Happy September! I love this time of year - the return to routine after busy days of summer, sweaters and jeans, apple picking, leaves changing and gatherings around the fire. So maybe we’re not quite there yet, but autumn is coming and I welcome it with joy!

Maybe you’re also returning to hearth and home with its comforting routines this September. I hope you’ll be able to renew your creative habits with vigor. Should you find unfinished quilts in your sewing corner, consider sending those tops my way. From The Netherlands I can help European-based quilters finish projects with a beautiful and durable texture. I’d love to be sharing your quilt here soon!

Sugaridoo quilt by Mariëtte Konrad-Vosman

Just last week I had the fun of unpacking this rainbow quilt made by Mariëtte of @Mariette_Makes using the Sugaridoo Bernina QAL. This is another fabulous first quilt, so congratulations to Mariëtte. Welcome to this great hobby!

Don’t you love her choice of colors? The dusty gray background gives it an urban feel, even with the rainbow palette. My favorite aspect is the black/white print that makes a cheeky appearance once in each row. What a fun way to keep things playful and light, yet with a modern simplicity.

In keeping with the vibe of Mariëtte’s quilt, I suggested a few suitable geometric quilting pattern options. Clamshell quilting won out. I was glad since the clams assemble in rows, just like this patchwork, and look good from either direction - again, just like these geometric blocks. Match made in heaven!

Everglade Quilt by Heike Räsch-Mimler

Here’s another fancy quilting project from Heike. This is the Everglade quilt pattern by Carolyn Friedlander, also sewn with Friedlander fabrics.

This lacey patchwork is created with needle turn appliqué. I feel like the patchwork and fabrics already carry a lot of style and complexity, so I suggested the simple Treadz quilting motif for Heike’s project. It adds subtle texture, while keeping the focus on the beautifully sewn blocks.

I love the unexpected row of smaller blocks on the left side! What a clever way to bring extra width to the quilt without a traditional border.

Vintage Lace Spinoff by Dagmar K.

When I unpacked this quilt by Dagmar of Quiltsprotte blog, the patchwork struck me as utterly unique. The play on scale combined with the scattered triangle shapes and on point grid - it jut doesn’t look like anything I’ve ever quilted before. The design is fascinating!

Later I would learn that Dagmar first created Vintage Lace blocks in two different scales and then eventually worked them together to create a quilt top. At one point the patchwork elements were almost relegated to the “UFO” bin, but she found the energy to pull them out and make something with what she had. It’s that kind of resourceful moment that I like best about patchwork!

Such patchwork needs quilting that is not overly fussy, not flowery and yet not boring. The Stud quilting motif was a good call here. It has diagonal straight lines that change direction and random openings that suit the energy of Dagmar’s creation.

All three of these quilts - by Mariëtte, Heike and Dagmar - show that modern style longarm quilting doesn’t have to be dense. In each case I used medium or medium-open density for a soft, cozy finish.

Penny Sampler by Jean Relph

Oops, another Penny Sampler quilt! I hope you aren’t too tired of seeing these. They are just SO fun to quilt and each one really is unique.

Long-time reader, Jean Relph, made this beautiful rendition for her youngest daughter.

The color choices, fabrics and little details - there’s lots here to enjoy. Don’t miss the little Dutch woman in her attic room of the Neighborhood block!

Most of my custom quilting choices for Jean’s Penny Sampler were taken from previous Penny Sampler quilting experiences. One new element is the hexagon quilting. It’s something I’ve been wanting to try and struck me as perfect on this Teapot block. Maybe that’s because my kitchen has a hexagon tile backsplash! It’s like I brought this teapot home to sit on my counter.

Encouraged by the effect on the teapot block, I decided to use hexagons once more in the quilt. (I typically repeat a quilting motif a few times in the Penny Sampler, for cohesion.) How do you like the hexagons on the Bicycle block? I’m happy with it! In the past I’ve sometimes felt my choice for Bicycle was less than inspired, but this feels better. The hexagons are clean and modern and fun, which feels right to me.

Another new idea was to quilt Pine Needles on the tall Friendship Braid block at far right. As soon as I quilted this I thought, “Oh, Rachel, obviously!” It has the right movement and a nice simplicity for this block.

I do feel like my Penny Samplers get better each time, haha! Fingers crossed this won’t be the last one I get to quilt. Though it’s been pretty special to be asked to longarm quilt so many already, so I best not be greedy, haha. Thanks, Jean Relph, for blessing me with this quilting project!

Would you like help finishing your project? New orders will be quilted this September. Please be in touch if you have any questions or start the process off by placing your order. I can’t wait to see YOUR quilt!