A Scrappy Celebration for the Summer Solstice

A Scrappy Celebration for the Summer Solstice

The Scrappy Celebration quilt designed by Lissa Alexander is the perfect quilt for summer picnics and bonfires. I sewed my quilt top with the American Patchwork and Quilting sew along during late winter and assembled it just in time for our last snowstorm. Recently I 

Midnight in the Garden: New Kitchen Accessories

Midnight in the Garden: New Kitchen Accessories

During February I sewed an apron and potholders for my kitchen with the Midnight in the Garden fabric collection. In spite of the cold winter weather, I’m anticipating sunny days and spring flowers. These apples, bees, and bunnies are whispering a welcome to springtime! Farmhouse 

November: A New Season of Contentment

November: A New Season of Contentment

As we slide into winter, I have a new feeling of contentment at home. I first became aware of it when we returned home from a visit to our daughter who lives in Dallas. City traffic and city noises that used to be part of 

5 Reasons Why I Prefer the Maven 140IS Steam Iron

5 Reasons Why I Prefer the Maven 140IS Steam Iron

I spend nearly every day working on a quilting project, so my steam iron gets a workout. When I moved into my new sewing room, I decided to upgrade a few things, including my steam iron. For the past 30 years, I’ve owned two Black 

Slice and Swap: New Charm Pack Crispies!

Slice and Swap: New Charm Pack Crispies!

I love collecting charm packs – those 5-inch-square collections from Moda Fabrics. So I’m always looking for new patterns to use my stash. Ta-da! Here’s a new shortcut quilt pattern from the Fat Quarter Shop: Charm Pack Crispies. Get the free pattern here and look 

Sweet Swoon Success: I Found the Zipper

Sweet Swoon Success: I Found the Zipper

Woohoo, I found my navy zipper and finished my Swoon pillow! The last time we chatted, my sewing room (and life) was in a state of chaos, so a finished project is worthy of celebration. Briefly, the pattern and fabric line is by Camille Roskelly 

I’m Chasing Two Rabbits, Catching None, and Having Fun

I’m Chasing Two Rabbits, Catching None, and Having Fun

Summer is inherently chaotic, like chasing rabbits. The sun is up early and sets late, so we’re awake early and stay up late There are bountiful opportunities for gatherings and entertainment. Moreover, we don’t need to worry about blizzards and icy road conditions, so we 

New Cabinets, Cutting Station, and Puppy in Sewing Room

New Cabinets, Cutting Station, and Puppy in Sewing Room

My sewing room has a new look with better organization and more energy. Our farmhouse is only a few years old, and an Amish building crew did most of the construction work. When we decided to finish the walk-out basement, Dan built a storage cabinet 

Drop Everything and Make It! Layer Cake

Drop Everything and Make It! Layer Cake

On March 11 the Fat Quarter Shop announced a layer cake challenge to celebrate National Quilting Day. Simply sew a quilt using a layer cake and share it on social media with the hashtag #layercakelotto. I happen to love layer cakes (fabric and baked) and 

A Colorful Story: Farmhouse Tales and Tails

A Colorful Story: Farmhouse Tales and Tails

I introduced a bright splash of color to my modern farmhouse when I completed the Postcard from Sweden quilt. Doesn’t my husband’s shop complement the clean lines of the quilt? And this is as close as I’ll get to hang a barn quilt on his