
Current practice piece
Hi everybody,
For my work, I have found that test samples are indispensable when I am making a significant fabric art project or quilt.

Test and practice piece for my first wool applique by machine project
For my work, test samples are indispensable, especially when I am making an important fabric art or quilting project and I highly recommend them for your work. I have had some of my students object to the use of the fabric, thread, and time that they take, sew I will tell you how I use mine.
I sandwiched two 24 x 25 inch test samples using the fabric on top that I am using in my main project.

Here is a sample test of borders for my quilt Out of Mom’s Workbasket
The point of these samples is to help me with the borders. I have divided the sandwiches into three sections and then one of the sections on one of the sandwiches into three blocks, since my border has corner stone blocks. I expect these two sandwiched samplers to help me do the following;
- Practice my quilting so I am at my best when working on the finished project
- Decide on the quilt patterns I want to use on the borders and corner blocks
- Decide on the best way to mark them
- Decide on the background stitching I want to use
- Decide on the thread color, weight, and needles I want to quilt with
- Decide on the stitch settings I want to use
- Practice painting the designs to polish my painting skills before using it on my finished quilt, determine if I want them painted at all, and what paints to use.
- Help prevent problems and mistakes on the main quilt.
If you finish the edges with a binding or serging, they make wonderful pet presents, knee guards for working on your knees in various chores, a sitting pad for a rest on an outdoor bench or step outdoors, and reference aids in your studios.

Here is a stitch out sample of the upper left corner of my quilt Pendragon. I digitized the outline of the ancient design, which needed a lot of fixing, so I had to do a stitchout before putting it on the quilt. I also wanted to try the painting to see how that would go. So I just stapled the sample into the book with notes.
Sew happy everyone! Try using test samples if you don’t already. They are worth the time and supplies they take. Have fun in your studios!