One of my goals for 2020 was to finish 3 long term WIPs, and today I get to cross the first of those off the list: my Splendid Sampler 2 quilt.
Splendid Sampler II – All 42 Blocks
During the sew along, I pieced a total of 42 Splendid Sampler 2 blocks. The blocks finish at 6″ square, and just sewing them together into a 6 x 7 grid would only yield a 36″ x 42″ quilt top. After all the hard work that I put into these blocks, and (let’s be honest), after using such special fabrics that I love, I wanted a nice lap size quilt to cuddle with!
Splendid Sampler 2 Finished Quilt
So I took my time arranging the blocks on my design wall. One of the things I noted was that the blocks naturally grouped together into light background blocks, dark background blocks, and more evenly mixed blocks. After sorting the blocks into color groupings, I arranged them into plus sign shapes. From there I had to decide how to piece the background surrounding the pieced blocks. I started by adding in 6″ finished squares of the gold fabrics as spacers between the plus signs. Then I focused on the light blue, dark blue, and finally the Kona Snow. I tried grouping the dark fabrics as a background around the darker blocks, but I much prefer having the contrast of the light background blocks against a dark background and vice versa.
I’m happy to say that I used up the vast majority of the fabric I had left over from piecing all the blocks in the construction of the quilt top. The extra fabric that got added back into my stash will be fun to have available use again for future projects, too.
Splendid Sampler 2 Finished Quilt
I was really, really lucky to be able to find 4 continuous yards of some of the Rae Ritchie Supernova fabric that I used in the front of the quilt for the quilt backing. Most of the prints used in the quilt top were from the Supernova line and everything else was selected to compliment it.
Splendid Sampler 2 Finished Quilt
I free motion quilted loops using 50wt Aurfil 2784 (Dark Navy) thread. My hope was that the quilting would add a bit of visual texture on the Kona Snow to balance out the fact that the background at the bottom of the quilt is significantly less visually busy than the prints at the top. Up close it definitely has the effect, but I love that when seen as a whole you can still focus on the blocks and piecing.
Also, the photo above has blocks designed for the Splendid Sampler 2 book from 3 former Quilt Theory Designers: Kitty Wilkin (Adventure Abounds), Cheryl Brickey (Star Plus), and me (Balancing Reflection)!
Flanged Binding
I opted to used Sandra from mmm!quilts 2 1/4″ flanged binding tutorial to create the finishing touch on the quilt.
Flange Binding – Finishing Touch
I really love how the flange gives a bit of extra definition and pop to the finish.
It was a great honor to be included as a designer in the Splendid Sampler 2, and I am thrilled with how my new lap quilt came together!
Linking up with Beauties Pageant 66 at From Bolts to Beauty and TGIFF at mmmquilts!
Congratulations! I love that you have designed an individual setting to maximise the impact of your blocks. The binding detail is also a nice touch. Well done.
Your sampler quilt is gorgeous! I’ve never been fond of this type of quilt because they always seems messy but you have created an eye pleasing design! Love it!
I love the layout you choose! It makes a unique and lovely setting.
Wow, that layout is great! I’m not usually a fan of busy backgrounds but this really works with your blocks; I can tell that you were thoughtful (as always!) about the overall look as well as highlighting the fun blocks. It sounds like you’ll be keeping this one to snuggle with!
One down, two to go! Well done with this layout. You added so much to the blocks by grouping them from top to bottom!
What a terrific setting to show off all the blocks and make the whole quilt large enough for what you want. I’ve never been a huge fan of sampler quilts but this layout makes it so graphic and cohesive. Maybe I’ll rethink samplers. Well done. Enjoy the finish.
What a great finish! I love the movement from what I see as snow to night sky, and the plus signs in each section. So great you were able to find the backing for it and make it the perfectly sized cuddle quilt!
I love the way your project came together in a beautiful quilt. The setting truly highlights all the blocks as well as the fabric you chose for the quilt. I do love the flanged border and used it recently in a small quilt finish. It is satisfying to see the WIPs become completed quilts. Congratulations on this finish.
Wonderful layout! Enjoy your new quilt.
Definitely a winner! I love the backing too – it’s great either side up!
This turned out wonderfully. Love the flanged binding. I keep saying I’m going to try it, but I always forget in the moment. LOL Guess I need to write myself a note.
You have made an extraordinary SS2 quilt, I love your fabric and your layout is gorgeous – a blend of modern and traditional. One of the best I’ve seen.
How lovely to see these blocks in a finished quilt. I think the decision to play around with the layout was exactly right and what you ended up with is inspired – I especially love the cross arrangements and the gradation from light to dark, which for me makes it feel very much an Yvonne quilt.
I love it! I love bold colors and lots of contrast and you’ve got it all here.
Oh Yvonne, I absolutely love this quilt! It is so modern and crisp-looking. The flange, and making the quilt larger is perfect.
I love everything about your SS2 quilt. Congratulations.. makes me want to get out my 48 blocks and play!
What a fun way to set all of those blocks! it really makes them sparkle!
This is stunning Yvonne! i love how you decided to set the blocks.