Here comes something fun! It’s pattern release day. You’re going to love sewing my newest pattern - - - Circus Cabin! Sometimes you just want to sew something easy, something that comes together fast, but nevertheless has that '‘wow” factor. If that’s how you’re feeling, Circus Cabin is the quilt for you. It’s simple and stunning - ideal for quilt beginners too!
Read MoreThese paper pieced Fir trees take some time, but they have so much character. Plus, I’m using up lots of odd-shaped scrap pieces leftover from making the Spruce trees in my Christmas in the City quilt. Looking forward to seeing this project come together over the next few weeks.
Read MoreThis weekend we got our Christmas tree and trimmed it with lights, ornaments and the new tree skirt. Welcome all to the Christmas season! I hope your home is beginning to look festive as well. xoxo, Rachel
Read MoreWhat’s that? You still have fabric scraps? They do have a mind-boggling way of multiplying, and aren’t we glad! Scrap quilts are such fun to sew. Well friends, let’s kick off the new year by busting some scraps in a fantastically easy manner. Sign up for the Circus Cabin sew-along!
Read MoreWeaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life: Best of November, experimenting with a fancy new quilt design, celebrating an old favorite, anticipating Amsterdam at Christmas and treasuring the light.
Read MoreUntil moving abroad I never thought much about how the American justice system compared to other nations. When I discussed our lawsuit with my new Dutch friends, we were surprised with the differences. Who rules on a lawsuit, how is evidence submitted, how long should it take? Here’s how it works in The Netherlands.
Read MoreI’m sure I’m not the only one who at times gets mired in indecision. You can sense that you haven’t found the right idea, but you don’t really know what you’re looking for. At times like these, I often browse the web or simply let the project sit. But sometimes done is better than perfect.
Read MoreTa da, Painted Windmills on a beautiful autumn day! These colors remind me of a folksy, vintage palette that you might find in a quaint European village. Brandon, Elora and I set out to photograph this quilt on a fittingly damp and windy Dutch day.
Read MoreSo you’d like to try English Paper Piecing, but (understandably) don’t want to tackle a whole quilt project right from the start? Over the years, I’ve made a handful of short-term projects with the technique. These projects and resource links will help you figure out where to begin with EPP.
Read MoreMy design wall is empty. Do you know what that means? It means that I’m free to indulge in some Christmasy sewing. Woohoo! Over the next few weeks, I plan to sew a forest of Christmas trees while I prepare behind the scenes for my next sew-along.
Read MoreSomeone sound the trumpets! I can hardly believe that I’ve come this far at last. It is the biggest, bestest milestone in the process of making my first, completely hand sewn quilt - - -
Read MoreTa da - a finished Wild Oranges quilt, again. This second rendition turned out just as beautiful as the first, in my opinion. I’m delighted that following the quilt pattern really did reproduce the play of shapes and value in such a satisfactory manner. It has depth and sparkle. Hooray!
Read MoreYesterday was a special day for Elora and I - her last speech therapy lesson. In the past year Elora has made fantastic progress, thanks in great part to the two specialists who uncovered the origin of her language development challenges.
Read MoreAfter even Elora identified this as a windmill block, I’m giving in and dubbing it my windmill quilt. I honestly did not notice the resemblance at first! Now I can’t imagine how I missed it, haha. My 5-year-old is growing into a real Dutch - she spies windmills everywhere.
Read MoreWeek 5 Sew-Along Goal: Sew Quadrant 4. Before long you can be snuggling under your very own Wild Oranges quilt. I wish you luck and perseverance in the finishing process. Don’t miss the fantastic Grand Prize giveaway!!!
Read MoreEvery once in awhile a holiday fabric collection comes along that captures my imagination and inspires me for Christmas sewing.Christmas in the City is Art Gallery Fabric’s holiday line this year, and it’s just so fresh and fun. Come and dream along with me and enter to win!
Read MoreI’m glad I took the plunge with waxed canvas. The finished waxed canvas strap feels strong and sturdy, like leather. A waxed canvas bottom is water-resistant and stain resistant. No wonder bag-makers are going crazy for this fabric.
Read MoreWeek 4 Sew-Along Goal: Sew Quadrant 3. Here we go again with another Wild Oranges quadrant: arrange fabrics, press orange peels, applique and join blocks! Only this time I tried something different.
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