Sometimes sewing makes me feel like a magical creature. I’m still amazed that I can transform a pile of cloth into a whole new look for a room. I used Kismet fabrics to make a new set of patchwork curtains in February, and since then I’ve been gradually changing things here and there in the living room to evolve the space.
Read MoreWhen Elora caught sight of this fabric, she asked if I would sew her a skirt. I thought, perfect! The fabric is dark enough to avoid staining, strong enough (it’s a linen blend) for everyday play and exactly right for the fall weather to come. How serendipitous!
Read MoreAs I gathered images for today’s In the Studio update, I noticed a theme - bright and modern. These quilts use bright colors and/or oversized motifs, in a way that connects to the modern quilting movement. Please enjoy these beautiful quilts sewn by my customers in The Netherlands and Germany.
Read MoreMy stars are spreading like contagious laughter! The red feels bright and intense, especially over the lavender background. I’m using color-blocking in the background and discussing the pro’s and con’s of Economy Stars vs. Sawtooth Stars.
Read MoreFree batting, anyone? Just order all-over or custom quilting, your choice, and you’ll receive free Quilter’s Dream batting sized correctly for your quilt. That’s up to a €76 value, depending upon your quilt!
Read MoreI so appreciate your suggestions about possible background colors for my red, red, red economy stars quilt! Here I try out a few and come up with a plan that strikes me as adventurous.
Read MoreThis is Kale and Carrots because the colors and energy remind me of a late summer garden. The big, leafy greens are bolting in every direction and the earthy orange carrots are ready to be plucked. Everything is a bit topsy turvy, but in a healthy sort of way that indicates life and abundance.
Read MoreMy next quilt is going to be red, red, red. I don’t reach for my red fabrics often, but I actually find the color incredibly beautiful when used intensely. I have in mind small Economy Stars in a compact layout. I’ll start by cutting scraps - - -
Read MoreStars are my favorite overall patchwork motif. I love their sharp, sparkly personality and the way that they show off fabric. Patchwork stars can be simple or fancy, traditionally pieced or paper pieced, wonky or tidy, scrappy or fussy cut. In every form, I love them! Here are my favorite 8 patchwork star blocks.
Read MoreIn my opinion Pas de Deux is my most successful sew-along yet. I am thrilled to see that the pace and design of this project is helping quilters to maintain momentum and keep on with the project. That’s the very best indication of success, in my book.
Read MoreSometimes sewing that first block is the easiest. You begin with so much energy, so much enthusiasm. But sometimes the first block is the hardest. To improvise is to welcome change, answer challenge and celebrate the serendipitous. With such a project I know that I am growing too.
Read MoreIt is the first day of August, the warmest month, when the wild days of summer burn themselves out. I have begun a new quilt with green as my mental starting point. Lively, living green. It brings the energy of growth and the relaxing cool of the shade.
Read MoreWeaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life: Best of July, beginning with GREEN for a new quilt, reading a great children’s nature series and celebrating the beauty of Friesland, The Netherlands.
Read MoreSabine Hofferer (@la_boite_a_couleur) loves working with bright, vibrant colors and especially favors fabrics that feature the art of Charley Harper. Her Pas de Deux quilt certainly does Harper justice, with a playful personality that matches the fabrics themselves.
Read MoreTa da! I’ve dubbed this design Circus Log Cabins, for the stripey log style that reminds me of circus tent stripes. I started sewing blocks for this on a whim, inspired by log cabin blocks made for a bee quilt. My multi-colored scraps were begging to be used. I don’t think I’ve ever used them so successfully!
Read More“Hey, what ever happened to that star quilt that Rachel started hand-sewing three years ago?” Oh, it’s still here, friends! It’s my longest ever work-in-process and that’s just fine with me! But, it’s official, the end is in sight.
Read MoreThis year Aria is a high school graduate - - - in The Netherlands! I think you’ll enjoy hearing about how this major milestone is experienced here, from the intensity of final exams to the Dutch graduation ceremony and how it is celebrated.
Read MoreHere’s a quilt straight from the pages of my book, The Quilter’s Field Guide to Color. I’ve transformed the Color Catalog palettes into charming 12-patch blocks. Each one a distinct palette; together a cozy quilt brimming with inspiration you can hold in your hands!
Read More
