Splendid Sampler II - Mod Bowtie Block

The very long wait is over and today is my day on the Splendid Sampler II block tour! It was ages ago that Jane and Pat asked me if I'd like to design a block for their second sampler book. I must admit, I was hesitant at first because I'm not much of a sampler-maker, but it is really hard to say no to Pat. Her enthusiasm for all things quilting and for bringing people together is super infectious and I knew that I'd have FOMO for sure if I didn't get on board! 

As I'm sure you know by now, the blocks are only 6" finished. I decided pretty quickly that I wanted to make something fairly simply design-wise. Something involving technique, but not so difficult or tricky that people would shy away from trying it. Finding ways to re-imagine traditional quilt blocks is fun and creative for me, so that's the approach I took.  I decided to incorporate my favourite way to applique bias 'binding' into the design.  The word binding is in quotes because you don't actually have to purchase special pre-made binding, or a bias making tool, or burn your fingers folding a skinny bias strip of fabric under a big iron.

Mod Bowtie, page 114 in Splendid Sampler 2

In fact, you don't even have to sew a curve! This block couldn't be easier to construct! One square, two quarter circles, two bias strips, fabric glue and coordinating thread are all you need. The possibilities for creating fun layouts using just this one block are exciting and something I hope to explore one day.

If you are sewing along with the Splendid Sampler 2 bloghop and you haven't yet acquired a 6" bias trimming square, I'd consider treating yourself to one! I love my bias trimming squares (I also have a 4" and 8" one in my ruler quiver).

I started out all keen and ready with a beautiful selection of Carolyn Friedlander voile prints combined with Oakshott shot cottons to make my blocks. Then I made 3 (badum-bum). These small blocks are great skill builders and I have every intention of choosing a selection (maybe 36?) of them from the book to make a wall hanging. I'll be bringing supplies to a retreat in March, so it's possible some blocks will happen there. So many of my talented friends have blocks in this book, so I definitely want to try all of their designs!

Thanks so much for stopping by. If you make a block, I'd love to see it on IG in the #splendidsampler2 group! Don't forget to add your block to the Splendid Sampler2 website for your chance to win this week's giveaway. Join the supportive Facebook group HERE.  

Happy Sewing!