The Sewcial Bee Sampler Sew-Along: Block 1!

I'm so excited to welcome you all to the first official day of the Sewcial Bee Sampler sew-along!



I shared Monday that friend and fellow Art Gallery Fabrics designer Sharon Holland and I have teamed up to co-host this fun, community event and we're thrilled with the response we have received! Each Wednesday for the next 25 weeks, we'll release a new PDF block pattern, share piecing techniques and tips, and provide inspirational photos as Sharon and I make our own quilt blocks using our fabric collections!



Let's Get Started!

Today we have two PDF downloads for you! Please take careful note to print out the Introductions and all block PDFs in landscape (horizontal) printing format and select Fit to Page, if applicable.

The first download includes the Introduction handout. Here you'll find what's needed for selecting your fabrics. Since we encourage those joining us to use their own individual fabric preference, the yardage for this project is shared in total amounts, rather than specific fabric and amounts. We want this to be a fun, personal experience for you to make your sampler in your own unique style! This quilt is as perfect for those wanting to use that favorite fabric collection as it is for those wanting to make this quilt entirely from your stash or scraps! Just work week to week with the exact cutting requirements we provide with each block pattern. Also included in the Introduction PDF is a pretty coloring sheet so you can start planning your quilt!



The second PDF to download today is our first block - - Patience Corners. The block instructions come complete with cutting information, step-by-step illustrations, and includes our favorite method for making half-square triangles (HSTs) - - the make eight-at-a-time technique! You'll be able to make the necessary 16 units needed for this first block from just four squares of fabric so fast! Be sure to visit Sharon's blog today for additional tips for how she makes perfect HSTs every time!



For my own Patience Corners block I used the Nightfall print Aura Fletchings Rose and Garden Dreamer's Twinklestar Berry, Bumble Buzz, and Climbing Posies Pale with AGF's Soft Sand Linen!





I'm loving the combination of these brightly colored prints with the natural colored linen! For my sampler I plan to use prints from all of my collections combined with this linen and AGF's Solid Smooth Denim in Cool Foliage for my sashing. I love scrappy quilts with lots of color and prints, so that's what you should expect from me each week!





I can’t wait to see what your Patience Corners block looks like! When you share be sure to add a link to where I can see it below within the comments. When you share on Instagram don’t forget to use the hashtag #sewcialbeesampler and to tag @sharonhollanddesigns and myself @maureencracknell so we can visit and see your work!

Using the #sewcialbeesampler hashtag will also automatically enter you in the weekly IG Giveaway pool! Remember that your Instagram account does need to be a public account for your post to show up in the Instagram hashtag pool. But please don't worry, if you don't have Instagram we will also be hosting the same giveaway prize, alternately between Sharon's and my blog, so you can choose how and where to enter each week!

Be sure to check back here on Friday for more info on this week's first Sewcial Bee Sampler Giveaway with our sponsor Lady Belle Fabrics! Thanks again for joining us!

Happy sewing, friends! ♡ Maureen