Summer Sampler 2019 Block 1: Spring Fever

And just like that, Summer Sampler 2019 is underway! Block 1 is called Spring Fever, designed by Lynn Carson Harris.

First of all, I have to say that Katie, Faith, and I have been overwhelmed with the response to this year’s Summer Sampler quilt-along. We already have well over 1,000 quilters signed up, which is by far our best participation EVER! This summer is going to be such a blast. And with this year’s “Piecing Bootcamp” theme, we’ve going to have fun while we’re learning some mad new skillz! Each week’s block will focus on a certain piecing technique or design element, with plenty of tips and tricks along the way.

(Want to join us? There’s still plenty of time, and you’ll get the Block 1 pattern immediately, so catching up will be easy over the long holiday weekend! Click here to join!)

The skill for this week’s block is “precision piecing.” This was a great starting point to the quilt-along for me, because I’m not always as precise as I should be/could be. Lining up triangles and sewing pieces with stretchy bias edges are both challenging, so this block put me through my paces. Plus I get impatient while I’m sewing and just want to get these things D.O.N.E! So I ended up having to re-make one of the triangle rows in this week’s block, because my first attempt turned out so wonky. Happily, the second triangle row I made turned out a lot better than the first. Still maybe not perfect, but definitely better. Celebrate small victories, right?

And I love the finished block! So springy and perfect as a way to kick off the quilt-along. Dozens of people have already finished their blocks and posted them on social media, so I hope you guys enjoyed this block too! Check the IG hashtag #summersampler2019 to ogle some more of the finished Spring Fever blocks.

Block 2 will be released on Monday, 27! See you next week, same time, same place!

Summer Sampler 2019 includes:
• Fully-tested instructions for 21 gorgeous blocks—a new 12″ (finished) block delivered to your email inbox each week, beginning May 20 and running through October 7
• Complete finishing instructions to make an 80″ x 92″ sampler quilt (delivered October 14)
• Two layout options for finishing instructions (all subscribers receive both – no need to choose!)
• All fabric requirements and suggested Moda Bella Solids colors (YES! There are fabric kits! Available from Sewtopia and Canadian shop Mad About Patchwork)
• Quilt mock-up coloring sheet for planning
• Access to a subscriber-only Facebook group to interact with other quilters and the designers
• Weekly newsletter subscription with insider info

The Summer Sampler 2019 designers are:

Top to Bottom, Left to Right

Row 1: Heather Black @Quiltachusetts, Krista Hennebury @poppyprint, Lynne Goldsworthy @lilysquilts,  Lee Heinrich @lee.a.heinrich, Krystina Hopkins @khquilts

Row 2: Andrea Tsang Jackson @3rdstoryworkshop, Jemima Flendt @tiedwitharibbon,Faith Jones @freshlemonsquilts, Kitty Wilkin @nightquilter, Yvonne Fuchs @quiltingjetgirl

Row 3: Lynn Carson Harris @lynncarsonharris, Stephanie Zacharer Ruyle @spontaneousthreads

Row 4: Jen Carlton Bailly @bettycrockerass, Amy Friend @duringquiettime, Justin Stafford @keatonquilts, Katie Blakesley @swimbikequilt, Jo Avery @mybearpaw