Scrappy, Happy Improvisational Christmas Trees – Part 2: From Blocks to Quilt Top 🎄
In Part 1 of the Happy Little (Christmas) Trees series, I shared how to create playful improvisational Christmas tree blocks using a low-pressure, mix-and-match technique. Now it’s time to explore the many ways to lay them out and turn those blocks into a finished quilt top! In Part 2, I’ll guide you through helpful design […]
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Finding Quilting Inspiration in the World Around You
Ever wonder how nature can inspire your next quilt? In my latest video trunk show, I share how Lake Michigan, leafy trails, backyard blooms – and even the night sky – have influenced my quilt designs over the years. I’m also sharing some of my favorite tips for how you can create color palettes and […]
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A Quilt for Myself – Adapting the Meadowland Quilt Pattern
Like most quilters I know, I am much more likely to prioritize a quilt I am making as a gift or as a class or pattern sample than a quilt I am making purely for my own use. Do you do that, too? But last week, I gave myself the gift of a few days […]
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Evaluating Relative Values
I’m getting ready to teach my Color Gets the Credit but Value does the Work class at the AQS show in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I thought it might be helpful to post a quick overview of the methods I recommend for evaluating the relative value of the fabrics in your quilt or other project. […]
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Cotton Cuts and the Value of Value
“Color gets all the credit, but value does all the work.” I don’t know who first came up with that quote; but I’ve seen many, many versions of it – because it’s so true! Most quilt books have a section on how to choose colors for a quilt. Color theory can be very helpful, but […]
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Shimmer Quilt – Part 2
Wow! I really need to catch up! There’s been a lot going on our lives – both good and bad (or at least very challenging and saddening); most notably the passing of my beloved Aunt Peg, aka Margaret Hochberg. She was one of those very special souls who exuded love and comfort to all those […]
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Shimmer Quilt – Part 1
This next series of posts will explore the process of creating a new quilt inspired by shimmering sunlight and shadows reflecting off the rippling surface of Lake Michigan. My initial starting point was this selection of ombre fabric. I’d never worked with fabrics like this before, so I thought it would be a fun challenge […]
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Fun with Paints – Acrylic Pours
I am very grateful to note that the dryer, hot water tank, chimney and furnace I mentioned in my last post have all been repaired and/or replaced. Yay! But my sewing machines, fabrics, and tools have yet to be unpacked and sorted out. (They will be soon – I just haven’t had time!) Meanwhile, I […]
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Colorwash Bargello – Choosing Thread for Free-Motion Quilting
This is the tenth in a series of sew/quilt-along posts about making a bargello quilt. I am following the pattern for Cascade, the most beginner-friendly pattern from Colorwash Bargello Quilts. The quilt top is complete, and as I discussed in my previous post, I’ve decided to free-motion quilt this project. I’m raring to get started! I’m leaning […]
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Colorwash Bargello – Machine Quilting Options
This is the ninth in a series of sew/quilt-along posts about making a bargello quilt. I am following the pattern for Cascade, the most beginner-friendly pattern from Colorwash Bargello Quilts. The quilt top is complete, and I’m considering my options for machine quilting the quilt top, batting, and backing together. There are no rules about how best […]
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