I am always amazed by the beauty of those quilts but I wonder if they can be used to cover a bed as well as to be exposed as murals as well? Lately, I visited the Eleanor Burns theater and enjoyed her videos on Egg Money quilts; she presents two most beautiful samplers of the 1930's blocks and motifs. Here is the address:

http://quiltinaday.com/theater/library.html

What is your opinion on this. Can sampler quilts be used as bedcovers or only be presented on walls?

oh, definitely used. I see them as learning tools, but certainly no different than any other bed quilt.

I have one to be quiled and I plan to use it on my bed.

Why couldn't you use it on a bed?

I have 2 of them and both are on beds. The first was really my self-training on different techniques, color placement and pattern design. The second is swap blocks with a bunch of my own added to it to make it king size. The common themes in the first quilt are blue & white stars. In the second it is black backgrounds with bright fabrics, mostly stars.

To make a sampler quilt more cohesive, stick with a theme or color. Like Eleanor Burns' Egg Money Quilts done in 30's repro's.

Why do you think they can't be used on a bed?

Samplers are fun to make because you don't get tired of sewing the same block over and over. I've made several and one was queen sized for a bed. They are also fun to hand quilt for the same reason, you don't get tired of quilting the same block! And they're so pretty.

Most definitely use it on a bed :thumbup: Like others have said great way to practice blocks, not get bored and end up with a great quilt :thumbup:

A sampler is a good way to try out different blocks to see if you like them or not, to work out difficult blocks or try new things. Such as sashing and boarders. Your quilt is just that, 'Your Quilt' so you can do what you like with it, for show or wall hanging or on a bed! I think they are a very good way of leaning or of teaching someone new to quilting as you do not get board with doing the same block all the time and if chosen carefully each block can teach you new skills.
Some sampler quilts are very skillfully done and not just for beginners, be sure to pick one to suit your skill level.
They are fun to do and have great charm IMHO!

Gal

A sampler can definately be used on a bed. I use sampler quilts as sort of an audition forum. By trying a lot of different blocks I'm able to see if I really like making that particular block or not. Around here our BOM's are usually samplers. I don't like making bed quilts with just twelve blocks so I usually turn those into couch throws or add blocks to them.

I would use one on a bed. Quilts are made to be used.