Admin
The tutorials page has been updated. Look for links to the posts on how to make bullseye blocks. These are older posts. I ramble quite a bit more on my tutorial posts from back then than I do now. I might rewrite the posts, but for now I am leaving them as is. You can enjoy a small glimpse of my 37 year old self.
Other Artists
C&T has posted a video of me showing most of the quilts from Red, White & Blue Star Quilts at the Springfield quilt show. This book is now available. Judy Martin is awesome and you should buy her book. She also now offers acrylic templates for some of the shapes in her books. Read this page to order.
Create Whimsey has an interview with Judy as well.
Friend Julie’s April Cornucopia post is up and always worth a look.
Projects, Classes, Patterns & Tutorials
Take a look at this useful and fun needle pie. The pattern is from Etsy. I think it would be a great addition to sets of gifts or swaps. A clever stitcher could have some fun with the design. Note that one picture shows storage for WonderClips**. There is ample opportunity for embellishing in different creative ways on the outside as well.
I really miss the short-lived magazine, thr3fold, by Linda and Laura Kemshall. I recently saw advertisement of a video by them on making Tyvek beads.
Remember when I talked about the bag Mary M made for the guild door prize? I found the pattern. It’s from Ginger Cake not Gingiber and it is listed on the Modern Quilt Co website. Mary M said she would add pockets next time.
I don’t really think you need a tutorial on Sawtooth Star blocks., but Blossom Hill has a slightly different take on the block she calls Star Stamp. She also links out to Accuquilt** instructions. Every month she has a Scrap Buster block, which might be a great way to use up scraps if you aren’t making journal covers or strip blocks.
Tools, Books, Fabric, Notions & Supplies
I talk about, or maybe allude to, my fabric tracking exercise. The spreadsheet I use is from Pam of Hip to Be a Square podcast (no longer in production). I recently found one by Jeni Baker of In Color Order blog (and those fabulous drawstring bags).
Judy Martin has come out with another book. Red, White & Blue Star Quilts: 16 Striking Patriotic & 2-Color Patterns was released in late February. The cost of the book is $28.95 plus shipping. Order it through Judy’s website.
Some interesting and unusual fabrics as well as some usual fabric can be found at My Handmade Space. They also have bag hardware and zippers. Some of the zipper tapes have stripes and florals.
I like the way Stitch Supply Company displays their fabric on their website. They also have a lot of Aneela Hoey patterns.
I keep getting ads on FB for My Favorite Quilt Store. That always makes me suspicious, but they do have some super cute fabrics. I might be starting on a pillowcase project for two nephews who are heading off to college in the Fall. If I do this project, the florals from Philip Jacobs that I love are not going to cut the mustard. They have a variety of Pokemon fabrics, a lot of great Disney fabrics, including a fun evil witch option, steampunk Halloween, holiday and many others. I haven’t ordered form them, so we will have to see.
Paintbrush Studios has more solids. Not as many as Kona, but you know how I feel about Kona. Check out their new and upcoming print collections as well.
Articles and Other Information
The essay by Franklin Habit is brilliant, sad and and makes you want to hug him. It is also nominally about knitting. I like it because I felt the same way when I moved to Austria and again when I came back to the US. It also talks about not being able to knit for someone whose life is knitting. You can link to his YouTube channel and buy him a cup of coffee via Patreon.
Inspiration
Subscription boxes are (or were???) all the rage. I subscribed to a few, as you know, but quickly unsubscribed. I finally found one I enjoy, the Sew Hungry Hippie Happy Box. One of the things I like about it is that it is not all about sewing. Natalie describes it as about mindfulness, wellness self-care and happiness. I don’t get things I already have or fabric I don’t want. The other thing I like about it is that there is a project, with all of the pieces, parts and pattern, included. I just have to sit down and sew it like I did with the rainbow pin cushion from March. I received a new one the other day and actually watched the video that Natalie made about it. I loved hearing the stories about the items and their makers. The April theme was bananas. I thought the execution of the theme was pretty clever. The project that came with the box was for a banana bag. It is kind of hilarious. I haven’t made it yet, but I will definitely make it, though I will probably gift it. I may still not keep this subscription forever, but for the moment I am enjoying the bit of fun.
**Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops. However, I use affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.