Happy Birthday, Missouri Star Quilt Company!
It is hard to even come up with the words to express just how much Jenny Doan and the entire Missouri Star Quilt Company has helped me in grow as a quilter. I know it sounds a little silly, but I actually tear up thinking about it (I am that big of a mush, aren’t I?).
Lessons from an Old Bright Bowtie Quilt
Look at this amazing quilt! In this post, we’ll explore the quilt's design, discuss its vintage fabric choices, and examine how quilters of the past used clever piecing techniques to create this intricate optical illusion. Whether you’re a quilting enthusiast or a history lover, this quilt is sure to inspire!
2024 Habits: September Update
Happy September! This month, I’m sharing my progress on keeping my cutting table clear (it’s a challenge, but so worth it!), finishing those WIP, and focusing on healthy quilting habits to keep my mind and body in top shape while I work. I will give a FMQ update and talk about how I have connected with the quilting community. Let's dive in!
Holiday Gift Bag
These bags are easy and fun to make, are sustainable, and have so many uses, too. I will take you through the step on making these great bags. Let's get started sewing!
Lessons from an Old Kitchen Sink Quilt
I bought this old quilt top at an auction for $20.00. It is affectionally known as The Kitchen Sink quilt because it has every color in it. Because of that, it also breaks some of the so-called quilting rules.
Come with me as we explore this amazing Kitchen Sink antique quilt top!
2024 Habits: August Update
Let’s talk about quilting habits for 2024. How am I doing? Let’s check out my August progress! After evaluating my year, I found five areas to work on and create better habits going into the new year. Come with me as I discuss these habits. Make sure to tell me yours, too!
Working With Micro Scraps
What are microscraps? Microscraps are what I am calling teeny tiny pieces of fabric that you get when you trim up quilt blocks. You know the ones—they usually make a big mess and are something you often discard. I decided to make something with these! Of course, in true fashion, I didn’t really have a plan. I was flying by the seat of my pants in this video, but hey! It keeps it exciting. Now that the video is finished, I am thrilled it worked out and can’t wait to share this technique.
Layer Cake Quilt: Camping Style!
There's something magical about camping—the fresh air, the crackling campfire, and the starry nights. I wanted to capture that magic in a cozy and creative way, so I decided to make a camping-themed quilt. Using a fabric layer cake, which is a bundle of pre-cut 10-inch squares, I found the perfect palette of colors and patterns to bring my vision to life. In this blog post, I'll take you through each step of the process, from selecting the right fabrics to stitching it all together. Whether you're an experienced quilter or a beginner looking for a fun project, this camping-themed quilt is a wonderful way to combine your love for the outdoors with your passion for crafting. Let's get started!
Lessons from an Old Northern Lights Quilt
I would love to know more about this one! Here’s what I can figure out: This old quilt has been well-loved. Or maybe it wasn’t loved at all and just set aside? Either way, it deserves a better life than what it has had in the last few years. Who is going to save it? Me, of course!
The block used in this old quilt is called Northern Lights. While researching this block, I couldn’t find much information about it. I did, however, find many examples of this quilt block in much older antique quilts.
Just One Charm Pack Table Runner
In the world of quilting, charm packs are like little bundles of creativity waiting to be unleashed. Each pack contains a curated selection of coordinated fabric squares, usually measuring 5 inches by 5 inches. And let me tell you, they're like a treasure trove for quilters, offering endless possibilities for crafting magic.
Lessons from an Old Grandmother’s Flower Garden Quilt
This gorgeous quilt design is called Grandmother’s Flower Garden. Usually when we see these patterns, we immediately think of the 1930s and 1940s, but it’s history dates back earlier than that, but became very popular in the 1930s. In fact, it was so popular during this time period that in 1933, Sears catalog sold cottons in this quilt design (source: Clues in the Calico: A Guide to Identifying and Dating Antique Quilts by Barbara Brackman, p. 95.). This classic design is still popular, even today.
22 Foundation Paper Piecing Tips
As I always say, there are many ways to make a quilt. The technique of foundation paper piecing is no exception. There are many ways to do it, including the paperless version (not my favorite) using freezer paper. I, however, like to use paper and in this blog, I'll discuss 22 invaluable tips and tricks that help me have a successful foundation paper piecing experience, from essential tools to organization tips. Get ready to elevate your quilting game and unleash your creativity with confidence!
2024 Habits: April Update
Let’s talk about quilting habits for 2024. How am I doing? Let’s check out my March progress! After evaluating my year, I found five areas to work on and create better habits going into the new year. Come with me as I discuss these habits. Make sure to tell me yours, too!
Lessons from an Old Fancy Dresden Plate Quilt
Again, just like most of the old quilts in my collection, this one took me on a deep dive into the history of Dresden Plate quilt blocks. Although I found a lot of great information about them, there are some conflicting details. Of course, all of that doesn’t have anything to do with this quilt. We can still enjoy its beauty without knowing its history. Either way, this journey has left me curious.
One of the most interesting yet conflicting pieces of information I am finding is about the actual inspiration of the Dresden design. Some say the design was inspired by the marking on the bottom of the Dresden dishes, while others say it is the design on the dishes themselves. Personally, I believe it is the actual marking, but there is a lack of evidence of this because the majority of Dresden dishes did not survive WWII.
Just One Layer Cake Crazy Quilt
Let’s make a bright and fun crazy quilt in this Just One Layer Cake tutorial!
Lessons from an Old Hawaiian Quilt
I have to admit that I didn’t know much about Hawaiian quilts prior to making this video and writing this blog post. Reading about these quilts and their history has been so rewarding. All of these old quilts teach me so much, and this one is no exception. Between the stunning appliqué, the two-colors, and the delicate hand-quilting, you can’t help but be inspired by this quilt.
Five Ways to Use A Placemat Panel
Placemats are wonderful, and homemade ones are even better. They are cost-effective, make a table look pretty, and are fun to make. These monthly panels make it even easier! But what else can you make from these panels? Although there are so many options—quilt blocks, full quilts, pillows, wall hangings, tote bags—so many ideas!
How To Make A Pillow Form
In my last blog post, I discussed how to make your own envelope pillow covers. In this one, I am showing you how to make your own pillow forms. You didn’t think I would leave you hanging, did you?
How To Make A Pillow Cover
Don’t you just love making your own home decor? These pillow covers are super easy to make and fun, too! From this tutorial, you will be able to turn almost any fabric panel into a pillow such as a quilt block, a fabric panel, or just a really pretty piece of fabric you love!
In these instructions, I will show you have to make an envelope pillow cover two different ways and include the math for both!
Let’s get started on how to do this!
Lessons from an Old Bow Tie Quilt
This quilt—-THIS QUILT—-Oh! This is a great one! We can learn so many valuable lessons as modern makers from these old beauties, and this old quilt is no exception. The bow tie blocks are made with beautiful 1930s and 1940s scrap fabrics and feature a purple center or knot. You are going to love this one!