English paper piecing is such a wonderful project for transitions. I’ve taken it on the train, several times. Tossed my project bag on the edge of sofa after sofa. Traveled with just a few pieces that unfurl into one new star after another. The task seems to add quiet moments to my days.
Read MoreWeaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life: Experimenting with surface design. Shopping Ikea in Dutch. Anticipating accepting EU quilting orders! June was an odd month. Here’s hoping July takes on more rhythm.
Read MoreI’ve heard that it’s easy to get stuck while grouping dresden blades for these fans. What goes well together? Does the order matter? How scrappy is too scrappy? Here’s some examples of my thinking when combining scraps.
Read MoreOk, so you want to hear about the food in The Netherlands - how we grocery shop, what’s available, special foods and more. Let’s do it. Now keep in mind that I’ve only been here a short while, so these are my impressions as a very new arrival.
Read MoreGood morning! I am savoring a quiet morning cutting fabrics. The window is open, ushering in a cool breeze and sweet bird song. I feel so lucky to have a few hours all to myself while Brandon takes the kids to a school appointment.
Read MoreYay, it’s time to finish our first batch of blocks in week 4 of our Drummer Boy Dresdens sew-along. I have some curve-sewing tips for you and a collection of happy scrappy blocks to share. Thanks for stopping by!
Read MoreWhile there have been days where it feels like we’re not making any headway on our goals, over three week’s time we have certainly gotten somewhere. Let me catch you up!
Read MoreThis quilt tells a story about where I started, about what brought me into this profession and how far I’ve come. The mended spots are testament to my appreciation for that journey. So, I shall hold it close as we embrace adventures to come.
Read MoreThe late evening light is so abundant in The Netherlands at this time of year. I’ve found it still feels like there is time in my day after putting Rora down for the night. The light gives me energy!
Read MoreThis weekend I expect to spend some time in a sunny spot stitching a new Ice Cream Soda quilt block. My sewing space in our temporary rental feels jumbled and uninspiring, but all I need is a comfortable spot to enjoy EPP.
Read MoreBefore I left, I made love note bookmarks for my parents and closest friends. I chose a word for each of them that captures something I appreciate about who they are. My mother is strength…
Read MoreCan you believe it’s been a week already? With all that gets packed into the summer, this sew-along is going to fly by. That’s why I’ve broken it down into a series of doable steps. In just a session or two each week, you can totally keep up!
Read MoreEight days ago we arrived in the The Netherlands, a bit jaded from our lengthly travels, but mostly filled with wonder to really be here. This move was such an unusual, surreal project. Now the goal is tangible and the shape of it becomes so very real.
Read MoreLet’s officially kick off the Drummer Boy Dresdens Sew-Along. I know a bunch of you have already gotten started, judging by your photos at #DrummerBoyDresdens. I see you couldn’t resist!!! …Ok, I couldn’t either.
Read MoreWeaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life: Experimenting with a new lifestyle! Reading Why the Dutch are Different. Anticipating, Drummer Boy Dresdens! Following quilter, teacher WarmFolk.
Read MoreAs soon as we knew we would really be moving this year, I started brainstorming projects ideal for a time of transition. Of course, English paper piecing (EPP) was the first to come to mind! And I knew just the EPP project for me…
Read MoreToday I’m sharing the prizes I’ve organized to make our sew-along a little more fun. Most weeks I’ll be giving away a little something special over on Instagram. Good news - you can sew at your own pace and still win!
Read MoreYes, you can take a sewing machine as carry-on baggage by train or airplane. The trick is to check the regulations of your particular travel provider to ensure that your machine is neither too big or too heavy to make the trip.
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