Summer Sampler 2018 :: Versailles

After last week's paper-piecing challenge, this week's Versailles, designed by Karen/Quiltaposy Studios, was sweet relief. Inspired by the tile floor in the Château de Versailles in France, the simple geometric piecing made for a quick, satisfying sew. Karen included step by step pressing instructions, and rule-follower that I am, I went along.



I know some folks swear by pressing seams open, but years ago I was taught to press to the dark side, and it's a hard habit to break. In more recent times, I discovered how helpful a tailor's clapper can be in that effort. If that's a new-to-you consideration, do check out SuzyQuilts' recent post.

For this block, I liked the idea of using a print as the background fabric considering there was alot of it, and that solid blue was very intentional too. I've used it in a couple of blocks so far, and it seems a little more conspicuous, so I wanted to make sure it 'works.' After this block, I'm pretty sure it does.

Gotta say, I'm so enjoying #summersampler2018. The quilt block designs, the fabrics, the  #summerroadtrip theme, the community.... all so good.

Week 5: Points     Week 4: Giza

Week 3: Southwest Highway     Week 2: Shenzhen     Week 1: Water Well

Summer Sampler 2018 :: Giza

At first glance, I was a leeetle concerned about this week's Summer Sampler block, Giza. Designed by Faith/Fresh Lemons Quilts and inspired by the Great Pyramids of Egypt, I assumed it would be paper-pieced, and was right there. Let's just say it looks trickier than it was!

One thing I tried this time was using a wooden roller to flatten the seams as I went along, then giving the segment a good press once the piecing was done. It worked really well!

Though the mix of fabrics on this block are a little more out there, I think the blocks look great together. So far so good!

Summer Sampler 2018 :: Southwest Highway

The Summer Sampler has kinda become the highlight of my sewing week. With each new block, I'm more transfixed with my palette and fabrics than ever. Love when that happens!

The third block, Southwest Highway, was designed by my Seattle MQG guild-mate Katie/Sew Katie Did, and is the first paper-pieced block of the quilt-along. Inspired by the mountains of New Mexico, I think the block adds some really wonderful contrast to the collection of blocks.



An added bonus of the quilt-along is the weekly tips shared by the co-hosts. For this week, Faith/Fresh Lemons shares a video perfect for beginner paper-piecers, and Lee/Freshly Pieced showed how to make prints appear straight in the finished paper-pieced block - good to keep in mind for future projects.

I've really enjoyed perusing the #summersampler2018 hashtag, and with this week's block, it's awesome seeing so many folks trying paper-piecing for the first time with terrific results. SO cool to have a new tool in the old toolkit.

Summer Sampler 2018 :: Water Well

Well, the Summer Sampler kicked off yesterday, and I could hardly wait to get home from work to make the first block. It's Water Well, designed by Katie/@swimbikequilt, and inspired by a photo Lizzy Williams/@lizzyography took in India. Gotta say, I'm a-ok with my fabric choices, which always feels good, doesn't it?

I'm anxious to watch the travel map as we sew along. Since I've always loved the idea of quilts and quilt blocks inspired by what I/we see in the world around us, this feels good.

There's still time to join in, or feel free to follow along!