My Signature Sampler Week #4

My Signature Sampler Week #4

Signature Week 4.jpg

Wow, the first four blocks of this sew along have gone together super fast! I'm seeing so many beautiful blocks being posted to Instagram I always have the desire to remake one's just like the blocks posted--they're so pretty! To see what the other MSS makers are posting, look at the #MySignatureSampler hashtag on Instagram.

Since this event is built off past sew alongs I've co-hosted with Maureen Cracknell with the addition of other published block resources you can and are encouraged to work at a pace that feels right for you. Each week when I make a Friday post, I'll provide links to the various blocks I put into my sampler along with any variations to the original block instructions. 

My Signature Sampler Rolls.jpg

Block instructions from the Sewcial Bee Sampler (SBS), Community Sampler (CS), AGF Quilt Block Collection (AGF), and the blocks from the Quilter's Planner magazine (QP) will be used in this sampler. If you have your favorite blocks and would rather sew different blocks than me, please feel free to make this sampler your own. 

If you're just joining in on the fun, take a look at my first post for this sew along and pick up the quilt layout and color book page to start planning your sampler!

Remember, you can always refer back to the Sewcial Bee Sampler and Community Sampler blog post tutorials the accompanied each past sew along block by using the search bar at the top of this blog. There you will get additional information on how to piece each block or technique. 

If you need extra help with your patchwork or would like to learn how to control the direction of your prints in half-square triangle units and other piecing techniques, visit my Tutorials page for lots of great tutorials all in one place. Don't forget our blocks will be set on-point so if you have a fussy cut center, cut it on-point for best results. Note: I don't recommend cutting any other pieces of the blocks other than a center square on-point because it will create bias edges along the outside of the block and increase chances of distortion. Keep any bias edges in the center of the block.

Signature Week 4.jpg

This week's block pattern comes from the Community Sampler sew along and is called Square-dance. Find the PDF pattern for this block on the Sew Along page of this blog. 

I've used prints from my Signature fabric collection from Art Gallery Fabrics. For stock lists of online shops that carry my Signature and other AGF collections, visit my Fabrics page or the Where to Buy page on the Art Gallery Fabrics site.

Tall Sunflowers.jpg

This block makes me think of a sunflower and I just had to include it in my flowery garden sampler quilt because every year my husband grows sunflowers. This year the plants came up as volunteers from last year's flower heads. This was the best I could do to photograph the flowers because they are at least 9 feet tall! The bees and butterflies have sure been enjoying them and later the seeds will be eaten by the birds and probably chipmunks and squirrels, too.

My Signature Sampler Week 4.jpg

To help me to remember to remind you that these blocks will be set on-point AND to get ahead on things I've decided to start adding my setting triangles to my finished blocks. I'm using a combination of my Perennial print from Printemps Fusions and Untamed Beauty Daybreak from Signature as the background setting of my quilt. 

The setting triangles are made by cutting a 9-1/2'' square on the diagonal to make two setting triangles. Be mindful of print direction, if applicable. See Community Sampler Week #13 for block setting instructions. 

SPONSORS

GIVEAWAY

Every Friday when I reveal a new block to My Signature Sampler, I'll also be posting the weekly giveaway. This sew along is being sponsored by the most amazing companies and have generously donated incredible prizes to share with you. 

THIS WEEK'S GIVEAWAY SPONSOR IS: Hobbs Batting

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Hobbs Quilt Batting has manufactured high-quality batting for hobbyist, commercial, art and show quilters since 1978. They're proud to come from a family of quilters and are committed to providing the same quality Hobbs batting that provide to their own family of quilters. At Hobbs Batting, they never forget that quilts are gifts from the heart - an expression of love, commitment and caring for a specific recipient - or an expression of artistry and skill- artistry and that's submitted and judged in quilt shows and events around the word - or both! At Hobbs they're committed to doing their part to enhance our #JoyofQuilting!

Hobbsbatting.com  *  Blog  *  Instagram  *  Facebook  

Hobbs Batting is offering a lucky winner both here and on Instagram throw-size battings of six of their fabulous Tuscany brand battings. I personally love the quality of Hobbs batting, especially Hobbs line of Tuscany battings that includes Silk Blend, Wool, Premium Polyester, Cotton Wool Blend, and Bleached and Unbleached Cottons that add a soft, luxurious feel to any quilt! 

Hobbs Giveaway.jpg

Giveaway Now Closed. Congratulations to Laura M!

Note: This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or anonymous commenter, please remember to include your email address in your comment--you can't win if I can't get a hold of you!

1. Simply leave a comment here under this post! (First comment entry).

2. Follow Hobbs Batting on any of their social media platforms (see links above). Just let me know that you did by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment-second entry). 

3. My followers get a third entry! If you follow me via subscribing to my posts, on Pinterest, and/or Instagram, just let me know by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment-third entry).

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Spread the word about the My Signature Sampler sew along on YOUR instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest by pinning any of my pretty images in this post, etc... (separate comment-fourth entry). 

That’s FOUR possible entries! Enter now through Monday, July 16th! The winner will be picked at random around 4pm Eastern. I will post the name of the winner on this post once they've been notified and responded to my email.

*Don't forget to enter into this same giveaway on Instagram by posting images of your sampler inspiration, sampler fabric pull, or blocks. Use the official #mysignaturesampler hashtag every time you post your My Signature Sampler makes (to a public account) and you're automatically entered into the weekly IG drawings as well! See my Instagram giveaway posts @sharonhollanddesigns for full details. 

Happy sewing!

Sharon

My Signature Sampler Week #3

My Signature Sampler Week #3

My Signature Sampler Week 3.jpg

It's week three of the My Signature Sampler sew along and I'm so pleased to see all the gorgeous blocks being posted on Instagram--they're all so amazing!

Since this event is built off past sew alongs I've co-hosted with Maureen Cracknell with the addition of other published block resources you can and are encouraged to work at a pace that feels right for you. Each week when I make a Friday post, I'll provide links to the various blocks I put into my sampler along with any variations to the original block instructions.

My Signature Sampler Banner copy.jpg

Block instructions from the Sewcial Bee Sampler (SBS), Community Sampler (CS), AGF Quilt Block Collection (AGF), and the blocks from the Quilter's Planner magazine (QP) will be used in this sampler. If you have your favorite blocks and would rather sew different blocks than me, please feel free to make this sampler your own. 

My Signature Sampler web-01.jpg

If you're just joining in on the fun, take a look at my first post for this sew along and pick up the quilt layout and color book page to start planning your sampler!

Remember, you can always refer back to the Sewcial Bee Sampler and Community Sampler blog post tutorials the accompanied each past sew along block by using the search bar at the top of this blog. There you will get additional information on how to piece each block or technique. 

If you need extra help with your patchwork or would like to learn how to control the direction of your prints in half-square triangle units and other piecing techniques, visit my Tutorials page for lots of great tutorials all in one place. Don't forget our blocks will be set on-point so if you have a fussy cut center, cut it on-point for best results. Note: I don't recommend cutting any other pieces of the blocks other than a center square on-point because it will create bias edges along the outside of the block and increase chances of distortion. Keep any bias edges in the center of the block.

My Signature Sampler Week 3 Closeup.jpg

This week's block pattern comes from The Quilter's Planner 2018 magazine and is a traditional quilt block from way back, called Old Maid's Puzzle. 

I've used prints from my Signature fabric collection from Art Gallery Fabrics in the butterfly shapes and Sweet Macademia Pure Elements solid as my background. For stock lists of online shops that carry my Signature and other AGF collections, visit my Fabrics page or the Where to Buy page on the Art Gallery Fabrics site.

My Signature Sampler Setting week 3.jpg

To help me to remember to remind you that these blocks will be set on-point AND to get ahead on things I've decided to start adding my setting triangles to my finished blocks. I'm using a combination of my Perennial print from Printemps Fusions and Untamed Beauty Daybreak from Signature as the background setting of my quilt. 

The setting triangles are made by cutting a 9-1/2'' square on the diagonal to make two setting triangles. Be mindful of print direction, if applicable. See Community Sampler Week #13 for block setting instructions. 

SPONSORS

GIVEAWAY

Every Friday when I reveal a new block to My Signature Sampler, I'll also be posting the weekly giveaway. This sew along is being sponsored by the most amazing companies and have generously donated incredible prizes to share with you. 

This week's giveaway sponsor is: Art Gallery Fabrics

AGF-LOGO-highRes.jpg

Art Gallery Fabrics was started in 2004 by Pat and Walter Bravo. Since then creativity, beauty, and design have been their passions, and to this day, they have not changed--bringing a chic and modern perspective to the quilting industry.

When it comes to designing a fabric collection, AGF always keeps originality and uniqueness on the top of their list. Find your favorite fabric designers who create enticing color palettes and artful, intricate prints that make AGF collections one of a kind. Art Gallery Fabrics designs modern fabrics that keep up with ongoing trends and at the same time it encourages customers to use new colors and patterns so they venture out of their usual comfort zone.

Art Gallery Fabrics believes strongly in the quality of the fabric which is transcended in their superior thread count and fine weave making premium cotton as soft and smooth you can get. You really feel the difference with just one touch!

Blog  *  Facebook *  Instagram  * Pinterest  *  

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AGF has created a collector’s box of fabrics like no other! Hand-picked for makers to use in a multitude of creative projects. An explosion of color and design made of unique groups of AGF’s signature quality cotton paired up with an original and collectible box made exclusively for them! Color Master boxes include a selection of 10 prints in two choices: FAT QUARTERS or HALF YARDS. CHECK YOUR LOCAL STORE FOR AVAILABILITY OR BUY IT ONLINE.

AGF Color Master Week 3.jpg

This week's My Signature Sampler giveaway will put this beautiful Lemon Green Edition Color Master box of 10 fat quarters into one lucky winners stash! 

This Giveaway's now closed. Congratulations to Lori Morton!

Note: This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or anonymous commenter, please remember to include your email address in your comment--you can't win if I can't get a hold of you!

1. Simply leave a comment here under this post! (First comment entry).

2. Follow Art Gallery Fabrics on any of their social media platforms (see links above). Just let me know that you did by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment-second entry). 

3. My followers get a third entry! If you follow me via subscribing to my posts, on Pinterest, and/or Instagram, just let me know by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment-third entry).

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Spread the word about the My Signature Sampler sew along on YOUR instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest by pinning any of my pretty images in this post, etc... (separate comment-fourth entry). 

That’s FOUR possible entries! Enter now through Monday, July 9th! The winner will be picked at random around 4pm Eastern. I will post the name of the winner on this post once they've been notified and responded to my email.

*Don't forget to enter into this same giveaway on Instagram by posting images of your sampler inspiration, sampler fabric pull, or blocks. Use the official #mysignaturesampler hashtag every time you post your My Signature Sampler makes (to a public account) and you're automatically entered into the weekly IG drawings as well! See my Instagram giveaway posts @sharonhollanddesigns for full details. 

Happy sewing!

Sharon

My Signature Sampler Week #2

My Signature Sampler Week #2

MSS Friendship Star 1.jpg

I'm so excited by how many of you will be sewing along with me on the My Signature Sampler quilting sew along!

I've been anxious to make a sampler quilt with my new Signature fabric for Art Gallery Fabrics so I came up with an idea for a sampler sew along that will be as fun for me as it is for you! The bright idea is to utilize all the block instructions from the Sewcial Bee Sampler (SBS), Community Sampler (CS), AGF Quilt Block Collection (AGF), and the blocks from the Quilter's Planner magazine (QP) and let you be the designer! 

Using the previously written PDFs from my past sew alongs, the AGF block tutorials, and the beautifully written and illustrated Quilter's Planner block of the month instructions allows me more free time for other sewing and designing matters. Each week I will provide links to the various blocks I put into my sampler and if I've made any variations to the original block instructions I will give you that information in the blog post.

Remember, you can always refer back to the Sewcial Bee Sampler and Community Sampler blog post tutorials the accompanied each past sew along block by using the search bar at the top of this blog. There you will get additional information on how to piece each block or technique. 

If you need extra help with your patchwork or would like to learn how to control the direction of your prints in half-square triangle units and other piecing techniques, visit my Tutorials page for lots of great tutorials all in one place. 

For a listing of online shops that carry my Signature and other AGF collections, visit my Fabrics page.

My Signature Sampler Rolls.jpg

If you're just joining, let me tell you a bit about this sew along: You can create your own sampler quilt or sew along with me as I make my sampler. I've made a handy-dandy fabric and coloring book page for you if you want to make a quilt with the same blocks as mine. Both the colored (fabric) version and blank version have a block list that contains the block's sources and week order in four columns below the illustration. I've even included fabric information for the materials I'll be sewing with on the colored (fabric) version. Find the coloring pages on the My Signature Sampler Begins post.

MSS Friendship Star 1crop.jpg

For this week's block I've made the Friendship Star from the Sewcial Bee Sampler. Download the instructions from the Sew Along page. To get this block up to a 12-1/2" square I followed the instructions and added a frame around the pieced block in the new AGF Pure Elements Flamingo solid.

SPONSORS

GIVEAWAY

Every Friday when I reveal a new block to My Signature Sampler, I'll also be posting the weekly giveaway. 

This week's giveaway comes from me. I'll be sending a lucky winner a Castle Garden quilt patterns and a signed copy of my book, Utility-Style Quilts for Everyday Living.

Sharon Holland Pattern and Book.jpg

Starting July 1st, 2018 I'll be listing a limited number of hard copy patterns of the Castle Garden quilt to my STORE page. This quilt pattern was written and made by me exclusively for the May Quilter's Candy Box collaboration with Maureen Cracknell's AGF Flower Child fabrics

Castle Garden by Sharon Holland

Castle Garden by Sharon Holland

My quilt design couldn't have been anymore perfect for Maureen's magical fabric collection of a world filled with lush meadows, wild bouquets & the spirit of the flower child painted with fuchsia, blush pink & teal. The name for this quilt came to me once I placed the crowned girls in the center of the castles, complete with peach bunting flags!

Castle Garden Close.jpg

The second part to this giveaway is a signed copy of my book, Utility-Style Quilts for Everyday Living

Utility-Style Quilts for Everyday Living by (moi) Sharon Holland (Landauer Publishing 2017) is as much a lifestyle book as it is an 80-page, beginner-friendly guide to patchwork. Find easy-to-follow instructions, beautiful photos, fully illustrated step-by-step essential techniques and information to stitch 12 different quilt projects from beginning to end.

Each project is fast-pieced and encourages creative changes with skill-building design tips throughout. The lovely patterns are a reason for you to dig into your stash to make quilts you love. 

Tracery Rose by Sharon Holland

Tracery Rose by Sharon Holland

I had the great please to remake the Tracery quilt from my book in my new Signature fabric collection. It was so much fun and by flipping the lights and darks from the original quilt I've come up with a completely different look and vibe to this vibrant variation. I want to find time to remake all the quilts from my book because--there's so much yet to explore!

Tracery Rose Quilt.jpg

Giveaway Now Closed. Congratulations to Marianne!

Note: This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or anonymous commenter, please remember to include your email address in your comment--you can't win if I can't get a hold of you!

1. Simply leave a comment here under this post! (First comment entry).

2. Follow me on Instagram or Pinterest. Just let me know that you did by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment-second entry). 

3. My blog followers get a third entry! If you follow via subscribing to my posts, just let me know by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment-third entry).

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Spread the word about the My Signature Sampler sew along on YOUR instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest by pinning any of my pretty images in this post, etc... (separate comment-fourth entry). 

That’s FOUR possible entries! Enter now through Monday, July 2nd! The winner will be picked at random around 4pm Eastern. I will post the name of the winner on this post once they've been notified and responded to my email.

*Don't forget to enter into this same giveaway on Instagram by posting images of your sampler inspiration, sampler fabric pull, blocks, or posting the My Signature Sampler badge (below). Use the official #mysignaturesampler hashtag every time you post about this sew along on IG to better your chances of winning. See my Instagram giveaway post @sharonhollanddesigns for full details. 
P.S. To Maxime Suchoski, I need you to contact me (use the contact from to email me) about being last week's fat quarter bundle winner. Your fabrics are waiting to be shipped!
My Signature Sampler Rolls.jpg

My Signature Sampler Begins

My Signature Sampler Begins

My Signature Sampler Rolls.jpg

You've nearly finished or better yet, you've finished both your Sewcial Bee Sampler and Community Sampler, now what? During those sew alongs, did you find yourself saying "This is my favorite block, yet!" or "I could make a whole quilt from this block!" Well, now's your chance to explore those blocks further and even try out some new blocks.

I've been anxious to make a sampler quilt with my new Signature fabric for Art Gallery Fabrics so I came up with an idea for a sampler sew along that will be as fun for me as it is for you! The bright idea is to utilize all the block instructions from the Sewcial Bee Sampler (SBS), Community Sampler (CS), AGF Quilt Block Collection (AGF), and the blocks from the Quilter's Planner magazine (QP) and let you be the designer! 

You can create your own sampler quilt or sew along with me as I make my sampler. I've made a handy-dandy fabric and coloring book page for you if you want to make a quilt with the same blocks as mine. Both the colored (fabric) version and blank version have a block list that contains the block's sources and week order in four columns below the illustration. I've even included fabric information for the materials I'll be sewing with on the colored (fabric) version.

Click image to download fabrics page

Click image to download fabrics page

Since this is not a structured sew along like in the past two events I cannot possibly know everyones fabric requirements as quilt block selection and sizes will vary. The following is a close proximity of material required for a sampler like the one I will be making. I've figured fat quarters for easy reference but this is a generous figure. All blocks are 12-1/2'' unfinished, that includes the frames on some of the blocks.

My Signature Sampler Material List:

  • Fourteen assorted fat quarters for blocks
  • 1-1/2 yards for center setting triangles
  • 1-1/4 yards for outer edge setting triangles
  • 1/2 yard for binding
  • 4-1/4 yards for backing
  • 74'' square batting
Click image to download coloring book page

Click image to download coloring book page

By having this multitude of blocks available to you at the beginning of the sew along, you're able to work at your own pace. Maybe you want to make all the blocks in one week--that would be amazing! Or, maybe you prefer a one-block-a-week approach and spend more time outdoors with the kids--totally cool!

Whatever your schedule or goal for your quilt design it's up to you--the designer. By me organizing and hosting a sew along for this freeform-style sampler, it keeps you motivated and sharing your progress on Instagram (which keeps you in the running for the weekly IG giveaway prizes!)*

Photo by Sharon Holland

Photo by Sharon Holland

My Signature fabrics are all about the natural world and gardens. I want my quilt to capture the abundance of flowers now blooming in my yard so I can celebrate this same joy all year round and this flat lay photo of cuttings from my yard is my inspiration for my fabric selections.

Sunflower block featuring Signature fabrics from the AGF Quilt Block Collection

Sunflower block featuring Signature fabrics from the AGF Quilt Block Collection

This entire sew along concept came after I made my own version of the above Sunflower block from the AGF Quilt Block Collection. If you'd like to add this block to your sampler, use the provided link to watch a You Tube tutorial for how it's pieced as well as detailed cutting instructions on the drop down More feature in the text. 

Block #1 - My Signature Sampler

Block #1 - My Signature Sampler

Using the previously written PDFs for past samplers, AGF block tutorials, and the beautifully written and illustrated Quilter's Planner block of the month instructions that frees me up from writing and let's me have more fun this time around. Each week I will provide links to the various blocks I put into my sampler and if I've made any variations to the original block instructions I will give you that information in the blog post.

Remember, you can always refer back to the Sewcial Bee Sampler and Community Sampler blog post tutorials the accompanied each past sew along block by using the search bar at the top of this blog. There you will get additional information on how to piece each block or technique. 

If you need extra help with your patchwork or would like to learn how to control the direction of your prints in half-square triangle units and other piecing techniques, visit my Tutorials page for lots of great tutorials all in one place. 

For a listing of online shops that carry my Signature collection, visit my Fabrics page.

Sponsors

Due to putting this sew along together so quickly, I'm still waiting to hear back from some sponsors. Expect this already impressive list of generous sponsors to fill out over the next couple of weeks.

Giveaway

Every Friday when I reveal a new block to My Signature Sampler, I'll also be posting the weekly giveaway. 

Signature color way sm.jpg

To get you sewing on the right foot and entice you to sew your sampler with Signature fabrics (wink, wink) I'm giving away a 20-piece fat quarter bundle of my Signature fabrics for Art Gallery Fabric plus an additional fat quarter of Perennial Printemps (not shown in image above) for a total of 21 fat quarters!

This lucsious Signature collection comes in two color ways. On the left is the Foliar color way of coral, yellow, and forest greens. The stack on the right is called the Atmospheric color way and is cooler tones of turquoise, teal, fuchsia, and pink.

Signature and Printemps.jpg

I've mixed a bit from both color ways into my sampler and added the recolored Printemps Fusions version of my Bountiful Perennial print (shown above on the bolt) to bring in more yellow to go with the Signature Lacey Cosmos print (top right).  

This Giveaway is now CLOSED. Congratulations to Maxime Suchoski!

Note: This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or anonymous commenter, please remember to include your email address in your comment--you can't win if I can't get a hold of you!

1. Simply leave a comment here under this post! (First comment entry).

2. Follow me on Instagram or Pinterest. Just let me know that you did by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment-second entry). 

3. My blog followers get a third entry! If you follow via subscribing to my posts, just let me know by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment-third entry).

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Spread the word about the My Signature Sampler sew along on YOUR instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, blog post, etc... (separate comment-fourth entry). 

That’s FOUR possible entries! Enter now through Monday, June 25th! The winner will be picked at random around 4pm Eastern. I will post the name of the winner on this post once they've been notified and responded to my email.

*Don't forget to enter into this same giveaway on Instagram by posting images of your sampler inspiration, sampler fabric pull, blocks, or posting the My Signature Sampler badge (below). Use the official #mysignaturesampler hashtag every time you post about this sew along on IG to better your chances of winning. See my Instagram giveaway post @sharonhollanddesigns for full details. 
My Signature Sampler Rolls.jpg

Thanks for sewing along with me!

xxxx Sharon