Summer Sampler 2019 Block 14: Dandelion Clock

So you guys … this week’s Summer Sampler 2019 skill is “improv curves.” Improv. AND curves. Can you take a wild guess what my two least-favorite types of piecing are? If you guessed improv and curves, ding ding ding, we have a winner! And this week we’re doing both of those. At the same time. Gulp.

But really, if we have to tackle improv curves (and apparently we have to), this block—Dandelion Clock, designed by Jo Avery of My Bear Paw—is the way to do it! Jo’s block uses her foundation-piecing method that involves piecing onto a permanent foundation of sew-in interfacing, instead of using paper that gets torn out at the end. It’s an interesting spin on a traditional skill that not many quilters use today, but it definitely has its uses as a technique!

I liked that the curves in this block are nice and big and gradual, making them easier to sew than some other curves we’ve tackled in the quilt-along. And the freehand aspect of the technique is fun—every block is unique! All in all, this block was another great learning experience.

It’s not too late to join us in the Summer Sampler 2019: Piecing Bootcamp quilt-along! Subscribers get a new quilt block pattern each week, and each block tackles a new piecing skill or technique. Join us to up your quilting game, and you’ll get immediate access to all of the blocks that have already been released (seven already – wow)! Click here to join! 

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