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 
I have participated before. I like block of the month programs because I can finish each block without being rushed.
I’ve gathered the patterns for a lot of BOM’s. Some are not as wonderful as I had hoped, and I’ve actually deleted them from my computer.
I love the idea of doodle quilting designs. They look great and fun.
Thanks for this opportunity.
B from Canada
Yes I’ve participated in them before and including now with the splendid sampler and enjoy them immensely! The only Trouble I have though is making time to make the blocks in a timely manner. Am super busy and feel like I’m always pushing to get that next bit done.
Lovely giveaway, thanks for all you share and keep inspiring us.
I have participated in recent months in three other BOMs and once many years ago when I returned to quilting in the 1970s. I have never been drawn to this type of project because I always wanted to have my work be created and designed by myself. The ones I have chosen are about just having a good time and learning. I thought the SS presented an opportunity to use my stash and learn about different designers.
I have participated in several BOM’s and mystery quilt alongs. I have enjoyed all of them. I think they help be grow as a quilter.
This is my first true block of the time period. I enjoy seeing the variety of fabric choices and how they change the blocks. The creativity is inspiring.
I’ve never participated in a quilt along before this one and have signed up for three more since signing up for this one. I’ve only started blocks for one of the others though, so busy with my ss blocks. But I love seeing all the lovely designs and fabrics out there – so pretty I want them all!
I enjoy the idea of BOMs but am a real sucker for the mystery ones. I’ve done several free ones online and, while I don’t always like the finished product, I like the process and surprise outcome.
My first sew along was Minecraft Mondays sewalong. Still going with bonus blocks. I made 2 quilts for my 2 grandson’s. I end the tutorials.
Yes – our local Quilt Shop has had many BOM and I participated and finished 2 Quilts. One was fans I made in purples for my daughter in the 90’s. The second one was a pieced sampler with 4 inch pieced and appliqued borders that I did in reproduction 30’s fabric and gave to my Mom for Mother’s Day in 2011. Unfortunately my Mom died in 2012, so I now have the Quilt in my guest room. BOM are a great challenge and good way to get a Quilt done that you may not have attempted.
I’m doing a few block of the months this year for the first time, the Sugar Block Club and one through my local quilt shop. I’ve discovered I’m terrible at them, though, because I lose momentum in between times. So my current strategy is to save up about four months, and then do them all at the same time. 🙂
Christa, thanks for the chance!
Block of the Month is a great way to “get it done” and feel like you are accomplishing more things in a day, now working on Vintage Farm Girl at a local shop, love it, and not behind yet!!! Enjoying Splendid Sampler but have only made a couple of blocks…so far!
Hope to win -thanks again!
Haven’t done a BOM but I have participated in QAL and bee groups, sorta related but not exactly. I like to know what’s required before I start. And I’m afraid I’d lose some of the blocks, things disappear in my sewing room only to resurface when I’ve given up and moved on. Thanks.
I have done a couple of block of the months in years past, but, not recently. What I liked was getting together with the group and seeing what everyone’s interpretation was and what I didn’t like was making sure I stayed on task and kept up to date. We had a drawing each month if you completed your block/blocks.
I am new to quilting so I haven’t participated in a BOM yet. I would love to win the Doodle book!
This is my first quilt-along and I love it! I never really likes sampler quilts so didn’t think it was for me, but I am learning sooo much with the Splendid Sampler that I’m mentally kicking myself for not trying a quilt-along sooner!
I love BOMs! Especially the ones like Splendid Sampler, that use up scraps of favorite fabrics!
This is my FIRST! I am new to the quilting world and I must say I am hooked!
I have done several online BOMs and quilt alongs. I love sharing my blocks and seeing others work as well – so inspiring!
I have finished a quilt top following one of the Aurifil QAL two years ago and I have also compleated 2 other wall size quilts following a QAL with Raspberry Rabbits and Red Brolly. I really enjoy the motivation i get by participating in these wonderful QAL’s.
I’ve been more of a virtual participant when it comes to BOMs. Life always seems to be too crazy but one of these days I’ll catch up! Thanks for the giveaway. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
I married into a quilting family. So we do BOM and Round Robins frequently. I have even designed BOMs for my LQS and taught classes. I like trying new styles and BOM are a good way to learn lots of different techniques.
This has been my year of the Quilt Along with 2 BOMs, a Row Along, and 3 (so far) other QALs. I intended for one of those to be The Splendid Sampler project, but it has been relegated to virtual status for the time being. All the block patterns have been downloaded and saved, ready for me to be ready. 🙂
I have never participated in a BOM but have downloaded the patterns for several, and one of these days————I hope to get to them.
When I retired I decided that, because I’d have sooooo much free time, I’d participate in a BOM that I’d liked. I’ve bought all the blocks and stored them to make later. Did I mention that I retired 10 years ago???
On the plus side, I participated in a “Buck A Block” program where for $1 you’d get 2 different 2-1/2″ strips of fabrics & directions for making the block. You had to show up to the shop to get those items and provide background fabric and ran thru the summer. That, too, was 10 years ago and I’m happy to say that the quilt top is finished and proudly displayed on my design wall. I think doing it in a small dose with quick ending might have been incentives for me.
BTW, I learned about your book from Lori Kennedy on her blog, The Inbox Jaunt. I love it!
Yes I have participated in BOM’s. I love them because there are always new stitching techniques to learn.
This is my first. I’ve learned so much! I’ve also gotten bitten by the Row-by-Row Experience bug. If it were not for The Splendid Sampler and what I’ve learned so far I would have trashed the Row-by-Row’s.
I have done a few BOM’s. It was a great way to learn new skills. I love seeing what others complete with their colours.
I love BOMs! It’s not so overwhelming and you have that sense of accomplishment after each one you complete. And before you know it, it’s a whole quilt! I also enjoy BOMs with a group – they keep me motivated!
I have never had an opportunity to participate in a BOM activity, but I think it would be fun.
I started quilting last year and made a full sized row by row quilt. This year I am doing the Splendid Sampler. I plan to participate in a BOM next year.
I like the momentum of sharing ideas with and from others
I have done a few BOMs and I really like having only one or two blocks to make each month. Thank you for the giveaway.
I am working on my first BOM – River Rock – and the joke is on me – it’s more like two blocks and a spacer each month – the batiks are beautiful. Also finally got started on the splendid sampler – love seeing everyone’s creative fabric choices.
I have done 2 (1 1/2 really) BOM’s on The Quilt Show. I did and alphabet one there I just love, but haven’t quilted yet. I am always pulling it out and showing to people though, because I love how it turned out. I will be fun to quilt once I get over the fear of how to start it. I quilt on my Janome and have been playing with rulers and lots of FMQ. I just ordered this book because it looks like a ‘must have’ and maybe it will help get me going on some of my UFO’s. I always get to the quilting and freeze…I know, just do it!
I’ve never done a BOM myself, but I have enjoyed watching others participate online. I do hope to join in one day when I have finished all my current WIPs. 😄
My quilt group did a block of the month last year and I really enjoyed it. It made a beautiful quilt. I like making all of the different blocks. Your book really looks great.
The Splendid Sampler is my first quilt along. I have learned a lot and enjoy seeing the blocks from around the world.
Loving this journey
I have done online BOM and really enjoyed them. I learned a lot of new techniques.
Thanks for your heart block. I also used it on the back of the quilt I am making for my granddaughter. It fits in well with her name (Mia).
I have done several mystery quilts and quilt alongs, but never an actual BOM. I tend to get distracted and fall behind.
Love to “collect” the patterns for sampler blocks. It’s great seeing all the different blocks for the splendid sampler! There are some great blocks
I have done a couple of BOM, one online and one at our guild, and now of course, the Splendid Sampler. I have learned a lot from them and enjoy looking forward to each new block;
I like learning something new each month. It usually is broken down to that you are not overwhelmed with too large of a project. The book looks like it has wonderful quilting ideas.
I’ve done several Block of the Month programs and just love it!!! And, Oh how I would love to win this book! Thanks!!
I love how someone else in a shop chooses fabrics for you for a block of the month. I took a BOM from overseas using wool applique on cotton. A great thing about it is that wool fabric is uncommon here so the supplies were unique. Always great to have something individual.
I have done several BOM’s and love them. I am doing one now with my mom. We are using very different fabrics. I can’t wait to see what both look like when we are done. I am learning so much from the Splendid Sampler blocks. Thank you to all the designers. I had fun with your paper pieced block. Not too hard. I would love a copy of the quilting book. I am learning FMQ and not sure how I am going to quilt this sampler when done.
I’m doing the splendid sampler and the Sugar Block club monthly BOM. I love trying out blocks that I would have never done on my own. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
I had never tried a block a month style quilt until splendid sampler and jumping feet first into 2 blocks week has been a journey of love:)