I want to Make a Scrappy Sampler Quilt... Ideas Please
 

Inspiration can hit you like a bold of lightening when you least expect it. I was looking at some of the past winners at the International Quilt Association website and I came across this sampler quilt by Noriko Kido, of Japan. (Second Place, Traditional Pieced.) http://www.quilts.org/winners.html Notice how she used the same block each and every time, but they all look completely different from one another. She did this by cleverly coordinating her colors and values so that a different, certain aspect of each block stood out. I love this idea!

I've been wanting to use up some of my small scraps and make a sampler quilt...just a block, or two a month, so I'm not overwhelmed. I've never tried a sampler before. It all seems like so much work. I'd love some ideas and tips. Thanks!

~ Cindy

Do you want to do a sampler, which is usually all different blocks or do you want to do what Noriko did and do the same block but make them appear drastically different by color and value placement? Two entirely different animals IMHO. Norikos quilt consist of Lucy Boston blocks, An EPP method made with elongated hexis, at least as best I can make out from the picture. The hexis are fussy cut for the same repeat of fabric in the different areas so she can get those drastically different looks from the same block.

Have you viewed any of the pictures of the 365 day challenge quilt? That is fabulous sampler done scrappy but it is given continuity by value placement.

Yes, I agree with feline fanatic--it certainly looks like Lucy Boston epp. The blocks are fascinating---her placement,fussy cutting really makes each one look so different. I'm not crazy about her choice of border fabric though....

I'm not so crazy about her border either...sorry Noriko. But, I do love what she did with the blocks. You're right, feline fanatic, it's not a true sampler, but it looks like one from a distance, which I think is part of its clever charm. I'd like to do either...a true sampler, or a variation on a block. I have a lot of small scraps, like 2" sqs and 1" strips. I haven't tried applique yet and I'm not sure I want to....maybe. I'll check out the 365 day challenge quilt. Thanks for the tips.

~ Cindy

On my list is Sampler Magic by Lori Smith, probably in my favourite shades of purples and greens. You have many styles and block sizes to choose from, piecing, applique, hexies, crazy, and whether to buy a pattern or just pick and choose blocks you like, so good luck. Don't forget to show us when done

I'm not sure if this is your style, but Lori Holt has a free sew-along. Here's a link: http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com/

I once bought a book which was all about changing values within a block to make it look completely different from the other identical blocks. It was a fascinating book to study, and I can't remember the name of it to tell you. I still have it somewhere but won't be able to look for it until next week because my guild is having a quilt show this weekend and two of my quilts I'm hanging are still unfinished. ;)

This is made with Lucy Boston Quilt blocks and fussy cutting the fabrics. Very popular to do right now.

I know that you're super busy right now, but please pop in again and let us know the title of that book. I'm very interested. I'll snoop around online too and see if I can find it. Good luck at the show!

~ C

Thanks for the link--wow! Beyond anything I ever dreamed of making!