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

 

Southbound

If you need some inspiration for a quick 4th of July quilt project and have some red, white and blue fabric, this one should make you happy. My ever-growing remnant baskets provided plenty of scraps for this baby. 

I've been experimenting: mixing die elements to create different designs. Today's quilt uses half square triangles and the trapezoid section of the spool die. I sewed the triangle to the trapezoid, then sewed two together to form a 4½” square. Four of those create an eight inch finished block. 

Southbound

 

I added a 4” border of navy and white stars to frame it. Quilting in free motion with white thread moves from block to block across the diagonal lines. A double serpentine stitch on the border was added using a quilting ruler. 

Southbound is 41” square, but it could be made as large or small as you wish. I could see this vintage block in place mats, pot holders, or a tablecloth.


Accuquilt dies used:
55018 Small Value
55180 Spool

Some people done lost 

their ever-lovin' minds 

Spirit of Liberty

I'm celebrating the USA with this week's design, in honor of Independence Day. Made with Accuquilt Parallelogram (55004), it features red and navy prints with white 3 ½” half square triangles on each end to make a rectangle.

I grouped six of each color to form blocks and alternated them to make a strip. Sashing between rows is 3 ½” wide red and navy diamond print on white background. I quilted with white thread in a free motion looping pattern. 

Spirit of Liberty

Binding is a red and white stripe. For backing I used the diamond print but didn't have quite enough left for the length, so I added a row of red and blue 6½” AQ tumbler blocks about a third of the way down.  

Spirit of Liberty is 42” x 48”, but you could make it any size you like by changing the number of blocks or rows. I used EQ8 to play with other layouts before finalizing this version. A table runner using only one strip of blocks or cheerful place mats might be nice.

Celebrate the holiday and be safe!

Patriot Path

Patiot Path

Made especially for Independence Day, this red, white, and blue easy quilt was fun to sew. Cutting and stitching was super quick with Accuquilt 3” and 3”x6” dies. The layout reminds me of brickwork so I named it Patriot Path. 

The backing and binding are a diagonal red and white stripe. Quilting was done in white thread with random vertical swirling waves. This small throw quilt size, (measuring 38” x 45”) looks quite patriotic hanging over my kitchen desk.

Stacked

I made good use of the remnants to whip up a coordinating table mat for my counter.  Stacked is cut with the Accuquilt large tumbler die. Quilting on this 18” x 28” mat is a double v stitch in white. The backing is a blue and white chevron print that I can flip over when I'm using blue accents in the kitchen.

Have a safe and fun 4^th of July, and stay cool!

Update: I reopened my ETSY shop today, adding vintage sewing patterns, children's patterns, and buttons. I'll be adding more, including quilts and fabric, over the next few weeks. You can link here or follow my Useful Remnants Facebook page.

Dodge It or Ram It

Last week, I worked hard in the sewing room garage. If you know me, you know that I'm not afraid of getting dirty, and that I learned about cars at my daddy's side as a wee child.

We've had more than our share of brake issues with our '96 Dodge Ram 2500. I think that's what they had in mind when they named it.

...either Dodge it or Ram it, 'cause you ain't gonna stop. 

The brakes have never been anything to brag about, although we've changed nearly everything in the system several times. Well, not any more. Now that we found the perfect combination of parts and components, this beast will stop on a dime.

By the way, brake fluid is slippery stuff, and it will strip the polish right off your fingernails. I'll be giving myself a manicure this week.

“Every girl should have a basic knowledge 

of cars and home maintenance.” ~katiescarlett

Cat Envy

A few days ago. I captured this photo of Callie in the afternoon sunlight. She draped herself across the coffee table while I was reading. 

Watching her makes me want to become more cat-like.

“Cats are intended to teach us that 

not everything in nature has a purpose.” 

~ Garrison Keillor

“Way down deep, we're all motivated by the same urges. 

 Cats have the courage to live by them.” 

~ Jim Davis

Independence

What a concept.

Independence means freedom from control, influence, support, aid, or interference of others.

In other words, standing on our own two feet and being proud to do so.

This includes not expecting handouts from the government, our parents, or our grandparents. Independence isn't easy, nor is it guaranteed. The world doesn't owe us anything: not a place to live, an inheritance, a job, or an education.

Too many people think they deserve to have everything provided, so they feel disrespected or offended if things don't go as they wish. They just don't get that we have to actively pursue and earn our independence.

Independence is being responsible for ourselves: learning, working, bringing home a paycheck, using these funds to pay bills—on time, and putting some aside for the future. It's planning, making decisions, using common sense, enjoying life, and finding our way on our own.

I believe that it is a privilege to have the opportunity to be self-sufficient and self-reliant. I'm proud that our forefathers fought for our freedom and our right to pursue happiness and independence.

“Freedom cannot be bestowed — 

it must be achieved.”

Elbert Hubbard