I love sampler quilts. But I find that they take much longer to complete. Each block must be analyzed--is it the right design, which fabrics should be used and which placement will be most harmonious. I find myself working on a sampler over a period of months and even years, using it as a break between other projects. I prefer a mixture of block styles altho try to keep to a uniform size--as you can see with my black/red/white top that I posted earlier in the year.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t261559.html
I am currently working on a scrappy 9 patch--again using it as relaxation between other projects.