modern sampler quilt along: block G link-up

The Modern Sampler Quilt Along is an informal and virtual quilt along where we make a block from Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt pattern each month. You can follow the hashtag  #modernsamplerquiltalong on Instagram to get a peek at everyone's blocks, fabrics, and progress, as we work our way through the pattern together. On the last Tuesday of each month (or Thursday, in this case!), we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block G from the pattern.

Man, this month's block was a beast. Am I the only one who thought that, or do some of you agree? When it came time to put this block together, I did not have the patience to create small drunkard's path templates and attempt to match seams. So instead, I decided to improvise. I cut each curve freehand, without a ruler, and sewed whatever curve appeared before me.

The result was a bit of a wonky block, and a departure from the original pattern, but I'll take it. I'm curious to see how you each approached this block and those curves. Please share them below!

HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block G. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.

2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.

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An InLinkz Link-up

modern sampler quilt along: block F link-up

The Modern Sampler Quilt Along is an informal and virtual quilt along where we make a block from Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt pattern each month. You can follow the hashtag  #modernsamplerquiltalong on Instagram to get a peek at everyone's blocks, fabrics, and progress, as we work our way through the pattern together. On the last Tuesday of each month, we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block F from the pattern.

We've made it to the halfway point in the quilt along---yay! This month's block was my favorite so far, mostly because I really love the Yoshiko Jinzenji text print I used.

Rather than piecing the curves on my machine, I opted to needle-turn appliqué each of the half ovals to the background strips, and then machine sewed them from there.

Since we're halfway through the pattern, I thought it would be a great time for us to post all six blocks we've completed thus far, and cheer each other on. Here are all of my blocks so far (I haven't trimmed them yet, hence the varying sizes---ha!).

To celebrate everyone who has completed their first six blocks, Zakka Workshop and I have teamed up to create two small giveaway bundles, featuring coin purse kits, cuts of Yoshiko Jinzenji prints, and screen-printed fabric panels from the Salty Oat shop.

Orange + Purple Bundle:

Gray Bundle:

To be in the running for one of the two bundles, simply link up to a photo showing all six of your finished blocks by next Tuesday, March 1, at 11:59 pm EST. I'll select two winners from all of the entries on Wednesday, March 2. You'll still be able to post photos of your Block F until our next link-up on March 29.

UPDATE: Thank you so much to everyone that posted their finished blocks, and congrats to A Quilter's Table and Bespoke Outlaw on winning the prize bundles!

Now let's see your blocks!

HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Blocks A-F (or just Block F). In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.

2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.

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An InLinkz Link-up

modern sampler quilt along: block E link-up

The Modern Sampler Quilt Along is an informal and virtual quilt along where we make a block from Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt pattern each month. You can follow the hashtag  #modernsamplerquiltalong on Instagram to get a peek at everyone's blocks, fabrics, and progress, as we work our way through the pattern together. On the last Tuesday of each month, we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block E from the pattern.

Welcome to our fifth link-up! I found this month's block to be the easiest to piece of all of the ones we've done so far. Do you agree? For mine, I simply pieced a basic nine-patch block, turned it at an angle, and trimmed it down to the necessary block size before adding mitered borders.

Next month, we'll be halfway through the pattern (!), and I want to celebrate everyone's hard work! For February's link-up, post a photo of all six of your completed blocks for a chance to win some fun goodies (including fabric!). If you're just joining us, or still have a block or two to finish, this will be a great reason to get caught up!

Now let's share our blocks!

HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block E. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.

2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.

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An InLinkz Link-up

modern sampler quilt along: block D link-up

The Modern Sampler Quilt Along is an informal and virtual quilt along where we make a block from Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt pattern each month. You can follow the hashtag  #modernsamplerquiltalong on Instagram to get a peek at everyone's blocks, fabrics, and progress, as we work our way through the pattern together. On the last Tuesday of each month, we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block D from the pattern.

Welcome to our fourth link-up! We're now onto the second row of our quilt tops. Have you been enjoying the process so far?

This month has been a busy one for me (we bought a house!), so I'm thankful I had the forethought to make Block D last month, while I had the pattern and my fabrics out on the table. I found this block to be relatively straightforward---especially when compared to the curves we encountered last month!---and I wound up paper piecing each of the rows, to have them remain as accurate as possible.

Now let's see your blocks!

HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block D. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.

2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.

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An InLinkz Link-up

modern sampler quilt along: block C link-up

The Modern Sampler Quilt Along is an informal and virtual quilt along where we make a block from Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt pattern each month. You can follow the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong on Instagram to get a peek at everyone's blocks, fabrics, and progress, as we work our way through the pattern together. On the last Tuesday of each month, we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block C from the pattern.

Welcome to our third link-up for the Modern Sampler Quilt Along! This month's block was a bit of a departure from previous months' blocks---there were curves!

Block C features a cup and saucer, and I opted to construct and sew my cup using needle-turn appliqué. I cut out templates of the shapes (adding in a seam allowance), which I used to cut my fabric. I then basted my fabric shapes to the background and hand stitched the edges, turning them under as I went.

How did you piece Block C? And which block has been your favorite so far? I'd love to know!

TIP
If you've never tried needle-turn appliqué before, Carolyn Friedlander's book, Savor Each Stitch, is a great resource to get you started.

HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block C. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.

2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.

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An InLinkz Link-up

modern sampler quilt along: block B link-up

The Modern Sampler Quilt Along is an informal and virtual quilt along where we make a block from Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt pattern each month. You can follow the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong on Instagram to get a peek at everyone's blocks, fabrics, and progress, as we work our way through the pattern together. On the last Tuesday of each month, we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block B from the pattern.

Welcome to the second link-up for the Modern Sampler Quilt Along! Thank you so much to everyone who posted a Block A last month; your blocks and fabrics choices were excellent!

Since Block B had a significant number of pieces to it, I opted to use foundation paper piecing to construct mine. I traced the pattern template onto paper (in reverse), and stitched the fabric directly to it. Similar to Block A, I again used out-of-date quilt labels and a Yoshiko Jinzenji print for the background, and this time included a bright pink Kei Honeycomb dot and a sage green print by Umbrella Prints in some of the main shapes.

TIP
If you're new to foundation paper piecing, and would like to use the technique in this or future blocks, Michael Ann has a great step-by-step photo tutorial and simple block pattern to get you started.

Have any tips or tricks or observations about making this block that you'd like to share? Leave them in the comments below.

Now let's see your blocks!

HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block B. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.

2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.
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An InLinkz Link-up

modern sampler quilt along: block A link-up

Welcome to the first link-up for the Modern Sampler Quilt Along, an informal and virtual quilt along where we make a block from Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt pattern each month! You can follow the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong on Instagram to get a peek at everyone's blocks, fabrics, and process, as we work our way through the pattern together. On the last Tuesday of each month, we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block A from the pattern.

For my quilt, I'm using the Superbuzzy Yoshiko Jinzenji bundle as the starting point for my fabric selection, and I've pulled a number of complementary fabrics from my stash to round it out, adding in pops of pink, yellow, and aqua.

For my Block A, I used out-of-date quilt labels, a vintage daisy print (I love the pop of neon coral in the flowers' centers!), solid aqua, an Ikea text print, and a Jinzenji print. One of the things that I really like about this pattern so far is that Jinzenji doesn't specify what types of fabrics to use (lights versus darks, colors versus neutrals) or where to place them, which I found quite freeing. I had fun experimenting with the layout.

TIP
In case this is your first time doing mitered corners on your borders and you'd like a bit of help, Craftsy has a step-by-step photo tutorial that shows you how to sew them, and the Fat Quarter Shop has a step-by-step video that walks you through the process as well.

Have any tips or tricks or observations you'd like to share? Leave them in the comments below.

Now let's see your first blocks!

HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block A. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.

2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.
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An InLinkz Link-up

do. Good Stitches: June Block

Have you sewn a lot of curves? I've done only a few, but I got some good practice in last week while making the block for this month's quilt for the Wish Circle of do. Good Stitches. We used a restricted palette and Alyssa's pattern, and I think the finished quilt is going to be stunning!

Each month, I make quilt blocks for the Wish Circle of do. Good Stitches, which our group then turns into quilts that we donate to Project Linus. You can see all of my past blocks here.

do. Good Stitches: May Blocks

Here are my crazy star quilt blocks for Erica, made up of pinks, oranges, and yellows, with low-volume prints in the background. This is the first time that I've used low-volume prints in a quilt block, and I really like the results. Next, I'd love to make something similar to this. Do you have any favorite quilts that incorporate low-volume prints?

Each month, I make quilt blocks for the Wish Circle of do. Good Stitches, which our group then turns into quilts that we donate to Project Linus. You can see all of my past blocks here.

do. Good Stitches: March Blocks

Last month, Sonya requested wonky star blocks for the March quilt for our circle of do. Good Stitches.

Working within her suggested color theme---which I loved!---I made two blocks using quilting weight, linen and voile.

You can see all of the past blocks I've made here. 

do. Good Stitches: February Blocks

My February blocks for our circle of do. Good Stitches. Lynn will be turning these Road to Tennessee blocks into a quilt for Project Linus.

do. Good Stitches: December Quilt Block

For the month of December, Alyssa asked our circle in do. Good Stitches to create a block featuring a combination of pink prints and solids, using this tutorial by Faith at Fresh Lemons. This was my first time doing traditional paper piecing, and while I had to rip out a few (teeny, tiny!) seams, I loved the process and its accuracy, and am inspired to try out more paper-pieced blocks. Have you ever done paper piecing? Any recommendations on patterns to try?

do. Good Stitches: November Blocks

Here are the blocks I made for Erica, November's quilter in our circle of do. Good Stitches. Erica requested blocks made in boy-friendly colors, using this tutorial. I had fun pulling a bunch of fabrics from my stash for these, including some shirting and a vintage print. I can't wait to see the finished quilt!

P.S. Looking for the Giveaway Day giveaway? Hop on over here!

do. Good Stitches: October Blocks

Herringbone blocks I made from colorful scraps for Sonya for October's quilt for the Wish Circle of do. Good Stitches. Tutorial found here.

do. Good Stitches: September Blocks

I'm back from Sewing Summit and finally catching up on my to-do list! Above are the blocks I made for Lynn for September's quilt for the Wish Circle of do. Good Stitches. Our group members created scrappy blocks using Ashley's converging corners tutorial; I think the final quilt will be stunning!

do. Good Stitches: August Blocks

For the month of August, I was in charge of designing the quilt for the Wish Circle of do. Good Stitches. I fell in love with the banner blocks that Ellen from The Long Thread made for an Etsy project, so I decided that I wanted our group to create a similar quilt using only primary colors---red, yellow, and blue; my blue blocks are above. I've received almost all of the blocks from group members and will start assembling the top soon!

P.S. We're almost halfway to our fundraising goal for the Walk to End Alzheimer's! I'm sending handmade buttons to everyone who donates!

do. Good Stitches: July Blocks

For this month's do. Good Stitches blocks, my circle, the Wish Circle, made postage stamp blocks for Alyssa using Rita's tutorial over on Red Pepper Quilts.

I pulled a bunch of scraps from my bin and pieced these together (the first project I've tackled in my new sewing space!) while watching Gossip Girl (it's so addicting and so good!). I'm pleased with how the blocks turned out and am excited, as always, to see the finished quilt.

You can see my past do. Good Stitches blocks here.

do. Good Stitches: June Blocks

A few weeks ago, I joined the Wish circle of do. Good Stitches. [You can learn more about the group, which makes quilts for a variety of charities every month, here.] I was so excited to get started that as soon as the request for the first set of blocks went up, I immediately got to work.

My fellow circle member, Erica, asked that we make kaleidoscope blocks [from this excellent tutorial] using purples, oranges and pinks, with a gray/neutral background.

I pulled a number of things from my stash, including many Spoonflower prints, and quickly put the blocks together. They were surprisingly easy to make, and I love how they turned out. I can't wait to see them pieced together into a quilt with my fellow circle members' blocks!

quilting project: stitch dc quilt along

Our stuff finally arrived on Friday (though sadly, our beloved couch couldn't fit through our oddly shaped entryway, so we had to find another, smaller one to take its place) and I've begun to unpack my studio and slowly get back into the swing of crafting. I have a few things in my to-do pile that I started before all of the craziness of the move, and a few new things I've been waiting to start, including my quilt blocks for the Stitch DC Mystery Quilt Along.

I cut and sewed my blocks together this week, after a lot of time going back and forth on color choices. In the end, I wound up using a cornflower blue solid with two organic Cloud9 prints that I picked up at Nido in Burlington, Vermont, and two green prints (from Amy Butler's Daisy Chain collection and Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane collection) from City Craft in Dallas, Texas. My question to you is, do you think this color palette works? I've been going back and forth on the greens. In some lights I totally think they work together, and in others, I'm less sure. Any thoughts or feedback--and alternate fabric suggestions--would be much appreciated!

quilting project: blocks for charity

A coworker and I are currently working on a quilt top that we will be donating to the charity Wrap Them in Love (I found out about the organization through Sew Mama Sew! back in December). We're working with tan, orange, and teal fabrics which we picked up from Thread-Bare, my favorite local source for inexpensive crafty supplies, and I'm excited to see the quilt take shape.

While the quilt is still in the beginning stages (I'll post pictures of it here when it's done!), I'm also working on a stack of blocks to donate as well, which are pictured here. Each nine-patch square is made from scraps I have in the studio, including vintage sheets and thrifted remnants.