Now the question is: how many flowers do you think I’ve made?

The answer is… 124!

For those of you who were here a few months ago, you’ll remember that I purchased a large bundle of vintage fabrics from a seller on Etsy. You can read about it HERE.

I ended up using nearly every fabric from the bundle. There are a few I haven’t used yet—and I may still need them (more on that in a minute)—but almost every print made its way into one of these flowers.

I still have quite a bit of fabric left because many of the fabric pieces were larger than I needed. But when it comes to the variety of prints, these flower have it. None of the fabrics repeat. There are a handful—maybe three to five—that are the same design in different colorways, but otherwise each of the 124 flowers is unique.

Now that they’re done, last weekend I spent a couple of hours figuring out the layout. I love every fabric, but the vintage fabric bundle definitely leaned heavier on some colors more than others, so I took my time making sure colors were evenly distributed throughout the quilt.

Here’s a little peek.

I have a design wall in my quilting space, but the only place big enough for all 124 flowers was my living room floor!

It’s going to take me awhile to piece all of these together. I’m using a white border around all of the flowers and I’m making the white hexies as a I go.

Am I done making flowers? Maybe, maybe not.

One decision I still haven’t made is how to finish the edges. If you search Google or Pinterest for Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilts, you’ll see lots of different ways to finish the edges.

Some people choose a zigzag, others square theirs off to make a straight edge. If I choose to make a straight edge, I could make more flowers to fill the space, or I could fill it in with white hexies. I don’t know yet.

I have plenty of time to decide. Piecing these 124 flowers together is going to take a while, and I think once I see it assembled that will give me a better idea how I want to finish it.

What would you do?

Read more

And with that, I have my first simple summer quilt top to share.

I started this quilt top in the spring and it inspired me to write a post about “low effort quilting.” You can read that post here. The gist of low effort quilting is that you get to enjoy the process of making a quilt while creating something that’s not so demanding. That’s exactly what this quilt is.

When I started these blocks, I was making them all the same, with the blue on the outside.

But about halfway through I decided to switch things up and alternate the layout, making every other block the opposite. I think I like it this way.

The fabric is from Tessie Fay’s Cora collection, which she introduced a few years ago. Using a single collection of coordinating fabrics was another reason this quilt felt so simple and easy. Once I chose the solid navy fabric to pair with it, there were no difficult fabric decisions to make. I just used what was in the collection!

The one thing I’m not sure about is the name of this block. Anyone know? Please share in the comments if you do!

I’m already working on my next simple summer quilt. I still have quite a few blocks to make, but I’m planning to use a lot of white space, so once the blocks are finished, the quilt should come together quickly.

More to come on that one!

The last few weeks have been busy and I haven’t had as much time to devote to quilting as I would like. Don’t we all feel that way sometimes? Part of it is because it’s summer, part of it is work obligations, and the other part is just life. Rest assured, I’m slowly working on some things and I have a finished quilt top to share, just as soon as I get it photographed.

In the meantime, here are some things I’m up to this weekend and some ideas for you, too.

Watching

• Acorn TV, BritBox, PBS MasterPiece, Paramount+ and More (Amazon Prime)

  Even if you aren’t an Amazon Prime member, you’ve probably heard that Prime Day is coming. Like a lot of people, I’ll be watching for any good deals that I can’t pass up, but one deal that I always take advantage of is on Prime Video. If you go to the subscriptions section in Prime Video, you will see they are offering deals on other streaming services for just .99 cents a month for two months. I’m a huge fan of many international shows that can be found on Acorn TV, BritBox and PBS Masterpiece. There are deals on other streaming services available, too. Just don’t forget to cancel after two months!

Reading

• Who Was the Man in 2B (Curbed)

  I love a good New York apartment living story. There are so many wonderful things about living in a New York apartment, but like anywhere, you never know who you might get as a neighbor.

  “Harold and Elena Joyce had a mostly quiet life in their South Williamsburg loft. Then a new neighbor showed up and their nightmare began.”

  I can’t wait to dig into this one. Read the Curbed article here.

• The Paradise Series (Elin Hilderbrand)

  The Paradise series isn’t new but it’s still a great summer read. I’m on book number two and recommend the series if you are looking for something not-so-serious to read.

Making

• Quilt Blocks and English Paper Piecing Flowers

  Yes, I’m still working on the flowers for my Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt but I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! My current fabric setup is on my dining room table, since I’m working on them at night while I watch TV. (My other sewing stuff and sewing space is in the basement.) I also have some simple blocks I shared a while back that I haven’t made much progress on, but I vow to make a few new ones this weekend.

• Rhubarb Dessert

  It’s rhubarb season and I picked a bunch while I was visiting family a few weeks ago. It’s been in my freezer ever since and I think I need to make something sweet this weekend. One of my favorite recipes is from my aunt. We simply call it Rhubarb Dessert. Lol. It’s very sweet and a small piece goes a long way. I recommend it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Shopping

• Essie Nail Polish

  I need a new nail polish for a fresh pedicure and I’m debating between Essie Geranium and Essie Handmade With Love. Geranium is more of a true red while Handmade With Love has a little more pink in it. Buy Geranium here and buy Handmade With Love here.

• Trader Joe’s S’Mores Clusters

  Don’t have an open fire readily available to make s’mores? No worries! One of Trader Joe’s current seasonal items are the very yummy and very addictive S’mores Clusters. No, it’s not the same as toasting your own marshmallow, but they’re still very good. Find them at your local Trader Joe’s for only $3.99.

That’s it for now. I’m hoping to get on my quilt holder’s schedule this weekend (I know she’s reading this!!!) so I can take some pics of my finished quilt top. If that happens, I’ll be sharing it next week!

I took these photos of my Courthouse Steps quilt back over the Easter weekend. It was way too chilly to even think about getting in the water, but it sure made for a nice backdrop for quilt photos.

This quilt features Denyse Schmidt’s Bonny fabric paired with Ruby + Bee solids. I’ve been slowly working my way through a stack of Ruby + Bee fabric and I’m starting to run low. Since I first got my Ruby + Bee fat quarter bundle, they’ve added a lot of new colors that I would love to add to my collection.

Before I get to the back, there is one thing I would change about this quilt. The darker solids — the brown and navy — feel a bit too heavy and stand out more than I’d like. I wish I had used something a little softer. Alas, lesson learned.

The backing of this quilt is Heather Ross Bluebird extra-wide fabric.

I love this one. The birds, the blue color — it works perfectly with the front. It wasn’t planned, but it feels especially fitting with the lake setting.

Courthouse Steps is such a classic pattern, and I’m really glad I finally checked it off my list. I’m already tempted to make another, but there are so many other quilts I want to make that I feel like I should work on those first.

Do you ever remake a pattern you love, or do you move on to something new?

That’s a wrap on this one. Have you made a Courthouse Steps quilt?

I’m ready for a long weekend and have quite a bit to check off my to-do list. One of my main goals is to pick up flowers for all of my outdoor planters, which is always an expensive trip to the the nursery!

I’m also expecting delivery of a new living room rug. Since I’ll need to move all the furniture out of the room, I’m planning to give the floor a deep clean before it goes down.

And of course, I’m hoping for a little rest, relaxation and quilting. Here’s what I’m up to this weekend, along with a few ideas for you, too.

Watching

• Legends (Netflix)

  I’ve seen some positive reviews for Legends on Netflix, and I’m planning to check it out this weekend. It’s a British crime drama (my fave) about undercover Customs investigators who infiltrate the drug world in the early 1990s. It’s based on a true story. There were a couple of new series on Apple TV that I tried recently and didn’t love, so I’m hoping this one grabs my attention. Watch Legends here.

Reading

• Common Threads (Country Living)

  In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the June/July issue of Country Living magazine includes a story about American quilts, and I’m itching to get my hands on a copy. It also features several talented quilters I’m looking forward to reading about. Find it at your local newsstand or online here.
  

• Sewing is Cool Again (The New York Times)

  Earlier this year, the Associated Press wrote about how “grandma hobbies” are trending, and now The New York Times is covering the rising popularity of sewing. A reporter visited the New York Sewing Center and writes about how people are looking to “save money, upcycle and learn a new skill that isn’t just for their grandparents.” Once again, some of us have been on the “grandma hobby” trend long before it was cool! Read the gift article here.

Making

• Big Blocks

  I have some big blocks in progress right now. Nothing fancy and pretty simple, but satisfying nonetheless. I’m not sure if I can finish them this weekend, but I’m hoping to get close.

• English Paper Piecing Flowers

  Of course, I continue working on my paper pieced flowers. The flowers are my evening TV-watching project, while the big blocks are my daytime, sit-at-my-sewing-machine project.

Shopping

• Patchwork Panels

  I got my hands on some of Denyse Schmidt’s patchwork panels. I bought one of the first ones she released a few years ago, and now I have three more to work with. I can’t wait to make something with these. Buy the panels here.

• Nike Waffle Debut Sneakers

  My current Nikes are on their last legs, and it was time for a new pair. I like the Waffle Debut sneakers so much that I’m replacing them with the same style but in a different color. They’re currently on sale, and you can get an extra 20% off with the code START. Buy here.

Thanks for reading this week. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend and that you find time for whatever creative project is currently on your mind.

Why is that?

Because most people have no idea what it costs to make a custom quilt. I think most Americans are used to buying mass-produced quilts from big box stores for a couple hundred bucks. So when I give a price estimate that’s significantly more than $200, I usually never hear from them again. Which is honestly fine, because I rarely make custom quilts anyway unless it’s for a friend or family member.

So that’s all to say, I received a custom quilt request through my Etsy store last week that was a little different. Here’s the email.

You read that right. She contacted me on May 13 looking for an 8x12’ or 9x15’ custom quilt to be delivered by May 29. Yes, that size is in feet.

Ummm, thank you but no. That’s a little tight timeline. I politely responded and moved on with my life.

Then a couple of days later, I heard back.

Yes, I’m pretty sure it’s still a no. But at that point I started thinking… maybe I could actually make it work? It would be an interesting opportunity.

Before responding, I did some checking on materials. I don’t keep extra-wide fabric on hand to make something that size, so I made a phone call to confirm I could get fabric overnighted to me. But even if I could get the materials quickly, making a quilt that size on that timeline would require a lot of late nights. (And take me away from my Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt! Ha!)

For some background, I believe the person who contacted me is a stylist who works on photoshoots. I completely understand that stylists often work on tight timelines and need things turned around quickly. In my “real job” working in corporate America — which has absolutely nothing to do with quilting — I’ve worked with stylists before, so I appreciate what they do and understand some of the challenges of the job.

And I definitely don’t blame this person for not understanding the ins and outs of making a quilt. Most people don’t. She was doing her best to have a successful shoot.

I also 100% understand the New York mindset. And the truth is, New York and New Yorkers operate differently than the rest of the country. Everything moves faster in New York. I don’t know how to explain it, you just have to live it to understand.

So you’re probably wondering, did I make the quilt? Nope. It didn’t work out. I suspect the price may have been more than they were willing to pay, even if they were offering a “rush” fee.

I’m not sharing the brand, but it’s a large retail fashion company most people would recognize. It would’ve been kind of cool to make a quilt for them, but maybe next time.

Question for you, readers: What would you have charged for a project like this?

Unlike my first EPP project, which I let drag on far too long, this time I am full steam ahead. I’m making great progress and really enjoying the process along the way. It’s the perfect project to keep my hands busy while I watch TV at night.

I’ve also talked about wanting to make this quilt with vintage fabrics or feedsack reproduction fabrics. I found an Etsy seller looking to clear out her stash, and I ended up making the score of a lifetime with the perfect fabric bundle. I shared a short video of the haul on Instagram last week, which you can link to below.

Now I’m making my way through the fabrics, turning them into flowers. I did realize I need to plan my color choices better moving forward. At first, I was simply picking fabrics I liked, only to discover I had made a lot of green flowers and wasn’t using nearly enough variety.

I’m still choosing fabrics I like, but I’m trying to work in more colors as I go. Thankfully, I have plenty of fabric to choose from!

Next question to ask is: what size should I make this quilt? I kind of like the idea of using it on a bed, so I might go big. TBD.

Since I’m making such good progress on this quilt already, I may even finish the top this summer. For now, I’m happy to keep making flowers and watching the pile slowly grow.

The name stuck from when I first shared this quilt top in the middle of summer 2023. Midsummer felt fitting at the time, and it still does now, even if it took me a while to bring it across the finish line.

This is a scrappy take on a Trip Around the World quilt, made with a mix of Denyse Schmidt fabrics and solids. If you’re new here, many (most even?) of my quilts are made with scraps. It’s my favorite way to quilt, and nothing gives me more pleasure than using them up.

And this quilt is big. Big enough that I skipped my usual pieced backing and bought an extra-wide fabric instead. In this case, it was the easier choice but also the right one. I love the front and back combination.

For the back, I used Wild Ponies in ink by Heather Ross. Wild Ponies is also available in pink, which I love (big fan of the color pink here), but the deeper ink color felt like a better match for this quilt.

I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s a good reminder of what you can make from what you already have, and why scrap quilts will always be my favorite.

Thanks for reading, and take this as a sign to go make a scrap quilt!

The sun is shining, the trees are turning green and the plants in my yard are starting to come up. Is spring one of the most hopeful times of the year? It feels that way.

I will be spending time outside working on my yard this weekend, but I also have a movie date scheduled with my BFF. Here’s what I’m up to and a few ideas for your weekend, too.

Watching

• The Devil Wears Prada 2

  The Devil Wears Prada 2 comes out today! I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since the first movie. I rarely go to the theater, but this is one I’m excited enough to see on the big screen rather than wait for streaming. I’m going with my BFF and we’re even springing for popcorn! You can watch the trailer here:

Listening

• The Run Through with Vogue

  On a similar note, three of Anna Wintour’s former assistants sat down with the new editor of Vogue, Chloe Malle, on her podcast The Run-Through with Vogue to talk about what it’s really like to work for Anna. It’s a fun listen. They talk about what they wore to their interview, how they got the job and some behind-the-scenes stories. The episode aired April 9 and you can listen onVogue’s website here or on your favorite podcasting app.

• Love Trapped

  I’ve also been listening to the Love Trapped podcast. This story is wild. I’ve been bingeing it this week and I’m hooked. It’s described as:

  “Former Bachelor Clayton Echard’s casual one-night fling turned into a paternity nightmare. When the news broke about the scandal, no one believed Clayton at first. He was a reality TV star, and an unpopular one at that. Clayton found himself trying to prove the truth, while trapped in a web of lies, manipulation, and threats.”

  Listen on Apple Podcasts here or your on your favorite podcasting app.

Making

• Trimming Blocks

  I have a stack of tulip appliqué blocks that I will be trimming to size this weekend. There’s a story behind these blocks that I need to write about. More to come on that later.

• Chocolate Chip Muffins

  A chocolate chip muffin with my coffee this weekend sounds like a good idea. I think I’ll whip up a batch Saturday morning. Find the recipe from Delish here.

Shopping

• Vintage Fabric

  I’ve been poking around Etsy looking for bundles of vintage fabric to make a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt and I found what I was looking for. I messaged the seller with a few questions, and she came back offering everything she had left at a discount. It’s definitely more fabric than I need, but it was too good to pass up. Plus, I had an Etsy gift card, so it was practically free. Girl math. I’m anxiously awaiting its arrival.

• Water-Soluble Glue

  Once the fabric arrives, I will be starting my hexies. The last time I made an English Paper Piecing quilt I thread basted my hexies. This time, I’m going to try glue basting. I think I can use good ol’ Elmer’s glue. Anyone have experience using Elmer’s for hexies? If you’ve tried it, I would love to hear how it went.

Hope you have a nice weekend and get to spend time doing something you enjoy. Thanks for reading!

When I started this Substack, I knew I didn’t want it to be only about quilting. I wanted to expand beyond that to other things I love. And believe it or not, I actually do have other interests besides quilting. Ha!

I love the objects that fill a home. I am a homebody, and I like to be at home surrounded by beautiful things. Quilts are one of those things, and so is dinnerware. So that seems like a good place to start.

Ever since I was little, I’ve been drawn to old dishes. Little bowls, big bowls, pretty plates, oversized serving pieces — if it caught my eye, I wanted it.

Entire sets, unfortunately, take up a lot of space, so I’ve had to be selective at times. But maybe one day I’ll have a bigger house and can have an entire dish room. That would be the dream!

For now, I collect what I can. Here are a few favorites and how I actually use them.

Hazel Atlas

This is my largest and most meaningful collection.

It was started from my aunt, who many years ago found a set in my grandmother’s attic. Over time, she added to it piece by piece — mostly from antique stores — until she eventually had quite the collection.

A few years ago, she gifted me a 12-piece set. At the time I was still living in a small apartment, so they stayed boxed up at my parents’ house. It wasn’t until I bought my home that I could finally bring them out and use them, where they are now displayed in my dining room.

There’s a lot I want to change about my dining room — and that includes finding a different hutch to display my dishes — but for now, this free Facebook Marketplace find does the job. It’s not beautiful, I don’t love it, but it works.

I now have even more Hazel Atlas than what you see here. My aunt recently passed away and her daughter gave me the rest of her collection. It’s a lot, and for now it’s packed away in my basement, but eventually I want to bring more of it out.

The solid colors are quite chic, you can mix and match them, and they’re very sentimental to me.

Montgomery Ward

I found this china for a steal at a thrift store. I’ve tried to identify the pattern and haven’t had any luck. If anyone knows, please tell me.

What I do know, based on the marking on the back, is that it was made for Montgomery Ward stores.

It’s not a full set, and I’m not trying to make it one. I just thought they were pretty and that’s all that matters to me.

Odds and Ends

These are a few individual pieces I’ve acquired over the years that are favorites. I’m not precious about these pieces; they’re meant to be used.

This little dish was an immediate yes at the thrift store. I’m not sure what it was originally meant for, but I use it on my bedside table to hold my glasses, a hair tie, chapstick, any little bits and bobs I need close by the bed at night.

This bowl is in frequent rotation in my kitchen. It’s larger than a cereal bowl but smaller than a serving bowl, which makes it perfect for pasta, a burrito bowl or a larger salad.

This dish belonged to another aunt and now sits on my bedroom dresser. It’s another one of those pieces that works well as a catchall and is currently holding some of my most-worn jewelry.

This splatterware bowl is large and in charge. I use it for fruit, to serve big salads at a dinner party, or just leave it out because it looks good on its own.

The One That Got Away

I can’t write this without mentioning a set of dishes that I didn’t buy. It almost pains me to even share this, because I still think about them.

One of my regular thrift stores I stop by when visiting my parents had a large set of these rose dishes that I loved. They were pink, PINK! and floral and beautiful and exactly my thing.

They sat there for months. Every time we visited, my mom and I would admire them, talk about buying them, and then talk ourselves out of it because we didn’t need them.

And then one day they were gone.

I immediately wondered who bought them. Did they go to a good home? Will that person love them as much as I would have? I still have the photo saved on my phone and I think of them often. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be.

I may not have my dream dish room (yet), and my collection is far from perfectly curated, but that’s kind of the point. These are pieces that I use and live with every day.

Some are sentimental, some are practical and some are just pretty. And that’s why I’ll continue collecting.

Before I begin, I want to be clear: this is in no way meant to shame anyone for buying fabric. Trust me, I buy plenty of fabric. I love buying fabric! And I love supporting manufacturers and designers who create fabric.

These are simply ideas for reducing waste where you can.

Buy Fabric Secondhand

If you spend any time thrifting or antiquing like I do, you quickly realize just how much stuff is out there. Furniture, dishes, clothing, you name it. There is always more stuff and there always will be.

The same is true for fabric.

I see fabric for sale on Facebook Marketplace, at yard sales and antique stores, and of course on Etsy and eBay. Let’s buy more secondhand fabric!

Tip: Make sure you let the people in your life know you are a quilter. When they’re cleaning out grandma’s house, or are downsizing and have boxes of fabric to get rid of, they’re going to ask you if you want it. Even better than buying fabric secondhand is being given it for free!

Use Vintage Bedsheets for Quilt Backs

I love using vintage bedsheets for quilt backs. They’re naturally extra-wide, so there’s rarely additional work piecing a quilt back. Plus, they usually are florals, which I love.

I have had a lot of success finding vintage bedsheets at thrift stores. I always check for holes and stains, and you want to make sure they’re not threadbare, but I often find brand new, unused bed sheets for a few bucks when I’m thrifting. Such a steal!

Tip: You can also cut up those bedsheets for fabric. I’ve seen some quilts that were made entirely of vintage bedsheets and they’re very cool.

Repurpose Old Textiles

Beyond bedsheets, you can use other gently-used textiles to make quilts. Think old button-down shirts, tablecloths and other clothing.

They also make great memory quilts. We’ve all seen the quilts made from a grandfather’s work shirts or from a child’s clothing. These are incredibly meaningful, and the clothing can live on for generations.

I always think of the scene in the movie Stepmom where Susan Sarandon’s character makes a quilt for her daughter and uses some of her childhood clothing for fabric. That scene is such a tearjerker.

Make Scrap Quilts

Saving and using scraps is the number one way I reduce waste in my quilting. Some of my favorite quilts I have ever made are entirely from scraps. For me, it’s so worth the storage space and the time spent digging to find the perfect piece of fabric.

Tip: Although I am known for saving some pretty small scraps, you don’t have to go that far. Instead, you can trim your scraps into 5” squares, 4” squares, whatever size you’re comfortable with, rather than having a mishmash of sizes. The squares also make for easy, organized stacking to store them.

Save Unfinished Blocks and Quilt Tops

Just like you can find old quilts for sale at antique stores, Facebook Marketplace, etc., you can also find unfinished quilt tops and quilt blocks waiting to be made into a quilt.

I realize this might not be for everyone — if you’re a quilter, you probably want to actually make the quilt yourself. But I have seen really beautiful vintage blocks and tops that are one-of-a-kind and so special.

None of these tips are about being perfect. It’s just about paying a little more attention to what we already have, and finding creative ways to use it. And that’s part of the fun of quilting anyway.

I would love to hear any of your tips for reducing waste. Feel free to share them in the comments!

Still, I’m sharing it anyway because this space is not only about sharing successes. It’s also about sharing missteps, experiments and lessons learned.

Here’s the quilt.

It’s a scrap quilt, which usually I excel at, if I do say so myself. I love making scrap quilts. But in hindsight, I can see a couple of places where this one went off course.

First, I think the diamonds are too big. If they were a bit smaller, I think the overall balance would feel better.

Second — and this is one that’s harder for me to pinpoint exactly — the colors and fabrics just don’t quite work together. Usually I trust that the scrappy nature of a quilt will work itself out in the end, but that didn’t happen here.

For this quilt, I think being more intentional about my fabric choices would have helped.

I’ve written before about my tendency to figure things out as I go, and most of the time that works. But in this case, it didn’t quite come together the way I hoped. That’s okay!

I still like the diamond pattern and can see this being a great quilt with different fabric choices. Maybe if all the diamonds were in varying shades of one color, or it could look great as a simple, two-colored quilt. I even think there’s a way to do this as a scrappy quilt that could work; this one just didn’t get there.

Lessons learned!

Over Easter, I was visiting my parents, so I have some catching up to do around the house this weekend. You know, the usual cleaning, laundry, etc. But I’m planning to carve out time for some fun too. Here are a few ideas if you are easing into the weekend as well.

Watching

• Your Friends & Neighbors (Apple+)

  Your Friends & Neighbors, starring Jon Hamm, is back for season two. I enjoyed the first season and am looking forward to diving into the new one. I’m also in the middle of a bit of a Jon Hamm binge. I never watched Mad Men when it originally aired but I’ve always wanted to. I’m slowly working my way through the series and I’m really into it. The fashion and interior design alone make it worth the watch. Watch Your Friends & Neighbors here.

• The Yankee Ferry (YouTube)

  If you’re a fan of MacKenzie-Childs products, this might be one for you to watch. One of the brand’s late founding artists, Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, is the subject of a short documentary about her life living on a converted Ellis Island ferry boat in New York. It’s under 20 minutes and free on YouTube. Watch here.

Reading

• MacKenzie-Childs Fans Mourn the Loss of a True Original (The New York Times)

  Speaking of Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, I’ve gone down a rabbit hole about her business and life. There’s so much to know and I would watch a full-length documentary about it all. Sadly, Victoria died last month, and The New York Times wrote about her life and legacy following her passing. Read the gift article here.

• The New Family Portrait Has Four Legs and a Tail (The New York Times)

  In lighter news, The New York Times also wrote about the growing popularity of pet portraits. I’ve been wanting to commission a portrait of my dog, Coco, so this definitely caught my eye. People love their pets and want portraits of them! Read the gift article here.

Making

• Quilt Backs

  I’ll be testing out a few quilt back options for my unfinished tops this weekend. I have some ideas, but I want to get at least one decided so I can baste it (my least favorite part of quilting) and move on to the fun part. Who else dreads basting their quilts?

• Ham and Cheese Quiche

  I froze some leftover Easter ham and plan to turn it into a quiche for Saturday brunch. The Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche from Spicy Southern Kitchen looks good to me. Recipe here.

Buying

• Paper Hexagons

  In case you missed it, I shared my finished English Paper Piecing quilt top earlier this week. You can read that post here. I mentioned that I’m ready to start another one but I need new hexagons first. Buy them here.

• Living Room Rug

  I’m starting to look for a new rug for my living room. I’m considering one from the Chris Loves Julia Loloi line. I think one from the Judy collection could work. I’ll have to think about this for a bit. Shop here.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. And if you have any entertainment or other recommendations I should check out, let me know!

Some people really love English Paper Piecing (EPP), and I get it. It’s a very portable quilting project that you can take with you while traveling, while sitting on the couch watching TV, or just about anywhere.

Because of that, it can easily serve as a side project alongside your other quilts. A little mental and creative break, if you will. All good things.

And that, I think, is precisely why it took me so long to complete this quilt. I never had to actually sit down at my sewing machine, clear off my design wall, clean off my cutting table, and finish it so I could move on to my next project.

Over those nine years, it was too easy to take it out for a few days, then put it away and forget about it. And forget about it I did. Sometimes for 6-12 months at a time. But it was always kind of hanging over my head, this unfinished quilt I couldn’t seem to get done.

Finally, last year I decided it was going to be the year I finished it. It had gone on long enough! Instead of being something I enjoyed working on from time to time, it had become the never-ending project that I had developed a bit of a love/hate relationship with.

So at the end of the year, when I pieced my last hexi, I was over it. I thought, I’m never doing this again. Famous last words.

Now… I’m changing my tune. In fact, I think I’m ready to start another EPP quilt.

This time, however, I’m planning a traditional Grandmother’s Flower Garden pattern instead of the larger-scale hexagons I used here. I think making smaller flowers with different fabrics will keep me going.

I guess all I needed was a bit of time away from EPP to pull me back in.

I started thinking about low effort quilting while planning my current project. And more specifically, while thinking about what I don’t want to do right now.

If you are a beginner quilter, this probably won’t resonate as much — at this stage, every quilt is a challenge. But if you’ve been quilting for a while, you know the feeling. There are quilts that can test you, stress you, and in some cases even burn you out.

And that’s exactly when a low effort quilt comes in.

What Is a Low Effort Quilt?

A low effort quilt is one you make after finishing a more demanding project. It’s for when you want to keep quilting but need something less mentally taxing. It lets you enjoy the process but without as much effort.

Low effort quilts will look different for everyone, but in general I’d say they fall into three categories:

Small. Think wall hangings, baby quilts or lap quilts. Something you can finish in a shorter amount of time.

Simple Pattern. This is subjective, but there are plenty of quilt blocks that come together easily and don’t require a lot of precision. Even basic patchwork quilts count.

Easy Fabric Selection. Using a single fabric collection, sticking to one or two colors, or working with a pre-coordinated fabric bundle removes a lot of decision fatigue and makes the process easier. I know for some people choosing fabric is their favorite part of the quilting process, but it can also be the most time-consuming. And occasionally the most stressful for fear of not getting it right.

The Quilts That Sparked This

I recently finished this granny square quilt.

It wasn’t necessarily hard, but it took a lot of effort to get it done.

Now, as I’m thinking about my next “high effort” quilt, I still want something to work on — just something less demanding. That’s where my current project comes in.

These blocks are easy to make, I’m using a single fabric collection (Tessie Fay Cora fabric) paired with a solid blue, and I don’t have to think or work too hard on any of it. No overthinking colors. No complicated construction. Just easy, repeatable blocks that will make a great quilt when I’m done.

Yes, It Still Counts

I can already hear the argument: All quilting takes effort.

And that’s true. But we also know not all quilts require the same kind of effort. Some require more precision, more planning and more decision making. Others let you settle into a rhythm.

Low effort quilting isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about choosing ease when you need it.

In some cases, it may even help you get your quilting mojo back if you haven’t made anything for a while. Low effort quilting has a purpose.

A Small Confession

After writing all of this, I have to admit something.

The simple quilt I’m working on right now? I’m already considering tweaking it a bit to make it more interesting — which would, of course, make it more complicated!

I haven’t decided yet, but I am thinking about it. Some of us just can’t help ourselves.

Or maybe that’s the whole point of low effort quilting. You get to decide how easy you want to make it.

The signs of spring are finally starting to show, and I’m looking forward to a nice weekend. I’m planning to clip my hydrangea shrubs and sweep off the back patio. The patio furniture isn’t out yet but it’s coming!

I also have quilt blocks I’m working on and fully intend to watch a show or two. Here’s what I’ve had my eye on lately.

Watching

• Landman (Paramount+)

  I know I’m behind, but I’m finally starting season two of Landman this weekend. Paramount+ has a deal right now to get the first two months for only $2.99. The deal is also available through your Amazon Prime membership, if you prefer watching through Prime Video. Your subscription comes with Showtime and is well worth the price of $2.99 for the amount of content available. Watch here.

• The Madison (Paramount+)

  Speaking of Paramount+, The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, just premiered and I’m going to check it out. It’s another Taylor Sheridan series (the creator behind Landman and Yellowstone) so I think it’s worth trying. Plus, who doesn’t love Michelle Pfeiffer? Watch here.

Listening

• The Idiot (Serial)

  Serial is back with a new season, The Idiot. For those of us who got hooked on the original Serial podcast about the Adnan Syed case, the new season and storyline sounds intriguing and more of a crime-type podcast I tend to enjoy.

For decades, M. simply disliked Allen. They saw him as a fool, a pompous “international businessman” who bragged about shady deals and drove fancy cars. But when Allen is arrested for trying to put a hit out on his ex-wife, M. and the Gessen family cannot wrap their heads around the news. He’s just an idiot, right? Not a would-be murderer?

Some Serial seasons have been hit or miss for me, but I’m optimistic about this one. Listen via The New York Times or on your favorite podcasting app.

Making

• Quilt Blocks

  Last weekend I started some simple quilt blocks using leftover Tessie Fay Cora fabric I have from a previous project. Anyone know the name of this block? I wanted an easy project that didn’t require a lot of work and these blocks were it. I’m now about 10 blocks in, and I’m looking at them and starting to consider making the blocks more interesting (read: more work) Ha!

• Summer Corn & Zucchini Pasta with Ricotta

  I have a container of ricotta cheese I need to use up, so I was searching for ricotta recipes that would work. Turns out, I have everything to make a corn and zucchini pasta dish, although I will be using frozen corn instead of fresh summer corn. Find the recipe from Food & Wine here.

Shopping

• Coats & Clark Thread

  Now that JoAnn’s is gone, this week I asked my Instagram followers where they are buying thread. I know there are plenty of brands to choose from, but I usually buy affordable and reliable Coats & Clark, which I always picked up from JoAnn’s. I recently needed white thread so I ordered a six-pack from Amazon. If you have a go-to-source for thread, I’d love to hear it. You can find the white Coats & Clark here.

• Square Quilting Rulers

  I also used to buy my quilting rulers at JoAnn’s. For my current project, I needed a 6.5” square ruler — which, of course, I didn’t already own despite having so many other sizes. I ordered a four-piece square ruler set to test out. It’s very affordable and is currently on sale for only $8.99 for all four rulers. Buy it here.

What’s good that you’re watching, listening, making or shopping for? Any plans for the weekend? Leave me a comment if you have any recommendations. Have a great weekend!

Churn Dash

The Churn Dash block is a simple nine-patch block and can be easily adjusted to your preferred block size. This Churn Dash quilt I made uses Heather Ross Sleeping Porch fabric along with some coordinating solids.

Jacob’s Ladder

Like the Churn Dash block, Jacob’s Ladder is a nine-patch block and can easily be adjusted in size. This Jacob’s Ladder quilt I made uses a variety of fabrics from Denyse Schmidt.

Irish Chain

I have never made an Irish Chain quilt but I would like to one day. The Irish Chain pattern can be made as a single, double or triple chain. I’m not sure which one I like most, but I think I’m leaning towards a double chain if/when I make one. Many Irish Chain quilts are made with two colors — white plus another color — but not always. Personally, I like the two-color look.

Log Cabin

The Log Cabin block is a simple design that can be rotated in different directions to create a variety of patterns within a quilt. I made this wonky Log Cabin quilt for Heather Ross’s Trixie collection and absolutely love how it turned out.

Snowball

Here’s another quilt I’ve never made, but ever since I spotted this vintage version hanging on the wall of a bakery in Northfield, MN, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. I think I may need to start collecting vintage fabric to make one. I could use new fabric, of course, but I love the idea of making it entirely with vintage.

I’m going to stop at five patterns for now, but I could definitely keep going. Maybe Part 2 is in order?

Do you have a favorite classic quilt pattern? I’d love to hear which ones are on your list.

Note: You can find many of these patterns available for free online.

This quilt became quite a bit bigger than I initially planned, but I had the fabric to keep going, so I did.

Note: I really should have had a second set of hands to hold this quilt, but my regular, trusty quilt holder got the job done. She’s an expert at this point.

Along with the Pretty Things fabric, I added solids to break up all of the pattern.

This was a great way to use up some of my solid scraps I’ve been keeping in my stash. I love when I can do that rather than cutting into new fabric!

The solids I used are a mixture of bright, darker colors along with some lighter, softer ones. I’m sure someone who studies color theory would have something to say about this — or recommend the “right” way to use solids to make it visually appealing — but that’s not me.

I also sometimes think when I start a quilt that I should plan more and be more intentional with my fabric and color placement. But that’s also not me. Ha!

When it comes to color selection, I often think of vintage and antique quilts and the fabrics and colors used in them. Fabric collections didn’t exist then, and many quilters were using whatever fabric they had available in a time before you could simply order what you needed.

Somehow, without a million SKUs of colors and fabrics at the tip of their fingers, their quilts still turned out beautiful. That’s the mindset I try to bring to selecting colors and fabrics.

I try not to overthink it. I try to use what I have, and I’m very much a figure-it-out-as-I-go-and-see-what-happens kind of gal. It usually works out.

Now to start planning the back for this quilt. I have a large vintage bedsheet that I’m thinking might work. If not, it might take me some time to come up with a backing that’s big enough — and that I like — to finish this one.

Half the fun will be figuring it out!

Watching

• Shrinking (Apple TV)

  Do you have an Apple TV subscription? It doesn’t have as much content as Netflix or other streaming services, but I find much of what it does have is really good. I’m deep into season three of Shrinking and highly recommend. It’s one of those feel-good series that makes you a little happier after you watch it. Check it out here. Bonus Apple TV recommendation: If you’re into edge-of-your-seat spy thrillers, Tehran recently finished its third season and it was so good.

• Scarpetta (Amazon Prime)

  Scarpetta is a new series out this week on Amazon Prime starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis. The show is based on the book series by Patricia Cornwell. I’ve seen some mixed reviews, but given that it’s a murder mystery (my favorite) I’ll still watch it! Find it here.

Reading

• “Grandma Hobbies” Are Trending

  The Associated Press wrote about the rising popularity of “grandma hobbies” and how young people are “turning to analog hobbies and activities as a means of escaping technology and reconnecting with childlike creativity and exploration.” I don’t know, I feel like every few years we hear about young people taking up hobbies traditionally associated with older people. So is this really anything new? One thing the article did mention is how many crafters and hobbyists feel a strong sense of community among their peers, which I certainly agree with. Check out the article here.

• Perfect English Small and Beautiful

  I bought the design book Perfect English Small and Beautiful and have been slowly taking in all of the design inspo. The English cottages featured in this book are so charming and have everything I love in a home. Find it here.

Making

• A Scrappy Quilt

  I’m finishing binding a scrappy quilt this weekend that uses the Heather Ross extra wide fabric Wild Ponies in navy. It’s also available in pink, which of course I love.

• Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

  I’m in the mood for Rice Krispie treats and will be making a pan this weekend. My tip: brown the butter! It makes them so much better. Try The Smitten Kitchen’s recipe for Salted Brown Butter Crispy Treats here.

Shopping

• Coco’s Easter Collar

  This is not for me but for my dog, Coco. I get all of Coco’s collars from The Foggy Dog and I’m eying the Easter egg collar. Does Coco really need a collar just for Easter? No. Do I want it for her anyway? Yes. Shop for it here.

• The Oaklynne Sneaker (Madewell)

  The Oaklynne Sneaker from Madewell is so cute for Spring. Bonus, they are 25% off. Buy them here.

That’s it for this week. If you’ve watched, read or made something great lately, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment and tell me what you’re enjoying right now.

And if you know someone who might like these weekend notes, feel free to share this post with them.

Share

Leave a comment