Introducing Quilter’s Sampler

I have always been fascinated with quilting, but upon recent completion of the novel "The Quilter’s Apprentice" by Jennifer Chiaverni, that fascination has developed into something more.  This book is only the first in an extended series based on a group of women who refer to themselves as the Elm Creek Quilters.  I am really looking forward to continuing with the remaining books in the collection and I highly recommend them to you too!  I think some of the reasons that quilts & quilting harbor so much interest is the precision & love that goes into each piece and the impressive attention to detail.  The art form also connects all of us to our heritage in such a special way, since our ancestors participated in the craft.

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Because I don’t have as much free time as I would like and yet felt a strong desire to do some quilting of my own, I decided to reinterpret the craft into the mediums I am most familiar with, paper & ink.  Quilter’s Sampler stamp set was such a pleasure to design and is so incredibly versatile & fun to use.  The set contains a total of TWELVE authentic popular vintage quilt blocks, each chosen for their special meaning and the history they hold.  The quilt blocks are all scaled to perfectly coordinate with a 3/4-inch square punch, which we should have available for this release!

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One little tip that I have found to be helpful with this new set is to stamp each of the quilt block patterns a half-dozen times or so and punch them out, storing them all together in a little envelope with the storage case for the stamps.  This way, you can pull them out and experiment with different patterns & combinations before actually moving onto your project!  One additional thing to keep in mind is that you don’t NEED to even build a quilt with the blocks.  They can be used alone as focal points, or you could even assemble three in a row with separate matting for another option.

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I decided to create a nine block accent for my first project.  I stamped all of the blocks I desired, colored the designated areas with Copic V01 and went back in and added a slight outline of RV11 for some depth &  definition.  One of the EXCITING things about playing with this set is ALL the amazing color combinations you can create within each of your blocks.  You can have them coordinate any of your favorite patterned papers or the recipient’s favorite colors!  If you really wanted to get detail oriented, you could even do some intricate paper piecing with patterned papers or even bits of fabric!  SO many possibilities! After coloring them, I simply punched the blocks out and inked the edges with Frayed Burlap Distress ink.

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When assembling a quilt with these blocks, it is easiest to adhere all the blocks in place on a piece of scrap cardstock, starting with the center block and working your way around….

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and then trim around the edge of the quilt.  After completing this step, it is easy to center the quilt on a card front or add matting or layers.

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I chose to mat my monochromatic quilt using the square Nestabilities & Sweet Blush cardstock.  The card background was created with one of my all time favorite sets, Polka Dot Basics stamped with Sweet Blush ink.  The outside edges of both the cream layer & scalloped layer were sponged with distress ink as well. 

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As you can see here, I added a few extra special details to help carry through the homespun feeling I was trying to achieve.  I added small french knots with embroidery floss to the four corners of the center block.  I personally liked the clean lines of the french knots, but you could also use standard knots with exposed frayed ends, just like those used in some quilting techniques to this day.

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A little hand-stitching and a knotted heart button help to build a nice border at the bottom of the project and help to add balance to the overall design.  This sentiment is one of my favorites, and so appropriate for the quilting theme.  I just have to add how INCREDIBLE the sentiments are overall for Quilter’s Sampler.  In fact, I created so many that I loved, I insisted on an additional Quilter’s Sampler Sentiments set.   I am just beside myself waiting to reveal them all to you, because I just know you will fall in love with them as much as I have.  Sentiments are so important because they help to tie your image to your card and allow you to utilize the images for almost any occasion without any extra effort.  This is always one of my goals when presenting you with a set, and I promise these sets will not disappoint!

Quilter’s Sampler & Quilter’s Sampler Sentiments will be such awesome additions to your stamp collection and I can assure you that they will be something that you turn to often.  It is an absolute JOY to work with and I am anxious to see ALL of the amazing ideas you will come up with on your own when using this set once it arrives at your door!

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Still want to see more?  Stop by to visit Lauren’s blog today to see what SHE did using Quilter’s Sampler!

Melissa Bickford & Alli Miles also have sets coming out this month, so be sure to stop by and visit them throughout the week to see what they have coming soon!

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Stamps: Quilter’s Sampler & Polka Dot Basics

Ink: Sweet Blush & Dark Chocolate (Burnt Umber) Palette inks, Frayed Burlap Distress Ink

Paper: Vintage Cream & Sweet Blush

Other: embroidery floss from DMC, heart button from unknown source, 3/4" square punch from EK Success, square Nestabilities