Hello! (If you are here looking for the Farmer’s Wife 1930’s Quilt Along tutorial for block 6, April, go here). Today I get to share the block I made for the Splendid Sampler Sew Along! This is such a wonderful sew along, and I’m really
honored to be able to play a small part in it! I came home from quilt market last
October and my Splendid Sampler block was one of the first things on my post-market to-do list. I knew I was going to make snow-ball type block. It was one of my grandmother’s favorite blocks, and I still remember her teaching me how to make the easy corner triangles at her table.
But I also wanted my block to be scrappy…because my grandmother loved scraps and I love scraps. I also named my block “Iowa” because my maternal grandmother and grandfather and several generations before them all called Iowa home.
I lightly sprayed my fabrics with starch before cutting. And I did press some of the seams open to help everything stay nice and flat.
Although I’m quilting along using my Fig Tree scraps, my original block was made with some gorgeous reproduction prints…I think it looks great in both fabric combinations. The block below was the one I sent to Pat to be used in one of the quilts being made with all of the blocks.
I’m really enjoying this sew along…I love the fact that there is a really good mix of simple blocks in with the few that are a bit more time-consuming.
Be sure to download your Iowa block pattern PDF!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Anuk says
Hi Sherri. Lovely block!! Please the pdf link is not working. Can you see it? I can't download the pattern. Thank you. Ana Burton
Clare Lloyd says
Fabulous block, can't wait to get started! Thank you.
chev37 says
thank you very much for participating in the Splendid Sampler 100 block sew a long!! I enjoyed your story of your grandmother..brought back a lot of memories of my own childhood. Judy from oHIo where you can sit on your porch and watch the grass grow
Kathy A says
Love the block and the story behind it. Thank you!
Kathy A says
Love the block and the story behind it. Thank you!
Janan Doster says
I am so glad I found your blog. I just love all your work. I haven't started making my Splendid blocks yet, but I will! And you are inspiring me with all your FigTree scraps. I love Fig Tree fabrics, always have.
Thank you for sharing about your heritage.
Have a blessed day.
Jacqueline says
My home state is Iowa so this block will have special meaning in my sampler. I now live in Ohio but Iowa was home for many years. Thanks.
Little Quiltsong says
Love this block! One of my favorite. Love the scrappy part of it along with the design!
the girlfriend gap says
If there were anything needed to seal the deal on jumping into the Splendid Sampler sew along your sweet little Iowa block would be it. I have lived in Iowa most of my life. : ) Time to START sewing and stop thinking about what fabrics I want to use for this. Hope to make my first block very soon. Thank you . Janita
Barb Vogelpohl says
Thanks for participating. Love your block. Also really like the several the designers show each time, helps me to decide just how to pick the fabric for mine. Really enjoying the journey!!
Chick says
I am LOVING this series–inspired me to get into my scraps–a music themed set and a Spring / pastel series –too much fun.Thank you!
Hildy says
Love your block! It's fun and easy enough to squezze it in my sewing session tonight:-)
Judy says
Sherri, I love your block and the scraps you've used. I've done a lot of applique and machine "quilt-in-a-day" work in the 70s, even taught a good deal of machine embroidery back in those days before we had the computerized machines.
My question is simple, although I now live in central Mexico, I was a 6th generation Iowan — and my three children grew up there too. It's such a good place to have roots. We were from the Western part of the state — I lived in Denison, later we were on a farm in extreme southwest Iowa near Clarinda and Bedford. Where did your family live?
Cathy says
I love this block pattern! I’m following along with the Splendid Sampler, but leaving out a block here and there per my personal preferences. But this one rates right up there! Thanks!
Lara B. says
What a precious memory of learning to make this block with your grandmother. I love your snowball block with the peekaboo center and scrappy just makes it all the better Sherri!
Leeanne says
I really like your blocks, pretty.
Shirley in Canada says
Thank you for a wonderful block!!
PatSloan says
Thank you Sherri For creating a beautiful block and I love your story. I thought about it a lot while making my block.. hugs!!!
Lucy says
Sherri, Thanks for the snow ball block it was fun to make. I enjoy your blog and your ideas of how to use scraps.
Lesley says
Your blocks are so beautiful! You inspire me to work a little better at precision. Your piecing is always superb!
Ondrea says
Thanks so much for contributing to the Splendid Sampler. I love your block and especially love the background info about how you named it .
judi says
There is no PDF for your block! I would love to do the sampler but a couple of the blocks are missing their PDFs.