Hi there!

Today is my day to reveal the block I designed for the 2018 Summer Sampler hosted by Katie Blakesley (Swim Bike Quilt), Faith Jones (Fresh Lemons Quilts) and Lee Heinrich (Freshly Pieced). This year the theme is summer adventure, and the 18 blocks are designed by 13 different designers based on their personal travel. There’s quite a variety and I’m of course honored to be a part of the design team.

For my block inspiration, I chose one of the more impactful and memorable experiences from my last year living abroad in Europe – visiting Paris and touring the Eiffel Tower. My block is called “Under the Eiffel Tower” and it is of course made to look like what you would see when you look up as you stand under the Eiffel Tower.

Let me back up a little bit. When I first saw the Eiffel Tower I gasped in delight. It experienced pure wonderment and joy at just seeing the Eiffel Tower in person. I underestimated the impact seeing the Eiffel Tower would have on me. It was delightful!

In April, my family and I went to Paris. We’d just gotten off the subway in Paris, which is pretty cool in of itself. We climbed the stairs out of the subterranean tunnel system, walked a block, turned a corner, and bam (BAM!) there’s the Eiffel Tower. THE Eiffel Tower! The one in the movies, posters, postcards, etc. You’ve seen it all your life and suddenly there she is… in the flesh!

As part of our trip to Paris, we enjoyed a guided tour of the tower. You know, the touristy kind with the head phones and tour guide with a flag. The tour started at 9pm at night. We were already beat, but the tour was well worth the exhaustion. We walked over 20,000 steps that day! And that was just us grown ups! Poor kids!

Check out these pics I snapped from underneath the Eiffel. Amazing! I don’t think I’d ever tire of this view.

And here’s my version of the block. My goal for my block was to capture the grandeur of the Iron Lady and the wonderment of being “Underneath the Eiffel Tower”.

Have you visited the Eiffel Tower? I hope someday you get a chance to see the Eiffel Tower in real life! In the meantime, I hope my block gives you a taste of that wonderment. And if you have been to the Eiffel Tower, I hope my block brings back fond memories!

Looking to Join the Summer Sampler 2018?

If you are interested in joining the 2018 Summer Sampler, it’s not too late. There are 18 travel inspired blocks by 13 of some pretty cool designers. Pop over to Lee’s shop to purchase a pattern set and get started!

I hope you enjoy!