What began as homage to Dutch 1930’s architecture has turned into a quilt with a refined, timeless style. From the graceful Orchid block petals to the stunning medallion center to the reassuring familiarity of the patchwork border - this quilt offers an enticing combination of patchwork experiences. From my sewing room to yours!
Read MoreThe weekend is almost upon us. While the Nineteen Thirty quilt pattern releases on Monday, you can have the Colorsheet today to jump start some weekend color and fabric play. Download, print and enjoy!
Read MoreThe graceful curves of the orchid flowers remind me of curved doors and windows. The geometric border with its on point squares and fancy corners remind me of the endless array of unique stained glass. And the center medallion imparts a timeless elegance that sets the tone for the whole quilt.
Read MoreOur family was hit with a very intense flu, so it was a stay-at-home sort of weekend with lots of naps. Still, I did make it to my sewing machine a few times to feed these triangle scraps under the humming needle. Sometimes a distraction is good medicine.
Read MoreI make some quilts as gifts or as charity projects or for my children. That is an outward-looking, outpouring process. Then there are the ones I make to let off steam. These are usually scrap quilts, and when I sew them it is as if the fabric and colors are pouring into me, filling me back up with energy, perspective and joy.
Read MoreMy favorite border element is those on point squares. I love how they reach out toward the center of each orchid flower and, in so doing, bridge the visual gap. So, that’s a quilt top! And what a journey it’s been - a real growing experience for me.
Read MoreThe Circus Cabin quilt pattern is one I expect I will come back to again and again. When you want to just relax, unwind and sew through your scraps, this pattern is a sure win. And then the finish! That dramatic, dark vs. light log cabin magic gets me every time.
Read MoreDesign is so often a wandering path. Inspiration sparks, an idea is sketched, but the final iteration is often yet to be discovered. This is how the medallion center for Nineteen Thirty evolved throughout my design process.
Read MoreWeaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life: Best of January, experimenting with template plastic, celebrating a Geesey quilt kit for spring, anticipating beginning a new quilt (scraps or maybe with Pie in the Sky?) and hoping for a better February.
Read MoreWeek 5 Sew-Along Goal: Sew Border. I’m glad that it is the last week of our Circus Cabin sew-along. I’ve been pacing myself with this quilt, when I really could have flown through the blocks in a week! Now I give myself permission to finish it, and I’m looking forward to the quilting stage. How about you?
Read MoreWhat is your favorite part of the quilt-making process? These Orchid flower blocks make me wonder if this is the part I love best. I’m so happy with how they’re turning out! But what about you?
Read MoreThis January my head has been full of new quilts, and maybe it is the same with my clients! This is a nice time of year to turn towards something fresh and shiny for a mid-winter boost. Today’s quilts were quilted in 2022 during the holiday season. It’s a pleasure to share them with you!
Read MoreWeek 4 Sew-Along Goal: Sew 5 Blocks + assemble Quilt Center. With this quilt, the momentum quickly builds. The blocks are easy and fun to sew, and when one is finished you lean easily into the next. I think we might be coasting at this point! A finished quilt top is just around the corner.
Read MoreMay I introduce Orchid flower block for the Nineteen Thirty quilt! With just a touch of curved piecing and some meditative slow-stitches, she is a thing of beauty. Orchid is a welcoming canvas for your favorite fabrics. She’s the kind of fancy finish that makes you feel like the marvelous maker you are!
Read MoreLike everyone else, I’ve fallen in love with 1930’s Dutch houses. On a walk last autumn I began playing a game of picking out my favorite stained glass. That’s when it struck me - a quilt inspired by these houses, a sort of ode to their loveliness, would be a true pleasure to sew. Here’s what makes these houses special and how I’ve translated those characteristics to patchwork.
Read MoreWeek 3 Sew-Along Goal: Sew 5 Blocks. Or sew a few more, because you’re having fun! Today I share my progress and then celebrate some of your finished quilt tops, before finishing off with prizes at the end of the post.
Read MoreMake Modern magazine has just released a new issue! It’s a beautiful magazine written by quilters for quilters and delivered digitally to creatives across the world. Patterns, interviews + ideas for the modern quilter.
Read MoreNext month is my turn to lead the collaborative charity quilt for Comfort Circle of do. Good Stitches. A rainbow-blend Bear Tracks quilt is the project that I have chosen, inspired by the quilt I made for my book. Time to get things rolling with a few blocks!
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