GS Crafts, Quilter's Palette Sampler Quilt

Quilter’s Palette Sampler Quilt

Though I’m not really into the look of sampler quilts, my former boss’ wife Beth, whose quilts and general level of cool inspired me to finally start quilting, highly recommended the book Quilts, Quilts, Quilts by Diana McClun and Laura Nownes, which features a sampler that has been completed by thousands of beginning and developing quilters. I have yet to get around to to making blocks from the book, but the idea of a sampler stuck. It’s a great way to learn a variety of techniques without investing the resources into making several of each block.

I’ve mentioned Annie Smith a few times now. I took two classes with her in person, and then had the opportunity to take one of her online classes. The good news is, even if you don’t live in the Bay Area, if you’re reading this post online, then you can take a class with her! The online classes are a great alternative to classes at brick-and-mortar stores since you can work on your own schedule and mostly at your own pace, though there are milestones to be met to keep you motivated. I’ll let you explore the idea further yourself. When Annie offered her Quilter’s Palette class in her virtual classroom, I had to jump on board.

First, we picked out a palette of colors based on a focus fabric. I used the same fabric as in my pinwheels lap quilt. We were charged with finding several shades of varying values for each color in the palette.

Then we cut out pieces for a dresden plate, to see the colors arrayed with one another.

We then made variety of blocks, which got progressively harder in technique. I still have a block or two to finish, but will eventually get it all together and share a pic here.