Summer Sampler 2019 Block 12: Fussy cutting 101

It's August! How is it August already?! I feel like summer has barely started, and now the girls are just one month from being back to school. But at least another week gone by means another Summer Sampler 2019 block! We're on Block #12 already!

This is “Fussy Love” by Justin Stafford of Keaton Quilts. First of all, if you're not familiar with Justin, you have to head to his website or Instagram to check out his company's "CEO," Diane Keaton. You can thank me later, after you've enjoyed that cuteness.

This week's Piecing Bootcamp skill? Fussy-cutting! The funny thing is, I've basically been fussy-cutting every block of this sampler, since I'm using Ombré Confetti Dots. I've been attempting to use particular shades from the ombré, and in some cases when larger pieces were called for, I've incorporated the gradations into the block design. So while my version of Fussy Love may not look fussy-cut, it most certainly is!

I've found that while fussy-cutting ombrés may not be the most efficient use of fabric, it's really gratifying to have that level of color flexibility and to be able to add that extra layer of design thinking to my blocks. So as you're looking to fussy-cut this week's block, you don't have to think purely along the lines of cutting out a particular print design. Another option is to check out your ombrés or large-scale prints and see if there's something more abstract you might be able to do.

Want to join Summer Sampler 2019: Piecing Bootcamp? Each block tackles a new piecing skill or technique. Join us to up your quilting game, and you'll get immediate access to all 21 block patterns, plus finishing instructions for two different layout options. Click here to join!

The Summer Sampler 2019: Piecing Bootcamp includes:
• Fully-tested instructions for 21 gorgeous blocks (12" finished size)
• Complete finishing instructions to make an 80" x 92" sampler quilt
• Instructions for two layout options—you get both! No need to choose!
• All fabric requirements and suggested Moda Bella Solids colors (YES! There are fabric kits available from Sewtopia and Canadian shop Mad About Patchwork)
• Quilt mock-up coloring sheet for planning
• Access to an exclusive subscriber-only Facebook group to ask questions, get advice, and interact with the designers and a community of other quilters

The Summer Sampler 2019 designers are: Top to Bottom, Left to Right
Row 1: Heather Black @Quiltachusetts, Krista Hennebury @poppyprint, Lynne Goldsworthy @lilysquilts,  Lee Heinrich @lee.a.heinrich, Krystina Hopkins @khquilts
Row 2: Andrea Tsang Jackson @3rdstoryworkshop, Jemima Flendt @tiedwitharibbon, Faith Jones @freshlemonsquilts, Kitty Wilkin @nightquilter, Yvonne Fuchs @quiltingjetgirl
Row 3: Lynn Carson Harris @lynncarsonharris, Stephanie Zacharer Ruyle @spontaneousthreads
Row 4: Jen Carlton Bailly @bettycrockerass, Amy Friend @duringquiettime, Justin Stafford @keatonquilts, Katie Blakesley @swimbikequilt, Jo Avery @mybearpaw