Quilt News!! New Broken Dishes Quilt Blocks Started, Hand Quilting and Hand Tying Finished on My Small Checkerboard Design Quilt with Borders and New Scrappy piecing for New Logcabin Quilt Started...

New Broken Dishes Blocks pieced with HST's.

My small Checkerboard Design Quilt with 1" finished blocks with borders ready to have binding sewn on now...

My stack of scrap piecing for the centers of new Logcabin style scrappy quilt.

 

 

Hello Quilt Friends!! 

We're enjoying cooler summer weather today in the valley, a relief from the heat. 

 

This last week I've been pulling out scraps and bigger pieces of fabric to interview for some new projects.

The smaller scrap pieces got cut into 1.5 to 2.5" squares and the bigger pieces were cut into strips 2.5 - 3.5" wide then into squares. I always save out pieces of yardage for use in backs. That way I feel like I have a head start on my coming projects. And of course I didn't get all my scraps and big pieces of fabric cut up but I now have a big pile of squares to have fun with.

 

I finished hand quilting and tying my small Checkerboard Design Quilt with Borders, the squares are 1" finished. I pieced them together as four patches to begin with, using a light dark, light dark pattern which of course is the checkerboard pattern. I then decided on two borders both light and approx. 3/4" wide finished. When I read Jesse Cutt's book Freeform Quilting and Patchwork I liked the look of a few of her quilts that she hand tied so I decided to hand tie every other small square on my quilt. And then I stitched a line of hand quilting along the borders. Binding is next.

 

A couple of days ago I read Linda's post @ kokaquilts about her piecing adventures and I noticed her Broken Dishes Block. I haven't stitched up a Broken Dishes block in a while and I like their puzzle effect pattern. So I have two blocks started, this will be a good adventure.

 

Then I like to have a Logcabin block project going on the back burner. I like the piecing process, figuring out the configuration and then sticking to it is a fun challenge and I'm using up small scraps as I go. I've started a new pile of centers. Here you can see my last Scrappy Logcabin Quilt top.

 

And that is the quilt news from the valley where I'm busy planning while walking in local parks enjoying the summer energy and color.  Bar-B-Cue anyone?

 

I'll be by to visit.

Quilt News!! Four Sixteenpatch Blocks with Improv Sawtooth Borders Quilt Finish! and a Book Review of Free Form Quilts and Patchwork by Jessie Cutts

Finished my Four Sixteenpatch Blocks with Improv Sawtooth Borders small quilt, 15.5 x 15.5"

Jesse Cutts' book Free Form Quilts and Patchwork, checked out from my local library!

This is my Snowball Blocks with Improv Sawtooth Borders quilt that inspired my Sixteenpatch Blocks with Improv Sawtooth Borders quilt, a red and white series just for fun.

 

 

Hello Quilt Friends!!

Sun and cool summer temperatures this morning, lovely!!

 

I finished my small quilt, Four Sixteenpatch Blocks with Improv Sawtooth Borders, 15.5 x 15.5", a few days ago. I wanted to use up some 1 1/2" strips of white and red I had on hand so the sixteenpatch blocks were made with 1 1/2" squares. I enjoyed the piecing challenge of sewing small squares, they remind me of small "jewels." I then decided to seperate the blocks with off-white sashing strips and then a white border and then of course the improv sawtooth borders. 

And the inspiration came from another small quilt I had just finished up, my Snowball Blocks with Improv Sawtooth Borders finished at, 19" x 24", also red and white. See here, Snowball Block quilt, for the inspiration behind my snowball block quilt.

 

My local library just made available to me Jesse Cutt's book, Free Form Quilts and Patchwork and I quickly checked it out and brought it home! It's a great book, good photography and excellent inspiration for projects, color and design. This book is designed with beginners in mind and experienced quilters who enjoy the process and thinking behind project and color choices. Jesse is a good communicator.

 

That is the quilt news from the valley where projects are being worked on and good quilt books are being read and studied! How are your projects coming along?? Read any good books lately??

 

I'll be by to visit! 

 

 

 

Quilt News!! Red and White 4 Sixteenpatch Blocks with Sawtooth Improv Borders Quilt Top Progress, Scrappy Small Squares Quilt Top with New Border Added.. June Rose Garden Walk Through..

My Scrappy Small Squares project, now 12" x 12".

4 Sixteenpatch Blocks with Sawtooth Borders small quilt top in red and white, finished approx. 16" x 16."

Local Rose Garden is gorgeous in June. 

Rose garden pathway and rose trellis. The air is full of the sounds of birds singing and bees humming.

.

 

Hello Quilt Friends!! 

It's been a cool summer here in the valley so far, excellent for walks through rose gardens and state parks.

 

I've been patiently piecing/sewing 1 1/2" scappy squares and red and white squares into two new small quilt top projects these last couple of weeks. And there is a method to my madness, this works for me: I sew the small 1 1/2" squares into 4 patch squares and then sew those together in rows or groups. In the 'scrappy squares project' I decided to use a specific pattern in the four patches. The offwhite and off white dot fabric 1 1/2" squares all went to the right top position and bottom left position in the 4 patch square with scrappy prints and Kona cotton solids filling in the other two spaces of each 4 patch square.

 

 

In my 4 Sixteenpatch Blocks with Sawtooth Borders quilt top in red and white I obviously used various red and white Kona cotton solids and an off white print by Tim Holtz, alternating red and white. And yes, I used a Kona cotton solid in orange for a few pieces, just to mix things up a little.

 

So as you can imagine with all the concentration required for small piecing/sewing and color arranging in these two new projects, I've needed to take breaks and get outside for walks and relaxation.

 

Also I have a new interesting quilt book soon to arrive on my local library holds shelf by Jesse Cutts, Free Form Quilts and Patchwork. I'm always on the lookout for color inspiration and a new spin on the 'quilt journey.'

 

That is the current quilt news from my sewing room to yours. What quilt books are you reading for color and inspiration lately?

 

I'll be by to visit. 

         

Quilt News!! Red and White Snowball Blocks with Sawtooth Borders Quilt Leads to Another Red and White Project, Piecing Small 1 1/2" Squares for New Improv Scrappy Quilt Projects

Piecing process for Scrappy 1 1/2" Squares project.

Another quilt project started, see photo below, here I've added a thin white border to the 4 sixteen patch blocks.. they are laying on my finished Snowball Blocks with Sawtooth Borders small quilt... seeing how a Sawtooth border would look with the 4 sixteen patch blocks...

Traditional design, I started with 1 1/2" red and white squares...

Finished Snowball Blocks with Sawtooth Borders small quilt approx. 19" x 25", this red and white project lead me to another red and white project....

Scrappy 1 1/2" Squares pieced, 8" x 10" so far.

 

 

Hello quilt friends!! 

We've had rain and clouds off and on for while, it's almost like we live in a rain forest.

I keep waiting for the sun to come out and it does once in a while for about 15-20 minutes and then it's gone. You have to 'make your own sunshine around here' and get on with life. So I'm remembering to be thankful and diving into projects with small pieces, that seems to help.

 

Last week I pulled out small sized scraps and trimmed them to 1 1/2" squares with my scissors. Before long I had piles of red and white squares; reds and whites from Robert Kaufman Konas and off whites from a Tim Holtz print. Then I pieced them into 4 sixteen patch blocks and put sashing between the blocks. Next I pieced a white border around the squares, the border will be 3/4" finished. So far so good...

 

And then there was the scrappy pile of other colors which I curated and edited into a mix I liked and added two whites/off whites to add calmness. That was my thinking. And now I'm not sure where the scrappy small 1 1/2" squares will 'go' but it will be an adventure and keep my attention.

 

And talking about piecing adventures you need to visit A Quilters Table and see/read about Debbie's beautiful new projects and her amazing finish, 'Banded' . She shares inspiration for new projects and color/design tips.

 

That's the quilt news from the valley, if you visit bring your umbrella.

 

I'll be by to visit. 

Quilt News! Improv Logcabin Blocks with Sashing Quilt Top Finish, Red and White Snowball Blocks with Sawtooth Borders Quilt Binding Progress...

Improv Logcabin Blocks with Sashing Quilt top finish!

Red and White Snowball Blocks with Sawtooth Borders getting binding sewn on.

 

Hello Quilt Friends! 

It's a cool sunny/cloudy spring day, lovely. A couple of days ago we had a day of heavy rain with hail, yes, hail in May.

I've finished piecing together my Improv Logcabin Blocks with Sashing, 22" x 26". The Logcabin blocks are 3" square, the sashing is 1" wide. I taped the top to the window for a stained glass effect for the photo.

Today I'm sewing the binding onto my Red and White Snowball Blocks with Sawtooth Borders Quilt. Almost a finish!! The red fabrics are various Robert Kaufman Kona Cottons. The white fabrics are various Kona Cottons with an off white print mixed in. The backing is a print by Janet Clare, Astra for Moda.

Looking for new projects, I'm considering a tomato pincushion, not just one but many, maybe this one by Jayne @ Jayne Stitches with a good YouTube tutorial. I like to sew along with tutorials sometimes, it keeps me company.

And Jill @ Sew the Distance has an interesting commentary on an antique quilt she has recently aquired. I enjoy her thoughts and questions and appreciate her coming across as a friend and not a 'know it all.'

That is the news from the valley, where progress is being made and the sun is shining!

Got any new projects in mind, small or big?? 

I'll be by to visit. 

Hello Quilt Friends!!! Improv 3" Square Log Cabin Blocks w' Sashing Project, Spring Blossoms and Color, Binding Finished on 3 Small Scrappy Art Quilts, Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

Improv 3" Square Log Cabin Blocks (3" square) w' Sashing, layout progressing.

Camellia blossoms, gorgeous, at local arboretum.

 

3 Small Improv Scrappy Art Quilts binding finish.

Done!! Small quilts ready for gifting.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!! Pass the avacados and salsa please!! We lived in Texas for a while and they do know how to celebrate a good Cinco de Mayo!

Last week I finished the binding on my two smallest Scrappy Improv Art Quilts. 'Improv' because I used scraps and left over pieces and designed as I went. 'Art' because I imagined a skillful arrangement of color and design to brighten up a tabletop or room.

And I've been 'interviewing'/arranging my Improv 3" Square Log Cabin Blocks, 42 of them. Now I'm beginning to piece the sashing strips around them. The sashing strips are 1 5/8" wide. That's my current focus this week. Small finishes, small steps of progress, projects get done that way. 

I hope you're enjoying spring! Chips, salsa and a bar-b-que to celebrate a victory!

I'll be by to visit. 

Quilt News!! Sixteen Patch Hotpad Project Finished Binding, Older Quilt New Binding Finish, Small Art Quilts Series Binding in Process, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

I finished sewing on new binding for this 24 yr. old lap size quilt.

My Three Small Art Quilts, the backs, two ready for binding. Strawberry fabric by Ruby Star Society.

My 9 Sixteen Patch hotpad project is finished!!

Fun backing and binding in cotton canvas 'Teatime.'

Sixteen Patch scrappiness in batiks and prints!!!

 

Hello Quilt Friends!!! Are you enjoying spring??

Temperatures are still cool here in the valley. Birds and flowers are busy with blooming and growing and nesting, they won't be stopped!!

I've been busy binding projects and I'm getting fast at it. My 9 Sixteen Patch Hotpads are all finished. And the 24 yr. old quilt I had made for my mom and then 'reinherited' has new binding sewn on because it was getting a little thread bare in places. Two project finishes there!

Also, I'm getting the binding ready to sew onto two of my Small Three Art Quilts in a series. The series is about using up scraps and pieces of fabric to make projects useful in the kitchen like table toppers, hotpads, gifts, that sort of thing.

That is the quilt news from the compound where we have sun today and a walk is next on the list.

Are you finishing projects or starting projects? Both are fun and have their own challenges, right?? 

Also to be enjoyed this time of year is the stupendous,  Skagit Valley Tulip Festival  . A thrill for gardeners and lovers of color.

Have a wonderful day, I'll be by to visit! 

 

 

 

Quilt News!! Sixteenpatch Blocks Project Progress....Happy Easter!! Spring Flowers in Lake Wilderness Arboretum

Anemone blooming at the Lake Wilderness arboretum.

Four potholders finished five to go....

Happy Easter!!

Camellia blooming at the Lake Wilderness Arboretum.

 

Hello from the valley where it's a cold early spring!!

And Happy almost Easter to you and your family!!

I've now finished four of my nine Sixteenpatch potholders! I like the patterns that can come out in Sixteenpatch blocks. The backs are a cotton canvas print. I used a layer of batting and Insul-Bright in the middle.

The local Lake Wilderness Arboretum has some beautiful blossoms now. The Camellias are gorgeous and fragrant. The Anemones are a lovely blue. 

That is the news from the compound where projects are getting done and we're getting ready for Easter!!

I'll be by to visit. 

Quilt News!! Machine Quilting and Bindings on Projects, Sixteenpatch Potholders, Four Improv Log Cabin Blocks Quilt, Snow in the Neighborhood...Happy Spring!!!

Binding for Four Improv Log Cabin Blocks Quilt pinned onto the back ready for sewing down.

Rounding corners on 16 Patch potholders, there are 9 potholders.

Binding for Improv Four Log Cabin Blocks Quilt being pressed.

Four Inches of snow in the neighborhood, another 4" fell that night for 8"+ snow and freezing temperatures. 

Bindings for 16 patch potholders being cut out on bias.

Four Improv Logcabin Blocks Quilt finished, My design.

 

 

Hello Quilt Friends!! It's officially spring!!!

A couple of weeks ago we had a surprise snow storm in the valley, a bit later than usual. About 8+" fell and freezing temperatures made sure the snow stayed around for several days, winter had to make a final statement. But after about a week the temperatures gradually got warmer and the thaw, of course, caused some flooding here and there. Today we have sun/clouds and spring is here!!

I've been making progress on my projects getting a little done here and there. I've finished my Four Improv Logcabin Blocks Quilt 18" x 18", it will look great on a table. 

The Sixteenpatch Potholders all 9, have rounded corners now and their bias binding in cotton canvas is all cut out ready to stitch on! 

Daffodils and Crocus are blooming, Forsythia and Camellias have just begun blooming. Birds of course are very happy with more light.

Local Carpinito Bros. Farm Stand has spring flowers ready for spreading spring color. It's a good place to visit to enjoy the sun and flowers and make gardening plans.

I hope you are enjoying the beginning of spring too, any bloom photos to share?? 

I'll be by to visit. 

Quilt News!! Machine Quilting Projects in Crosshatch and Matchstick, 24 Year Old Quilt Needs New Binding, Happy March!

Improv Crosshatch quilting on 2 projects, ready for binding.

I quilted this small quilt with Matchstick quilting...

This is my Four Improv Logcabin blocks small quilt, 18 x 18" quilted in crosshatch.

This quilt is 24 yrs old, I've picked off the old binding; thread bare in some places, and it will soon have new binding sewn on.

Hello Quilt Friends!! Rain and clouds here in the valley.

And it's March the month when spring officially starts! We're way up north here and because of that we're getting more light earlier and its staying lighter out later than a month ago. The birds are singing and snowdrops and daffodils are up, really lovely.

I've been doing a lot of machine quilting the last few weeks, crosshatch and matchstick quilting, on my potholders and small quilt projects. Making progress.

24 years ago I finished a lapsized quilt, made with 2" squares and 2 borders, I gave it to my mom. She has since passed away and I 'inherited' that quilt back. It has held up fairly well even though it was used a lot and washed often. The binding, which was red, was getting thread bare in places so I decided to unpick it and sew on a new binding. I'll use another color, haven't made my mind up yet, but it won't be red this time around. A new color and look, a new lease on life, why not??

That is the news on progress in my sewing room. How's progress in your sewing room???

I'll be by to visit. 

 

Quilt News!! New Improv Log Cabin Blocks, My Favorite! More Sixteen Patch Blocks for Hot Pads with Fun 'Teatime' Cotton Canvas Backing

Sixteen Patch Blocks in finished hot pads.

My newest Log Cabin Improv Blocks, approx 3" square, laid out for 'interview'.

Stack of unfinished Sixteen Patches getting ready for quilting.

Super good read for Improv ideas and tips by Laura Veenema.

My Logcabin Improv blocks pinned in six stacks of seven on sashing fabric.

One of my machine quilted sixteen patch blocks on fun cotton canvas backing fabric. The cotton canvas backing fabric is called Teatime.

 

Hello Quilt Friends! Freezing temperatures and sun today, winter weather!

 This week with the good light to help I had fun arranging my newest Logcabin Improv Blocks. I've been using up scraps slowly piecing them into 3" squares. I'll add sashing getting them to all measure 5" square finished. The finished size is still to be determined.

I'm still making up sixteen patch blocks for hot pads and I found the 'Teatime' cotton canvas at a local fabric store, great for backing. Insul Bright will go in the middle with a layer of batting.

I pulled out my copy of Laura Veenema's Modern Improv Quilting for inspiration. It's super!! She uses Kona Cotton Solids which is one of my favorite fabrics of all time. And there are lots of great tips on color use and design.

And that is the quilt news from the valley. 

How are your projects coming along?? Any new color tips?? 

I'll be by to visit. 

Quilt News 2026, Hand Quilting My HST Medallion Quilt with Borders in Red, and Snowball Blocks with Sawtooth Borders Small Quilt, Scrap Piecing with Batiks, Winter Color

I'm piecing saturated batik scraps for hot pads for the kitchen.

HST Medallion hand quilted in Baptist Fan pattern.

My Snowball Blocks with Sawtooth Borders inspired by Farm & Folk Quilting.

The two unfinished hot pads, to the left and top, will soon have their binding sewn on.

My red Amaryllis with this year's blooms 2026.

 

 

Happy New Year!! 

Here in the valley we have freezing temperatures and sunny skies!

I've been hand quilting 2 projects, it keeps my hands 'in shape.' My HST Medallion Quilt with Borders in Red is hand quilted in Baptist Fan pattern, the center medallion. The borders are next up.

Also I'm handquilting my red and white Snowball Block Quilt with Sawtooth Borders in cross hatch. The design is inspired by Sara Larson Buscaglia's book Farm & Folk Quilt Alchemy page 127, Hand-Quilting Tool Roll. Sara made her Snowball Blocks into a tool roll. I used different colors for my version, red and white, and added a Sawtooth Border for a small art quilt for table or wall. Sara has an excellent Snowball Block tutorial on her blog.

Going through my scraps and leftovers I found some saturated batik fabric scraps and decided they would brighten up a kitchen and decided to use them for hot pads/mats. I put a layer of Insul-Bright in the middle plus two layers of batting for heat protection. Finishing piecing I started machine quilting them and will finish up with binding and then into the kitchen, they make good gifts too. My scraps are getting used up!!

And a photo of my Red Amaryllis 2026 blooms. It was not a sunny day for the photo but the blooms are still magnificent. 

That's the quilt news, I hope you're enjoying your winter and are managing to stay warm!

I'll be by to visit.