The Great Backyard Bird Count has begun, and I’m doing a count every day through today. The first day of the count, the local squirrels made an appearance for the first time in a couple of weeks. I had stopped making sandwiches for them as they would run off when I stepped outside. But this time, one came up to the door, paws folded, looking cute. I decided he hadn’t been here in a while. So, of course, I got out the makings and made two sandwiches just in case someone else got the idea while I was ...

I'm coming along quite well with knitting my cotton summer top, although to be honest I don't find cotton very nice to work with.  But that's what I'm using in this project so of course I will persevere.  The back is completed, and I've started on the front, which I will take away on holiday with me.  It's always good to have knitting at the ready, just in case I feel like doing a few rows now and again.

Charming moments will be seen this week as it comes closer to a day set aside for appreciating the love we have in our lives. I just adore the cardinals courting. The male will pick out the choicest tidbits and feed them to the female. This is just so sweet.

I want to get a hyacinth this week. I absolutely adore the delicate flowers and wonderful sweet scent. This idea seems fresh and new for this week, something different yet appropriate. Maybe a purple one would be nice this time.

Set a Valentine table with a Paris theme instead of ...

Time for the last Stashbusters check in, the final count of how much came in and went out for December and the 2025 year.

I did OK for the year, finishing with more out than in. December ended with more in than out. I bought with half a yard of this fabric, so I could get this motif along with the one I used in a project.

The mystery box had just over 1 yard of fabric. The little piece is 10-inches square, hardly enough to count.

A friend gifted me with these two cute prints, total in 2-1/2 ...

Introducing Our New Stick & Stitch Embroidery Designs

Say goodbye to tracing—and hello to simple, joyful stitching!

If you’ve ever wanted to add a sweet embroidered touch to a project but hesitated because of all the prep work… you’re going to love what we just added to the shop!

I’m so excited to introduce our brand-new Stick & Stitch Hand Embroidery Designs—a super convenient way to transfer embroidery patterns without any tracing, lightboxes, or fuss. Truly… just peel, stick, stitch, and wash away!

These sheets open up so many creative possibilities, whether you’re embellishing a quilt ...

It’s Christmas Day! On this special day, I wish you joy and peace with love and laughter of family and friends. A wish for all my readers, no matter where you live or what your faith, of health and happiness on this day and every day.

I wrote these wishes in 2016, and I still wish for the same things, to a greater degree now than ever in the past. I wish for a world where tolerance and respect is the norm instead of the exception for all people, especially in our leaders. I wish for people of different ...

This is my favorite holiday of the year. I always wake up with much anticipation for the day. I’ll enjoy my morning coffee while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, along with some other parades that are being shown on CNN. I have been spending the holiday morning doing this for many years. I did a post on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and some of its history HERE, if you’d like to see that. I’ve included some photos from their press packets of bygone years, and some details about the 1947 version of Miracle ...

It’s here! The most festive, cozy, joy-sparking week of the year—our Holiday Shop is officially open, filled with cheerful patterns, seasonal supplies, and handmade-worthy goodies that make holiday stitching such a delight.

Whether you’re planning gifts, decorating your home, or simply giving yourself a little creative break during this busy season, you’ll find beautiful inspiration waiting for you.

CLICK HERE FOR THE HOLIDAY SHOP!

read more

added by Jacquelynne Steves 4 months, 3 weeks ago. under christmas , embroidery , holiday , sewing & quilting , winter (Comments)

Learn how to make quilt-as-you-go holiday mug rugs with this fun and festive sewing tutorial. These little quilts are the perfect quick project to brighten up your coffee table, gift to friends, or add a handmade touch to your holiday decor.

The best part? You’ll sew the quilting and piecing at the same time—no separate quilting step required! Quilt-as-you-go projects are fast, forgiving, and a great way to use up your fabric scraps, especially all those cute holiday prints you’ve been saving.

Whether you make a set for yourself or stitch up a few for gifts, these ...

 I'm taking a blogging break as I'm off on a coach holiday for the next couple of weeks.  I write the blog on my lap top, but don't want to have to carry it around with me.  But I will be able to keep up with my blog reading on my small tablet. which will be packed away in my suit case.

And talking about packing - this was never an issue when we traveled by  by caravan, there was room for everything, and more.  I always used to pack a pile of books, my knitting bag and ...

Our October Collection for The Art of Home Club is here—and it’s just about the cutest thing ever! Say hello to Little Cuddle Friends, a set of projects designed to bring smiles, snuggles, and sweetness to your home.

This Collection includes instructions for three different projects:

✨ A Quilt – perfect for a crib, play mat, or cozy cuddle time.
✨ A Fabric Basket with Pocket – super handy for storing toys, books, or craft supplies (and that extra pocket is just right for keeping a favorite friend close by!).
✨ A Personalized Wall Hanging – make it extra special by adding a child ...

Even though the air is still warm, it’s the perfect time to get a head start on your holiday stitching!

Our newest Club Collection — Winter Birdie Baubles — is filled with festive cheer and plenty of cozy details. This collection includes a quilt, table runner, and wall hanging, all featuring cheerful little winter birds bundled up in scarves and tucked inside Christmas ornament balls. How cute is that?!

These playful designs combine hand embroidery and applique in the sweetest way. The birds’ perky little scarves add an extra touch of whimsy that makes these projects perfect for holiday decorating — or ...

Looking for a quick win in your sewing room? Something that’s fun, fuss-free, and finished in a weekend (or less)? Our Mini Quilt Kits might just be your new favorite creative escape!

Memorial Day 2025 Pattern $9.63 download. 28×31″.

Memorial Day at the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home in King, Wisconsin, always starts with the placement of ~ 6500 flags at dawn.  Anyone is welcome.  Every stone has its flag placed by volunteers….  local people, Boy Scouts, families of veterans, and veterans themselves.  It only takes 20 minutes for the entire cemetery to be decorated.  the inscriptions on the stones are a reminder of the real lives past.

“Loving Husband and Father and Grandpa”

“You are my Sunshine”

“Purple Heart”

“Co B   6th Wis. Inf.” (Civil War, no dates)

And came home and ...

Red, white and blue is a classic. Such a great color combination for the whole summer.

I thought about keeping it simple and not going over board with a mega DIY project.

This star banner can be made in a couple of hours…. perfect for those last minute BBQ’s and backyard parties.

It’s a no sew DIY project….. just right for those of you who don’t have a sewing machine yet or have one, but don’t have the time to sew!

Materials Needed:

5 strips of fabric – for the banner–  red white or blue white ticking ...