Splendid Sampler Quilt Blocks Update

Hello quilting friends new and old! Today in honor of the half-way point of the Splendid Sampler, I'm sharing the blocks I've completed so far.

If you're new to hearing about The Splendid Sampler it is a year-long quilt-along hosted by Pat Sloan and Jane Davidson. Each week they will provide 2 new 6″ x 6″ quilt blocks, designed by dozens of different designers. You can read more about the Splendid Sampler here as well as visit the Splendid Sampler Facebook Group to see all the fun that's been going on.

I was asked to contribute a block and you can see the pattern for the block I designed here.

This week the Splendid Sampler is celebrating the half-way point - Block 50 is this block called Flights of Fancy designed by Joanna Figueroa.

I chose to use the Splendid Sampler as a way to learn and try new things as well as play with new and different color and fabric combinations outside my comfort zone. I haven't completed all of the blocks, but I've really enjoyed each one I've made so far and I'm excited to make more - including ones I've missed already. And I'm LOVING the direction this collection of blocks is heading!

When my block came out, I had someone write to me who was feeling really frustrated by the paper-piecing aspect of that block to the point where she was hating it. I felt SO bad for her having a miserable experience with a quilt block and at the same time I could relate. I bet some of you can relate too! It gave me something to think about as I wanted to respond with encouragement and perspective. Since some of you may feel this way about a particular block or technique, I thought I'd share part of what I wrote:

"Don't let this journey get you frustrated. One thing I've decided about quilting is that it's my thing for fun, not stress. If the project is just for fun and there's something stressful involved, I choose not to do it. There are lots of aspects of quilting that I really enjoy and there are lots of things I don't do because I either don't enjoy that part or I don't have time at this moment to practice. I'm not making all of the Splendid Sampler blocks for that reason. Quilting is my relaxation, not a burden. There's enough frustration in real life, why add it where it's unnecessary? Also, there's no quilt/Splendid Sampler police or jury. You're the boss of your own quilt. Pat and Jane are offering this opportunity for fun and growth, not to make you feel discouraged"

So if there's technique or block that just isn't your thing, don't feel bad! Remember this is for fun. And even challenging things can be fun when you relax and let go of the fear of failing. I also love Pat's reminders about The Splendid Way to Do Things. Puts it all in perspective!

I have a couple of things to share today. First, here is an additional free pattern for a patchwork 6" x 6" block called Rosepark. I added it to my patchwork Splendid Sampler blocks. 🙂 You can find the pattern here.

I have another new free pattern to share: This Modern Basket Pattern I made for Quilt Market this spring is available from Craftsy. MODERN BASKET PATTERN FOUND HERE.

And if you're looking for a bunch of quick quilt patterns using precuts, I'm offering 50% off my new Craftsy Class: Pre-Cuts Short-Cuts: Quilt Tops is Less Time.  You can see all the quilts and projects in this class here.

Thanks so much for stopping by - especially if you're visiting from the Splendid Sampler! Happy sewing for the next 50 blocks and remember, this is for fun! 😉

Giveaways! Visit the Splendid Sampler today for links to other designers sharing fun stuff including a Moda Fat Quarter Bundle giveaway from Pat Sloan and thread giveaway from Aurifil!