Summer Sampler 2018 – Pantheon Block

Good morning! Let’s talk about Block 14 of Summer Sampler 2018 – this is Pantheon, designed by me!

My family visited the Pantheon just a few months ago, and I was so inspired by its dramatic dome. And the inset squares on the inside of the dome’s ceiling just screamed “log cabin block” to me! So I decided to design my own twist on a traditional log cabin block. I wanted to give it a lot of dimension, and also incorporate a center that was inspired by the open window in the top of the ceiling. The result is this block!

It’s a fun block with TONS of color possibilities. I really tried to use colors to my advantage, keeping the darkest tones along the bottom, but you certainly don’t have to do that. The sky is the limit with this one.

So, let’s add another star to our Summer Sampler 2018 world map—yep, it’s another one in Italy! It’s really getting crowded up in there. Lol. But I think this will be our last stop in Italy, so enjoy it while we’re here! And click here to pick up the pattern and make your own Pantheon block.

This week’s tip: I love all the color possibilities with this block, but it can be tricky to get the color placements exactly right. In order to get the full effect, you do have to think it through carefully, and it can be especially challenging if you’re working with a more limited color palette. So my suggestions are: 1) This week’s pattern includes a coloring page for this block! Use that to plan things out and figure out which colors go where. And 2) Once you have all your pieces cut, I strongly suggest laying them all out near your sewing machine in order to stay organized when sewing them together. A little pre-planning and organization will go a long way with this block, believe me. : )

Remember, it’s not too late to join us in the quilt-along—click here for all the details! And while you’re at it, visit #summersampler2018 on Instagram to see everyone else’s gorgeous blocks! See you next Monday!