What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

Boy…once Ray got a break from his snowbird customer quilts, he took off on community quilts. Ray writes: Lynda B made this awesome quilt. The patterns for these quilts are amazing, let alone an invaluable education. I have seen nine patches alternating with blocks. But this quilt takes it a step farther and makes a block …

Community Quilts from Ray Read More »

The amazing husband had a big birthday last week, so even with everything that’s been going on (May stuff ran right into June!), I wanted to try to make him something special.

As a collector of guitars, I thought a guitar quilt would be appropriate for him. I used the pattern called Strummin’ by Pink Parakeet Designs. It uses fat quarters and I decided to go with batiks. I had a bunch I’ve been saving for years, so it was good to use a few up! I also used a dark background, which I LOVE and will do ...

I had to laugh. I was writing this blog post when a comment came in from Kathleen. If you remember, long ago, Kathleen told me that she has a rule in her family that you should not introduce a girlfriend/boyfriend until you’ve been dating for three months. This is her comment, “Third time’s a charm. …

Sometimes it Clicks… Read More »

I decided to tackle my reupholstering job. You might remember I bought two stools like this from the garage sale I went to. I paid $3 each. They are sturdy and really nice, minus the need to reupholster them. I know myself, and if I didn’t just jump right in, I’d put it off. So …

Reupholstering the Stools Read More »

I had a busy week, but managed to get some time in the sewing room. It needs to be cleaned and sometimes the best way to do that is to clean out projects. I was kind of pooped one day, but wanted to sew, so I picked a sitting project, Midnight Flight by Bonnie Hunter. …

What I’m Working On: June 8th, 2026 Read More »

Have you ever wondered why we have so many idioms and metaphors related to bees?

I’ve had a bee in my bonnet for some new designs inspired by the colorful pollinators. The hexagon, or beehive structure was a natural selection for creating strong cutouts in my product walls because they reduce the wall density and material usage while maximizing the structure left behind to carry loads. It works out perfectly for some of my newest 3D printed designs. It was a little harder to pull off the hexaons on my couched throw pillows and the fine laser cut details ...

Rick and I have been working on the garage most of the mornings this week. If you remember, we’re making it into a family room of sorts. It will still be a totally working garage, but when we have family and friends over, it will turn into an extended living space. Rick works second shift, …

Garage Progress Read More »

You might remember that not too long ago, I made a quilt for an upcoming wedding. The wedding was for my great-nephew. I know I have often talked to you about my niece Jody, who was my best friend. Jody died in 2019 to breast cancer. It was her oldest son who got married. I …

Wedding Weekend Read More »

I had an ant problem.  It’s embarrassing to admit but I did.  I tried smooshing the suckers but I quickly figured out that I couldn’t stay ahead of them and needed something. It was so bad, I could see the ants would be on my kitchen counter, climb up and disappear behind the woodwork around …

Jo Recommends-Ant Killer Read More »

Hello friends. May has been pretty crazy around here and it just put me way behind on lots of projects. Well, at least behind on getting them out the door.

With that said, I want to share these very fun baby quilts. Years ago I met a lifelong friend with two little ones, a girl and a boy. This little family was so very dear to me and still is. In fact, that little girl is now a grandma!

If you know me at all, you know I’m a great believer in “Grandma Quilts.” Being a mama is rewarding ...

Rick and I were talking, and somehow it came up that Snickerdoodle Cookies are his favorite. That got me thinking…I don’t think I found my forever Snickerdoodle Cookie recipe. Hmm. I might have to work on that. Then, a few days later, I was talking to my friend Pam, and she said she was making …

What I’m Making: Snickerdoodle Cookies Read More »

Rick was at my house on Saturday too. He determined it was going to be garden day. After working on getting the tiller going the day before, he tried it the next morning, and on his first pull, it started. Karl offered to till the garden on Monday so we put the tiller aside and …

Saturday: Garden Day Read More »

My local quilt group is working on a BOM again this year, this one designed by our “fearless leader”. She’s a talented quilter/designer who has had some quilts published in a magazine, and she volunteered to do this one for us this year. She made the blocks 8″ square, with a separate tree block to […]

A guest post from Kayla I’m back with another Book Buddies post. Last time I recommended The Glass Castle and Wavewalker which I described as “The Glass Castle on a boat.” When I asked for other suggestions for books about Strong Willed Girls with Parents Who Make Poor Choices, Educated by Tara Westover was popular. …

Book Buddies: The Less People Know About Us, The Sound of Gravel Read More »

What do you get when you combine four days, seventeen students and boxes of fabric?

A lot of work! A lot of fun! A lot of projects!

It is remarkable to see how they gain confidence and skill in so few days. Several plan to ask for sewing machines for Christmas.

And all send their thanks to my great friends who share the fabric that makes it possible. You are helping support the crafting creative arts in the next generation.

I am stitching less nowadays, and I’m totally okay with that. I’ve been filling my life with people and not as many hobbies. It’s all good… Last week I was working on this… I worked on my Americana Trio. I am stitching this on the called for colors on a piece of orphan linen from …

Cross Stitch Update: May 22nd, 2026 Read More »

How about a set of potholders? Yes, I seem to be stuck on potholders right now, but they really are fun.

This hockey fabric must have been very popular, because there were pieces in multiple scrap bags. Match on!