Diamond Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed making this lap quilt. Scraps in a multitude of colors and styles combine beautifully with a white vine print on cream.

The diamond shapes appear once the blocks are sewn together, and float over the background four point stars. The Gem Star die makes quick work of cutting small narrow scraps. This is one of those clever blocks that has different looks depending on fabric color and placement. 

Diamond Stars finished out at 51” square. For quilting, I used white thread to stitch free motion ribbon loop patterns across the stars. Once I get into a rhythm, it goes pretty quickly and is relaxing to do.  

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6817 Gem Star 5” quarter block
Accuquilt 55017 Strip 2½”

Do something you love every day!

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)

Life's Rhythms

This has been an eventful year with lots of highs and lows. I've learned lessons, managed challenges, and tried to stay flexible.

It seems to me that the best way to handle life is to roll with its rhythms. Things happen that aren't in our plans. Sometimes the changes are nice surprises; other times they aren't. No matter which way, you have the choice to resist or adjust, panic or stay calm. How you respond is up to you.

Here are three tips that might help:

Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to. Being informed is helpful only up to a point. If you're not going to do anything with the information, why ask for it?

You can't fix or figure out crazy. Not going to happen. It's a waste of your time, energy, and brain cells to even try.

Let it be. Sometimes it's better to step back and wait. Life might make the right decision for you. Things don't always need to be micro-managed. They work out on their own without your input.

“You can't plan life. Because no matter how perfect your plan is, life has a way to rearrange it.” - Mina Deanna

Flowing With Life's Rhythms

There should be an easy rhythm to daily life. When everything is going smoothly, you feel in sync with your surroundings. There's a sense of peace, joy, accomplishment, and satisfaction with yourself. That comfort level isn't easy to maintain, however, because circumstances have a knack of changing just when you think you're on the perfect path.

Having basic routines can help you feel more in control of your time. And that's less stressful, too. This isn't to say that life should be a strict, boring and monotonous set of rules. If you make a habit of scheduling necessary activities, you can easily respond to anything else that comes your way. Following routines can actually help you become more flexible, which allows you to enjoy precious free time.

You shouldn't have to rush wildly through every week, cramming in more than you can possibly handle. Set your own itinerary, whether you like a fast pace or a more leisurely journey. Filter out what really doesn't matter. Simplify your home and your schedule to fit your expectations, not those of others. Fill your time with the things, people, and activities that make you smile.

Useful Notion: Find the best rhythm for your life, then roll with the flow.