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Evolution of a Sampler


My "band" sampler is getting closer to done.  It's been a long and winding road.

The bands are supposed to be 2 by 6 inches.  MIne are 2 inch squares.  Part of the decision was to use up scrap linen.  Another part was to make the stitching go faster.  Finally, it was a challenge to shrink the designs.

Initially, I was going to sew the 6 squares together to make cubes.  I thought a pair of stitched dice would be a good idea.  I changed my mind.  The ground fabrics turned out to be of different counts and it seemed like too much work.

Instead, I pondered the idea of sewing the squares into a quilt.  I almost scrapped that because it also seemed like too much work but I didn't have any other ideas.

I was planning on more than 12 squares, but when I started arranging the squares some didn't fit in with the others (they'll go into something else).  I replaced them with other squares that fit in better.

Next challenge was to pick fabric to go around each square and add the borders.  Usually, I would head to the sewing machine, but I wanted the borders right next to the stitching so I hand sewed them all.  It was a pain (I haven't hand sewed in ages) but it is so much more precise.


The finished squares were over sized and I needed to trim them down to size (4 1/2 inches) which was another challenge.  I started with the 6 inch ruler trying to decide how to get the stitched area in the center.  Afraid to cut, I decided that wasn't going well.  Then I remembered a 5 inch ruler I have (Dear Jane).  I found it and it was perfect. 


I trimmed then down to 5 inches and then trimmed 1/4 inch from each side and ended up with the 4 1/2 squares and a pile of 1/4 inch slivers of fabric.


Next, I have to decide on borders, quilting and binding.  I think I like it as is as won't be adding any additional borders.

So now I need to figure out how to quilt it.  I don't think I can get away with machine quilting.  After all, this is an EGA sampler.  So far I'm thinking of using perle cotton and doing something like the feather stitch in the ditch. 

Those plans will probably change a few times before I'm done.  Or not.

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  1. Aurelia EglantineFebruary 27, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    Your quilted sampler is looking lovely! The pearl cotton would look nice, as it has a wonderful sheen, and would probably compliment the beautiful soft colours you've chosen for the fabrics of the squares.

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