You know what I love? Combining a take-along sewing project with vacation. It’s a match made in heaven! Sewing on holiday is just so relaxing - meditative, creative and removed from all the must-do tasks at home.

Before we went on holiday a few weeks back, I cut new fabrics for my English paper piecing project. I had just received this unique teal fabric from Anna Maria Horner’s conservatory collection. It’s called Inventory by designer Bookhou. I chose contrasting black and pale mint fabrics to set off the teal Inventory star. After cutting, fabrics for each little block are stacked and pinned to stash away in my travel bag.

I started this Ice Cream Soda quilt with a kit from Tales of Cloth in May of 2019. It’s been my no-rush, just-enjoy sewing project since then. Every time I travel by train or need something to help me pause and rest, I’m grateful to have this project ready and waiting.

Texture, castle wall. Stitched in Color.jpg

Texture. round windows. Stitched in Color.jpg

On our trip we saw so many beautiful old treasures. Some photos I’ve already shared with you, but a few I marked and saved. These are the images that struck me for their texture. The layers of shape, pattern and color are especially intriguing to me. In my imagination they connect to my handwork, with its layers of blossoming stars.

new Ice Cream Soda blocks. Stitched in Color.jpg

These are the blocks I finished on my trip and in the weeks following. This quilt grows slowly, but the results are truly special. Isn’t that how it is with some of our best work?

English Paper Pieced stars. Stitched in Color.jpg

Today I have taped my blocks to my bedroom wardrobe to share with you here. It’s such a pleasure to see them all together every now and then. Each one was made with love and counted as its own little finish. I think that’s why I’m able to stay engaged on such a long, winding road. I don’t really worry where it is taking me or how long we will travel this path. Each Ice Cream Soda block is its own destination.