During my spring cleaning session I found my stack of blocks for my 2018 version of Tula Pink’s City Sampler. I started this along with Angie of Gnome Angel. I’m super excited that I found it, because the June Island Batik project is a “free theme”, which means I can do whatever I want. I’ve only got a handful of blocks left to finish (11), and I’ve been making progress on them every day.
Right away, I opened up the book, pulled out my scrap bin, and made a couple of blocks. Then I remembered that I’m a blogger, and need to document my process.
After taking some pretty photos of the block stack, I put them up on my design wall to see what my colors look like. I want to take this time to sort out my blocks, and then see if the quilt needs something else.
At first glance, I’m not impressed. Blech. Luckily, this is not my first rodeo. Rather than drive myself bananas, I allow myself 5 minutes to move blocks around, then I go do something else. If I don’t walk away, I can do this for days on end, with nothing to show for it. As the day progresses, I’m allowed to move a few blocks whenever I walk by, but it is not my main focus.
By the end of the day, the color scheme is coming together, and I can tell that I could use a bit more yellow. That is exactly why I’m happy I have some blocks left to make.
The only thing that is a downside of working with my batik scrap bin on this one is that I don’t have the opportunity for great fussy cuts from this collection of fabrics. I love being able to do almost an eye spy effect with fussy cuts on these blocks, and there are just fewer options with the batiks. I will soldier on.
So, this is where I stand right now. Since pulling the block collection out, I’ve put together three blocks. I’ve done quite a bit of sorting blocks this week, and I’m happy with what I have going on. I need to do a bit more sorting, then fill in the remaining holes. Then it is on to sashing, which should take a while. I’ve got a really deep, dark blue for the background, which I hope will make the blocks pop.
I’m really hoping to finish this one off closer to mid-June than the end of the month. I don’t like feeling like my Island Batik projects are almost late every month.
Have you tried a quilt in this style? I never used to like samplers, but I’ve found this one to be very enjoyable. And I enjoy doing one each day – it feels relaxed, and each block gets my full attention. There is something about really leaning into the composition of the individual blocks that I really like.
My next sampler is going to be Dear Jane. I’ve had the book forever, and I saw the actual Jane Stickle quilt in Vermont decades ago. A great friend gave me a set of the papers recently, so I know it will be my next epic quilt. Of course, I have to finish La Passion first, but I might just start acquiring fabrics soon.
Previous posts on the City Sampler quilts.
Happy quilting!
Yep, I too have a bunch of those blocks to get back to one day!
I have occasionally done a sampler, but I do have to admit that in general lots of small, detailed piecing isn’t what excites me. I love seeing how the color progression has morphed as you have worked on the arrangement this week.
Thanks!
I think it’s the challenge that feeds me.
I once started on this, and I think I’ve made a little less than 50. Maybe I should dig it out too?
Do it! You finished La Passion. You can finish this one in a flash.
I have done quite a few samplers and abbreviated samplers. I never did the 100 blocks sampler, but who knows, someday I may. You did a great job rearranging and filling in will be fun. Good luck on your goal for mid-month!