It was a delight to welcome Barb Eikmeier back to KPQG during her final program tour! While her program was titled "Random Block Samplers," we learned that these quilts are certainly not random.  What sounds so simple involves much planning with fabric, colors, and a whole lot of math.  In order to make your quilt come together in the desired size, Barb demonstrated how to use filler strips, setting, strips, embroidery, flying geese (lots of flying geese), scrappy borders, and more.  She reminded us that repeated elements gives the viewer of a quilt focus and adds unity. Yes, I mentioned the importance of math (essential in every quilt). In her quilts, Barb's calculations focus on block sizes divisible by three.  One can vary the size of blocks as long as the length and width end up the same; Barb likes to blend 6", 9", and 12" blocks in rows and then add borders with a preference for two narrower borders rather than one wider one.  While she loves designing and making beautiful random (not random) block sampler quilts, we will all remember to never ask Barb to make a quilt with paper-piecing.   

Check out the gallery to view a few examples of Barb's detailed, intricately designed quilts, including the service quilt that she made for her husband.