A Colorful Thread: February 2021

Weaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life: Best of February, an optimistic new book recommendation, a few shots of our renovation in process and a little update on Elora.

Rachel HauserFebruary 26, 2021A Colorful Thread, our home, Elora Comments

Efflorescent, a finished quilt

I wanted this quilt to feel like a cuddly hug from me, from across the ocean, to my dear friend, Liz. So, I pulled out all the stops to make it extra cozy. I’ve used wool batting, a flannel backing courtesy of The Confident Stitch and open, curvy Baptist Fan quilting.

After the Rain: Assemble + Improv Backing

Today we wrap up the After the Rain sew-along with some tips for creating an improv quilt back using your leftovers. It’s time to get this work-in-progress ready for quilting!

Rachel HauserFebruary 22, 2021after the rain, backing, improv Comments

Fair Isle progress

Time for a Fair Isle update. With the help of the members of Comfort circle, do. Good Stitches, I’m sewing a child-sized Fair Isle quilt made up of Penny Sampler blocks. Only a few more blocks to go!

Rachel HauserFebruary 19, 2021do good stitches, quilting bee, foundation piecing, The Penny Sampler, family Comments

in the Quilting Studio, no. 24

This edition is all about quilting Penny Sampler quilts! Lucky me, I’ve been invited to quilt several amazing Penny Samplers. Of course, each one is different - with different blocks and different themes.

After the Rain: Sew Columns 5-7

Each After the Rain block has two elements: the dark and the light. This week, we turn toward the lighter element, the upward-pushing triangles. Those are the never-giving-up, always hopeful, always growing triangles. We say “no” to create space for their growth and light.

Rachel HauserFebruary 15, 2021after the rainComment

a Confetti Quilt Encore

I’m working on something really fun and exciting today - the Confetti quilt encore! Oh how I LOVED the process of making this quilt. Scrap quilts are always a joy, but this one uses the smallest scraps and all the colors. Total scrappy bliss.

Rachel HauserFebruary 12, 2021scraps, confetti, foundation piecing, crumbs, rainbow Comments

Expat Chronicles: Dutch High School

What is high school like in The Netherlands? Schools are open, schedules are individualized and students specialize at an early age in view of their future career. Here’s what we’ve experienced so far.

Rachel HauserFebruary 10, 2021Expat Chronicles, Aria, Liam Comments

After the Rain: Sew Columns 1-4

This quilt is a bit symbolic for many of us. This week, while you do some no-brain sewing/pressing/trimming, I have a question for you to mull over: This year, to what would you like to say “No” in your life? What are you ready to leave behind?

Rachel HauserFebruary 8, 2021after the rain Comments

Penny Bird pillow

Tada! The finished pillow! It’s about 20” square and quite thick. The Penny Bird block gives it so much personality. I’m also really happy with the baptist fan quilting. It lends a sense of light movement to the patchwork which makes you believe she’s only just landed.

Rachel HauserFebruary 5, 2021pillows, bird, home decor Comments

Announcing, Penny Bird pattern

Have you been waiting for this birdie, friends? Well, here she is! Announcing the release of the Penny Bird digital pattern. Come see a flock of birds made by our sewing community.

Rachel HauserFebruary 3, 2021patterns, foundation piecing, machine paper piecing, bird Comments