Hmm - - - I am not sure in which order to layer the chiffon: emerald over white or white over emerald. The one is more dramatic and the other creates a softer look, which contrasts less with the bodice. Will you weigh in?
Read MoreJacob’s Ladder has a few variations, but this one is made up of 4-patch blocks and HST blocks. Fortunately we were tipped to start the 4-patch blocks by sewing two long strips together. Then we subcut the already-sewn strips to quickly create pairs of squares. That’s strip-piecing - efficient, but easy to forget to do!
Read MoreOk, pattern - check. Colors - check. Time to shop for fabric! The Chloe dress uses a lot of fabric, even with the tea length version. If you use tulle for the skirt, it involves two layers of tulle, a layer of netting and a layer of lining. Wow!
Read MoreTime, space, patience - these are my weaknesses. I have, for so long as I can remember, tended to rush through life. My instinct is to run, not walk towards the next good thing. When I find myself in a place that doesn’t suit me, I move.
Read MoreExciting News!!! Since your response to Positivities has been so positive, I am going to run a 2nd Chance club that begins in April! It will be a faster-paced club that spreads out the quilt over 6 months instead of 12. Same content - different start date and more compact pace. Maybe you will join us?
Read MoreTa da! Even the daffodils are smiling at my finished New Maid quilt. She’s a total classic. I’ve sewn the old maid’s puzzle block in a nostalgic, spring palette. And the prints are super cute and playful as well.
Read MoreToday was the big day! Time to see what we’ve created. I spread out the blocks to get a good look at our quilt-to-be. Bright colors and cute rays on a plethora of interesting low volume backgrounds - what’s not to love? It’s feeling warmer in here already.
Read MoreWondering what you can do with your tiniest fabric scraps and wee, little orphan blocks??? Make handmade fabric notecards! Just buy plain, flat notecards. Then, grab a glue stick and go for it!
Read MoreMy New Maid’s quilt top is complete! She’s a New Maid, because there are no Old Maid’s anymore, I do declare. Today’s women find happiness at all stages of life and in a myriad of unique ways. Here’s to strong women everywhere! We’ve got this puzzle solved.
Read MoreWeaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life: Best of February, experimenting with dancing, sharing a favorite quite block tutorial, anticipating taking citizenship exams and explaining why I prefer to share the personal in this space.
Read MoreI decided to make a large batch of repeat blocks rather than searching for new combinations. When you are feeling a good thing, lean into it! So, I put on some music and cut/stitched/pressed my way into that patchwork zen. Aaaah.
Read MoreThis summer Elora gets to be the flower girl in her big sister’s wedding! Today I have gathered up options from Violette Field Threads, a pattern company with quite an impressive collection of delightful girls’ dresses.
Read MoreBut after my second or third batch of blocks, I felt a nagging worry. Perhaps this spring palette was sprung too soon, given that it’s still winter here in The Netherlands and given the bumpy shape of my days? Maybe these fabrics don’t fit me after all.
Read MoreIt is time to send Plum Pudding out into the world. She has never been used. She’s just been waiting, waiting. And perhaps now is her time. If you take her home, be sure to appreciate all her very special prints. I didn’t skimp on this one! And remember that life goes full circle from dark to light, from dark to light. So long as we are alive, there is always possibility for joy if we keep our hearts open.
Read MoreNow that my Positivities quilt is up on my design wall, I have a feeling I will be adding to it each week. It’s just so satisfying to fill in the empty spaces with another group of positive patchwork!
Read MoreWelcome back to my quilting studio! In January I was busy, busy catching up and somehow it is already mid-February? Time moves on like a train. Let’s catch up on a few of the projects I have been quilting for my customers.
Read MoreYou know what I love? When “start a new quilt” is at the top of my mental “to do” list. That is a good way to start the week! I had in mind to sew a more challenging quilt next, but wasn’t feeling it this morning. Instead, I gave myself the gift of freedom and have embarked on a feel-good, easy sew.
Read MoreToday I have been sewing new blocks for my Positivities quilt. Club members just received the second pattern booklet earlier this week, so it is early days yet in our 12-month club. But naturally, I am working ahead. Would you like to see?
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