The Splendid Sampler Blocks 74, 77, 79, 83 and 84

The Splendid Sampler Blocks

There is a bit of a gap in the Splendid Sampler blocks as I have been busy on other things.  But that is the nature of life so I have just jumped in as and when I could over the last month and managed to complete five blocks .....

Block 74 – ‘Button Basket’ designed by Karen Soltys.  I didn’t quite get the handle in the right place but it is good enough for me.

The Splendid Sampler Block no. 74 - Button Basket

Block 77 – ‘Prism’ designed by Sara Lawson.  I’ve gotta say – this simple patchwork block came along at just the right time.  I needed something quick and easy to help me get back to my sewing machine.  Sara Lawson’s block didn’t disappoint.

The Splendid Sampler Block no. 77 - Prism

Block 79 – ‘Spool of Inspirational Thread’.  I pulled some of my old country favourites out of my fabric pot for this paper-pieced block..  So much to like about this design from Melanie Barrett.  

The Splendid Sampler Block no. 79 - Spool of Inspirational Thread

Block 83 – ‘Minnesota Maze’.  What a versatile block from Roseann Meehan Kermes.  So many different looks depending on your fabric choices and placement.  I was lucky that a very generous Amy had sent me the sweetest little orange gingham that went perfectly with Summerfest.

The Splendid Sampler Block no. 83 - Minnesota Maze

Block 84 – ‘Robin Redbreast’ first edition of ‘Early Bird’ block designed by Joan Ford.  I decided to play with this block a little by patching it with some scraps.  I am not sure it works so I will make it up again following the pattern exactly.  Even so, this robin is a sweetie and may end up on a Christmas zipper pouch.

The Splendid Sampler Blocks 68, 69, 70, 71, 72 and 73

I am making a change of fabric in my Splendid Sampler blocks.  From block 71 onwards I am using Summerfest by April Rosenthal for Moda.  

It is bright and sunny and will make the perfect summer bed runner.  But first the last three blocks in my scrap-happy fabrics from my stash:

Block 68 – ‘Wild Roses' designed by Pat Sloan.  Designed as a wild rose I’ve got to be honest – this rose reminds me a little of a fried egg (I think the USA refer to it as sunny-side-up).  

The Splendid Sampler Block 68 - Wild Roses

Block 69 – ‘Full Circle’ designed by Holly DeGroot.  I am a real newbie when it comes to stitching curves.  I stitched my first earlier in this sew-along (block 34).  So it was no surprise that my circle was more of an oval.  But the block measures 6½” square so it is a keeper. 

The Splendid Sampler Block 69 - Full Circle (or Full Oval in my case)

Block 70 – ‘Bows’ – This block from Quilt Jane was a lot of work – one large bow would’ve been enough for a 6” block but hey – it is good to push myself.  (I turned the bows inwards to reduce the white space.)  

The Splendid Sampler Block 70 - Bows

Block 71 – ‘First Stitch’.  And the first of my ‘Summerfest’ blocks.  This is designed by the wonderful Very KerryBerry so I knew, before I had even seen the block that I would like it.  And I was right.  

The Splendid Sampler Block 71 - First Stitch

Block 72 – ‘Full Circle Star’.  The fabrics in this block designed by VictoriaFindlay Wolfe  look like they belong to my scrappy collection but they are actually from the Summerfest range.  I paper-pieced the four star points and then patched them together.  

The Splendid Sampler Block 72 - Full Circle Star

  

Block 73 – ‘+ Love’.  Aptly named as this is a lovely easy patchwork block from Jennifer Albaugh really shows off the fabrics.   

The Splendid Sampler Block 73 - Plus Love

  

So there we have it.  I am still up-to-date and going strong.  You can see all my blocks to date on my Patchsmith Style Splendid Sampler Pinterest board.  Until next time ......... 

Cozy Cocoa Mug Rug

Another week and another Cozy Christmas block in the Cozy Christmas sew-along.

I am using the blocks to make mug rugs using quick-fuse applique and I thought I might share a few tips for this block if you are also using the same method. 

Firstly I wanted my cup more ‘mug shaped’ so I traced around shape B18 onto the paper-side of my fusible webbing.  I then measured ¼” in from either side at the top and drew a straight light down until it met the sides. 

Don’t you think it looks more mug-like this way?

Lori’s stitch-and-turn applique method used bias binding for the handle (details over at Bee-in-my-bonnet) but as I am using quick-fuse it was simple enough to create a handle shape and trace it.  (Click HERE if you want the handle shape).

To create the mug I cut three rectangles 5” x 4½”; 5” x 1” and 5” x 1½”.  I stitched them together to create a mug patch measuring 5" x 6":

For my marshmallows I used white felt and shape B1 so they look fluffy just like marshmallows.

Once the mug applique was done all I was left to do was decide which sidebar from my One Block Mug Rug Patterns book I would use.  It didn’t take long to choose a crisp ‘Columns’ sidebar in candy stripes. 

The Columns Sidebar from my One Block Mug Rug Book

And there we have it – another Christmas mug rug ready and waiting for the festive season.  Until next time .....................