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The Summer Sampler [the first four]

The Summer Sampler: I am addicted to both quilt-alongs and sampler quilts, so this project ticked all the boxes for me. Twenty blocks over twenty weeks. Requirements: 20 fat quarters. In honour of #sewmystash2016 I pulled out a hoarded fat quarter bundle of Dreamin' Vintage by Jeni Baker for Art Gallery Fabrics made up of 20 fat quarters. A beautifully summery range of fabric for a summery quilt. Perfect for the girls of the house! And yes - at the back there in the photo is enough fabric to back the quilt too!



I was very excited on the day the first block was released, and made up my first block. And I didn't love it. I was really disappointed about it.



The second block was released a week later. I'd thought about it a bit and decided that the off-white Art Gallery Pure Element I had was going to make an appearance: perhaps a bit of  solid in there would help the prints in the range shine. I liked it better. But still didn't love it.


Final roll of the dice. I did some research online and found the list of coordinating solids from Jeni's website. I found a UK shop with seven in stock and ordered them. When they arrived, I made the third block. This was more like it! But didn't I make a hash of those curves. I'm perfectly capable, but really....


So I went back and remade block 1 and I am so much happier with it. Instead of a scrappy centre, I fussy cut one of the larger motifs from the range and calmed it down with two of the solids.



And then I proceeded to block 4.



I'm going to leave block 2 until the end and then see if that needs to be remade too. But for now I'm so pleased I finally like where this quilt is going. I've hoarded this fabric for two years waiting for just the right project. I'm looking forward to getting the next block instructions tomorrow!

Comments

Lin said…
I think you have made the right decision there Jennie with those coordinating solids - great blocks. xx
I think block four is my favourite, but they're all lovely!
Anthea said…
Hi Jennie
Great job on the blocks, amazing how sometimes it takes a few attempts to love something, then it clicks... very nice solids & range you're using.
x

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