loopywren

I bought Lynne Edwards Sampler Quilt Books ages ago and have just begun working my way through, in the books they are hand and machine sewn and applique, I am hand sewing and quilting them all though, I willl join them all together when I have enough. There are though plenty on this board which you could use.

Ilovemydogs

Thanks everyone! That is on my 2011 to do list! :-) Will post pics once I get started. I have gotten a lot of ideas from quilters cache.

Edie

You are absolutely right. I have made about four sampler quilts from Quilter's CAche. I use the 12" blocks. The one I am working on now are 12" blocks, all different, all with three colors only and all that I have never made before. I have 12 done and have 36 to go, so you can see the myriad of patterns just in the 12" and there are tons more in that size and also other sizes. I like to figure out what my main color is going to be and that will be the backing, border and sashing and then from what I have in my stash, I make the block. It all matches beautifully and you are using up your stash, or it gives you the greatest opportunity to find 1/2 yard of fabric that you really want in a block. I love to lay the blocks on the floor and decide where they are going to go and then before I have it all figured out, Miss Bess comes and lays on the blocks. Edie

Jackie D

When I made my sampler I chose blocks that were about me or my family.. carpenters square, grandpa was a carpenter, the Des Moines block, I was born in Des Moines, basket, because I love them, autumn leaves, my favorite season, a boat, my family is navy, etc.

deema

There *are* patterns available, but you can make your own up and do whatever floats your boat. I'm planning a sampler, of sorts...I'm doing a variation of QAYG to make my own 80x80 quilt...I'll be doing the quilting in sections of 40x40. In each of those sections, I plan to do something totally different. One of them might be a Bargello, I want to try the French Braid, There are many other different blocks that I want to try out. It is going to be a completely random quilt, only colours tying each section to the others. I can't wait. :D

Julie in NM

I did a red work quilt top showing the life of a quilter. Buying fab, cutting, desing board, quilting and then finished project. Pieced blocks started w/simple one...basic 9 patch, progressed to blocks w/more detail and even added applique. Turned out really cool.

For you decide if you want totally different blocks to just samples of a theme..like stars.

Have fun and just do it as they say

fluffyme02

I LOVE your "babies" in your picture. I had a GSPointer for 13 years. Best lovingest dog I ever had. She was also gorgeous. On to the blocks: pick the ones you like the best! That simple-that easy! It will turn out beautiful, I promise you!!!!! :thumbup:

jolo

Historically a sampler was a block of different techniques, and sizes. NOw teaching out of the way . I am putting my orphant blocks in a top. It is really becoming interesing, lol

BettyGee

There are so many beautiful blocks available. If I keep making them I figure I can put then all together and have my king size quilt with the ample hang over that we want. Or I also make blocks and then turn them into a pillow or a runner. So many blocks so little time, but one way or the other I plan on spending a lot of time in my sewing room in 2011.

hoppyfrog

I've been working on a midget block sampler. Each block is 4". This sampler has regular and paper pieced blocks. I love paper piecing so I've started with all of those first. Mine isn't completly scrappy but it's all asst 30's repros so it has a theme.

http://sentimentalstitches.net/free-...midget-blocks/