On Monday I got to hold baby Livia for the first time! Such sweetness. Her quilt is coming along. Would you like to see? Choosing fabrics for the center medallion flower was challenging. It’s a totally different look than my original Nineteen Thirty quilt.
Read MoreChoosing a name is a unique cultural expression. The Netherlands has its own naming culture with traditions, trends and secrets that have been fun to discover. Here is what I’ve noticed about naming in The Netherlands.
Read MoreCreativity often requires a question or limitation that sparks the problem-solving journey. I wanted to use up a roll of precut fabric strips, but ended up doing something even better - enjoying triangle scraps. Through this quilt those triangles have earned the perceived value of all my other scrap categories. And that is a big step up indeed!
Read MoreAs today is the first day of our Nineteen Thirty sew-along, I figured a how-to video would make for a strong start. Come watch as I piece the curves of the Orchid block - pinning, sewing, pressing and trimming.
Read MoreWeaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life: Best of February, experimenting with a new quilting style, reading Big Friendship, anticipating Aria’s visit and our mother-daughter day out at Keukenhof park.
Read MoreCould a neutral Orchid quilt be something special or was that idea just the fever talking? Come see my two Nineteen Thirty project ideas: a baby version and a neutral throw. Do you think I’m on to something here?
Read MoreLike a mini block-of-the-month, Nineteen Thirty offers an array of engaging sewing experiences designed to be savored over several months. Our sew-along is 4 months, starting in March. Supplies - Quilt Kits - Prizes - Schedule - it’s all here in the master post. I hope you’ll sew along with us!
Read MoreWhat 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?
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