Splendid Sampler Blocks 32, 33 and 34

I am having so much fun with The Splendid Sampler sew along and have added another three blocks to my collection .....

Block 32 - Constant Needle alternative.  I needed a hand-stitching project so I grabbed the Block 32 pattern, four charm squares and some thread and this is the result.  

Block 32 - Hand-stitched Constant Needle

Block 33 – ‘Selvage Saver’ is a ‘use-it-up’ block from Pat Sloan.  Using selvages is not new to me – I use them as book names on my Tea-and-Books mug rug pattern.

Tea and Books Mug Rug

However, what was a shock was how much of my stash came from the big name brands – Moda and Riley Blake.  I did have other brands but a lot of my fabrics were from those two companies.  This is a change from a couple of years ago and I intend to redress the balance over the next few months. 

The Splendid Sampler block no. 33 - Selvage Saver

Tip:  Shorten your stitch length when sewing the selvages together as you may have less than ¼” seams in order to get the selvages to fit.

Block 34 – ‘Lemonade’ by that talented Amy Gibson.  When I first cut out the little pieces for the curved seams I was doubtful.  But I needn’t have worried.  I popped over to Craftsy and watched Lesson 11 in Amy’s free Craftsy Block-of-the-Month 2012 class showing how to match those curved seams.  I am glad to say block 34 went together easily after that – no seam ripper needed. 

The Splendid Sampler block no. 34 - (Pink) Lemonade

Tip:  Press both curved pieces in half diagonally so that you can match them up.  Pin at the center crease, then get the sides lined up exactly and pin.  From there it is a case of slowly and simply easing in the excess and pinning with lots of pins, before stitching the two pieces together.

I am looking forward to some more fun this coming week.  Sew until next time ...