#5 Splendid Sampler

Here is #5 of the Splendid Sampler QAL.  It's called Simple Simon and was designed by Celine Perkins.

This was a lovely block to piece.  I managed to cut accurately, sew perfect scant 1/4" seams and it needed no trimming apart from a couple of wispy bits.

If you have read my previous posts on The Splendid Sampler you may be wondering where #4 is.  Well, I didn't do it.  It didn't really do anything for me and so I'm missing it out, for now.  I may go back and look at it again at a later date.  I have seen some super interpretations of it on the QAL's  Facebook page but it doesn't seem to fit in with what I want my finished item to be.  Maybe I'd like it better as a stand alone 12" block in a frame.  I'll think on it. 

#3 Lots of Love

This block is called 'Lots of Love' and was designed by Melissa Corey for the Splendid Sampler QAL. This was a really fiddly block to do with lots of tiny stitch and flip corners.  I pressed all of the seams open, but even so, the seams are very bulky especially at the intersections.  I've given it a good press, using some spray starch to keep those seams flat.

Splendid Sampler #2 - Wings

Here is my second block for the Splendid Sampler QAL by Jane Davidson and Pat Sloan.  This one is called Wings and was designed by Jane Davidson.  I have done my own interpretation of the block as I found the original too fussy for my tastes.  I've only used four different prints instead of completely scrappy, and I changed out the 4-patches for rail fence blocks.  This gives me a much more symmetrical pattern which I find very pleasing.  I'm loving working with my French General reds and neutrals.

Splendid Sampler. #1 - Hearts Aflutter

I've decided to resurrect this blog.  I can't believe it's been two years since I was last here.  I have been busy, not idle, but not much patchwork.  I'll write more about what I've been doing in future posts.  

I'm starting the new Splendid Sampler Quilt Along hosted by Jane Davidson and Pat Sloan.  It's going to take 52 weeks and there'll be two 6" blocks a week. There will be a host of different designers each contributing a block.  I'm probably not going to do them all but will pick and choose.  I won't make a large quilt but maybe a hanging or a runner for my newly decorated sitting room.  I have been collecting fabrics from the French General collections by Moda, choosing the red ones and mixing it with neutrals so this will be the pallette for my blocks.

The first block  came out on St Valentine's Day and is called Hearts Aflutter, designed by Pat Sloan.  I think it took me longer to choose my fabric combination than it did to actually make it, but I'm very pleased with the outcome.  I chose to attach the heart using fusible web  and machine applique.  I love using the blanket stitch on my machine for this.