Combing my love of dogs and quilting

I found this super cute applique pattern at Nancy’s Notions and I have to have it. I’m going to make it in a summer scene so I’ll be able to make the dog look like Einstein, one of our three dogs. I’ve also been asked to make a wall hanging for a humane society fundraiser […]

I’m going through quilt retreat withdrawal

I spent last Thursday through Sunday at quilt retreat and now I miss it. I look forward to the semi-annual retreat for months. It’s a great opportunity to make a lot of progress on quilts. I finished 10 blocks on my New York Beauty Christmas quilt, finished piecing the top for the class sample for my […]

I’m snowed in my sewing room

OK, clearly it isn’t actually snowing in my sewing room, but my blue and white snowball quilt is starting to come together. I’ve had the snowball blocks done since I started the quilt in the middle of a heat wave last summer. But I’ve been taking my time on the 6-inch nine patches that will […]

Block a Day Challenge roundup – Week 12

This week was an exciting one in the Block a Day Challenge. The blocks we’ve been making for the first 11 weeks, started coming together as completed tops and quilts. We finished four quilts and two tops this week in addition to 93 new blocks. Great job everyone, keep up the good work. And don’t […]

Good thing I checked my list twice

I was in the process of checking my list twice last weekend when I realized I forgot to get a gift for my grandmother for the SECOND year in a row. I’m a bad grandchild. She’s very difficult to shop for. My mom once found a gift she’d gotten her stowed away in a closet […]

Join the Block a Day Challenge in 2012

This is the time of year we all think about making resolutions to improve our lives, learn a new skill or to become a better version of ourselves. I’m going to make a resolution to finish more quilts and I’m issuing a challenge to help all quilters do the same. Quilters lead busy lives. We […]

Modern quilt inspired by an antique

I’m working on a new baby quilt. I designed the pattern to be a modern version of the pictorial kit quilts that were popular in the mid-20th Century. I have a few of the antique crib quilts in my collection. They feature one large image that is appliqued, embroidered or both. Some are on a […]

Quilt retreat is coming!

In two days I’ll be on my way to Quilt Retreat in rural DeWitt, Iowa, for four days of quilting, eating and sleeping. That’s it. There’s no laundry to do, dogs to let out, kitchens to paint. Just quilt, eat and sleep. It makes for a glorious and productive weekend. I’m also really excited because […]

Goodies from Washington, D.C.

Since I’ve taken up quilting, I’ve made a habit of going to quilt shops while on vacation to take home fat quarters and thimbles as souvenirs. Eventually I’d like to make a quilt out of all the fabrics I collect on my travels. On my trip to Washington, D.C., for my cousin’s wedding last weekend, […]