Katie Loves Flowers

Katie Loves Flowers, July 2026

I just finished this quilt on Saturday and couldn't wait to share with you. I absolutely love these bright colored flowers. It's my current favorite.

This pretty block is a vintage Laura Wheeler pattern from the 1930's and 40's, originally called America's Pride. I sent a request to Norma Grimmer at Blue Wren in Australia to build me a custom die, and it's now in their catalog under the name Oopsy Daisy. 

It sews together beautifully, and I didn't even have to pin those curves! I did the piecing on Bogart (Bogie), a 1942 model Singer 99, a blackside model with the wrinkle finish. Such a smooth running machine with precise stitches, link to read his restoration story.

For quilting I switched to the Janome, using white thread to outline those sweet curves, then serpentine stitches across the block seam lines. 

Katie Loves Flowers was created with fat quarters and remnants, plus fresh white muslin and a black weave print. It's the perfect snuggle size at 48” square.

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6816 Oopsy Daisy 12” block
Accuquilt 55017 Strips 2½” binding

Distraction

Distraction, January 2026

It's no secret that purple is my favorite color, even though there aren't too many hues that I don't like. I'm definitely a color lovin' woman. For this simple design, I wanted to use some large and medium florals that have been in my stash for a while.

I added pink, purple, and green scraps in coordinating colors along with a white-on-white print and black & white mini gingham. These half and quarter square triangles are easy to stitch, especially on Annie, my Singer 221 Featherweight.

A sweet paisley print in purple, green & cream was perfect for backing and binding this 50” square quilt called Distraction. I quilted on the Janome with pale gray thread, using a utility zig-zag stitch in diagonal rows, plus straight stitching along horizontal and vertical seams.

I'm off to do some more rain dancing, since we are so very dry. April showers are needed for May flowers, and we have only had 0.65” so far this whole month. Not your usual rainy April in Tennessee, despite several storms passing us by.

Accuquilt dies used:

55001 HST 6½”

55002 QST 6½”

55017 Strips 2½”

Primavera

I've been thinking about spring since the ground hog predicted an early one.

I finished this pretty quilt late last month after getting the Windmill die from Blue Wren. Such a fun, quick and easy one to sew. The layout takes a bit of thought, much like some of the jigsaw puzzles I work. My design wall came in handy.

Lovely pink, green, and cream print remnants create windmills scattered across the front and framed with natural muslin. For quilting I used a spiral ruler and pale pink thread to stitch in the centers of each windmill, then down to the next one. It's just right to emphasize the breezy movement of the blocks.

Primavera finished up at 48” square. I can't wait to try another version of this one. It will make a cute baby or donation quilt. But that will have to wait until I finish the quilts I've already cut from my other two new dies. 

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6554 Windmill 8” finished
Accuquilt 55017 Strips 2½”

 

Signs Of Spring

Here's a sweet quilt that reminds me of April rain and flower blooms.

I used batiks of shades of peony pink, lavender, sky blue, light teal, sunny yellow and grassy green for triangles to accent the calm gray pin dots. 

The backing is pieced using a white and gray wood grain print, strips of 3” x 6” rectangles, along with a section of gray dots.

Signs of Spring is 48” square. I quilted with pale gray thread, doing free motion scribbles diagonally across the blocks. The die is another new design from Blue Wren, called X-Quisite.

April is one of my favorite months. I just feel energized when the weather is warm, with flowers blooming. And, my birthday is in a few days. I think cake and ice cream should be on the menu, don't you?


Dies used:
Blue Wren 6656 X-Quisite 6” finished

Accuquilt
55005 Rectangle 3” x 6” finished
55017 Strip 2½” binding

 

Outdoor Relaxation and Work

Our screened porch is one of my favorite places when it's not too hot outside. You might find me having morning coffee before I start my day, or catching up on my reading with a glass of sweet tea in late afternoon. 

In the past two weeks I have done a porch cleanup and moved some of my houseplants out for their summer vacation. The hummingbird feeders are filled and my mama's roses are blooming.

The seat cushions on our outdoor furniture were looking a little shabby. In my recent fabric bonanza, there was a lovely tablecloth that was way too large for our dining table. I decided to use it to make new cushion covers and pillows. 

I plumped up the glider seat with a new layer of memory foam, measured, and cut.  I lined them with flannel and quilted before sewing.  Velcro fasteners make it easy to remove them for washing.  And they're Callie Cat approved!  

I got a wild idea to redo the flower bed in front of the porch by myself. (My guy was working on something else.) I dug up the nasty weeds, then thinned out iris, hosta, and day lily plants. New weed barrier was easy to lay, and I moved some old stepping stones to make a border. Now I'm deciding what to add for mulch. I want rock, but we'll see.

This week I'm resting after my spur of the moment project. It felt so good to dig in the dirt.  I have always enjoyed planting flowers, just like my mama and both my grannies.  However, the rest of the landscaping needs a major update and I may be getting too old for that much manual labor! Guess I'll be calling around to get yard work quotes.

Going back to the sewing room today...

 

Winter Roses

A pretty table runner is the first project I finished using Laney, a vintage Singer 301A machine that we restored and painted last year.

The rose print fabric with a black background looks sweet combined with green leaves and a pink center. The weathervane block done in these colors looks like a flower. The pieces are small but went together nicely.

Sewing and quilting came out neat and smooth; Laney is a joy to stitch on. Winter Rose measures 13” x 44” after adding blue borders. I channel quilted in a straight stitch using medium beige thread.

Winter Roses

Accuquilt dies used:
55544 Weathervane 8” BOB Block
55017 Strip 2 ½”

Gotta have flowers

to brighten up the day

Bed of Roses

This sweet little quilt brings the flower garden indoors. I chose a medium sized coral pink rose print with coordinating smaller print fabrics in light coral and green.

I decided to sew rows of winding ways blocks, separated by 2” strips of green. It reminds me of a well organized flower bed from a magazine. Not that I'd know much about those...currently mine are haphazard and full of weeds. You could say that I prefer a natural look instead of manicured perfection when it comes to landscaping. I'd much rather be sewing.

I quilted with cream thread, using a braid border ruler along the strips and the blocks. Bed of Roses is 40” x 47” size. The backing is a creamy fabric scattered with more roses.

Bed of Roses

Accuquilt dies used:
55069 Winding Ways 8” finished block
55017 Strip 2½”

Life's too short

and I'm too old

to spend time 

pulling weeds!

(Suggestions for yard workers appreciated)

Granny's Flower Baskets

This is one of my favorite versions of flower basket block. It's a reproduction of a quilt made by Granny Rose back in the 1960's. I drew it up in EQ8, experimenting with different sizes and color versions.

I used several dies to cut out the pieces, including Lemoyne Star. The rectangle and large triangle were slightly larger than I needed, so I trimmed off the excess when I squared up the blocks.

Two floral prints in blue and yellow coordinate with gold watercolor fabric that I used for baskets, backing and binding. The medium solid green color in the blocks and sashing adds to the vintage look. I added an outer border of the blue floral print. All the material was from my yard sale finds.

Granny's Flower Baskets

I used a ruler template to stitch with gold thread in wide rows across the quilt. Granny's Flower Baskets finished out at 52” square. If you'd like to see more posts about quilts inspired by Lydia Fort Rose, click on the Granny Rose label below. 

Have a great week!

Accuquilt dies used:
55453 Lemoyne Star
55107 Rectangle 2½” x 4½”
55018 Small Value (HST)
55031 Half Square Triangle 4” finished
55054 Strips 4½” 
55017 Strips 2½”
55059 Square 2½” multiples

It's up to you

to see beauty

in everyday things

Blooms For Mother's Day

These gorgeous flowers always bloom in May, and they remind me so much of my mama, Sam.  Jerold's mama also loved flowers, so every Mother's Day we bought them pretty hanging baskets for their porch and patio. A spring and summer of colorful blooms brought them more joy than a couple of days of expensive flowers in a vase!

Sam liked digging flowers nearly as much as she liked fishing. She'd stop by the side of the road to get a wildflower and never, ever passed up a plant sale. She generously shared cuttings and bulbs that I still enjoy today. Quite a few of them came from her mother's flower garden, especially the iris. I often gave Sam pots of perennials, which we planted together in her yard. I hate that I didn't get to dig up any of those daylilies and ferns before her house was sold.

Apparently my love of flowers must be genetic; I have an old fashioned rose that came from my great grandmother and a blooming shrub from my granny. 

This Mother's Day, I'm buying hanging pots for myself, and planting a few perennials in memory of the women in my life who passed on their passion for flowers and digging in the dirt.

Flowers...

are sunshine,

food,

and medicine

for the soul.

~Luther Burbank

It's Spring, Right?

Remember back in February, when it was 75 degrees here in Tennessee? Well, now it is April; the high Saturday was 35 with snow flurries, and the low dropped to 25. Good grief! Mother Nature is playing tricks on us. I had azaleas budding, early iris blooming, hosta leafed out and apple trees blossoming. I picked the iris, covered the rest with sheets; hopefully they will survive.

We've been preparing the camper for a spring trek. I don't know whether to pack coats or shorts. Probably both. There are definitely quilts in there. With our unpredictable weather, it could be freezing in June. We always load too much stuff anyway, but I like to be prepared. We are not minimalists and prefer to be comfortable. The basics stay in all season, until we winterize for storage. 

Sewing at the campground? Absolutely. I have a little Singer machine, shoe boxes of cut scraps, a mini iron, and a kit of everything I need to stitch away on small projects. I also use our time away to design new quilts on my laptop. Inspiration is abundant in nature, whatever the weather.

Despite the forecast,

live like it's spring.

~Lily Pulitzer

Sassy Bows

Sassy Bows

Wouldn't this make a great baby quilt? The size is 35” square, just right for snuggling up that little cutie. It could also hang on the wall of a nursery or kid's playroom. The 4” bow tie Accuquilt die made quick work of cutting, especially the small pieces. 

I chose random bright colors from my scrap bins, alternated with a mini-dot of white on light gray. I quilted diagonally with a swirling stitch in white thread. The binding and back is a colorful random stripe on white. Sassy Bows went together quickly...I finished it in two days.

I am having so much fun lately, designing and sewing new projects. My creative energy is off the charts. I'm glad I'm retired, but there still aren't enough hours in the day to sew like I want. That bothersome housework, cooking, and grocery shopping get in the way.

Speaking of housework, I did spend a day doing a little spring cleaning and freshening up. I moved a couple of pieces of furniture, changed a few decorative items, and bought colorful dish towels for the kitchen. I had to pick my daffodils because of last week's crazy snow and freezing temps, and they look lovely in vintage vases. 

Seeing all the spring things gave me even more inspiration, so back to the sewing room I go! Supper's in the crockpot.

Spring is the time

of plans and projects.

~Leo Tolstoy

Tomato Soup & Crackers

Tomato Soup & Crackers

It seems that I may be on a food theme for naming quilts this year. I've used the tomato colored fabric again, this time for a 45" square lap quilt.

I finished this one back in February, using 4” blocks set on point. The neutral tan and beige fabrics were mostly scraps from other projects, with a few new solids tossed in. The back is one red/beige block surrounded by cream strips.  Machine quilting is free motion twists.  This one is currently displayed on the wall in our living room.

Tomato soup sounds good for this week, since it may be chilly. It's comfort food that I remember from childhood. I think we just had red bud winter with dogwood winter not far behind. In Tennessee, these mini-winters usually start in late March or early April, and only last a couple of days.  I believe they're coming earlier this year.

Strawberry Winter: late March

Redbud Winter: early April

Dogwood Winter: late April

Locust Winter: early May

Blackberry Winter: mid May

Britches Winter: late May

(after this one you can wear cotton britches)

☀  ☔

If you can't be in awe of Mother Nature,

there's something wrong with you...

Pretty Things

Last week I was engaged in domestic activities both inside and outside the house. Between yard work, sewing  projects, and helping out my mama, I found time to snap a few photos of beautiful things in my world.

Life is about the pretty little things.

Seek beauty in the smallest moments.

Berries And Blooms

It's May...berries and blooms are showing up everywhere! 

Strawberries are in a bit early, medium sized, and absolutely delicious. I believe Tennessee berries are the sweetest and best in the world. There are several pick your own farms within a few miles of us. Served over shortcake or biscuit, with ice cream, sprinkled with sugar, or plain fresh out of the basket--doesn't matter to me. I just wish the season was longer!

Most of my indoor plants have been moved to their seasonal home on our screened porch. I am loving my time in the yard; yes, even the weeding (for now). Have I ever mentioned how much I hate wild ginger vine and poison ivy?  

Spring flowers are so beautiful this year. I have purple, yellow, peach and white iris, pale pink peonies, lavender phlox, beautiful dark pink heirloom roses, and a few late red azaleas blooming right now. I've bought a few flats of red and purple petunias, yellow lantana, lime sweet potato vine, marigolds, salmon geranium, maroon and lime coleus, and orange violas to add splashes of color in pots. The hummingbirds are back and they love these blooms, too.  Now if I can keep the deer away from the hosta, I'll be doing all right. 

The earth laughs in flowers. – Emerson

Nature is cheaper than therapy.

Pulling, Cutting, And Tossing

That pretty much describes last week at our little hacienda. We pulled weeds, and in this heat I'm wondering why we still live on five acres. We cut back shrubs and tree limbs that have been growing like crazy. And of course, we mowed grass. A condo started to sound pretty good once the heat index crept up to 108.

I'm just thankful that out in the country no one cares if your yard isn't perfectly landscaped. I was reminded why we enjoy living here when I saw a little fawn walking down our driveway. What a cutie, or at least I thought so until he made a beeline for his lunch buffet...my morning glories!

A rainy day was spent clearing out two hall closets and bathroom cabinets, tossing stuff that we don't need anymore. I've learned that simpler is better, so I was ruthless in my purging. I tossed a big bag of trash, and have a nice load ready to take for donation.

City Blocks

After all that manual labor, I took a day off to design and sew a quilted tote. I started with a pack of five inch dotted squares and cut borders and lining from a multicolored striped material.  The result is City Blocks, a 17” x 15” bag perfect for a laptop, groceries, or library books. 

Several more designs are in my mind for this week. I've got to use up more of my stash before the next fabric sale begins.

“Tossing clutter is like pulling weeds.

You have to make space

for beautiful things to flourish.”

~Katie Scarlett

Marvelous May!

Cinco de Mayo: Since I love Mexican food, you can bet I'll celebrate by enjoying chips, guacamole, a big plate of Pollo Loco and an icy cold bottle or two of Pacifico.

Mother's Day: Without my quirky and hard working mama, I wouldn't be the woman I am today. She always took good care of me, so now I'm returning the favor with love. I'm grateful that I can talk with her daily, and that she's still a feisty redhead. Thanks, Sam!

Flowers: My yard is full of spring flowers and I love them all! Pale and dark pink peonies, delicate white azaleas, violet tall phlox, purple, peach, white and yellow iris, hot pink carnations, sweet smelling lilacs and heavenly roses in yellow, orange and pink.

Strawberries: I don't grow them but Portland berries are the sweetest and best. They're beginning to come in, so I'm heading to Bradley's for a crate of these juicy delights.

“My mama taught me that I had the power to achieve my dreams, to find my own way, and to be responsible for myself.” ~ Katie Scarlett

Summertime...

and the livin' is easy. 

Quiet mornings sipping coffee on the porch.

Lazy days to reflect, renew, relax.  

The scent of freshly mowed grass.

Long walks, yard sales, road trips.

 

Steak grilled to perfection with roasted potatoes and onions.

Hummingbirds and butterflies flitting around bright blooms.

Tall frosty glasses of lemonade, sweet tea, and cold beer.

Afternoons in a cool spot reading an interesting book.

Comfy, light and casual clothing.

Ice cream, watermelon, juicy red tomatoes.

Magical nights filled with starry skies and warm breezes.

Happily enjoying every moment.

“it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!” --Kenny Chesney

May Flowers And War On Weeds

 

This year's weather has been a bit odd. Spring was late getting here, so April and May bloomers are showing their colors together. After Saturday morning's rain, I snapped a few photos of my favorites. 

 

This week's plan is to attack the bumper crop of poison ivy and wild ginger vine that is taking over my flower beds. Boots, long sleeves, gloves, Ivy Block, chigger spray, rake, clippers and possibly a flame thrower are the weapons of choice. 

Unpredictable April Camping

We just got home from two weeks at Defeated Creek Campground. Springtime camping in Tennessee can be a little unpredictable. We experienced whistling wind, pouring rain, magnificent lightning, a bit of frost, sunshiny blue skies and gorgeous sunsets. Temperatures ranged from 31 to 80 degrees. 

 

Nevertheless, we were prepared and enjoyed most of our getaway on the shores of Cordell Hull Lake. One evening there were eighteen deer grazing together only fifty feet from our site, but they bolted before I could get the camera out. 

Camping Dinner

This week you'll find us at home, making up for lost time. I'll be zipping around on the Mustang mower and pulling weeds out of my flower beds. A trip to the garden center is in order for some pretty new blooms. It's work but I'm rested up and ready to dig.  

"If you don't like Tennessee weather, just wait a bit and it will change."