getting started {Penny Sampler}
On Sunday I sent the January edition of the Penny Sampler to all registered for the 6-month and 12-month programs. We're starting our journey with extensive lessons in applique, some optional Dogwood practice projects and several sampler blocks. Under Contents on the pdf cover page lessons are labeled "Sampler" to indicate Penny Sampler blocks assigned to this month.
On the 6-month track, we're to complete the heart blocks, clover, mitten and village this January. I'm getting started!
I decided to make the hearts and clover with sew & turn applique. Even though sew & turn method can be tricky with shapes that have deep clefts, if you trim the seam allowance really close at the inner points, it does work. Since I backed my shapes with muslin, they show a sliver of cream along the edges. I don't mind. I decided it adds an extra sense of dimension (wink).
Many of my first blocks are very dark with little contrast. That's because they'll land in the "border" areas of the quilt, which I am intending to keep very dark gray. Remember my inspiration picture? Right. But I don't mind making simple, quiet blocks with such little contrast. I know the Penny Sampler is a detailed quilt with lots to see and many opportunities to infuse color. Some visually simple blocks seem like a smart way to start.
Each of these cuties were easy makes. I'm attaching all of my applique with the sketch stitch method. Wow, that's soooooo quick! I forgot how quick it is. Makes me want to approach an orange peel quilt this way this year. My favorite block is the black clover. The subtle cursive print was just the right touch.
If you're starting your Penny Sampler and have access to a design wall, you may like to put up some of your "first choices" fabrics to provide a visual frame for your blocks. It helps with choosing fabrics/colors! The First Choices lesson suggested you choose background for Hanging Diamond, background for Penny Candy Sashing and Side Border Print L. If you've done that, you can make these cuts and put the fabric up on your design wall. These cuts are part of the cutting process for each selection, so you are not wasting fabric:
::Notes for Students::
p.s. It's not too late for you to join us. Choose your format HERE.
On the 6-month track, we're to complete the heart blocks, clover, mitten and village this January. I'm getting started!
I decided to make the hearts and clover with sew & turn applique. Even though sew & turn method can be tricky with shapes that have deep clefts, if you trim the seam allowance really close at the inner points, it does work. Since I backed my shapes with muslin, they show a sliver of cream along the edges. I don't mind. I decided it adds an extra sense of dimension (wink).
Many of my first blocks are very dark with little contrast. That's because they'll land in the "border" areas of the quilt, which I am intending to keep very dark gray. Remember my inspiration picture? Right. But I don't mind making simple, quiet blocks with such little contrast. I know the Penny Sampler is a detailed quilt with lots to see and many opportunities to infuse color. Some visually simple blocks seem like a smart way to start.
Each of these cuties were easy makes. I'm attaching all of my applique with the sketch stitch method. Wow, that's soooooo quick! I forgot how quick it is. Makes me want to approach an orange peel quilt this way this year. My favorite block is the black clover. The subtle cursive print was just the right touch.
If you're starting your Penny Sampler and have access to a design wall, you may like to put up some of your "first choices" fabrics to provide a visual frame for your blocks. It helps with choosing fabrics/colors! The First Choices lesson suggested you choose background for Hanging Diamond, background for Penny Candy Sashing and Side Border Print L. If you've done that, you can make these cuts and put the fabric up on your design wall. These cuts are part of the cutting process for each selection, so you are not wasting fabric:
- Hanging Diamonds background: Cut a 12.5" width of fabric strip. Place at upper right corner of quilt layout. I'm using Kona Charcoal.
- Penny Candy Sashing background: Cut (2) 3.5" width of fabric strips. Make a cross with them, mimicking the quilt diagram. I'm using FreeSpirit Solids Cosmic Blue.
- Side Border Print L: Cut a 9.5" x 36.5" piece. This is the exact size needed for quilt assembly. I'm using Good Folks Good Fortune in gray.
- Small Diamonds background: If you have also chosen the background fabric for the diamond section at top/center of the quilt, you can cut (2) 5" width of fabric strips and place them side by side in that section of the quilt. I'm using Kona Charcoal.
::Notes for Students::
- If you did not receive your pdf, please let me know!
- Original pdf's have links to download your templates. Those links were unnecessary since templates are embedded in your pdf. The download links weren't working properly, so I've since removed them. You can download a new version without links, if you like, but it's really not necessary. The point is your templates are embedded!
- Be sure to save each month's pdf to your computer. You can view the pdf right in Dropbox OR view it in Adobe Acrobat on your computer. If you view in Dropbox you will see comment threads in the sidebar. Feel free to ask questions there or to email me.
- Trouble printing templates? Try printing from Adobe Acrobat rather than from Dropbox. You can tell Acrobat to print a single page. No need to print the entire document.
- To clarify there is not a separate class blog for the 2017 Penny Sampler. I apologize to those of you who misunderstood and expected a class blog based on your earlier experiences with my courses. Rather than having a class blog, I am delivering pdf's each month to you via Dropbox in the same format as a "block of the month" type of program. The monthly pdf includes lessons for all sampler blocks to be completed that month. For questions you may use the Dropbox comments feature or email me (see teal Contact button in right sidebar).
- Looking for community? Sharing your photos to Instagram with hashtag #PennySampler will definitely connect you with lots of students. There's already plenty of action on IG right now under #PennySampler. In addition I will be opening a link party once a month at StitchedinColor for you to share your progress pictures, especially if you don't prefer to use Instagram. Look for that later this month when I share my completed Little Village block!
p.s. It's not too late for you to join us. Choose your format HERE.