Thursday, July 5, 2018

The Splendid Sampler II, Block 4: Balance








Today we start Week 4 of the Splendid Sampler 2 Block-of-the-Week quilt along.

Last week, we introduced you to the Week 3 block designed by Helen Stubbings of Hugs 'n Kisses, called Clamshells. 

This week, we travel to Norway to meet designer and shop owner Wenche Wolff Hatling of Northern Quilts. Wenche's adorable, I-want-to-make-more block is called Balance.

Here is my version of Wenche's block:







Before beginning, I knew I wanted to make my elephant from polka dot fabrics. I decided upon my yellow and cream polka-dot print to make my sweet polka-dot elephant, reminiscent of the spotted elephant from Misfit Island in the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Rankin/Bass film from my childhood. I so wanted to adopt her when I was a young girl.

After choosing my sweet elephant's print, I then choose the blue ticking background fabric and decided how the wobbly stand needed to have visual strength (for my girl to stand upon). Therefore, I chose a dark gray and red mottled solid from the fabric collections I'm using. Then, with just the right hue, I chose An Auriful dark gray cotton embroidery thread for the outline of her head and ear, her eye, and her tail. I contemplated adding an upshoot of water coming from her trunk and, for the time being, will keep her as Wenche designed her: Oh-so-sweet upon her circus platform!






I once again used Helen Stubbings' Hugs 'n Kisses Applique Paper. Many years ago, I taught myself how to do turned-edge applique using freezer paper and I am now hooked on Helen's paper and technique. She has easy-to-follow instructions on how to use it through her YouTube videos.






Please let me know if you have any questions! I hope you enjoy making this block as much as I did!




The Splendid Sampler 2 book will be available October 2018. It is currently available for pre-sale so order your copy, now!