Are you following along with The Splendid Sampler? If you haven’t heard of it yet, it’s the most epic, “sew-lebrity” filled sew along (of all time), consisting of 100+ free block patterns, designed by 83 pattern designers, shared twice week, for an entire year!!!
Just a few of the 80+ Splendid Sampler designers at Spring Quilt Market 2016.
For those of you making blocks either physically with the group (or virtually in your head), the 50th block releases this week! Isn’t that exciting?? Although I’m not going to spoil tomorrow’s surprise, the designer of block #50 is Joanna Figueroa of Figtree Quilts. I’ve seen the block, and let me tell you – it is Splendid!!
My Splendid Block
You may recall my block, Scrappy Happy Heart, below, which was released back in May. Click here to learn more about my block! It’s been exciting watching so many people making my paper pieced block design and sharing their work. The biggest comment I’ve seen on Instagram (#scrappyhappyheart) and in the Splendid Sampler Facebook group is that my block is the perfect block for those who have never paper-pieced before and want to try out an easy block. That warms my heart!!
My Scrappy Happy Heart Block
To celebrate The Splendid Sampler halfway point, hosts Pat Sloan and Jane Davidson are teaming up with many of the Splendid Sampler designers with bonus blocks, fun giveaways, free patterns, and maybe even a little “behind the scenes” of the project.
Click here to see the complete blog hop celebration schedule!
Free Pattern for Splendid Friends
For anyone new to my blog, I invite you to get this free PDF quilt pattern of my Puzzle Box design just for stopping by and signing up for my email newsletter.
Click here to get the free pattern.
But wait…. there’s more!!
Book Giveaway for Splendid quilters
I’m also giving away a copy of the brand new collaboration book, 180 Doodle Quilting Designs. This book was compiled by Martingale/That Patchwork Place, the same folks who will be publishing The Splendid Sampler book once the blocks are all complete! (They have also published both of my quilting books, so I might just be a little bit biased!!)
180 Doodle Quilting features designs from several talented friends, including Splendid Sampler designers Melissa Corry, April Rosenthal, and yours truly! Perhaps this book will help you decide how you want to quilt your blocks when they are all finished!
For your chance to win, just leave a comment below letting me know if you’ve ever participated in a block of the month/week/day type program before. If so, tell me what you loved about it!
This contest is open to everyone worldwide. I’ll pick one US winner who will win a physical copy signed by me, and one international winner who will receive an e-copy.
The contest will close Aug 15th and I’ll ship it to you by the end of the month. Thanks for stopping by!!
Christa Quilts 
A couple of years ago I participated in a block of the month through a quilt shop 60 miles away. The splendid sampler has been so much more convenient and I’m definitely learning new tips and techniques as we progress through this adventure.
I have participated in several BOM. I enjoy doing different blocks each month and seeing the results pretty quickly.
I’ve done a number of BOM. I love them because it keeps me on track.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I participated in a BOM through a local quilt shop. I enjoyed learning some new techniques and I liked that we could take them blocks and make them “our own” through sashing, borders and quilting!!
I have done a few BOMs. I enjoyed learning new techniques.
The Splrndid Sampler is my first quilt along . I have learned so much!
This is my first and I am loving it!
I have participated in a BOM with my quilt guild and also with a couple of Pat Sloan’s online over the last couple of years – I really enjoy them. Thanks for your participation in the Splendid Sampler – it has been a fun, learning experience so far and I look forward to the next 50 blocks!
I did my first BOM last year through my local quilt shop. I learned a lot and liked the breakdown of a large, complex quilt into smaller units that could be completed in a day or so. I’m finding the Splendid Sampler a completely different kettle of fish, in wonderful ways. I’m certainly learning a LOT. I’m exploring new-to-me techniques and letting go of total perfectionism and over-planning (my philosophy is that there are going to be over 100 blocks, so if I don’t like one in the end, I can remake it, or leave it out). I love getting to choose my own fabric combinations and varying them in different blocks. Most of all, there is this wonderful community that has developed. I really enjoy seeing other people’s blocks and fabric choices, and their tweaks of the patterns or added embellishments, not to mention the supportive comments and hints- truly inspirational!
I have participated in several bom programs. I love the new techniques, etc. that you learn while making these blocks. Thanks for sharing.
The Splendid Sampler is my third sew along — I really like it because as a working mom, I need little things that I can knock out in small pockets of time. The Splendid Sampler gives me that! (though I’ve only done 17 blocks so far 🙂 Would love to win your book! 🙂
I have participated in multiple BOM’s over the years. Just love them! Machine Embroidery, Technique based and currently a “Bag”OM. I most enjoy the “show and tell” every month. Everyone needs a kick in the keister now and then. Keeping up with your pals is a great motivator! And showing off your accomplishment gives you the little dose of pride & happiness that every needs! Thank you for the opportunity to win your book! I’ve just begun Free Motion Quilting on my Vintage Singer 201 and am looking for fillers to play with!
I did a mystery quilt once and enjoyed it, but never a BOM. I would like to, but when I have something I want to make, if I have to stop and wait for further instructions, I lose my incentive to make it. It will end up a UFO. I have too many of those now.
I’ve participated in BOM from my local quilt shop as well as a few online. I really love them.
Just love doing boms and seeing what fabric combinations everyone is using
Me acabo de enterar hoy de que existe esta maravillosa idea. Escribo desde España. Si me hubiera enterado antes hubiera hecho por lo menos dos bloques. Además vienen con su tela y todo lo que necesitas. Es genial, no tienes que preocuparte por nada. El libro es una maravilla, lo estuve viendo en la página de MARTINGALE. Gracias por tener esta página de patrones libres. Muchas gracias.
Love the mish mash that allows for the trimming down of the stash!
This is my first entry. I would love a copy of your book. You do so many beautiful designs, I really loved the modern white, black and grey illusion one that you made.
I’ve participated in a couple of BOM projects and enjoyed them.
Christa, thanks for your participation in the Splendid project. I loved making your block want to make more of them, perhaps a whole quilt? The Splendid Sampler is my first mystery quilt along and I’m loving it. I learn something new all the time. It’s a perfect opportunity to try new things on one block at a time. Way less intimidating and completely doable. Plus the designs are truly splendid and so are the quilters I’ve met participating in the group.
I’ve never participated in a BOM before but have always wanted to try one! Don’t know if I could keep up though!
I have participated in several BOM’s. I like them because they get me sewing and I love when I get to learn new techniques. It is fun to see the same project in everyone’s different color pallets.
I have done a block of the month and a mystery quilt but the splendid sampler is so much fun because of the variety of techniques and I think the book would be helpful, I find the quilting process intimidating (that is why I have 12 unquilted tops…
I did make the attempt and I liked being able to see other’ work but my access to sewing time is so erratic I got behind very quickly. Someday! Thanks for the giveaway, looks like a great book!
Though I’ve sewn nearly all my life, I have only recently begun quilting – about a year ago. I do love it and am progressing fairly well…and this is the first quilt-along I have tried…It IS a LOT of FUN ! ! ! Many thanks to my friend Cindy who told me about this!!! Plus, networking with others doing the same sampler project locally is pleasant… Actually, the whole quilting world is enjoyable ! ! ! I’ve always been “addicted to fabric” but until now didn’t know OTHERS had this affliction ! ! ! My huge stash must now be converted into quilts!!! I’m doing to quilt-as-you-go method and hope to be the winner of the book since that is exactly what my next step has to be: the quilting part!!! I must confess, quilting squigglys all over a quilt is not appealing as a way to finish a quilt. To me, every solid fabric looks like a canvas awaiting inspiration and free motion experiments…I even construct blocks on purpose – with some solids – to leave me the space to do just that. Our quilt guild had our first quilt show last year and our next is in 2017 and I am hoping to have several full quilts done by then. So far I have only dabbled in baby sized and twin sized quilt projects…and several wall hangings. I’m getting more and more brave ! ! !
I’m pretty new to quilting and have not participated in a guilt along before.
I have participated in a BOM quilt. I love the variety, and it is like opening up a present each month.
Hi! Love your work and the Splendid Sampler!!! I follow your blog and I’ve tried some of your patterns. Cute!!! It’s my third BOM and I really love the idea of working with other people in the same project but, my way. It’s different from a book, more alive may be. Many thanks to you all!!!
This is my first time participating in a quilt along. I’m learning all kinds of new things!
Never participated… Would love to try!
This is my first ever participation in any kind of quilt a long- month, week, day, year, etc. Thanks for sharing your designs and expertise and for the opportunity to win prizes!
P.S. love your logo!
The Splendid Sampler is the most fun I’ve had doing a BOM quilt along! Learning so much along the way, tons of tips and tricks to help for future quilt projects. What a GREAT group this is, thanks so much for sharing with us!
I’ve never participated in a BOM ever! I did however, do a zippy pouch sew along in December. It was great because it motivated me to get it done with a deadline and just in time for gifts at Christmas!
I love the Splendid Sampler so much. It has challenged me so many times and allowed me to try techniques I haven’t been familiar with. Paper piecing was definitely a technique I had seen but was scared of and your block was a great one to start with. I fell in love!
I would never hesitate to participate in a BOM ever again. Its so much fun and one never has to look far for inspiration and advice. Its an amazing community!
I am a bit new—love the new thoughts and ideas—this book would be a perfect addition for me because am slow at the art of “quilting”.
I have done several BOM quilts. I love getting the package in the mail every month and I tend to keep up with the group better. I have learned that most BOM do not allow enough fabrics for mistakes and if you don’t keep up, you may not be able to get material if you goof.
The Splendid Sampler has been lots of fun the actual sewing and also seeing everyone else’s version of the blocks.
Oh to be able to have an copy of that book. Living in Southern Baja, Mexico has a lot challenges for quilters. So the online world is my go to for learning new skills, connection with others that seem to have this need to create with thread and needle. Thank you for sharing your world.
I’ve done several BOMs and currently doing one through Fig Tree. It’s nice to have this small project finished in a short time and in the end you have a quilt
I enjoyed picking out the fabrics and colors I was going to make the block with
This is my first online BOM type situation. It has been wonderful! It gets you to try new things, practise things you havent yet perfected, and resources and friends. Loving the journey!
I have participated with several blocks of the month with my quilting guild and also with my stitch group. It’s fun, get to know people, the quilts are beautiful, etc.
Hi Christa. I am a new quilter feeling like a pro after joining Splendid Sampler! Learning a great deal and loving it. Thank you for your time to make this project a pleasure! No I have not been involved in any other quilt along…but would for sure!
I love BOMs – doing several at the moment! It pushes my skill levels and I enjoy seeing everyone’s creativity at work! Thanks for the chance!!!
I’ve participated in BOM before. The thing I like best is the learning opportunity and the impetus to cut into my fabric collection and get a project underway.
I have never done a block of the month or quilt along before. This has been a lot of fun and I’m sure I will do more in the future. Thanks for the chance to win.
Neat book. I have participated in BOM at several quilt guilds. I liked one because they did all the same size blocks while I also liked the second because we were always learning something new. Thanks for the talent you share! It is appreciated.
I love sampler quilts so I have participated in several BOMs. The book looks really interesting!
I love coloring books. It looks so fun. I have wanted to, thought about, signed up for BOMs, but I’ve have not completed any. Now I hang my head in Shame. I do maybe one or two (maybe none) then life gets in the way. So you could say I collect BOMs. I can’t help myself. All the blocks look so cool.
I’ve participated in my LQS block of the month for years. What I love most is that it “makes” me sew each month. That and the camaraderie of fellow quilters.
Yes, I have done a block of the month. I loved how each block was different, yet they all coordinated together. I love your blog and instagram account !