patch heart). But after seeing your blocks I’ll add making a shabby vintage one to my list too.
Have fun with your granddaughters I’m sure they are excited to see you than you to see them:-)
Gale
I just love how soft and sweet your blocks look. I am attempting to make all the blocks as well. So far I am up to date. I am using Christmas fabric from Gina Martin “Tole Christmas” I have only a fq bundle, so I am hoping that will be enough. I will be visiting my sweet granddaughter in New Brunswick in just one more week. I guess I will have to do a quick catch up when I get home. Hope you enjoy your visit with the grandgirls and get lots of hugs and kisses in.
liz n.
Omg, the fabrics!
*Swoon*