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 ...

Learn the quilt as you go technique with this flag pillow tutorial. Great for the 4th of July or summer decoration.

This design has been stewing for a bit. I finally snuck in a few sewing minutes and put it together. Lately I have been having a lot of fun with the quilt as you go method.

After sketching a few things, I figured out how to make the flag layout work…… so happy with how it turned out!

I am not one to dec my whole house with holiday stuff, but it’s been awhile since I’ve had ...

Explore the world of patriotic quilting with our curated collection of red, white, and blue quilt patterns. Whether you’re preparing for Memorial Day, Independence Day, or simply want to infuse your home with a touch of Americana, these patterns offer a blend of tradition and creativity. From classic stars and stripes to modern interpretations, there’s something here for every quilter.

It’s time to dig out your patriotic colors and start sewing something! Whether you have little fabric bits, or yardage, there are a few easy sewing projects {some are bigger than others, but still simple} for you ...

I wasn't very motivated this week.  Sometimes you just need to do something else. Reading was big on my list of something else for some reason.  Even so I still managed at least 15 minutes of stitching stuff each day.  

• 15 minute days/week = 7/7 days
• 15 minute days/May = 10/10 days
• 15 minute days/2025 = 125/130 days
• Success rate = 96.15%

Learn how to sew hand warmers in the shape of hearts! Use felted wool and rice to sew up this quick project. Great for any season and sewing ability!

I have been using a few hand warmers lately to help with the chilly weather. The heater is on, but it’s still freezy! That’s how I feel!

I had a cute pair, but they were cooked too many times and no longer worked. It was time to make me some new ones.

For these hand warmers I used felted wool sweaters. I keep a little pile in the sewing ...

Reading this past month or two has been a mixed bag. Two books were meh, one not my cup of tea but others may enjoy it, and only one to recommend. Links are provided for some to Amazon so you can read the full synopsis.

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley – This book was recommended by an employee at our local used book store, and she was so effusive in her praise I decided to get it without checking out the reviews. In my quest to find stories to read that are unusual, the book jacket synopsis seemed to ...

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday week last week, and that the fun continues this week. Once Christmas arrived, things definitely slowed down here. It has been a welcome respite from all the hustle and bustle of the season. I’ve had time to slow down, work on a couple of ideas, enjoy the lights on the tree, and watch the birds. They have been busy this week eating all the seed they can stuff into their beaks. Here, the red bellied woodpecker shares the bounty with a bluebird and a nuthatch. Colder weather and several days of rain ...

This week, as we pause to reflect on the blessings in our lives, I hope that everyone is spending the holiday in a manner that is joyful, with people they love. I am aware of a fellow blogger that lost her husband suddenly without warning last week. Even though she lives in a country that doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, it is still a hard time of year with the holidays to come. Another blogger buddy has opted not to go see her extended family as gatherings have become contentious with disagreements rather than celebrations of togetherness. Holiday stress of entertaining ...

This year, we’ve put together something extra magical for all of our quilty friends (and the people who have them on their gift list)! Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide is your one-stop shop for finding something special this holiday season. To make your browsing (and sharing) a bit easier, use the links below to jump to the category you’re interested in!

Stocking Stuffers

Tis the season to surprise your favorite quilter with unique and useful stocking stuffers! Add ...

This Nativity pattern is 27″ wide x by 33″ high and uses 3 reds, 5 blues, 5 browns and one near-white. The Paypal link lets you use any charge card for payment. You’ll immediately be given a download link for files to store on your computer. Ideally print the pattern pages (which are already mirrored) on sheets of freezer paper to be taped together. There are general instructions, specific sequence instructions, a color chart, and some single sheets ...

A chill is in the air and there are howls on the wind, calling in all the Halloween freebies for a spooktacular roundup. Thirteen free Halloween projects and three free Halloween Quilt and Stitch Alongs await you. Keep reading… if you dare! The urge to make something is all but guaranteed to strike.

Home Decor

Creep your home looking spooky and cute this Halloween with one of these free projects! Which one will bewitch you this spooky season?

Spooky Bat Bunting

The Spooky Bat Bunting works up in two flaps of a bat’s wing and is frightening fun for ...