Sister Sampler Quilts: What are Sister Blocks?

Sister Sampler Quilts looks at sampler quilts with a slightly different eye.  Most traditional samplers use only one of each quilt block in the quilt layout.  Sister Samplers make quilt blocks in pairs - called "Sister Blocks".

SISTER BLOCKS:  For the samplers in Sister Sampler Quilts, all sampler blocks are made in pairs.  You make 2 of each block instead of just one.  Each time we make a block, we learn about color and fabric placement, value, tone, scale, etc.  By making two of each block, we can play, improve upon our selections, or try out something different.

25 INTERCHANGABLE BLOCKS: All 25 traditional quilt blocks in Sister Sampler Quilts are interchangeable.  The blocks are placed into chapters for each sampler, but you may substitute any block throughout the book to make your own unique sampler.  The cutting instructions are given in 2 finished sizes.  You may choose to make smaller 9" finished blocks or bigger 12" finished blocks.  This results in allowing you to choose to make the smaller or larger version of the sampler quilts.  This helps if you are on a budget.

SKILL BUILDING BLOCKS:  The blocks in Sister Sampler Quilts are intended to help you practice skill building techniques that will leave you with a solid foundation in quilt block basics.  Chapter 4 of the book provides detailed step-by-step tutorials with photos on six different quilting basics: Half-Square Triangles, Quarter-Square Triangles, Flying Geese, No Waste Flying Geese, Curves and Strings.  Additionally, there are two more tutorials to help you find the scant 1/4" on your sewing machine and instruction on binding a quilt, both by hand and by machine.  If you prefer to study up on these techniques by watching a video, I have created a new YouTube channel that contains video tutorial versions of all the skills included in the book.

FUN TO SWAP:  One of the coolest things about Sister Blocks is swapping.  Since all the blocks are made in pairs, it's easy to trade with a partner or a "sister".  Whether you swap just one block or decide to trade for an entire sampler, it's double the fun!

2016 BLOCK OF THE MONTH:  If making sister blocks is something that interests you, check out all the details of the 2016 Bonfire Block of the Month Club (BOM).  It all starts here at Gen X Quilters on January 1, 2016.  We will be making the Bonfire Sampler, the third quilt in the book.

Purchase Sister Sampler Quilts here (signed) or here.