Week 3 Sew-Along Goal: Sewing more Blocks. Are you in the sew-flow? I like that in this stage of a project everything is cut and chosen so that I can simply plop myself behind the sewing machine and whirr away my cares.
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I am a member of the European/Dutch circle of do. Good Stitches. We collaborate on charity quilts throughout the year and donate them to various good causes. Now we’re starting a new quilt again after the summer break. The assignment? Improv Floating Squares blocks, as inspired by the first score of The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters.
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Since I returned from summer vacation, my longarm business has been busy. How nice! Thank you to each quilt-maker who has chosen to entrust me with his or her quilt. I know that it means so, so, soooo much to you, and it is my honor to get to be part of your creative process in this way. Today I will highlight a few favorites that have come through my studio this summer. Enjoy the mini quilt show!
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Week 2 Sew-Along Goal: Sewing Blocks. On the pattern cover is a smaller, more square-ish throw quilt. I received an enquiry about how to layout the rows to match that cover quilt, and figured there may be more who would like to hear about that. So, here we go!
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It is very nice about improv that you can end at what seems like the intended destination, even if you usually did not know where you were going along the way. Is life like that too, I wonder? I think we mostly make it so, for our peace of mind.
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I took so many photos on my camping trip this summer that I couldn’t share them all with you in that one Expat Chronicles post. I saved a bunch for this follow-up post that were simply inspirational to me. These photos of doors, buildings and art have something in the way of color or shape that tugs at my heart. I hope that they will speak to you as well. Enjoy!
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Week 1 Sew-Along Goal: Cutting. I always start my Starbright Stars quilts by cutting the diamonds. They’re the most fun, of course, and when you arrange them as stars on a design wall it feels like a quilt is really happening! This post walks you through how to cut diamonds on directional fabrics to cool effect.
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The first time that my boyfriend Floris visited my sewing room, he appreciated that pastel cluster of wonky patchwork. At the time I was considering abandoning the project, but his attention sparked something. Now, several months later, I have room in my head and in my creative schedule for messing around a bit. Yesterday, I invited Floris to join me in the creative process.
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Weaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life: Best of August, reading to Elora, anticipating the autumn season, sharing a handy article on Choosing Batting and looking with curiosity toward the future.
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Next week the Starbright Stars sew-along begins. I am excited about making another rendition of this quilt - my fifth! I had already decided that I would not sew from scraps. Instead, I plan to create a color scheme from my stash fabrics and make each star from a single print, like my Autumn Fading version from 2018/2019.
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Will you be sewing along in September? Or are you’re still considering it? Help spread the word about the Starbright Stars quilt-along, and you might win If you win access to my Angled class for you and a friend! Psst - today is the final day for the discounted rate.
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Do I hear your scraps calling? Or is it that fabric stack you’ve been saving forever that is begging to become a Starbright Stars quilt? Stars always makes us smile, don’t they? Come join the fun online this September! Supplies - Options - Prizes - Schedule - it’s all here in the master post. I hope you’ll sew along with us!
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Here comes some sparkly patchwork fun! It’s pattern release day for Starbright Stars! Once upon a time, ten whole years ago, I created my first Starbright Stars scrappy star quilt - - - And you have been asking for the pattern ever since. Because here is what’s special about this: the stars are completely machine pieced! Can’t wait to see your constelation!
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This September Angled Class is back! I love angles, with their movement and personality and endless fascinating combinations. With curiosity, time and much experimenting, I've come to know them well and to also understand how to include them in my quilt designs. I'm eager to share this with you! Registration is on sale now for one week only.
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Guess what is coming to a screen near you on Monday, August 21st???? The Starbright Stars quilt pattern! This quilt came along with us to France where it had its big day in the sun in the charming village of Renaison. I am in love with mossy green, minty green, teal green, emerald green, grassy green, sage green, all the greenest green greens!
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All about my 2 weeks in France! The pros and cons of spontaneous camping, at least from my perspective. A ton of photos showcasing the country sites and our city days. The food, the wine, and a little scoop on my new boyfriend too. Voila!
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Handmade gifts are the best, and few can appreciate that as much as your friends, who likely understand how precious your time is. Sometimes when a birthday is coming into sight, all the good ideas seem to have evaporated. I hope that this list will help you hone in on a meaningful gift to sew for that special friend in your life!
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Green is a color of growth, health and nature. This summer, green especially speaks to me, hence this monochromatic Starbright Stars quilt. It feels therapeutic to immerse myself in GREEN. I’ve completed two rows and joined them together for a little pre-emptive patchwork joy. Hello, pretty pointy stars. More soon!
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