Good Morning Quilters!
Today’s subject is “Sampler Quilts”. As long as I have been quilting, I’ve been drawn to making little blocks - all different from each other. I started my quilt journey with the Jane Stickle Quilt, so I think that influenced me a lot. . And whenever an internet “free block patterns for such and such time of the whatever” is offered, I usually join in. But now, I’m resisting joining any new ones until I get some of these sampler blocks from my past years made into quilts.
The UFO that is on the design wall this week are blocks from Pat Sloan’s “Splendid Sampler” of a few years ago. I saw one or two quilt tops that I thought would be something I could do with these blocks, but I’m undecided. The truth is that I like making the blocks, but together in a quilt top, they are too busy looking. I have them in a possible setting with an Irish chain alternate block. And I put four together as I saw this on another person’s Splendid Sampler. I don’t know if it makes them look more busy or less busy this way.
I am also considering another setting, similar to one of these quilts that I saw on Pinterest.
I like sampler quilts but not when they're put next to each other. Each block is so interesting and I think they look crowded and blend together that way. I like the other two quilt possibilities you showed. Have fun figuring it out!
ReplyDeleteI have made one sampler quilt, where all the paper-pieced blocks were the same size. It was a pattern/QAl by Allison Glass. It took a while to finalize the layout. If the block sizes vary, oh boy, then it is even more tricky. Coping strips and filler blocks to the rescue. You may be overthinking, but I do the same and often :-) Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI love your small sampler blocks! I wonder if you made the squares in the alternate blocks a little smaller- might that compliment the daintiness if the pieced blocks better?
ReplyDeleteYour sampler blocks are great, but I think they would look better with some separation between the blocks instead of joined into groups of four. I like either of the other two options. Good luck figuring it out!
ReplyDeleteJudy, have you tried setting them on point. When I rotated my iPad, I liked the look. Maybe put the colors in a row across the quilt, green going across, pink/cream going up/down….
ReplyDeleteJudy, you might try setting on point. When I tilted my iPad, I liked it. Maybe have the greens go across and the pink/cream go up/down. Cheers, Louise
ReplyDeleteHmmmm Sampler quilts - I like them for the variety of blocks that you can learn - but like you have trouble seeing how I want them set . I am not sure for yours if I would keep 4 blocks together - it dose seem busy - but! I also like the thought behind it haha... see no help!!!
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of groups of four alternating with chains. Sampler quilts can be difficult to set because the blocks may vary in density.
ReplyDeleteI do love samplers, but with small blocks it can look way too busy, as you said. I really like that black and tan version. The solid background should calm down the busy-ness of the small blocks.
ReplyDeleteI really like your sampler blocks. Your original setting is nice and goes well with the blocks; I think a uniform color would set it off better and accentuate your wonderful blocks better rather than competing for attention. As a possible alternate, I also like the black one, too. Your photos are helping me to decide on a setting myself. I do like free Samplers online and just started the Blockheads 5 last month. I am in the process of finishing the setting for the Sewcialites 2 which ended in April.
ReplyDeleteI really dislike sampler quilts where each square is placed next to another without it making a good contrast, matching colourwise, or allowing each one to "shine",some are just plain congested. I'd try having them split with a plain square between, possibly try sashing, or give each one a double border. Alternatively I've turned some into a mugrug, or pan handle holder etc - the rest of mine are still in the box awaiting their turn.....so hope you like your final choice of putting them together. Elaine
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you...I love sampler blocks and very much enjoysewing each one differently. Yours are so lovely and deserving of a setting that showcases their individuality. Perhaps you might find a YouTube video from Karen at Just Get It Done Quilts helpful. It's called How to Use Sashing With Your Sampler Blocks. Lots of great ideas here in your comments.
ReplyDeleteI am the same! I love sewing blocks but then struggle to put them together and so they sit... waiting. And then I start another sampler! That's okay... it makes us happy! I have tried all kinds of settings... smushed together, sashing, on point, alternate blocks, etc... it's all good! It's the enjoyment it gives us that counts!
ReplyDeleteI love samplers! Making them and looking at them. My first one was with a quilt shop that did a $5.00 quilt. You paid $5.00 for the first block, and then returned with it finished the next month to get the next. Your finished block was the "price." Of course the shop also featured fat quarters and eighths to coordinate. So I ended up making pieced borders. I did finish the first one I started. I have another sleeping somewhere in the sewing room.
ReplyDeleteI would say less busy.....and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi Judy, good luck with the design of your sampler blocks quilt. They are very sweet - but if I had started quilting making those, I would not be here now :-) They are just too small and fiddly for me. I'm sure that you'll figure it out. Best of luck and thanks for the linking party!
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