Remember Sampler Spree?

Do you all remember the Sampler Spree Sew-Along? It is based on a book by Susan Ache that has patterns for over 100 6 inch quilt blocks that are sewn into a sampler quilt. I had joined in this sew-along a couple of years ago, but of course, set it aside for various family obligations. It has been patiently waiting for me.

So, today it all came back to me when I was browsing Instagram with my morning coffee, and came upon Thelma's post on her quilts of August. Each month she changes out her gorgeous quilts that she has on various bads and walls in her home, and she shares photos on Instagram. And there it was, her glorious finished Sampler Spree quilt. Go take a look, it is amazing.

The idea of this sew-along is to make blocks in various colors that will harmonize together in the end in a gorgeous sampler quilt. Blocks are 6 inches finished and there are plenty of small pieces, so starching, pressing seams open and sewing carefully are part of the challenge.

Moda Fabrics did a weekly posting with photos of various people's weekly blocks, which is really inspiring. I encourage you to take a look at that too. 

There is also a gal on Instagram, Tina Taylor Ockey, "@girl231t" who is still working on her blocks and has frequent posts on her progress. Interestingly, she is using the same fabrics as I am. She is very prolific and has tastes very similar to mine. She is worth following, I think.

Back in the summer of 2021, I finished some navy blocks,

some orange blocks,

and some light blue blocks. I finished additional blocks in gold, light orange, and brown.

After seeing Thelma's quilt and being reminded of what a gorgeous quilt these blocks could become, I had to take the project out of its bin and revisit the situation. The four blocks at the top of the post are what I made yesterday. 

I am using three different Basic Grey fabric collections: Persimmon, Cider, and Nutmeg.

I highly recommend "Sampler Spree" the book, which is less than $15 on Amazon.

Were you like me and did you start this sew along back in the summer of 2021? If you want to sew along with me, let's do it. I think this is a quilt worth finishing.

 

Comments

[Mary]

Sampler Spree is available on Abebooks.com for $8.48.

Again, your work is wonderful.

[Jan]

You had already made some good progress before you put this project away. The pear block immediately got my attention because our fiber arts group just hung our 'Pear/Pair/Pare' art quilt exhibit on Monday at the local library. As always, Thelma doesn't disappoint! Thanks for sharing!

[Thelma]

Nicole, thanks so much for your sweet words. I enjoyed piecing that Sampler Spree top, I think you've got the beginnings of an amazing finish, that group of fabric by Basic Grey can't make anything but beautiful quilts. Enjoy each block, Susan has some great ones in her book.