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You are here: Home / Archives for The Splendid Sampler

Juggling: my Splendid Sampler block!

8 January, 2017 by admin 43 Comments

Hi there! It’s been a while, I had the best intentions to do a lot more blogging in 2016. Oops. If you have a poke around you’ll see I’m not very good at the writing and documenting part of my creative life. Thanks for visiting me over here in the middle of a warm and sunny Sydney summer. Hope you are having a splendid day!

I assume some of you are here for tips on making Block 90 on The Splendid Sampler adventure. What a wonderful project Pat and Jane have put together, and can you believe we’re just 10 blocks shy of completing? I’ve been making some of the blocks along the way and now that I have a plan for sashing I’m more excited than ever to get cracking with it. I’ve made lots of sampler quilts, I really love them because there’s always something new and those little blocks are fun to make.

I'm setting my Splendid Sampler blocks with a jaunty & spiky sashing.

I’m setting my Splendid Sampler blocks with a jaunty & spiky sashing.

So, back to my little block… I’ve used some of my favourite techniques – applique circles, bias tape applique and wonky crosses. I love layering different techniques in a little block. But it can be a little daunting if you’ve never done something like this before. Working at a small scale also means I need to pay extra attention to extra bulk and staying inside the seam allowance.

As you read the pattern instructions you’ll see there are a few stages. I recommend you chunk it down to manageable parts if its the first time you try one of the techniques. Actually, even if you’re confident, take time to enjoy the process with a couple of cups of tea or a walk around the block…

choose fabric

Firstly, choose all your fabrics and gather your supplies. My suggested fabric quantities are generous so you can trim back your block. You’ll also see I use a metal 1/8″ bias tape maker. It came in a set which I bought online from California, I so wish I could get these easily locally. You may be lucky enough to have them at your local quilt store. But if not, you can carefully cut a strip of Mylar plastic. The metal bias bars get very hot and help form a nice crease, please be careful if you are using one.

I prefer using a metal bias bar and having a closed loop rather than an open bias tape because it is sturdier and I can manipulate it without worrying it will fray and lose the creases. It also stores nicely around a spool or wooden dowelling even in the most humid Sydney weather.

So grab your supplies and lets get started!

Prepare your 3 bias tape loops first. Cut your strips from an 8″ square of fabric. 3/4″ wide strips cut on the diagonal from the square.

cut bias strips

Press strips in half. Wrong sides together, be gentle not to stretch them.

press bias in half

Place bias bar inside the fold and mark where your seam should go. Don’t make it too snug or you won’t be able to slide the bar in and out. I use a generous 1/8″ seam.

stitch with correct seam allowance

Once you have stitched the strip and you are sure you can move the bias bar in and out, trim back the seam allowance to reduce bulk.

trim back seam

We’re nearly there… twist seam to the back and press it down. Remove the bias bar. Repeat for the two other bias tape strips.

press back seam

Wind them around your finger or a pencil to get them to curl a little. This will help you get nice tight loops to applique.

twist around your finger

Make sure you’ve got all your fabric pieces ready to proceed. Background, squares for circles and strips to insert.

bias tape ready

Trace the pattern lightly on to your background square. Trace the outside of the circles and one side of each loop. You will use this as a guide to place your applique. Make sure you leave plenty of room around the outside to centre your block. I also mark the corner points to help with trimming the block later.

trace pattern on background

Using little dots of applique glue, place your loops down on your background fabric. You can also use tiny applique pins or baste them down with thread.

applique glue

Using a colour that camouflages with your applique loop, stitch it down firmly. See the tails of the loops? They will be hidden behind the appliquéd circles. Trim them on the diagonal to make them less bulky.

applique loops

Now it’s time to prepare your juggling balls. This is a two step process. First we make the wonky crosses, then we trim them back to a circle to applique down.

Start with one of the square pieces of fabric and cut it randomly in half. Select which fabric strip you will be inserting.

cut square in half

Sew the strip to one half. Then stitch the other half of the square to it. Always using a 1/4″ seam allowance.

piece in strip

Cut this randomly across the strip you just set in. Choose your next fabric strip.
cut in half again

Stitch one side on first. Sewing the second side is a little trickier. You need to try to align the two sides, which is difficult with that pesky angled seam allowance in the way. I visually line it up as much as possible then fold over the seam allowance to check it. Sliding it up and down till its as good as I can get it.

fold over seam allowance to help align

Because I’m extra cautious I still don’t stitch the whole seam, I just sew the crucial middle of the seam bit first, flip it over and check it before stitching the whole lot. This may seam tedious but it’s not as tedious as having to unpick the whole thing!

stitch centre to check

Flipping over to the back of your wonky cross, trim or grade that top seam allowance. Usually we can press seams open to reduce bulky seams but the open seams stretch too much for these small circles.

grade seams

Grab your circle template and trace around it with a pencil. Check out those graded seams…

trace circle

Trim back your circle to a generous 1/4″ – 1/2″ seam allowance and stitch a running stitch around. Pull on the end of the threads to gather the circle around your template. Don’t cut your threads yet!

gather circle

To get a nice smooth circle ready to applique down I run some starch around the outside edge of the circle with a brush. Or you can put a little pressing liquid in a dish and roll the edge around quickly. Press the circle with a warm iron, be careful not to melt your plastic template!

starch edges

You can wrap a piece of foil around it if you like, that helps protect the plastic and holds the heat for longer to get a crisp edge.

wrap with foil

Repeat that for the two remaining circles and applique them down into place. Choose fine thread that disappears when you place it over your applique shape.

applique circles

When you are finished with all the applique, give it a light press and trim your block down to 6.5″.

trim block

And that’s another block done and ready to join the others! I hope you’ve learnt something new. We all have our favourite techniques and I know fiddly work isn’t for every one. You may want to skip making the bias tape loops and just applique ribbon or use embroidery to create the loops. And instead of those wonky juggling balls you can fussy cut some fun fabric circles…

Whatever you do, thank you for joining me for The Splendid Sampler. I look forward to seeing all your lovely blocks. And I’m eagerly awaiting The Splendid Sampler book that Pat and Jane are publishing with all the patterns so I can continue making more of these great blocks. It’ll be a lovely record of this fun project.

Here’s a photo of my original block that will appear in the book. In fact, I think it’s even on the cover. I can’t wait to see my block together with all the other Designer blocks!

juggling

I’m more of an Instagram girl these days, feel free to tag me if you have any questions. You can find me over there as lorena_in_syd. I know, sew original!

Happy stitching!

Lorena x

Filed Under: Lorena's patterns, The Splendid Sampler, Tutorials Tagged With: 6" Blocks, applique, bias tape applique, Sampler Quilt, techniques, The Splendid Sampler

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Lorena Uriarte

Lorena Uriarte

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The Splendid Sampler

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So, you’re EPP curious and want to learn how to So, you’re EPP curious and want to learn how to create beautiful secondary designs with fabric prints? 

Or maybe you need a small portable project for sitting in front of the fire this winter? Either way, I’ve got you covered ❣️

EPP Palooza is a hand stitching event with like minded quilters who just want to have a good time like you! You can work on something easy like #honeycombstudscushion or challenge yourself with intricate fussy cutting with #blissfulabandon. Or learn how to insert curves into your repertoire with #miniopalsepp. 

These three patterns with template kits allow you to walk out the door with just some fabric, your thimble and a small pair of snips. You can even preorder a fabric kit if you prefer. Everything else is provided 💝

EPP Palooza
Sunday 25 June
{the last day of the In Conversation Exhibition}
10am - 3:30pm
@gallery76_queenst 
The Embroidereres’ Guild NSW
76 Queen St, Concord West 
$165

Delicious home baked treats, refreshments and pots of tea and coffee provided. 

Bookings and more information on my website or the link in bio 💞

#epp
#quilting
#patchwork
#handmade
#epppalooza
#eppeverywhere
#tryingnewthings
#englishpaperpiecing
It’s an EPP Palooza! Sunday 25 June @gallery76_q It’s an EPP Palooza!
Sunday 25 June
@gallery76_queenst 

Just listed this special workshop on my website. Students can choose from a variety of projects. All hand stitched using English Paper Piecing techniques. 

Choose from 3 of my patterns:

 🌸 Blissful Abandon - fussy cut 1” hexagons

 🌺 Honeycomb Studs Cushion - elongated hexagons and squares 

🌼 Mini Opals EPP Cushion - my latest design, a half pint version of my Opal Essence quilt!

A kit is included in the workshop cost as well as a scrumptious morning tea and snacks! 

This workshop is running alongside the In Conversation Exhibition that closes on the same day! This will be your last chance to view the 34 amazing quilts from all around the world 💫

💌 Bookings via my website, find the link on my profile. 

#epp #eppeverywhere #englishpaperpiecing #handmade #blissfulabandon #honeycombstudscushion #miniopalsepp #learntosew #sydneyworkshop
What a lovely time I’ve had teaching and catchin What a lovely time I’ve had teaching and catching up with family and friends in Queensland. 

☀️☀️☀️

Lots of #kawandi, #opalessencequilt and #chucknohara. Delicious treats and beautiful sunrise and sunsets. 
Thanks everyone for making my time here so special. 
See you next year for quilt coats and winding ways 💫

#sunny #sunshinestate #brisbane #lorenalovestoteachandtravel
Bluey’s in Brissie! And a she’s getting ready Bluey’s in Brissie! And a she’s getting ready for a day with the Queensland Quilters! See you soon 💞

#kawandi #slowstitching #kawandiworkshop #goodmorning #sunrise #brisbaneworkshop #alwaystravelwithaquilt #handmadewithlove
Email just went out to #windingwaysworkshop partic Email just went out to #windingwaysworkshop participants for next Wednesday 7th June @gallery76_queenst! Let me know if you didn’t receive yours 💌

There are two spots still available. See the link in my profile for more details x
W͓̽i͓̽n͓̽d͓̽i͓̽n͓̽g͓̽ ͓̽W͓̽a͓̽ W͓̽i͓̽n͓̽d͓̽i͓̽n͓̽g͓̽ ͓̽W͓̽a͓̽y͓̽s͓̽ ͓̽W͓̽o͓̽r͓̽k͓̽s͓̽h͓̽o͓̽p͓̽
 
7 June
10am - 3:30pm
Gallery 76, 76 Queen St, Concord West
✨BOOK online via the link in my profile ✨

In conjunction with the In Conversation exhibition I am running two workshops. Be inspired by the 34 quilts on display to create your own textile art. 

This workshop is perfect for those who are passionate about patchwork and want to learn how to create unique designs using the beautiful Winding Ways block, also known as the Wheel of Mystery.

🌐

During the workshop, you will learn how to create a scrappy look that focuses on colour and value to make those secondary designs pop. Also learn how to #makeitmodern by focusing on the principles of negative space, minimalism, and strong graphic lines. For those who want to take it up a notch, we will also cover fussy cutting techniques that can add an exciting twist to your designs.

🌐

Throughout the day, you will learn tips for accurate cutting and straightforward piecing, make enough blocks to create a cushion or a small quilt. If you’re feeling ambitious, keep going to make a bed-sized quilt. 

🌐

We will provide all the equipment you need, including cutting mats, rotary cutters, pressing stations, templates in a variety of sizes from 6” to 24”, and a variety of solid and print fabrics to play with.

🌐

You will need your sewing machine with a 1/4” patchwork foot or hand piecing supplies, fine piecing cotton (e.g., Aurifil 50wt), a piece of batting or flannel to use as a design wall (optional), and any special fabric you would like to include.

The workshop fee is $165, and it includes morning tea and refreshments. You can also preorder acrylic templates, Roxanne’s Glue Baste-it, or a 28mm rotary cutter to take home with you.

🌐

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn in this lovely gallery setting and create beautiful designs with like-minded individuals. Book your spot online or contact me for more information.

#quilt #quilting #bedquilt #quilter #modernquilt #learntoquilt #traditionmademodern #patchwork #quiltlove #windingwaysquilt #textiletherapy #sydneyworkshop #modernquilters #inconversationquilt
📝 The Pacific oasis a haven of graces, a watery 📝
The Pacific oasis a haven of graces, a watery realm to explore. Connected by waves across the vast ocean, the ebb and flow of life.
 
Rock pool’s embrace, dolphins dance, whales gracefully glide past. Sun weathered swimmers.
Worlds Apart, Same Ocean .

🌊 🐬 🐳 🏊‍♀️ 🌎 🗺️

🏷️ Worlds Apart, Same Ocean 
60" x 60"
Machine pieced, hand quilted and hand embroidered
Machine quilting by Kat Jones @twocatsquilts. 

This modern quilt is an ode to the natural world and its power to connect us all. My variation of the traditional Winding Ways design creates a green world surrounded by vast oceans, representing the physical distance that separates us. 

Yet, the quilt also includes tiny points of connections, such as bridges and isthmuses, and flight paths that criss-cross the planet, reminding us of the ways in which we are all linked together.

My daily swims in a Sydney rock pool and conversations with my quilting friend Krista @poppyprint , who swims on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, inspired this work. I believe that through exploring art and nature, we can find common ground and celebrate our differences whilst embracing our shared humanity. 

At a time when we've often felt isolated, this quilt serves as a reminder of the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world.

🌊 🐬 🐳 🏊‍♀️ 🌎 🗺️

“In Conversation” Exhibtion is on till 25 June @gallery76_queenst , Concord West. For more photos and information please check out the posts at  @stitchandyarn 💙💚
Of course being away at the moment meant that I mi Of course being away at the moment meant that I missed the opening of our “In Conversation” exhibition back in Sydney @gallery76_queenst. I have enjoyed looking through everyone’s photos and reading the comments. Can’t wait to see it in person when I get back home!

Congratulations Tara @stitchandyarn for a beautiful show and thank you for all your hard work putting this together. Right down to the last minute challenge of getting Chawne’s @cauchycomplete quilt from Melbourne to Sydney in time for the opening. What a team effort. 

A huge thank you to my wonderful friend and partner in the show @poppyprint. I’m so glad we got to plan our quilts in person and swim together recently during your visit. I think our quilts look fabulous hanging together, different yet complimentary, just like us 💃🏻

Expect more photos in your feed soon! 

Xx

#modernquilt #quiltexhibition #quilt #quilting #textileart #textileartist #quiltsasart #quiltersofinstagram #quiltshow #inconversationquilt #igetbywithalittlehelpfrommyfriends
Two fun packed days teaching @precioustimefabrican Two fun packed days teaching @precioustimefabricandquilts! It’s always wonderful to be back in sunny Toowoomba and catch up with everyone again. 

🧵✂️🪡

I saw progress on some Chuck Nohara quilts, gorgeous little blocks that will one day become heirlooms! I love seeing the leaps made in construction technique and understanding between visits. 

🧵✂️🪡

Several new Opal Essence quilts, with their yseams, curved machine piecing and one hand pieced mini EPP version. 

🧵✂️🪡

A striking 12” Winding Ways cushion by Helen came together very quickly!

🧵✂️🪡

Most people also started their own kawandi pieces too, learning a new technique to use up their scraps. Many will be turned into practical Retreat Bags, totes, cushions, wraps and even a table runner!

🧵✂️🪡

Thank you so much to Patrina for inviting me once again. A big thank you to @jesscoake89 for all the logistics and hospitality and to Liz for looking after all of us at the shop over the two days. It’s your support that makes these workshops successful, couldn’t have done so much without you 💐

#toowoomba #quiltcommunity #quilting #learntoquilt #quiltingismytherapy #tryingnewthings #slowstitching #makers #handmade #patchwork
I’m teaching in South East Queensland for the ne I’m teaching in South East Queensland for the next 10 days. If you see me, I’ll probably be wearing a variation of these two crazy outfits 😅

Not much room left in the huge suitcases for clothes when you travel with quilts and kits!

See you soon @precioustimefabricandquilts @kimzsew and Queensland Quilters!

#memademay #memadeeveryday #opalessencequilt #quiltcoat #evadressoftheday #lorenalovestoteachandtravel #capsulewardrobe
💚💙 TE᙭TᑌᖇE TᑌEᔕᗪᗩY 💙💚 U 💚💙 TE᙭TᑌᖇE TᑌEᔕᗪᗩY 💙💚

Unexpectedly my In Conversation quilt turned out to be a three way conversation… Very grateful to my good friend @twocatsquilts for the painstaking quilting of curved grids on this very modern quilt. 

No thanks to AusPost who took weeks to get it back to me from Hobart. So now I’m down to the wire with the hand quilting and final touches… there’s always something, no matter how organised you think you are!

In Conversation opens this Saturday @gallery76_queenst. Find the details @stitchandyarn or in the link in my profile. 

Now back to finishing my quilt 😬
Yesterday, I took a break from all the admin tasks Yesterday, I took a break from all the admin tasks, workshop prep and deadline sewing for a couple of hours. It's important to recharge, right? 

🧵🪡 🌸

I've been eyeing this adorable fabric in my stash to make an Emmaline Retreat Bag for my charging gear. It looks like bits of tapestry but it's actually a fun cheater print from Moda called Flea Market Moxie by Cathe Holden. Wish I had bought more of it! 😍

Time to dive back into the To-Do List and conquer those tasks. It’s Monday… Let's get things done and checked off! ✅

#SewingTime #RetreatBag #FabricObsession #ShowMeTheModa #FleaMarketMoxie #CatheHolden #ProductivityGoals #QuiltersLife #BreakTime #SewingEscape #ZipperPouch
Wow, what a busy #3rdsaturdayclass it was today @m Wow, what a busy #3rdsaturdayclass it was today @mysewingsupplies!

🧵✂️🪡 

A wide variety of projects: a quilt coat, a bag, Opal Essence quilts, some huge log cabins to tiny Chuck Nohara blocks!

🧵✂️🪡 

Congratulations everyone, great to have you back Sharon. I think it was a good move leaving your “duster” on… could’ve easily fit in my suitcase 😬

📆
NEXT CLASS is 17th JUNE, contact the shop to book your spot!

#quiltclass #learntosew #makersgonnamake #quiltcoat #retreatbag #anythinggoes
Brisbane peeps who have been asking me for years “when will you be back to teach Opal Essence?” This is it! June 3rd!! 

🌺🍍🌴

Bookings are with Queensland Quilters. If you need a template kit you’ll need to let me know before I leave Sydney next week!

🌺🍍🌴

Link to book is in my profile or contact Queensland Quilters directly! Send me a DM if you need more details 💌

#quilt
#quilting
#timeless
#modernquilt
#tumblingblocksquilt 
#lorenalovestoteachandtravel
Two years ago I cut up this cursed quilt and turne Two years ago I cut up this cursed quilt and turned into a coat. One of my best decisions ever! And I haven’t stopped since…

🤭

As the temps drop here in Sydney, boy am I grateful to have a wardrobe full of colourful options to throw on and keep warm. 

#thankyoupastself #fromquilttocoat #quiltcoat #patchworklife #patchworkjacket #quiltedcoat #cutitup #rainbowreverb #staywarm #memademay
Autumn is here, perfect for snuggling on the couch Autumn is here, perfect for snuggling on the couch with a warm quilt, cuppa and some hand binding. 

🍁 🛋️ ☕️ 🪡 

Finishing touches are going on my In Conversation quilt for the show that opens next week @gallery76_queenst. So excited to see all 34 quilts in this gorgeous gallery setting. Have you booked your spot to the opening with @stitchandyarn? Check out my link in bio for details. I’ll be teaching in Queensland so won’t be there till 7th June when I’m teaching a workshop at the gallery…

🍁 🛋️ ☕️ 🪡 

If you’d like to sign up to my Wonder-full Winding Ways Workshop, there are still spots available on Wednesday 7 June. All the W’s! I should rename it Wonderful Wednesday Winding Ways Workshop 🫣 

💌 Link to book is in my profile. 

PS if you can’t make the Wednesday class. I will have a different class available at the gallery on Sunday 25th June! Stay tuned for details… 

#chill #quilt #quilting #modernquilt #quiltshow #inconversationquilt #justkeepsewing #windingwaysquilt #quiltsasart #quiltingismytherapy #sewingismysuperpower #textileart
Did you know that when you purchase my QST Courtho Did you know that when you purchase my QST Courthouse Steps PDF pattern that you get the MEGA 20” block version as an added bonus?

🪵 📐🍭

Both patterns come with complete cutting and piecing diagrams. The larger version is perfect for beginner quilters, if you have a couple of spare jelly rolls or you just need a big quilt fast!

🪵 📐🍭

The 10” blocks are sweet for working with solids and textured fabrics. I like to work with pre-cut logs so that accuracy is guaranteed. 

🪵 📐🍭

QST Courthouse Steps is your traditional block, with a twist! The quarter square triangle centre adds a fun flourish and opportunity to play with colour blocked shapes. 

Download QST Courthouse Steps from my website, link is in my profile ❣️

#quilt
#pattern
#quickquilt
#patchwork
#pdfpattern
#jellyrollquilt
#modernquilt
#logcabinquilt
#stashbustingquilt
#qstcourthousesteps 
#megaqstcourthousesteps
Don’t stop till you get enough! Making 40 Kawand Don’t stop till you get enough!
Making 40 Kawandi kits for my upcoming teaching trip to Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane ☀️

Loving the BERNINA 570, doesn’t miss a beat 💥

#littlethreadbins #kawandiworkshop #kawandikit #justkeepsewing #madewithlove #sewingisfun #bernina #makersgonnamake #sewingismysuperpower #aurifilthread #olisoiron
Getting there… my incidental sashiko stitching m Getting there… my incidental sashiko stitching means squeezing in a few rows here and there. At the doctors, in a queue, waiting for a friend to arrive. I really just want to concentrate on this to get it finished but there are other more important tasks at hand!

💙🩵 ᗷᒪᑌE ᗰOᑎᗪᗩY🩵💙

#sashiko #sashikostitching #embellishment #denimjacket #denim #upcycled #slowfashionmovement #bluemonday #slowstitching #onedayatatime #arewethereyet
What a fabulous way to spend the day, busy sewing What a fabulous way to spend the day, busy sewing and doing what we love. Time to create is a precious gift on any day but especially on Mothers Day 💞

❣️

Congratulations to all the workshop participants for their perseverance and trust. It was delightful to see your confidence grow as you sewed in your zippers and your bags took shape. Well done 🎉

❣️

This won’t be the last of the Retreat Bag workshops  @fabricgarden. The new space is perfectly set up for this workshop. Stay tuned for the next date!

#emmalineretreatbag
#retreatbagworkshop
#persistancepaysoff 
#tryingnewthings 
#zippersareeasy
#zipperpouch
#retreatbag
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