Splendid Sampler Challenge - Block 20 - Natures's Walk

Block 20 - Natures's Walk

Wow, a challenge, but I love the results.

Splendid Sampler Challenge on going...

When I first saw the amount of embroidery on Block 20, I almost didn't do it, however, it was so pretty, I had to do it.

I have been slowed down by this one, massive embroidery and it is taking me a while. I  have been cutting out of future blocks when my hands get too tired. I am getting there though.

Quiet but still busy

I have a lovely shelf in my new house that is just the right size to provide a little holiday flavour to the house. It is in the main room and visable from our front door.

I have done very well with what I have already, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Summer, Valentine's, St Patrick's, Easter... and then I hit a snag, Autumn. I have nothing so I designed a little hexi runner to put on it.

It is not finished yet, but here is a preview.

This is my "helper" who was not impressed with all the hand sewing n the lap he wanted to cuddle in, not that he has ever sat in my lap and cuddled with me.

Splendid Sampler Challenge - Block 18 - Lina's Gift

Block 18 - Lina's Gift

Wonderful square. I loved doing it.

and I am caught up on the challenge.

Splendid Sampler Challenge - Block 17 - Family Stars

Block 17 - Family Stars

I am dedicating this square to the ladies in my family growing up, My mum in the centre, and me and my three sisters around the outside. Love you all.

Splendid Sampler Challenge - Block 12 - Checkerboard

Block 12 - Checkerboard

When I read the instructions for this one, I had a bit of a panic. Sewing strips together and then cutting them is ok if you are working on a machine, but hand sewing and cutting does not work. It was going to be little blocks. I put it off til I had caught up on all the other ones.

Silly me. Yes I had to sew little squares, but it actually went together very easy and I am pleased with it. I was very careful with the seam allowance but the square turned out a bit large. Think I was too careful.

Splendid Sampler - Bonus Block - Inside Out

Bonus Block - Inside Out

This was a fun little square to do. It was simple and quite easy to put together.

from Pat Sloan's web page
http://blog.patsloan.com/2016/03/pat-sloan-my-block-for-babylocks-national-craft-month.html

Splendid Sampler Challenge - Block 11 - Crocheted Thoughts

Block 11 - Crocheted Thoughts

Catching up with one of the squares which was giving me problems, not the quilting part, but the embroidery. I have done a lot of embroidery in the past, but these days it just doesn't go well with my hands. 

Love the square though. 

Splendid Sampler Challenge - Block 16 - Pieces of Friendship

Block 16 - Pieces of Friendship

Love this one. I can see using this one in a quilt. Easy to sew and looks terrific, though only 6 inches not 6 1/2 so not sure where I went wrong on the sizing.

Splendid Sampler Challenge - Block 15 - Family Affair

Block 15 - Family Affair

First go at paper piecing with a template. I found hand sewing through the paper hard on my hands so I don't think I would do it again, though someone on one of the how-to videos suggested using the tracing wheel on the folds, might see if I can find one before I attempt this again.

First eight done, Looking like it will work.

Uliana helping with all the bits on the table.

First quarter done with others ready to finish off.

Finished square, So pretty and it only took me all day.

Splendid Sampler Challenge - Bonus Block - Just for You

Just for You

When I first saw this one, I though it was a bit tacky, but I took the challenge to do all the blocks, so I did it and fell in love with it. I used the yo-yo for the centre again as I love them.

And yes I have been busy catching up today. Only a couple more and I have catch up again, just in time for Thursday's square.

Splendid Sampler Challenge - Block 13 - Scrap Star

Block 13 - Scrap Star

I think this was the hardest one so far. It is a little bigger then expected and the points are crap but I like it, its beautiful.

Splendid Sampler Challenge - Block 14 - Flying High

Block 14 - Flying High

The next few will be finished out of order. I have cut them all out, but depending on how I am feeling, light and visitors, the order will be random.

Flying High was relatively easy. just a bit of embroidery. It is however very effective.

In watching the finished squares being put up, there could be a very interesting concept here. I will include some of the ones I found interesting at the bottom of this post.

Easter Break - well...

What an amazing couple of weeks. I spent the time in the lovely company of fellow medievalists. Here is a photo if me and my newest protegee.

While away, I worked on the Hexes for the WQS group, getting 9 flowers done, the rest of the flower hexes done and most of the background hexes done that I have.

But Now it is time to get caught up with my Splendid Sampler Challenge, Five are cut out and ready for sewing. So I am off to sit and sew.

And of course I am getting help from Uliana.