The Splendid Sampler Giveaway!

 

 

In case you haven't heard of it - there is a wonderful Quilt-a-long called The Splendid Sampler which has been organised by Pat Sloan and Jane Davidson. 100 Blocks that have been designed by 84 designers - and the blocks and their instructions are posted twice a week on the website. This week we have reached the half way point with Block 50 which has been designed by Joanna of Fig Tree Quilts. I have been very fortunate to have my block accepted and it will be up on the website in December. You will have to check back in then to see what it looks like :)

Even though The Splendid Sampler has been going since the beginning of the year, I have only just started to make my blocks. That's the great thing about this quilt-a-long, it doesn't matter when you start or how much you get done, so long as you are enjoying it and learning some new techniques - whatever pace suits you is all that matters. There will be a book published at the end of the year so even if you haven't printed out all of the block instructions, don't worry as you can always buy the book!

So far I've completed 9 blocks. I've chosen a new fabric range called "Fleurs" which has been designed by Brenda Riddle for Moda Fabrics. It will be in stores in October 2016. I love Brenda's fabric designs as her colours are so fresh and pretty.

A little bit about me - my name is Di Mill and I have the best job in the world! I am a fabric rep in Australia in the state of Queensland, so I spend my days in Patchwork and Quilting stores, showing them the latest fabrics that are going to be released. One of the companies I represent is Moda and receiving a big box of Moda fabric samples is one of my favourite days.  I don't get a lot of time to sew as I travel quite a lot with my job, so this type of project is great for me, as I can sew a block at a time, whenever I have an hour or two to spare.

 

 

The Splendid Sampler facebook group is a great place for inspiration. Even though I have only just started to make my blocks, I have enjoyed seeing what everyone else has been making. There are some seriously talented ladies out there!

 

 

 

 

If you would like to follow me on social media, you will find me on Instagram:

 

 

and I have a facebook page where I post sneak peaks of upcoming fabric ranges, projects I'm working on and industry news.

 

 

 

To celebrate the half way point of The Splendid sampler, I'm having a giveaway. I have a Moda bag that has a gorgeous cross stitch design on both sides and a Bella solid Fat Quarter pack to pop into it. I will add a couple of more Aussie treats that will be a surprise to the winner!

 

 

 

Just leave a comment - let me know how you squeeze in sewing/craft time (or extra sewing time) into your day in the comments below to be in the running to win the prize. The giveaway is open until the 9th of August. A random winner will be chosen.

 

Thanks for stopping by....Di

 

 

Comments

[Carolyn Sands]

Lovely giveaway! At the end of a sewing session, I always leave something ready to be sewn at my machine! That way, I can sit down and immediately begin sewing.

[Chookyblue]

Extra time.... Well sometimes I just focus on 10 mins and really it is amazing what you can achieve.......
I always have a tin with hand sewing ready to grab and always got something to work on in it ......

[Sherry E. Riggs]

I keep a project going in the kitchen. That way I can make supper and stitch at the same time. I would love to win. Thank you for the giveaway.

[Mary Kastner]

Your sampler blocks are wonderful. I have a little box I keep close with different handwork projects. In the winter, I have bigger cuddle projects to hand quilt on my lap. Thank you for the chance to win.

Mary

[Deb Fox]

Fortunately I have a sewing room so I can leave a project set out and ready to work on anytime I have a Few minutes.

[Ginny]

I try to sew every afternoon for at least an hour (being retired, it's not hard to do!). My sewing room always has a project available to work on. Lately it's been Splendid Sampler blocks--I've got about 45 finished.

[Lisa R.]

I try to sew at least 1/2 hour each day (preferably before work). It sets the tone for my whole day. Fortunately, I've been able to keep up with SS and have completed 50 blocks! It's a wonderful journey!

[Gunn]

It's not easy to squees sewing time into my famelies thigth scedule. After hitting a low last fall I'm trying to take my me time back with sewing time. It's not easy

[Chris]

Being retired, I try to spend some time every day in my sewing room. The distraction is I spend too much time reading all these great blogs!

[Karen]

I try to get into my sewing room a couple of evenings a week, but Saturday afternoon is generally reserved for sewing.

[Paulette]

Beautiful giveaway. I'm retired and only work part-time in one of our local quilt shops. I have lots of time to sew during the day, when everyone else in my household are at work or school.

[Linda Williamson]

I try to get at least a 1/2 hour a day for sewing/cutting/planning. It makes me happy and relaxes me at the end of a hectic day. Must be fun seeing all the new fabric lines that are coming out. Thanks for the giveaway.

[Charlotte B.]

I always have a project ready to sew and spend time in my sewing studio everyday. Loving this Splendid Sampler year!

[Deanna A]

Being retired, I love to sew in my jammies whenever possible!

[Beth F]

All my hand sewing projects/supplies are in individual bags, with all the tools I need in another, so I can grab & go. I drive my kids to lessons & activities so that allows me 10-15 mins. to sew in the car while waiting for them. It's great how much I get accomplished that way!

I also leave a project at a starting point near my sewing area so I can sew a seam or iron fusing or cut pieces whenever I get a minute.

[Rachel]

Oooh, that's a good question! I work full time so I try to set aside at least half a day on the weekend just for quilting. I also grab a couple of hours after dinner (and sometimes while dinner's in the oven!) during the week when I can. I don't do a lot of on-the-go sewing, but I leave everything set up in my craft space at home so that I can walk in and pick it back up when I have a few minutes. Thanks for offering such a fun giveaway!

[Peggy Myers]

I am loving this sewing journey and luckily I am retired so I can sew whenever I want to. I have all the blocks finished and am waiting for tomorrow's block. I look forward to Thursday and Sunday! Thanks for all the work to get these blocks to us! Peggy

[Sally]

If designing counts, I quilt every day! There are so many inspiring ideas online. Learning to keep simple projects ready for quick progress too.

[Gretchen]

Thanks for the chance at the lovely giveaway. I'm very busy during the week but leave Saturday or Sunday open for "me time" in the sewing room

[Mary Reed]

My husband retired 3 years ago and I quit my job 9 months after that. So I have all day to sew. Yeah! I didn't start sewing my blocks until April so I am a bit behind but I am really enjoying this adventure. I love getting to see all the different thing that the designers offer. Thanks for offering this giveaway.

[Keely]

I just ignore all of the other things that need to be done :) Haha! So far, it's worked...

[Suzy]

Sewing is my household priority.. I make time for all the other necessities of the household.

[Kari]

I squeeze sewing in any time I can. I usually cut the blocks ahead of time, so I can sew it when I'm able. I also do the hand sewing during my daughters gymnastics practice.

[Erin]

I don't have a sewing room, so it's a big ordeal to get set up! I usually take one day a week for me, and take over the dining room! During the school year it's sometimes more than one!

[Lissa]

Now that my youngest is in school, it has been much easier to fit sewing into my day. I do a few quick errands or chores after the kids are off and then spend my day sewing until it is time to bring them back home!