Between now and February 14, we are introducing groups of The Splendid Sampler™ designers so you can get to know them! And  we are highlighting a Craftsy online class we think you will find useful. Jane and I asked each person for their ‘quilting motto’ or a great tip! Please visit their website to get their Facebook and Instagram links.

All the designers are also on the right sidebar in last name order.

I can really related to these tips, let’s have some fun!

((FREE!! French Knot Pincushion from V and Co. HERE))

–Jennifer Albaugh – Quiltique
“When starting any new quilt or project, start with the “why”. That “why” will keep you inspired to stitch to the end and give you that amazing gratification that comes from creating and completing something. And remember, shop local…it matters!”

–Lissa Alexander – Modalissa
“Keep learning and experimenting with everything you create. That is why these 6″ blocks are so perfect to play with. If you are unhappy with your fabric choices on a block, try again. I continue to learn about different fabric placement and how it relates a completely different look. This community of quilters is the biggest show and tell which will inspire so many ideas and options”

—Cheryl Arkison
“Never be afraid to play. Not everything you make has to be something. And, at the end of the day, just get your butt in the seat and sew”

–Melanie Barrett – Quiltessentials
“Tools, tools, tools! Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you have too many! Of course you need the basic tools, but the specialty tools can be lots of fun to use and can save you time. ”

–Lisa Bongean – Primitive Gatherings
“I know I sound like a broken record but… Try starchin your fabric completely wet before you cut it… Let it air dry…press it and then cut out your pieces… It’s just a game changer, try it and you’ll do it all the time…Use ordinary heavy faultless starch!”

–Natalia Bonner – Piece n Quilt
“when life gives you scraps- Quilt!”

–Debby Brown – Debby Brown Quilts
“1. Make quilts that make you happy! 2. Be willing to take risks. Sometimes they produce PURE GOLD!”

–Kathy Brown – The Teachers Pet
“Measure twice, cut once.” I’m such an impatient person – I want to be done with the cutting and on to the piecing! Saying this to myself as I cut has saved me from making wrong cuts innumerable times. Also, I sign off every book and pattern with “Enjoy in good health with a warm heart”!

((Free Tutorial on string piecing blocks from Elizabeth Dackson))

–Kari Carr – New Leaf Stitches
“Try it….you might like it! For example, Y-seams are NOT difficult and the fun shapes add a WOW factor to a quilt. ”

–Vanessa Christenson – V and CO
“Color or lack of color can be a powerful thing and can change the whole look of a quilt, play around with it and be amazed with different quilts you can create with just moving some color around even when using the same block!”

–Kim Christopherson – Kimberbell Designs
“Have fun with colors, pattern, scale, and texture! I rarely choose fabric from one line. Think “outside that line of fabric” by choosing one or two main prints. Then go through the quilt shop like “a kid in a candy store” and collect all kinds of colors, scale, and even texture, to add in the mix. You’ll end up with the most amazing quilt, I promise!”

—Janet Clare
“Never, ever point out your mistakes! I get so fed up when I admire a quilt and they launch into what went wrong!

–Melissa Corry – Happy Quilting
“Break out of your quilting comfort zone and Try New Things!! This sampler will be perfect for learning lots of new techniques and you might just find a new favorite ”

–Kristyne Czepuryk – Pretty by Hand
“My motto for decades now has been, “It’s about the making, not about the having.” I create things for the experience, not for the end product. Of course I keep some things I make because I like them or because the are useful. But the process of creating a thing is always more important to me than the thing itself.”

–Elizabeth Dackson – Don’t Call Me Betsy

All the Designers are on the right side bar.. cruise for some fun posts!

Some of our blocks are English Paper Pieced, EPP. Our good friend Helen Stubbings has a online workshop about it that we think is fantastic! She makes it SO easy.

BUY HERE, you will learn SO MUCH

And buy Aurifil Thread HERE or HERE at Amazon

more articles on previous pages