What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

In a scrap bag were small pieces of some super cute farm fabric–chickens, sunflowers and text. They aren’t the kind of prints where cutting them smaller would be a good solution. But they could be combined with something else.

I added the gold geometric print in the 4-1/2″ squares and built 4-patchesout of 2-1/2″ squares using coordinating fabrics.

I even had some matching sunflower fabric for the back.

It is even cuter in person, but this at least gives you an idea. Cheap and cheerful, but it will go in the donation pile for next year ...

 Once upon a time, I came across a tutorial on how to make a quilt with collage pieces. It was a llama and I really enjoyed the process of making it.

The blocks for my model quilt are complete, and I am working on layout.

Finish and tutorial coming soon!

I have managed to finish a project, only six weeks after our newest granddaughter was born. It is based on the pattern Christmas Jam Place Mats from the Winter 2025 Issue of Quilter’s World magazine.

My blocks are 8″ square. It seemed like such a great idea, until I realized that the finished project would have over 900 pieces. In a baby quilt. But, it was too late…I really wanted to see the finished product. So, I carried on.

You may notice that each fabric appears only one time, including the yellow star centers. I tried to pick ...

Daughter (Sparkle Jane) is still quilting, but with a 2-year old and a second baby due any day now, her time on social media is limited. I wanted to share a recent project of hers, though, because I got to be a part of it.

She had twelve “figure” blocks made by Susan Nixon (her quilting grandma) that she wanted to turn into something special. With the addition of 13 9-patch blocks (and a truly inspired backing) she now has a throw quilt.

Some of the blanket stitching on the figure blocks wasn’t finished, so Sparkle did that part ...

Here is my promised three-charm-packs quilt (could also be made with a layer cake or cut from scraps).

Finishes at 66″ square. Great throw, table topper, or even wall hanging (if you have a big wall).

Tutorial coming soon (probably next week).

A large pile of blocks came from Susan Nixon prior to her death. Unusual colors for a log cabin quilt. And not quite enough blocks. I added 4. Now I can’t tell which ones.

I call it Fireworks. The scattered, irregular shapes almost move. And the colors are so bright.

The finished size is 84″x84″. I don’t have definite plans for it yet, but I am sure it will have a home soon.

Young Son is getting married the end of September. She is a lovely young woman, and we are very pleased for them both. And, of course, the occasion calls for a quilt!

This is based on the CLEO Pattern . I did resize the blocks smaller, and I do love the look. Sort of modern/abstract. Or maybe just busy. Either way, it is done now… It is super scrappy with around 250 different green, brown, gold and cream fabrics.

Don’t you LOVE the gold thread in the quilting. (Thank you, Jennifer!)

We wish them a lifetime wrapped in quilty ...

There was a bag with eleven Christmas themed blocks–ten that measured 12-1/2″ and one that measured 15-1/2″.

Hmmm…what do I do with that? They are beautifully constructed, just like Susan always made. Yes, this is another finish in honor of Susan Nixon.

I created some pinwheel blocks and some strips of 2-1/2″ squares. Also, added 1-1/2″ sashing around the 15″ block.

The blocks are joined with 2-1/2″ sashing. Then a triple border of 2-1/2″ background, a pieced border of 2-1/2″ squares and a final 2-1/2″ border.

It is a fun ...

I started with the RISE pattern from Woodbury Way.

It is a great starting point. The directions for the basket alone are worth the price of the pattern. But, I did branch out and design some blocks of my own, many using scraps and leftovers from previous projects. The blocks using the bear’s paw and pinwheels were that way. The black balloon in the lower left and the green/blue one on the second row up are modeled on pictures of real balloons. So many options! So much inspiration! (SIDE NOTE: I used flying geese in the border rather ...

A free pattern is worth trying, right? Especially when the fabric is free, too!

I received a bundle of cut 2-1/2″ strips of assorted blue and green fabrics. There were so many I couldn’t see them getting used any time in the near future if I added them to my general stash of strips.

So, it was a try at something new. If I did it again I would make the quilting a darker shade of brown to help tie the front, the quilting, and the backing together better. I don’t love it, but someone will. If ...

Yes, we have a name: Fringe Benefit.

A fringe benefit is a perk, extra or bonus received in addition to regular compensation. In this case, those cut off triangles can turn into a buy one-get one special.

If you are interested in making a quilt, large or small, using this block, I have a few suggestions:

1. Get a bloc lock ruler, if you don’t have one already. Mine is 6-1/2″. It makes the trimming faster and more accurate. They are available in many local shops or a variety of locations online.
2. Dig out all those bonus triangles. They ...

Yep, you guessed it: Started as a handful of scraps in a hand-me-down bag. Maybe someday I’ll get tired of these, but it hasn’t happened yet. It gives a sense of freedom and creative challenge.

That said, some go better than others. I chose to experiment with the quilting on this one. I do believe the red was a good choice, but maybe a different design, something more floral to match the back?

Either way, it is done now. The blocks measure 12″ finished. The entire top is 38″ finished.

Another one for the donation pile. Though it ...

August is here, it's hard to believe that summer is almost over. Seems like summers fly by too quickly. Soon the evenings will start to cool down and the leaves on my one maple tree will start to turn, it's always the first tree. I have a little touch of autumn in the middle of August. The garden seems slow this year... only one tomato so far, I'm hoping for more of course. (We've have had a lot of rain this year.) I have picked a couple of nice batches of green beans. I roasted them ...