#modasamplershuffle Sampler Scramble Contest at RockingChairQuilts.com

February 11, 2016 Carol Detloff

this contest is over - congratulations to diana metz , our winner!

Congratulations Diana! Your quilt entry has received the most votes. You have won the Sampler Scramble contest. 2nd place was Wendy's quilt and 3rd went to Viola. Thanks to everyone who entered a quilt and to all those who cast a vote!

#1 Diana's Quilt

#2 Wendy's Quilt

#3 Viola's Quilt

#4 Candy's Quilt

Read more details about the Sampler Scramble Contest CLICK HERE

Entrants had until March 1st, 2016 to submit their Sampler Shuffle Quilt photos that are set together with their ORIGINAL setting design.

Please use the comment area below to vote for your favorite quilt. You can also vote by 'LIKING' the quilt photo on our FACEBOOK PAGE. These quilters all played along during the 10 weeks of #ModaSamplerShuffle and then entered our contest because they EACH created their own quilt layout designs for the 30 shuffle blocks . They all did a mighty fine job don't you think so? Thank you for coming to this blogpost and please take a moment to vote for your favorite of the 4 entries - Carol

#modasamplershuffle THE SAMPLER SCRAMBLE QUILT CONTEST AT ROCKINGCHAIRQUILTS.COM

January 11, 2016 Carol Detloff

Enter a photo of your Moda Sampler Shuffle Quilt top in our Sampler Scramble Quilt Contest for a chance to win a bundle of Moda Fat Quarters

#modasamplershuffle week ten- finale

January 1, 2016 Carol Detloff

OK LET'S GO!

HERE ARE YOUR PATTERNS FOR THIS WEEK

The final 3 blocks:

BLOCK TWENTY-EIGHT

BLOCK TWENTY-NINE

BLOCK THIRTY!

fi·na·le ?

fəˈnalē,fəˈnälē/ noun

the last part of a piece of music, a performance, or a public event, especially when particularly dramatic or exciting. synonyms:climax, culmination;

I can't believe how quickly the 10 weeks have sped by,

Well- the sampler shuffle is not quite over, this is not really the LAST part of this fun project; we will still need to set these 30 blocks into a quilt:

Moda has designed an awesome setting for this bounty of blocks: CLICK HERE to download the MODA SAMPLER SHUFFLE SETTING PATTERN.

-OR-

If you are going to put your sampler blocks together in your own way....CLICK HERE to find out how to be a part of our SAMPLER SCRAMBLE CONTEST - you could win a bundle of Fat Quarters!

LINK to week one of the sampler shuffle and all 30 block patterns

WEEK ten - WHAT CAROL DID:

Worked on blocks 28, 29 and 30
got SO busy with inventory and a BIG SALE in the quilt shop I didn't get much else done for this blog post - but I will add some more info so.... - I thought I had better get these last 3 blocks up early for you to work on over the rest of the NEW YEAR'S holiday weekend.

I found that I needed to cut four 2" squares of background ( the pattern says cut 2)- You would figure that out when you make your block - but I thought I would mention it :)

Wendy came by the shop this week and shared her shuffle blocks.  Her fabrics are from the Country Orchard collection by Blackbird Designs for Moda.  Thank you for sharing Wendy! — Wendy came by the shop this week and shared her shuffle blocks. Her fabrics are from the Country Orchard collection by Blackbird Designs for Moda. Thank you for sharing Wendy!

WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOUR SAMPLER BLOCKS! IF YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE YOUR BLOCK PHOTOS:

YOU CAN POST YOUR BLOCK PICTURES AND COMMENTS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR I'LL POST THEM FOR YOU JUST SEND THEM IN AN EMAIL TO ME : CAROL@ROCKINGCHAIRQUILTS.COM

YOU CAN POST YOUR BLOCK PICTURES AND COMMENTS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR

THERE IS A COMMENT AREA BELOW- IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE YOUR PROGRESS OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MODA SAMPLER SHUFFLE -

SEND ME YOUR BLOCK PHOTOS AND I WILL PASTE THEM RIGHT HERE!

EMAIL : CAROL@ROCKINGCHAIRQUILTS.COM

#modasamplershuffle week nine

December 25, 2015 Carol Detloff

OK LET'S GO!

HERE ARE YOUR PATTERNS FOR THIS WEEK

BLOCK TWENTY-FIVE

BLOCK TWENTY-SIX

BLOCK TWENTY-SEVEN

WHAT'S THAT? YOU JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE SHUFFLE AND YOU NEED PATTERNS ONE THROUGH twenty-four?

A CLICK ON the sewing machine logo at the top of this post will TAKE YOU THERE.

HOW IS IT GOING FOR YOU THIS WEEK?

we'd love to see your sampler blocks! IF YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE YOUR BLOCK PHOTOS:

YOU CAN POST YOUR BLOCK PICTURES AND COMMENTS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR I'LL POST THEM FOR YOU JUST SEND THEM IN AN EMAIL TO ME : CAROL@ROCKINGCHAIRQUILTS.COM

HERE ARE THE BLOCKS THAT VIOLA SHARED WITH US LAST WEEK- HER FABRICS ARE PERFECT FOR A CHRISTMAS DAY SHUFFLE POST. THANKS VIOLA!

DID YOU JUST FIND OUT ABOUT MODA'S SAMPLER SHUFFLE ?

CLICK HERE to read more details about the Sampler Shuffle and Rocking Chair Quilt's SAMPLER SCRAMBLE contest

WEEK NINE - WHAT CAROL DID:

We had a very memorable Christmas with our family-so before I talk about my shuffle doings this week, I just want to express how thankful and grateful I am for the wonderful people in my life.

Now on to the shuffle and what I did.:

Worked on blocks 25, 26 and 27.
I had a a little fun with BLOCK 26 and made a Christmas MINI quilt. (SEE PHOTO AT END OF THIS POST)
I SHARED SOME BASIC TIPS BECAUSE THEY HELP MY FINISHED WORK TURN OUT BETTER

SOME LITTLE THINGS WE SHOULD REMEMBER TO DO TO GET GOOD RESULTS WHEN PIECING SMALL BLOCKS

SCROLL DOWN TO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS WEEKS TIPS:

TIP ONE

SEW WITH A SHARP NEEDLE

CHANGE YOUR SEWING MACHINE NEEDLE REGULARLY. A SHARP NEEDLE MAKES EVERYTHING GO SEW WELL. KEEP AN ASSORTMENT OF NEEDLE TYPES AND SIZES ON HAND FOR THE DIFFERENT THINGS YOU SEW.

WHEN WORKING ON SMALL PIECING (LIKE OUR SHUFFLE BLOCKS) WHILE A STANDARD DUTY NEEDLE WILL DO , CONSIDER USING A A FINER GAUGE NEEDLE TO HELP YOUR 1/4" SEAM BE EVEN MORE ACCURATE. -consult your sewing machine manual for the brands and sizes of needles that work on your particular sewing machine.

TIP two

USE GOOD THREAD

WHILE GREAT GRANDMA APPRECIATES THAT YOU ARE DETERMINED TO USE UP ALL THE THREAD IN THAT DECORATIVE TIN THAT SHE BEQUEATHED YOU, IT'S BETTER NOT TO USE IT FOR PIECING A QUILT- I KNOW IT'S ON THOSE COOL WOODEN SPOOLS TOO- BUT UNLESS IT'S AN ALL COTTON 40 OR 50 WEIGHT QUALITY THREAD IT'S BETTER TO KEEP IT IN THAT TIN AS A SENTIMENTAL MEMORY OF YOUR BELOVED QUILTING ANCESTOR.

GET YOURSELF SOME GOOD QUALITY PIECING THREAD AND WATCH HOW MUCH BETTER YOUR PIECING LOOKS WHEN YOU USE IT. I LIKE AURIFIL THREAD. OH OKAY - I LOVE AURIFIL THREAD!

TIP THREE

GOT TOOLS? USE THEM!

USE WHAT YOU LOVE:  This is my CLEARLY PERFECT ANGLES A 'window' cling style  guide that clings to the bed of my machine and helps sew perfect diagonal lines and 1/4" seams.  I don't ever have to draw lines on my squares. YAY! I … — USE WHAT YOU LOVE: This is my CLEARLY PERFECT ANGLES A 'window' cling style guide that clings to the bed of my machine and helps sew perfect diagonal lines and 1/4" seams. I don't ever have to draw lines on my squares. YAY! I love this tool.

MOST USEFUL TOOL IN MY TOOL BOX : The lowly seam ripper, or as my quilting buddy Mary calls it. "my UN-sewer".  On it's own a useful & necessary tool but it's real impact is based on your willingness to use it.  If you have to ask… — MOST USEFUL TOOL IN MY TOOL BOX : The lowly seam ripper, or as my quilting buddy Mary calls it. "my UN-sewer". On it's own a useful & necessary tool but it's real impact is based on your willingness to use it. If you have to ask yourself, "should I redo this seam?" you probably need to redo that seam. Get out your UN-sewer and have at it.

TRIANGLE PAPERS: I don't always reach for triangle paper , but when I do I am SO happy with how perfect the triangle pieces turn out.  These are PRIMITIVE GATHERINGS TRIANGLE PAPERS that we have in the shop.  They come packaged as a nice b… — TRIANGLE PAPERS: I don't always reach for triangle paper , but when I do I am SO happy with how perfect the triangle pieces turn out. These are PRIMITIVE GATHERINGS TRIANGLE PAPERS that we have in the shop. They come packaged as a nice big bunch for a reasonable price and I love the results I get with them .. I used them to piece the Christmas MINI quilt pictured below:

BLOCK 26 X 4 = CHRISTMAS MINI

THERE IS A COMMENT AREA BELOW- IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE YOUR PROGRESS OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MODA SAMPLER SHUFFLE -

SEND ME YOUR BLOCK PHOTOS AND I WILL PASTE THEM RIGHT HERE!

THANKS SO MUCH.

CAROL@ROCKINGCHAIRQUILTS.COM

#modasamplershuffle week eight

December 19, 2015 Carol Detloff

OK LET'S GO!

HERE ARE YOUR PATTERNS FOR THIS WEEK

BLOCK TWENTY-TWO

BLOCK TWENTY-THREE

BLOCK TWENTY-FOUR

DID YOU JUST FIND OUT ABOUT MODA'S SAMPLER SHUFFLE ?

CLICK HERE to read more details about the Sampler Shuffle and Rocking Chair Quilt's SAMPLER SCRAMBLE contest

HOW IS IT GOING FOR YOU THIS WEEK?

We posted the the Triangle , Border and Setting Patterns here again for you so they're handy whenever you need to peek at them:

EASY TRIANGLES *

INNER BORDERS*

QUILT SETTING PATTERN *

WILL YOU DESIGN YOUR OWN SETTING FOR YOUR SAMPLER SHUFFLE BLOCKS?

YOU COULD WIN A QUILTY PRIZE FROM ROCKING CHAIR QUILTS! READ ABOUT OUR SAMPLER SCRAMBLE CONTEST BY CLICKING HERE.

WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOUR SAMPLER BLOCKS! IF YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE YOUR BLOCK PHOTOS:

YOU CAN POST YOUR BLOCK PICTURES AND COMMENTS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR I'LL POST THEM FOR YOU JUST SEND THEM IN AN EMAIL TO ME : CAROL@ROCKINGCHAIRQUILTS.COM

WEEK eight - WHAT CAROL DID

Worked on blocks 22, 23 AND 24. Started making Flying geese for the inner border of my shuffle quilts.

With my baby quilt fabrics, I made 3 versions of block 23- I stitched the first one together wrong then swapped the colors out on the other 2. & decided to keep all 3 of them

I am making 2 sets of blocks using different fabrics. For one set I am using Somerset by Fig Tree quilts for Moda and the other set is using Moda Bella Solids and Muslin Mates .

To make my Shuffle blocks into a quilt, I will be using MODA's setting pattern for both of my sets .

Have you seen this setting pattern? CLICK HERE to take a look at it.

So here we are already 8 weeks along and working on blocks 22 to 24. It is high time I ought to start working on the 144 flying geese I will need for the inner border that MODA's setting pattern uses.

Wait ....what? 144? Yes ma'am that's twelve dozen! Egads that's enough to spell the word 'MODA' over and over again.

With that many to make I thought I would get going, get organized , do a little chain piecing and have some stacks of geese to show for my effort.

Now there are probably a dozen different ways to stitch together a goose . So please use your favorite method.

I put together a picture blog slide show to show you what I did to make the geese. This is not something I invented but is one way I have done it when there are a LOT of flying geese units needed. Scroll down to view.

MAKING FLYING GEESE UNITS

CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE METHOD. HERE IS A PICTURE GUIDE OF WHAT I DID, IF YOU WANT TO GIVE IT A TRY:

Place 2 small squares as shown and Stitch.......

2 lines of stitching:

Cut between stitching lines

press open looks like 'hearts'

Place a small square:

2 lines of stitching:

cut apart between stitching

1 big square + 3 background squares makes 4 geese units

Square them up with ruler:

Stitch geese together into sets of 4 :

4 goose unit. Square up to 3 1/2" x 6 1/2"

pile o' flying geese in progress

YOU CAN POST YOUR BLOCK PICTURES AND COMMENTS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR

THERE IS A COMMENT AREA BELOW- IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE YOUR PROGRESS OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MODA SAMPLER SHUFFLE -

SEND ME YOUR BLOCK PHOTOS AND I WILL PASTE THEM RIGHT HERE!

email : CAROL@ROCKINGCHAIRQUILTS.COM

#MODASAMPLERSHUFFLE WEEK SEVEN

December 12, 2015 Carol Detloff

OK LET'S GO!

HERE ARE YOUR PATTERNS FOR THIS WEEK

BLOCK NINETEEN

BLOCK TWENTY

BLOCK TWENTY-ONE

DO YOU NEED THE PATTERNS FOR BLOCKS ONE THROUGH EIGHTEEN? A CLICK ON THE SEWING MACHINE ABOVE WILL TAKE YOU THERE.

DID YOU JUST FIND OUT ABOUT MODA'S SAMPLER SHUFFLE ?

CLICK HERE to read more details about the Sampler Shuffle and Rocking Chair Quilt's SAMPLER SCRAMBLE contest

We posted the the Triangle , Border and Setting Patterns here again for you so they're handy whenever you need to peek at them:

EASY TRIANGLES *

INNER BORDERS*

QUILT SETTING PATTERN *

WILL YOU DESIGN YOUR OWN SETTING FOR YOUR SAMPLER SHUFFLE BLOCKS?

YOU COULD WIN A QUILTY PRIZE FROM ROCKING CHAIR QUILTS! READ ABOUT OUR SAMPLER SCRAMBLE CONTEST BY CLICKING HERE.

HOW IS IT GOING FOR YOU THIS WEEK?

WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOUR SAMPLER BLOCKS! IF YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE YOUR BLOCK PHOTOS:

YOU CAN POST YOUR BLOCK PICTURES AND COMMENTS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR I'LL POST THEM FOR YOU JUST SEND THEM IN AN EMAIL TO ME : CAROL@ROCKINGCHAIRQUILTS.COM

WEEK SEVEN - WHAT CAROL DID

Worked on blocks 19, 20 AND 21. .At the start of the shuffle I decided to make 2 sets of block using different fabrics. For one set I am using Somerset by Fig Tree quilts for Moda and the other set is using Moda Bella Solids and Muslin Mates . Doing the shuffle is teaching me a lot about color and value. Also I think my piecing is improving as we go through each week. I will come out the other end of the shuffle a much better piecer than when I started! Also I posted another short pressing tip video : Scroll down to view.

block 21 tip

this week's video tip:

THERE IS A COMMENT AREA BELOW- IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE YOUR PROGRESS OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MODA SAMPLER SHUFFLE -

SEND ME YOUR BLOCK PHOTOS AND I WILL PASTE THEM RIGHT HERE!

THANKS SO MUCH. CAROL@ROCKINGCHAIRQUILTS.COM

#MODASAMPLERSHUFFLE WEEK SIX

December 4, 2015 Carol Detloff

OK LET'S GO!

HERE ARE YOUR PATTERNS FOR THIS WEEK:

BLOCK SIXTEEN

BLOCK SEVENTEEN

BLOCK EIGHTEEN

pop_art_illustration_girl_speech_bubble_cg8p8553234c_th.jpg

WHAT'S THAT? YOU JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE SHUFFLE AND YOU NEED PATTERNS ONE THROUGH FIFTEEN?

A CLICK ON MY PICTURE WILL TAKE YOU THERE.

WHAT IS A SAMPLER SHUFFLE ANYWAY?:

CLICK HERE to read more details about the Sampler Shuffle and Rocking Chair Quilt's SAMPLER SCRAMBLE contest

HOW IS IT GOING FOR YOU THIS WEEK?

We posted the the Triangle , Border and Setting Patterns here again for you so they're handy whenever you need to peek at them:

EASY TRIANGLES *

INNER BORDERS*

QUILT SETTING PATTERN *

WILL YOU DESIGN YOUR OWN SETTING FOR YOUR SAMPLER SHUFFLE BLOCKS?

YOU COULD WIN A QUILTY PRIZE FROM ROCKING CHAIR QUILTS! READ ABOUT OUR SAMPLER SCRAMBLE CONTEST BY CLICKING HERE.

we'd love to see your sampler blocks! IF YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE YOUR BLOCK PHOTOS:

YOU CAN POST YOUR BLOCK PICTURES AND COMMENTS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR I'LL POST THEM FOR YOU JUST SEND THEM IN AN EMAIL TO ME : CAROL@ROCKINGCHAIRQUILTS.COM

WEEK SIX - WHAT CAROL DID

Worked on blocks sixteen, seventeen and eighteen..One set I am using Somerset by Fig Tree quilts for Moda and the other set is using Moda Bella Solids and Muslin Mates Feeling relaxed after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend I let my studio get real messy and experimented with color values on BLOCK 16. Then I posted another short tip video for working on 6" blocks: Scroll down to view.

BLOCK SIXTEEN

Block 16.  A messy desk is a sign of a creative mind?  Well maybe it is or maybe, it's just a sign that sewing is SO much fun i didn't want to stop and tidy anything up between projects! — Block 16. A messy desk is a sign of a creative mind? Well maybe it is or maybe, it's just a sign that sewing is SO much fun i didn't want to stop and tidy anything up between projects!

BLOCK 16:  I had picked BLOCK 3 as my favorite so far.  But now I like this  one VERY much also.  I changed values and I like it both ways.  I know this block to be called 'Dutchman's Puzzle'. — BLOCK 16: I had picked BLOCK 3 as my favorite so far. But now I like this one VERY much also. I changed values and I like it both ways. I know this block to be called 'Dutchman's Puzzle'.

BLOCK 16: If you change out the color on the center triangles, a pinwheel will emerge. Cool.

BLOCK 17: I enjoyed doing an applique block after piecing all of the first 16 blocks.   I have think I have developed a new appreciation for applique now! — BLOCK 17: I enjoyed doing an applique block after piecing all of the first 16 blocks. I have think I have developed a new appreciation for applique now!

BLOCK SEVENTEEN

BLOCK EIGHTEEN

THIS WEEK'S VIDEO TIP:

THIS WEEK'S BLOCKS ALL IN A BUNCH: SIXTEEN, SEVENTEEN AND EIGHTEEN. I USED SOMERSET FABRICS AND DID ANOTHER SET WITH MODA'S BELLA SOLIDS:

THERE IS A COMMENT AREA BELOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE YOUR PROGRESS OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MODA SAMPLER SHUFFLE -

SEND ME YOUr BLOCK PHOTOS AND I WILL PASTE THEM RIGHT HERE!

THANKS SO MUCH. CAROL@ROCKINGCHAIRQUILTS.COM

#MODASAMPLERSHUFFLE WEEK ONE

October 31, 2015 Carol Detloff

IT HAS BEGUN WITH WEEK ONE!

Here are ALL the sampler shuffle patterns .

All 30 BLOCKS and the SETTING, BORDER and TRIANGLE tip sheets. YAY!

QUILT SETTING PATTERN

CLICK HERE to read more details about the Sampler Shuffle and Rocking Chair Quilt's SAMPLER SCRAMBLE contest

I hope you will all sew along with MODA and make an outstanding sampler quilt. I will be sharing some tips, tools, and pictures each week as I am sewing these blocks. Maybe it will help you decide what to do, or in some cases , what NOT to do- lol

WEEK ONE - WHAT CAROL DID:

STARTED SOMERSET SHUFFLE AND BABY SHUFFLE

I'm going to use fabrics from Somerset by Fig Tree Quilts -  for my shuffle blocks.  I love this fabric and haven't had  a chance to sew something with it.  I  will give it a try and see how it turns into a beautiful sampler… — I'm going to use fabrics from Somerset by Fig Tree Quilts - for my shuffle blocks. I love this fabric and haven't had a chance to sew something with it. I will give it a try and see how it turns into a beautiful sampler quilt in the coming weeks

BLOCK ONE

I found that my half square triangles came out slightly over sized  - so it is best to square them up to 2" (unfinished)  before assembling your block. If you don't , your blocks may have the lovely wonky 'pleated' effect on as I have… — I found that my half square triangles came out slightly over sized - so it is best to square them up to 2" (unfinished) before assembling your block. If you don't , your blocks may have the lovely wonky 'pleated' effect on as I have achieved - see pictures. It's a good thing that they come out oversize and can be squared up - we are working pretty small here with the 6" block size. Going forward I will not be in such a hurry and square things up before I sew the blocks together.

BLOCK ONE

BLOCK TWO

BLOCK TWO

BLOCK THREE

Here are the blocks 1, 2 and 3 .  I made a second block swapping out the values whenever I wanted to see  how it would change.  I am really looking forward to seeing next weeks free block patterns now.Thank you for reading this today.… — Here are the blocks 1, 2 and 3 . I made a second block swapping out the values whenever I wanted to see how it would change. I am really looking forward to seeing next weeks free block patterns now.
Thank you for reading this today. There is a comment area below if you would like to comment or have a question about the MODA SAMPLER SHUFFLE

And.... because I can never get enough time at the sewing machine I am going make a SECOND set of blocks using  Bella Solid Junior Jelly Roll or two, some Bella Solids yardage and my background on these block is Moda's white on white with a pat… — And.... because I can never get enough time at the sewing machine I am going make a SECOND set of blocks using Bella Solid Junior Jelly Roll or two, some Bella Solids yardage and my background on these block is Moda's white on white with a pattern of itty bitty diaper pins on it. Pretty cute fabric and my plan is that it will turn into an adorable baby sampler. While I'm looking at this picture , I'm already thinking I may need to throw another solid color into the mix. Maybe yellow? I will get started on these first blocks and see how it looks.

BLOCK ONE

BLOCK TWO

BLOCK THREE

Here is a photo from MODA of the SAMPLER SHUFFLE quilt. This quilt uses the setting pattern that you can download at the top of this page. Since your pattern is in grayscale I thought you would like to see it in this colorful photo to help you with your fabric choosing . these fabrics are from Mille Couleurs by 3 Sisters and Color Daze by Laundry Basket Quilts - Edyta Sitar. It sure is pretty!