Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Community Sampler Week #3!

It's block release day of the Community Sampler sew-along!

Community Sampler Dovecote Block

Sharon Holland and I have teamed up once again to co-host an exciting community event and we're so exited to have you sewing with us! Just a reminder that there are eleven blocks in our Community Sampler quilt and each Wednesday on our blogs we'll release a new block PDF or finishing step, share piecing techniques and tips, and provide inspirational photos as Sharon and I make our own Community Sampler quilts! If you're late in joining us, be sure to visit my Community Sampler Page above in my tabs bar to retrieve each of the released PDF's. It's never too late to join the fun!

Community Sampler Sew-Along

Today's PDF is for our second block -- Dovecote. This week's block instructions come complete with cutting information and step-by-step illustrations for making Half-square Triangles and no-waste Flying Geese units. Be sure to visit Sharon's blog today for additional tidbits and tips for perfect patchwork. Sharon is so good at putting together extra visuals to help you perfect these techniques!

Community Sampler Block No. 2!

For my own Dovecote block I'm using four pretty prints from my Love Story collection -- Delicate Veil Cream, Love Birds Amber, Compassion Ruby Red and Reflection of Love Light. (affiliate links)

Community Sampler Block 2 Fabrics -- Love Story!

Yesterday morning I made it to my studio bright ad early, just after the kids were all off to school, and first on my to-do list was to make this week's Community Sampler Block Dovecote! I'm using my most recently released fabric collection with AGF, Love Story and I really love the combination of prints that chose for this week's block.

Week 2 block sewing

Dovecote Love Story

The Dovecote block includes patchwork techniques for making both half-square triangles, HSTs, and flying geese using the no-waste method that makes four at a time, two of my very favorite patchwork methods! I haven't made flying geese since the Sewcial Bee Sampler wrapped and this was a great reminder to me of how much I love to make them!

Community Sampler Sewing

The light was nice and bright in my studio, making it much easier for me to take photos while I sewed to have to share here today. I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures in the window light as I pieced together my Dovecote block. My ironing board is positioned right in front of the window in my studio and as I pressed my block I'd hold it up to see the stained glass effect. So pretty!

Making Dovecote

This block came together must easier for me than last week's block. I honestly think I was just super rusty due to the quilt as you go and bag making-making kick I've been on for the past few months! I've been considering remaking my Kitty Corners block from last week because when I fussy cut my pieces I totally forgot that these blocks will be in an on-point setting. Doh! I just completely blanked out on that important detail! Well, this week I remembered but decided that I didn't mind my Love Birds, the only print that I used in this week's block that is a directional print, set on an angle as they are below. What do you think?

Community Sampler Dovecote Block

So I tacked last week's block back up onto the wall and I decided that I don't mind the Love Birds or the florals set on an angle as much as I had before finishing this week's block. I will definitely remember the on-point setting when fussing cutting and making my blocks from now on, and as my Community Sampler grows I'll see if this one would be better if I fixed my silly mistake!

Community Sampler Block 1 On Point

How about you, are you using directional prints and fussy cutting for your sampler? Choosing these novelty style prints that add to my sampler quilt's story is one of the things that I love most about these block of the week sew-alongs. It gives me a chance to slowdown and to be a bit more thoughtful with creating each block. Even though I still make mistakes! :)

Dovecote Love Birds

I can't wait to see this week's Dovecote blocks! I'm so blown away by the all the creativity I am seeing in our hashtag pool on Instagram! When you share on Instagram don’t forget to use the hashtag #CommunitySampler and to tag @sharonhollanddesigns and myself @maureencracknell so we can visit and see your work!

Using #CommunitySampler hashtag will also automatically enter you in the weekly IG Giveaway pool! Remember that your Instagram account does need to be a public account for your post to show up in the Instagram hashtag pool. But please don't worry, if you don't have Instagram or you'd like to keep your account private, we will also be hosting the same giveaway prize, alternately between Sharon's and my blog, so you can choose how and where to enter each week!

Thank you, Sponsors!

Be sure to check back here on Friday for more info on this week's Community Sampler Giveaway with our sponsor Aurifil Thread! Thanks again for joining us!

Happy sewing, friends! xo Maureen  

8 comments:

  1. Hi Maureen! I love your block. I am all set to work on this one today!
    I love your first block, and this block is beautiful too.
    I made two first blocks and I was even thinking about making a third with some Sarah Jane fabrics for one of my grandbabies.
    I will wait... or just cut the pieces and put them aside
    I love this block today. Now I am going to print the instructions. Thank you so much both of you for sharing your inspiration

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  2. I sure wish we lived by each other so we could sit and sew all day long! Love your studio space and your blocks are gorgeous in your prints!

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  3. Oh, and I like the birds just the way they are. I do not think it would make a difference if you set them on point (recut pieces and adjust)
    This looks sweet.

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  4. beautiful block Maureen. I am swooning over the fabrics you're using. Love Story is such a lovely line. I can't wait to make my second block.

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  5. bbroadt@verizon.netMarch 10, 2018 at 7:57 AM

    The fabrics really get my attention and I am sure everyone else's. Beautiful..makes me yearn for warm weather. Where can I get those fuzzy balls on clips? bbroadt@verizon.net


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  6. Mille merci pour tout.
    Tu es incroyable, mille bisous pour toi.

    voyance en ligne

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