Lovely Day

Lovely Day, April 2026

Springtime colors of blue and violet with light gray give this wall hanging a peaceful vibe. I love how the curves and contrasts create circular movement.

Winding Ways is one of the first dies that I bought and is still one of my favorites. I did all the piecing on Rockette, my 1962 Model Singer 500-A Slant-O-Matic Rocketeer. Perfect stitches and a fabulous looking machine!

Moving over to the Janome to quilt, I followed the curves with a walking foot using light blue thread, then stitched free motion loops around the borders.

Lovely Day finished at 39” x 47” size, and is currently featured on the wall in my sewing studio where I can enjoy it every day. I adore creating beautiful things with fabric and my collection of new & vintage machines.

Accuquilt dies used:

55069 Winding Ways 8” block
55017 Strips 2½” binding

Everyday America

Everyday America, May 2026

How can it already be the end of June? Time seems to be flying by at record speed. We've been busy with everyday life, settling into and organizing our home.

I am back to my normal pace in the sewing room, with a backlog of ideas waiting to be started. Today's quilt is a vintage 1920's design called Rob Peter To Pay Paul. It was also published as Sugar Bowl, Orange Peel, Turn About, and Pin Cushion. It would have been fairly common to see during the 20's through the 60's.

Red, white and blue remnants are perfect for this patriotic layout. The Janome with her HP ¼” foot made piecing these precise curves easy. I quilted in rows 2½” apart in a scallop stitch with white thread. Everyday America is 44” square, and completed in May.

With July comes the heat of summer. Temps are predicted in the high 90's with heat indexes around 110 degrees all this week in Tennessee. Guess I have no choice but to stay inside and catch up on my quilting projects! Y'all stay cool for Independence Day!

Accuquilt dies used:
55066 & 55067 Rob Peter To Pay Paul
55017 Strips 2½” binding

 

Leisure Time

Leisure Time, May 2026

Well, this queen size quilt took me a while to finish. I designed and cut it in March, then finally on May 20^th I sewed on the binding.

Whew, what a challenge! I'm used to sewing quilts quickly, but I had to take my time, even set this one aside, because my right wrist was giving me fits. I thought it was sprained, but the doc said it was tenosynovitis. Lucky me. Ice packs, rest, a splint and no heavy lifting.

I chose navy, green and blue scraps to complement our sea green bedroom. The modified kite blocks were fun to sew, using larger sides than normal and trimming the corners. I had the top done before my wrist let me down. I added a wide green striped border made from a thrifted sheet, plus light blue swirl 108” backing.

It took a while to pin the layers, since it's larger than my work table. For quilting, I used light blue thread and a gentle wave ruler to stitch an allover rectangular fishnet pattern. All sewing and quilting was done on the Janome MC9450, and that was a chore to manage with a splint on my hand.

Leisure Time finished out at 95” square and looks beautiful on our bed. She's a big 'un! I don't make this size very often, and it will be quite some time before I consider another. I'll stick to my lap size designs.

Accuquilt dies used:
55254 Kite 4” finished
55821 Triangle in Square sides 5”
55017 Strips 2½”binding

Star Power

Star Power, February 2026

One patch quilts can be simple or detailed, depending on design and color choices. This one features muted blue floral, medium white dots on gray, and black/white weaver print fabric.

I wanted four inch 60° diamonds but didn't have that specific die, so I cut them with a strip die. I first did layout in EQ8, then put the diamonds on my design wall before sewing together in sections.

Star Power is 48” x 52” finished. I quilted with blue thread, using a free motion meander stitch for the star, then switched to straight stitch along the seam lines for the perimeter area.

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Last week was fabulous: We finally got some rain! I received three new dies from Blue Wren in Australia, found amazing fabric bargains (79 yards for $174) at a consignment sale, and visited with family I haven't seen in a while.

Accuquilt dies used:

55054 Strips 4½”
55017 Strips 2½” binding

Lakeside Picnic - Better Late Than Never

You never know what you'll find when you start cleaning out a closet, especially in a sewing room. Maybe treasures, maybe trash, usually both. My normal responses vary from “Oh wow!” and “I remember that fabric” to “Why did I even keep that?” or “What the hell was I thinking?”

This little quilt is one of two pretty unfinished quilt tops I found stashed in an unlabeled box. Looking back at my quilt diary, I worked on it in the summer of 2013. I'm not sure why I laid it aside, but the pieced backing and the border fabric was stored with it. I probably had several projects going at once and it got lost in the shuffle. But here it is now, all finished.

A simple rail fence block is arranged using blue prints alternating with a green & white check. Borders are a lovely solid green and a blue floral. I think it has a 1930's vibe going. The back is pieced with wide and narrow stacked strips. I quilted the center section using a straight stitch in green thread, following the rails. On the borders, I changed to a multi zig-zag utility stitch.

Lakeside Picnic is 45” square and ready to use now that it rested for 11 years. The other top with backing has been added to the To Be Quilted shelf in my decluttered and organized closet. You'll see it soon, I hope.

Better late than never!

Braided Blue

Oh, I love this adorable quilted mat! I've been on a roll with curves lately.

A classic color combination of clear navy blue and crisp white fabric is perfect here. The design is created with a new die from Blue Wren, called Wave Peak.

The small 4” blocks fit together like a puzzle to form a lovely wave or braid. I set them on point, then filled in the outside with white setting triangles.

For quilting, I used a straight stitch and white thread with a walking foot, following around the curves. On the outside edges I added two rows of echo curves.

Braided Blue is only 23” square, since I wanted table mat or small wall hanging size. A larger quilt can be made by adding another round of the braids.

So cute and so much fun to make! I'll be experimenting with this die to create borders or combine with other blocks.

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6633 Wave Peak 4” finished

Blue Quarters

Blue Quarters

Simple and classic, this blue, tan, and cream quilt is made up of remnants from other projects.

I've been working on it for a while, piecing hourglass blocks when I had a few minutes to spare. Some of the fabrics have been in my collection for years; others are recent acquisitions. I mixed plaid, stripes, floral, and geometric prints with some solids.

The backing is a blue sheet that I picked up at a thrift store. I quilted diagonal rows with blue thread in the bobbin and tan on top, alternating straight and serpentine stitches.

Blue Quarters finished at 48” square, and will make a lovely donation quilt.

Accuquilt dies used:
55047 Quarter Square Triangles 4” finished
55017 Strips 2½”

Sundance

Sundance

Bright yellow and orange batiks stand out against cool pale blue in this week's quilt. I was working on it back in August when the temps hit the high 90's.

Classic palm blocks look complicated but are relatively easy to sew. There are a lot of pieces, though. I stacked them by the machine in order so I wouldn't mix them up while sewing. Having an iron and pressing mat next to me helped as well.

I added 3” borders, so Sundance finished at 55” square. Quilting with pale blue thread, I sewed a serpentine stitch 4” apart in a grid pattern.

I can't wait to try other color combinations and layouts, maybe even a scrappy version. So many possibilities!

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6359 Palm 8” finished

Accuquilt
55032 Strips 3½” borders
55017 Strips 2½” binding

Cappuccino Blues

This yummy quilt features creamy vanilla, rich brown, clear blue and navy prints. The design may be simple but it spotlights the fabrics so well. 

Each Economy block is sashed with cream and caramel swirls, which is also used for backing and binding.

All the piecing was done using Laney, my custom painted Singer 301. I quilted on the Janome with ecru thread, stitching an allover loopy design using a circle ruler.

Cappuccino Blues is 53” square. It certainly makes me want to snuggle up with a hot beverage and listen to soft blues.

I love sewing vintage blocks. This one was popular in the 1930's, and is still seen often today. Depending on fabric choices, it can look modern or traditional. I think Granny Hill and Granny Rose would both approve.

Accuquilt dies used:
55106 Square on point 3 11/16”
55147 Half square triangle 2¼”
55398 Quarter square triangle 4½”
55017 Strip 2½”

Blue Collar

Blue Collar

It's Labor Day so I'm featuring a quilt made from plaid and striped shirting with miscellaneous blue scraps. The corners are cream prints. 

This 10” kaleidoscope block makes for quick work. I love the way the alternating coloring creates secondary patterns.

I previewed using EQ8, then fine tuned the layout on my design wall before sewing. White on cream tiny print makes a simple backing and binding. I quilted with cream thread in an allover clamshell pattern using a circle ruler. Blue Collar finished at 51” square.

Y'all have a great day!

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6396 Isosceles triangles
Accuquilt 55009 3½” HST

Cat Nap Blues

Cat Nap Blues

Shades of blue plus neutrals from my large stash make up this old fashioned quilt. I pulled from my boxes of remnant squares and triangles first, then cut more to balance out the design. Trapezoids from scraps and strips are mainly navy and bright blue.

I pieced the 36 blocks using Laney, my pretty Maui Blue Singer 301. Like working a puzzle, I moved them on my design wall until I was happy with the layout. Cat Nap Blues is 54” square after I added a 3” border.

Quilting this one was a challenge, even with my  Janome machine. I used a new ruler and even though I practiced first, it gave me fits on the quilt. The fabric wanted to drag as I changed direction on the waves, and my thread kept breaking. I persisted, and although there is uneven stitching and several boo-boos, I decided it is good enough.

I do like the double row of waves, so I'll practice more before the next attempt. And I'll use a busy print instead of a solid color backing. After I washed and dried, the stitching looks better. Certainly not show worthy, but it will keep me warm and give the cat a place to nap.

Accuquilt dies used:
55763 Trapezoid
55018 Small value die (2" squares & half square triangles)
55017 Strip 2½”
55032 Strip 3½”

Sometimes perfection isn't necessary

January Sampler

Sampler quilts are a fun way to try out blocks. I selected nine classic patterns in a 9” size, using a variety of clear blue, navy, and white prints with a splash or two of black.

Crisp white sashing with navy cornerstones surround each block. I added two narrow 2” borders: a black and blue ticking stripe and white. I quilted with white thread, using a meandering free motion stitch. I repeated the black and blue ticking for binding.

January Sampler is 45” square in size, nice for a baby boy quilt or wall hanging. I used Electric Quilt 8 to lay out the quilt and Accuquilt dies to cut.

It's been a cold and snowy January here in Tennessee, just right for staying home and quilting.

winter: a perfect excuse to stay inside and quilt

Triumphant

Another scrappy quilt! The calming navy, blue, and taupe colors are jazzed up with coral, sea green and bright cream.

I used dies to cut the triangles and 60 degree diamonds, but I had to rotary cut those pesky trapezoids. Whew, this one makes me appreciate the time saving, ease, and accuracy of dies. 

While I worked, I thought about how our grannies carefully hand cut all their pieces with scissors, using paper templates pinned onto the material. They were certainly dedicated to their sewing!

Triumphant, Jan. 2022

I named this one Triumphant, to match my mood once it was done. I like the way the diamonds form six pointed stars where they join. I already have another design in mind to emphasize those stars. I quilted with cream thread in a straight stitch along the seams. It finished out 47” x 51” in size.

You'd think my scrap bin would be smaller by now, but it seems like I have more than ever. It's a good thing I love those remnants.

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6361 Traveler Star (diamonds)
Accuquilt 55429 Equilateral Triangle

Triangulation

Triangulation

Geometric shapes are traditional in quilts. These large 8” equilateral triangles made easy work of cutting and sewing. It's a nice change after last week's tiny pieces.

Medium and light shades of blue, aqua, and cream create a soft peaceful vibe. Adding an extra strip of triangles across the natural muslin backing makes this one reversible.

I quilted along all seam lines using a straight stitch with dark cream thread. I finished off the binding with a decorative blanket stitch. Triangulation is 44” x 49” size.

Dies used:

Blue Wren 6568 8” finished equilateral triangle
Accuquilt 55017 Strip 2½”

Rhythm & Blues

What a striking quilt this turned out to be! I knew it would be pretty when I designed it in EQ8, but the completed project turned out better than expected.

Large rings in shades of cobalt blue and white have a modern look. Rhythm & Blues is 48” square, with rounded corners on the 4” borders. Backing is pieced in three sections using leftover fabric. Quilting was done with medium blue thread in an allover scallop stitch.

The curves on this Blue Wren die sewed together perfectly...I didn't even use pins! I just matched the notches and stitched a bit more slowly than usual with the Acufeed HP 2 foot on my Janome.

This design would look fabulous in any two or three color combination, or maybe even try it with multi-colored scraps. I'll be making this again.  It's a happy quilt that makes you want to tap your toes.  Have a great  week, y'all.  

Hey, get rhythm!

When you get the blues!

C'mon, get rhythm!

When you get the blues!

Get a rock and roll feeling in your bones

Put taps on your toes, and get goin'

Get rhythm!

When you get the blues!

~Johnny Cash

Dies used:
Blue Wren
6858 Charming Rings 8” finished
Accuquilt
55054 Strips 4½”
55017 Strips 2½” (binding)

Am I Blue?

An easy quilt is just what I needed to finish out this crazy year.

Medium blue fabrics with white and black accents and a touch of aqua make this one shine. To keep the rail fence blocks from being boring, I featured two smaller rectangles in each center section. I used EQ8 for layout and color placement.

Am I Blue? is 48” square. I quilted diagonally with dark blue thread in a serpentine stitch. The blue and white dot backing and striped binding finish it off perfectly.

Am I Blue?

So, my final count for 2020 is 52 quilt projects. It's been a great year for sewing! This week I'll straighten up my space, then sort and inventory fabric.  I got new dies and fabric for Christmas, so I'll organize my storage shelves too. A reworked design wall is currently under construction.

I love starting the new year with a clean slate and a fresh list of ideas.

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6047 Rectangles 2” x 6” and 2” x 3”
Accuquilt 55017 2½” Strip

Stormy Beach

Batik fabrics in ocean hues combine beautifully with a muted blue-gray mini dot to make the storm at sea blocks on this quilt. I've been wanting to sew this one for a while, but I don't have the die.

Fortunately, I do have individual dies for the pieces needed. I laid out the block using EQ8 to fit those dies. Perfection! I had to make more cuts that I would have with the block on board die, but it's certainly easier than rotary cutting everything.

For quilting, I stitched with cream to gray variegated thread, using a walking foot, mirroring the motion in the design. Borders are quilted with a serpentine pattern. Binding and backing is a wide beige cobblestone print. Stormy Beach is 47” square.

These seaside colors remind me of a cloudy beach after a rain: so relaxing, peaceful, and mellow. I hung it on the wall in our great room for the summer, adding other display quilts and pillows in complementary colors. We're not traveling to the beach this year due to COVID, so I made the best of it with décor.

Accuquilt dies used:
55018 Small value die
55047 Quarter square triangle 4” finished
55031 Half square triangle 4” finished
55409 Triangle in square 4” finished
55818 Half square triangle 1½”

Everything is better 

at the beach... 

even rain. 

Crossroads

Crossroads

Simple quilt blocks are quick, fun to sew, and easy on the eyes. This one uses 2 ½” strips with 4 ½” squares to make a peaceful snuggle quilt in a classic style.

Cool blue and white prints in medium and light shades from my stash coordinate well with the grey and white border and backing. I quilted with white thread along each seam.

Crossroads finished size of 43” x 51” is just right for a comfortable recliner nap.

By the way, my lovely fabric from the beach is inventoried and filed away in baskets and cabinets, just waiting to be chosen for the next quilt. So many ideas!

Points Of Blue

Blue is one of my favorite colors. This busy little 44” square quilt was cut with the Accuquilt half rectangle triangle die. Blue prints were combined in pairs with black, white and cream.

I added a 2” border of solid black to frame my work, and used blue paisley print backing. Quilting was sewn in a serpentine stitch 3” apart horizontally and vertically with gray and white variegated thread.

Points Of Blue

I had originally thought to keep all the blocks pointed in the same direction. While those neat rows looked nice, rotating the squares created a jumbled effect that I like better. You just never know how a design will play out.

Don't be fooled today!