Starburst Galaxy Block 1 video tutorial

O.M.G. this video took FOREVER to upload! There are two reason for that. One … my Internet provider has a monopoly in the area, which means they don’t actually have to be any good. Two … this video is almost 30 minutes long! Yes, 29:54 with no commercials. That’s longer than watching an episode of […]

Virtual shop hop: Willow Creek in Kalona, Iowa

If you find yourself in Kalona, Iowa, you must visit Willow Creek Quilting and Gifts on 418 B Avenue. This shop has hundreds of bolts of fabric that are all neatly organized so that shoppers won’t get overwhelmed. The shop has the largest supply of Civil War and 1930 reproduction prints that I’ve ever seen in […]

Stash too big? Donate to Quilts of Valor

About a month ago I watched a program on Iowa Public Television about the Quilts of Valor Under Our Wings program. The program connects experienced quilters with men and women who have never sewed before to make a quilt for a veteran. I don’t come from a military family, but I just cried throughout the […]

Quilted: Laura’s sunflowers

Some of you may recognize this pattern. It is a variation on Bonnie Hunter’s 2015 mystery. It was pieced by Laura Koppenhoefer, a woman I know from church who I’ve spent more than a few Saturdays making baptismal quilts with. I normally don’t quilt for others, but I made an exception for Laura. She has […]

Sewing room reno update

There is a small possibility I might meet my goal of shooting the May BOM tutorial in my new sewing studio. Last night my husband finally finished cutting the trim for the windows and baseboard and putting them up. I say finally, because this has been in progress for weeks. He’s not quite as motivated […]

Blue ribbon quilts from the fair

I went to the Mississippi Valley Fair this week and spent some time looking at the quilts entered for judging. There were some beautiful quilts and for the first time, I felt like my skills are pretty comparable with some of the ones on display. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I’m good […]