A Colorful Thread: November 2022
Weaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life.
Best of Stitched in Color {November}
On My Mind
Experimenting:: Lately I’ve been sketching a fancy new quilt inspired by my love for 1930’s Dutch homes. This will be a special pattern, likely offered as a 6-month sew-along starting in March. I’ve already sketched the entire design, so next I’ll experiment with different ways to sew it. It’s always a good challenge to find the balance between an engaging quilt design and an enjoyable sewing process.
Reading:: The Orchard by Kristine Gorcheva-Newberry. This coming-of-age novel is set in the last years of the Soviet Union. I am curious to learn more about modern Russian history and national identity. I am only just begun, but so far it is an enjoyable piece of historical fiction.
Celebrating:: this blast from a December past. I love how @theMakingsofJoy’s colorful quilt contrasts with the faded winter grass. This is Dear Dottie, a scrap-friendly quilt pattern great for learning to sew curves. And, hint, hint, you might want to tackle curves, if you haven’t yet, so that you’re ready for my next extended sew-along!
Anticipating:: our holiday travel plans. This year we’ll be discovering Amsterdam during the magical month of December. The city is famous for its artistic outdoor light festival. You can take a boat tour that brings you along the different light installations. How delightful! The city offers so much, and we’ve scheduled a full array of experiences, including the circus, a concert and a day of outdoor snow and ice fun. You can expect an Expat Chronicle post about Amsterdam at Christmas just before the new year. If you have any special requests or curious questions, let me know!
Sponsor of the Week
Dragonfly Quiltworks
Finish up those quilts for a fresh start in the new year! Get your Wideback fabrics at Dragonfly Quiltworks, whose collection of 40 modern style 108” wide backing fabrics will help you on your way to a lovely finish.
Yesterday night as I bicycled home after my weekly ballet class, I noticed that our city is transforming. Twinkling lights are going up on houses, apartment balconies and in stores. Christmas trees and festive scenes are beginning to shine in the windows. This afternoon my family is off to a local tree farm to pick out our Christmas tree. Soon we’ll join the rest in the festive abundance. Tomorrow we’ll start burning down the advent candle.
Just as the days grow their darkest, we humans respond with an outpouring of light. May it always be so, in the very broadest sense.
xoxo,
Rachel