Sampler Quilt Focal Fabric
Choose a focal fabric with a theme or color scheme you love. I'll use my quilt as a wallhanging in the master suite, where the dominant colors are soft and comforting versions of cocoa, blue and green. My focal fabric is a symmetrical border print in those shades.You do not have to use a border print, but if you find one you like do consider it, because the striped motifs offer all sorts of design possibilities for blocks and other components.
Begin collecting light to very dark block fabrics that work with your focal; fat quarters are a good choice. You can add to the collection during the months ahead.
Choose some of your block fabrics from tone on tone fabrics. Other options include batiks and a variety of other prints.
Background Fabric
We'll unify our blocks by using the same background fabric throughout the quilt. Mine is a neutral tone on tone print in eggshell and tan. You can choose a tan, grey, white or even black fabric.
Borders & Sashing
Your focal print will be used in the pieced setting triangles, but there's no need to buy other border and sashing yardage unless you are using coordinated fabrics that might not be available when we finish the quilt. We can usually make better border choices after our blocks are pieced.
Yardage
Focal for Pieced Setting Triangles: 2-1/2 yards border print or other print; you will have extraContrast Fabric for Pieced Setting Triangles: 3/4 yard
Fabrics for Blocks: 15 to 20 fat quarters; fat eighths or similar pieces as desired for variety; you'll have leftovers for other projects
Background Fabric: 2-1/2 yards should do it; buy 3 for safety Sashing, Medium: 5/8 yard
Sashing, Dark: 5/8 yard
Inner Border: 5/8 yard
Outer Border: 1-1/4 yard
Binding: 3/4 yard
Backing & Batting: Enough to cut or create a 78" square of each
