Scrappy Sampler Sew Along: Final Blocks

This week I completed my final blocks for the  2026 Sew Along: Scrappy Sampler.

Well, I completed the block count for the middle size option. The friendship star block just didn’t appeal to me, so I found another option. Using THIS TUTORIAL, I make a 12″ bear paw variation. There wasn’t enough of any of the solid pink fabrics to make the center squares for the paw, so I used two different fabrics and created HST as an option.

Sashing and inner borders next. There is a lot to them, so it might be two weeks before I can report on that step.

Potholders, A Second Set

This is the year of potholders, this time a String Pieced set.

I don’t know who these belong to yet, but it is good to have such presents on hand.

Scrappy Sampler Sew Along: Blocks 13 and 14

This week I completed blocks 13 and 14 of the  2026 Sew Along: Scrappy Sampler.

I appreciate more and more Jessica’s videos and the two different printable patterns. You can find blocks 13 and 14 HERE. The piecing for Block 13 was new to me, but with no hurrying and better pressing techniques, I am happy with the results.

Only one more week of blocks, then on to borders. I am looking forward to it.

MINI TUTORIAL: Fringe Benefit Block

Looking for a way to use up surplus Half Square Triangles (HST)? This might be just the thing you are looking for. Gather up all the HST you have laying around, pick a size, add some low volume scraps, and, before you know it, you have a beautiful quilt to share.

I built my quilt without sashing, and the quilt sizes below assume that. You will likely come up with variations, and I would love to see them all.

NOTE: The quilt above is a 2-1/2″ HST variation using 36 blocks and finishing at 72″x72″.

Fringe Benefit Blocks/Quilt Size Options
#of blocks required and approximate finished size.
Trimmed HST SizeFinished Block SizeBaby QuiltThrowTwinQueen
2-1/2″12″9: 36″x36″25: 60″x60″42: 72″ x 84″64: 96″ x 96″
2″9″16: 36″x36″49: 63″ x 63″72: 72″x81″121: 99″x99″
1-1/2″6″36: 36″ x 36″100: 60″ x 60″168: 72″x84″256: 96″x96″

FRINGE BENEFIT BLOCK

For each block you need:

28 HST trimmed to your chosen size (based on chart above). High contrast between the “color” and the “background” is recommended.

4 Low volume rectangles (For 2-1/2″ HST: 2-1/2″x4-1/2″. For 2″ HST: 2″x3-1/2″. For 1-1/2″ HST: 1-1/2″x2-1/2″)

Layout as per picture above. I assembled mine 9-patch style. Meaning: 1. each of the 4-patch corners, 2. the middle diamond, and 3. the four flying geese and low volume rectangles. Then joined into rows. Then the entire block.

NOTE: It will be better for bulk management if you press the seam allowances of the HST open after trimming and before assembly..

I grouped my HST by color. It isn’t necessary, but it helped to give flow to the finished product. And an interesting secondary pattern emerges.

Finished quilt is worth the work and wait!

This is very much a MINI tutorial. Your questions and comments are welcome. Enjoy!

Fringe Benefit Gallery

…your beautiful creations here.