I always try to do something a bit challenging for the New Years Day Mystery, something that may teach a new technique or goes outside of the box a little. This year I am doing a 36″ x 36″ Mini Quilt, which requires some very precise piecing! I tend to be somewhat casual about my…
How many different ways are there to make a square-in-a-square quilt block? So far, I have found 10 different methods for making this versatile block, also known as the diamond-in-a-square quilt block. Set it on point a second time and it becomes the economy quilt block. Here are the first three. Just a quick note: …
The Summer Storm Mystery Quilt presents weekly free quilt and block tutorials. This clue teaches how to piece a quilt on the diagonal to set it on point. Setting a quilt top or block on point is a great way to make a quilt larger and add interest. It can be tricky to do, but…
Let me tell you about a class I once created called the No Whining Quilt. This was in the mid 90’s when the internet was in its infancy and quilters still drew inspiration from each other in classes and workshops. In this class, I encouraged students to think outside the box – to come up…
Do you remember the Swing Your Partner Quilt that I made a few months ago? I did a Snail Trail block tutorial here. The pattern was picked up by Connecting Threads (you can see a picture below.) If you like that quilt, you can purchase the pattern here. I did make a sample and…
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. This year it is on December 15. You can help by…
Well, that’s thinking outside the block! It’s time to try something new! Now is the time for you to challenge yourself to try piecing or quilting something outside your comfort zone. Yes, I know, there is a reason the comfort zone is so cozy. There is nothing unexpected there, nothing you need worry about. No…
Use the Print Friendly button under that list to print this page. If that doesn’t work, try Ctrl-P or Flower-P. That should bring up the Printer Dialog box. The complete pattern is available to subscribers at the bottom of the page. . I am delighted to present My Happy Place row in the Seams to…
Is it time for a new sewing machine? How do you pick the right sewing machine for your needs? First, take some time to think about how you will use your machine and make a list of the features that you want. Read through the suggested features list below and check off the ones that…
How do you read a quilt pattern? This might seem like a straightforward question, but there are so many different types of quilt patterns found in so many different places that it is not as easy as it sounds. Some patterns, such as those found in books and magazines, are broken up with parts of…
Resolve to Get Organized this year! (part three) Part One is Here Part Two is Here Can you hang a shelf on the wall above the windows for seldom-used large items? Use it for PIGS (projects in grocery sacks), extra batting, those rarely used specialty rulers, your sewing machine manual, button jars, a dish rack,…
Resolve to Get Organized this year! (part two) Part One is Here If the primary use of your sewing room is sewing, do the layout before putting any items in your room. Everything that goes in that room should have a purpose and more than one use. Think about every item in that room. For…
