Drafting for the Creative Quilter

100 DRAFTINGFORTHECREATIVEQUILTER

Fabric Requirements

I used four color families and 50 to 60 different fabrics.

A variety of values and visual textures for each color is

the key to smoothly changing from one color to another.

Fabric yardage listed is the total for each color.

„ Purples/Magentas: 21/2 yards total

„ Blues: 3/4 yard total

„ Golds/Yellows: 11/2 yard total

„ Teals: 1 yard total

Corn and Beans Block

C

A

G

D

B

F

E

Corn and Beans block (Dashed line indicates

mirror placement.)

1/4 design mock-up

Mock-up with mirrors

The primary focus for sampler quilts is the blocks. The
background or setting should quietly enhance the blocks
without overpowering them. I used a mixture of blues,
teals, magentas, and golds in many different values and
visual textures. I made the blocks first and then placed
them on the design wall. I filled in the area around the
blocks with colors and values of fabrics that comple-
mented the blocks. I wanted the color to move over the
quilt in waves of color, blending smoothly from one color
to another. I created a smooth transition between fabric
and color changes through sameness of value, which also
helps camouflage seams. I placed the largest block and
the darkest values (weight) at the bottom to create visual
balance.

Although the complete pattern for Sampler Supreme is
included, I encourage you to change anything you like
to make it uniquely yours. For each block, I’ve given
you the drafting category so you can refer back to the
drafting instructions and make size changes. Here are
some ideas to make simple changes:

„ Change any or all block designs.

„ Change the size of any or all block designs.

„ Change the placement of the blocks within the grid
space.

„ Change the grid composition from rectangles to all
squares or all triangles or a combination of shapes.

„ Change the grid size.

„ Change the number of blocks.

„ Change the borders.

As each block is introduced, I have included a dashed
line on the block diagram, where relevant, to indicate
mirror placement as well as to isolate the area (1/2, 1/4, or
1/8 of the design) to create a rough-cut mock-up in actual
size (page 91). The 3-Dimensional Cube, 10-Pointed
Star, and Chrysanthemum blocks were mocked up in
their entirety (not shown).

Whether you make Sampler Supreme exactly as pre-
sented or change it up a bit, have fun!

= pressing direction

= fabric grainline

= Y-seam

= seam pressed open