Commentary about works in progress, design & creativity
I started off the month continuing to make white strip blocks. The bin really was not organized well and I found a whole new selection of strips I could use to make blocks partway through. I was up to a total (not just the ones made in October) of 40 white strip blocks early in the month, but continued to make them. I like my scrap bins to be as empty as possible. The white bin is proving to be a challenge to empty.
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After buying a few yards, I am back down to 32 yards used (net).
Projects, Classes, Patterns, Techniques & Tutorials
I saw a bagmaking community membership a month or sew ago. They have a variety of classes including a 7 week pattern drafting/bag design class. The price is 397 pounds (English pounds). I am not sure how tariffs will affect that. The topics look very comprehensive.
Blockheads 6 is the latest Blockheads project from Moda. It is going strong. I saw one block by Corey Yoder that combines different sizes of Flying Geese. Check the main Blockheads page to find all previous blocks and other information.
I think the Not Your Basic Blue Bag bag pattern is a nod to the iconic IKEA blue bag. The shape and size look super easy.
Generation Q magazine’s website is still up. I found a cool pattern for a sewing machine cover. The part that interests me is the embroidery panel pattern that is included. This could be stitched and put on a jacket, a tote bag or be the center of a quilt. I might try and stitch it, if for no other reason than I need a hand project and I have a lot of floss.
Tools, Books, Fabric, Notions, Services & Supplies
Need a project tracker. Find a downloadable version on the Moda site under ‘Free Patterns’.
Tula is constantly releasing new fabrics for which we have to wait for months. I am looking forward to receiving some Graywork pieces soon. While I am waiting, I saw the video where Tula released the images of Floral Reef. I really like some of the prints, of course. The ribbons and webbing are the stars. I need to find some way to use ribbons as I have a lot already and need to use it if I want to buy more. The line also includes, for the first time, some cool printed vinyl, which I’d like to have right now. Fortunately, the delay means I have time to use up my glitter vinyl. 🙂 You can see all the fabrics and pre-order it on the Pink Door (no affiliation) site.
I came across Mashe Modern recently. They have a whole section on bag making – supplies, patterns, canvas. One thing I saw was the Vario Creative Tool. It is like a rivet press and Snapsetter all in one. I am not sure I have the hand strength to close the tool to install hardware, but the idea is interesting and I have never seen it before.
Need some templates? Cut Once has all sorts of templates from different designers. This is a great idea! Also, you can inquire about custom templates.
The past month or so has been stressful. When I am stressed, I plan projects and buy fabric. I did end up buying that Summer Friday fabric pack I talked about recently. I also bought a few solids to try and be happier with the Country Revival/ The Sad Quilt fabrics.
I am working my way through back issues of magazines. Most recently I am reading a Today’s Quilter supplement on Welsh Quilts. There is a link between the Amish quilts of Pennsylvania and Welsh quilts! In order to learn more, I bought a book on Welsh quilts. I don’t plan to make a Welsh quilt, but I liked the quilting designs in the back for ideas for Colleen. Also, before the projects start the authors talk about the connection.
Stuart Hilliard, an artist I have never heard of, has recently (Sept.30, 2025) published his second bag book, Make 100 Bags**. I checked the local library and wasn’t able to find it there. I also wasn’t able to get it through Link+ so I asked that they order it. It may not yet be available, because it is so new. I’d like to take a look before I buy it.
I visited Golden State Quilting with Carrie one day and bought a few things for which I have plans – immediate plans!
The Philip Jacobs large flower print will be part of my BAM BOM fabrics. I wanted a little extra of the lavender Grunge for the Patchwork Palooza blocks. The eraser fabric will be the back of an apron I plan on making as a gift for a friend. I should get started on that. I need it for October.
Exhibits and Organizations
BAMPFA has the Routed West: Twentieth-Century African American Quilts in California on view through November 30. Time is flying by. I really need to get there and see the show.
Media & Articles
A few months ago, Friend Julie pointed out a podcast episode about paper patterns. It takes me awhile to listen sometimes, but I am always happy to hear about some media like this. I listened to that and didn’t think I would listen to part 2, but I did and found it very interesting. It also made me angry that private equity companies are buying up sewing and craft companies, running them into the ground and then selling them off or closing them down. Am I simplifying the problem? Yes. It also has to do with us not buying patterns, for example. I recommend both episodes.
My librarian heart is happy with the bibliography. It is very complete. I was particularly interested in the NY Times rebuttal by a woman, who co-owned a pattern and sewing company to an article on women in the workplace written by a man. Demorest, Ellen. “The Question of Labor. Women’s Work and Wages.” New York Times. Nov. 18, 1863.
Better Homes and Gardens has an article about the new fabric shop at Michael’s. I really have to go check it out. It’s not a very detailed article, but it looks like they are trying to make the new spaces larger and cooler.
I am getting to the bottom of my backlog of magazines. There WERE so many different titles at one point. Now there are so few. I have finished an issue of Generation Q magazine and am on to another. I found that some parts of their website still work, including this pattern for a sewing machine cover with an embroidered saying, Quilt. Sew. Breathe. on the front.
Tim sent an article along about a quiltmaker who made a vest for Benson Boone, who caught the throw at his concert and then wore the vest the rest of the time.
Judy Martin, one of my favorite quiltmakers, has a newsletter on Substack. Read the most recent issue, which has good information on dealing with the bias. N.B. especially for BAM members, she has specific information on the bias in HSTs.
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon 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 website.
Patchwork Palooza Block 14 is called Spin Cycle in this project.
I found the block in Jinny Beyer’s The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns, where this block is called Southern Belle (58-1). It is by Clara Stone from Practical Needlework, ca 1906.
The name could be all about the way the block is colored. I saw it also called Double Pinwheel, but the units may have been turned to enhance the Pinwheel look.
The Arthouse apron is finally finished! I know you are surprised, because I didn’t tell you that I had started it. Sorry about that. I have been thinking about it for awhile and push finally came to shove. I needed to get it done.
I bought the fabric for this apron, at least one side of it, not that long ago. I bought the eraser fabric recently on a whim. I thought it would be a better, more appropriately themed choice for the Arthouse.
This is a fairly quick project. I cut it out at the October 4 Sew Day and I was able to finish it over the weekend, so I could bring it with me to Portland.
Aside from forgetting to put the pockets on until I had the outside sewn, the project was not a problem.
How many times can I say palooza? A lot apparently.
Now that I have finished the last backlog block for this project, and while I waited for the next block to drop, I needed to get busy on the alternate blocks. There are 21 of them and they will all be the same. Don’t worry, I am not going to bore you (even more?) by posting each one I finish.
There is a lot of chain piecing and sewing, then cutting of strips to make the units that make up these blocks, so it took me quite awhile to finish the first block. I did eventually and it isn’t anything special, IMO. It is an Irish Chain type block.
I didn’t find the exact block in my sources, but may yet do so. In Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Quilt Patterns**, a very similar block to this one is called Single Irish Chain by Nancy Cabot, 1933. It is similar to Pennsylvania (pg.231-2023).
I put a couple of blocks on the design wall to see what I had. So far, so good.
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon 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 website.
One of the things Mom did when she was recovering from her surgery last month was finish a quilt.
She had been working on this quilt for a long time and finally put the last stitches in the binding. It is all hand quilted. She really loves this quilt. I am so happy for her.
This is the last backlog block. The PP project calls it Keep the Fire, but it is a Bow Tie block. I am not sure why the Patchwork Palooza people are renaming the blocks. I suppose it makes the block fresher.
I found it in Jinny Beyer’s The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns, where the block is called Necktie (73-1). It is by Ruth Finley, ca 1929.
I have to make this block for another project and I found the instructions to make this one SO easy. I have always dreaded the flippy corners method. No problem on this block. It came out great, especially after the grief with Block 8.
I took my mom home the other day. She was released from the surgeon and felt well enough to go home. On the way, we usually stop at Peet’s in Castro Valley. I suggested we stop in Livermore, which is a little farther. I knew of a Peet’s there and I wanted to stay in the car a bit longer. As we got closer, she suggested we stop at In Between Stitches, a quilt shop in Livermore. I did a brief review of the shop in 2010, but haven’t talked about it since.
In Between Stitches was one of the places Mom and I would meet before all of the drama of the past year. They had a lovely shop on Main Street in Livermore near a few restaurants, some nice stores and coffee shops. I knew they had moved and was eager to see their new shop.
The new location is not far from the old, but a little hard to find if you are unfamiliar, as I am, with downtown Livermore. There is parking next to the shop, but we couldn’t find the address so we parked in the big lot behind the Main Street shops and walked over. There is plenty of parking within about a block. It turns out there is a small, one way street above the main street (N. Livermore) on which we drove. I think it has the same name as the larger street. Not sure about that. Anyway, in the photo above, the shop is on the street with the “Do Not Enter’ sign on it. We easily walked across the street from the parking lot and then down that one way street. I am not sure how one would access the shop’s parking lot or drive to the shop.
Once we finally found it, I found the shop to be interesting and nice. They have morphed beyond quiltmaking to include yarn, lots of wool felt and, possibly felting supplies.
I was pleased to see the section on wool felt. The only other place with a good selection is Pioneer Quilts outside of Portland. This store is closer and more convenient, once I get my act together to start a piece with the wool felt I have. As an aside, I found some inspiration for a wool felt project as I went through my magazines, so this isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
The knitting section is right in the front of the store. I saw some yarn I thought my SIL might like, but it was $43/skein, which was a little rich for both of our blood at this time. Still, the section has a wide variety of yarn including Madeline Tosh, a yarn I really like.
In addition to yarn and wool felt, In Between Stitches has a fairly large selection of embroidery floss.
They have a few different brands including Wonderfil and regular DMC. I also noticed they have a small selection of lapboards for handwork. The covers aren’t my style, but a cover is easily changeable for such a useful tool.
Did I mention that this shop is STUFFED? It is. In addition to yarn, wool felt and embroidery, they have a section of bag making patterns and materials.
They have a variety of patterns, some of which I have made, from different bag designers. I saw a few different Noodlehead designs, the Hello Pouch from Knot and Thread, some duffel patterns and a few others. I think the woman cutting my fabric mentioned a workshop on making the Oxbow tote. seeing they had some Noodlehad patterns, I asked about the Plover Pouch. They didn’t have it, but I think I would have bought it if they stocked it.
Of course, they had notions, which you know I love. I felt like kind of a lot of their notions were out of stock. They still had plenty, so I shouldn’t complain.
I was pleased to see the variety of Quilter’s Select rulers they had. The brand seems to be expanding the sizes they offer. I almost bought one as a gift, but the price tag was a little steep for me that day.
Near the check-out counter, the perfect impulse purchase location, were a variety of patterns. The Sew Kind of Wonderful pattern, Attic Windows (bottom of the photo, 2d from the left), intrigued me. I almost bought it but had already checked out and decided I had enough. I’m glad I didn’t because I found a copy when I eventually got home. I need to put it with my other patterns so I see it when I go through them.
The shop, of course, had quite a bit of fabric. They had it tucked in various places all over the shop, except in the front where there was only knitting.
Behind the knitting, on the left of the shop was the first fabric I saw. They had some independent garment sewing patterns as well.
In the back of the shop, I saw some novelty fabrics. There were some food fabrics and I felt myself slipping into that “I should make another Food Quilt” zone. I walked away. Been there, done that. I also saw a few solids in that same area.
The fabric was mostly organized by color, so I saw blenders, tone-on-tones and solids all over the store.
The shop had quite a few batiks, which I am always surprised to see. Many of these were housed under the notions, but I saw them in other places as well.
Of course, my man Phil (Philip Jacobs) and the Kaffe Collective had a good showing. The top shelf was all of the large flower and other types of KFC prints. Some were from the August (Fall?) 2025 collection, which was nice to see. Under them were fat quarters of various, not just KFC, prints. Under that were more tone-on-tones and blenders.
All over the shop were quilts. They were hung on the walls, from the ceiling, every where.
I bought a few bits and pieces. I thought the Kaffe dots would be good for the Maker tote’s pocket. Turquoise stripes will be good for a binding and I broke my needle threader, so I bought a new one.
I am glad Mom suggested the visit. I’ll have to go and visit again now that I know were it is.
Fat Quarterly Shape Workshop for Quilters: 60 Blocks + a Dozen Quilts and Projects! by Katy Jones
I am sure I have mentioned in passing that I am going through all of my quilt books. This book is one I rediscovered. I have a vague memory of buying it but had completely forgotten about it until this recent inventory.
The book is described as “…quilters of all skill levels will develop a deeper understanding of how shapes can be incorporated into a design while completing gorgeous projects. “- Cover flap. After reading the book and looking at the photos, I agree. I think, overall, it provides a breath of freshness when thinking about shapes.
The Introduction (pg.6) describes the Fat Quarter Shop and the Fat Quarterly, a former e-zine, which I don’t think is published any longer. The Welcome page (pg.8) follows with a description of the Shape Workshop, “…the ultimate guide to understanding and incorporating shapes into your quilt projects.” (pg.8). The book “presents six common quilting shapes used in dynamic and exciting ways. “(pg.8).
The About Us page shows the team responsible for the book. Some were associated with Generation Q magazine, so very modern quiltmakers.
The shape ‘workshops’ start on page 10 with squares and rectangles. There is a description of squares and rectangles followed by blocks (pg.11-21) comprised of squares and rectangles. Some blocks are renamed classic block patterns. For example, Owl in the Corner (pg.20) is really a Nine Patch with cool owl fabric. Each block takes up one page including the instructions for making the block.
The shape’s block section is followed by a project section with about two projects in each section. Each project features the chapter’s shape(s). The directions are about 2-4 pages each.
The shapes covered in this book, in addition to squares and rectangles, are circles, triangles, stars, polygons and diamonds. Each shape is described on one page that includes some quick tips. Each section has about 10 blocks covering one page each. As with the squares and rectangles section, there are two-four larger projects.
In the circle section (pg.30-49) I really like the Modern Wheel block (pg.34). It reminded me of the blocks in my Eye of God quilt. The Quarter Twist block (pg.36) is similar to the Flowering Snowball block. I also like the Joseph’s Coat block (pg.40). This block keeps coming up in various ways, so I might have to make at least one of these block soon.
Both Circle projects are fun. There are pizza placemats (pg.43-45), which would be great gifts for a young person flying the nest.
The Orange Soda quilt (pg.46-49) looks like a big challenge. The example uses fun fabrics. The curves are done with applique’ not piecing so not as difficult as the project first appears. It could also be done with piecing, but would need more planning. If I had been writing this section, I would have included both options.
Triangles make up chapter 3 (pg.50-67). Migration (pg.52) and Points Practice (pg.53) stand out, but the blocks are interesting in general. Points Practice is one of those blocks where a classic that has been renamed. In Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Quilt Patterns**, this block is called Mosaic #17 and is n.345 from Ladies Art Company. The Fast Forward / Rewind quilt (pg.64-67) is a fun variation of Flying Geese.
Stars are the featured shape in chapter 4 (pg.68-89). Different shapes make up the overall star designs. Scrappy Star (pg.71) immediately caught my attention as it is one of the blocks the Patchwork Palooza BOM. In the Patchwork Palooza Project, it is called Whirl & Settle. In Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Quilt Patterns**, this block is called Indian Star. It was originally published in the Kansas City Star in 1937.
Three in the Breeze (pg.75) is a good use of, or a different take on, the Friendship Star block.
Chapter five (pg.90-109) is all about polygons. In case your last geometry class was too many ears ago, a polygon is a many sided flat shape with at least three straight sides, but typically five or more (pg.90). The authors help readers out by saying ” some are made from pure polygon shapes, some are simpler shapes that together create a polygon shape. ” (pg.90).
In the block section Castle Walls is a winner (pg.95). Dresden Plate is included in this section (pg.96-97) and has great directions for making the petal points. I also like Bathroom Tile (pg.99), but I don’t like the construction. It looks like the authors tried to simplify the construction and just made it more complicated using applique’.
The Saw Blade quilt (pg.106-109) in this section is a classic and stellar. I’d love to make this quilt sometime. The authors use templates for construction, but I think there is a way to make the blades using strip piecing.
Finally, diamonds, which are the subject of Chapter six (pg.110-129). Most of the included blocks have squares on point or a group of shapes that look like a diamond rather than incorporating true diamond shapes. Still, there are a couple of blocks, like Diamond Pinwheel (pg.114) and Diamond in a Diamond (pg.119) that use a true diamond shape. I like the way the authors expand the way readers think about diamonds and all the shapes, in general.
Pinchers (pg.121) would make a really fun quilt. It would be easy using EPP. The Starry Hanging Storage (pg.122-125) is a fun and useful project. I might choose different blocks or motifs for the exterior, or even a really fun print with no piecing or applique, but I like the idea.
The final chapter is the ubiquitous ‘Quilting Basics” section (pg.130-143). It includes how to piece various units like Flying Geese, HSTs and Four Patches. There are also instructions on how to complete applique’ and EPP. Templates are also included. They need to be enlarged.
Overall, this is an inspiring book. The layout is innovative even though the book is a few years old (2011). I like the styling, especially the way the different chapters used different colors.
The teaching element was good and not heavy handed. See if your library has this book. It is worth a look.
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon 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 website.
We introduced the BAM BOM last weekend at the guild meeting.
The first block is the HST and these are mine. For this block, I am using some fabric from a member who passed away.
The rule is at least 6 seams, so I knew I had to make more than one HST. I used the 8-at-a-time directions I give to my students and made 8.
I have an idea in my mind to use HSTs in more places around my quilt. For now, I will stick with these, but I might make more later.
The Handbag Sampler is back from Colleen. She was able to drop it off for me when she did an errand in the neighborhood. It was great not to have to drive to her place.
I wanted this ready for the BAM BOM start at the meeting yesterday. I had to stitch the binding on quickly. It was a little challenging, because I used a black and white diamond patterned fabric for the binding. That meant that choosing the thread to be invisible was a challenge. I ended up with white and was very careful about getting the stitches on the underside of the binding so they wouldn’t be visible. They were fairly hidden on the white fabric, but screaming against the black.
Colleen did a great job on the quilting.
She quilted a lot of different motifs in different places around the quilt. The swirls/spirals in the background of the New York Beauty are a particular favorite.
Working on this quilt and the Patchwork Palooza make me want to start another sampler. How many samplers are too many?
I am almost finished with the backlog of blocks.
I finally finished block 5, Card Trick, or, as the Patchwork Palooza people call it, Go Your Own Way. I don’t like this block. I always have trouble making it, which seems very odd to me. It shouldn’t be a difficult block, but for me, it is. Apparently, it didn’t like me either as there was a lot of ripping involved in finishing it.
In Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Quilt Patterns**, this block, #1674, is called Crow’s Nest or Card Trick. Both names are from Beth and Jeff Gutcheon. In the Encyclopedia it is colored very strangely, so you can see the card effect. It looks more like an Ohio Star, but with half QSTs instead of regular QSTs.
In Jinny Beyer’s The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns, this block is #143 and also called Card Trick, but doesn’t have the QST in the center. It is listed as from The Perfect Patchwork Primer by Beth and Jeff Gutcheon.
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon 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 website.
I finished the wallet very quickly. That was my goal and the pattern leant itself to the goal.
The pattern was free and didn’t discuss using directional fabric. If I made this again, I might put any directional fabric upside down, so it shows right side up on the flap. That means,the motifs would be upside down on the rest of the piece, such as the back. No good solution except making the flap separately, I guess.
I used a light grey batik I have used before for the interior.
Mom really liked it and I barely needed to explain my thinking to her. She loved the idea and immediately put it into use.
Block 12, On the Horizon, is done. I am keeping up, though I know I am posting out of order.
I am still working on the alternate blocks and will continue to do so until I finish them.
SueG and I have been working for a few months on organizing a block-of-the-month (BOM) program for the guild. It starts in a few days. If you want to join, buy a membership in the guild. We will make the BOM program available in the group’s forum as well as at the meetings.
We wanted this to be a different kind of BOM. The participants won’t be getting one block that they have to make in a certain size each month. We are going with a “Choose Your Own Adventure” style. People will get a pattern, but there will be choices of sizes. They can use any technique to make it and change the size if they want.
I have started to choose my fabrics. These aren’t all of them. I think I need some kind of citrus or sunshine type warm color and a turquoise as well. Stay tuned for the additions as I evolve the fabrics in my own mind.