I love hand embroidery. One of the main attractions for me is that it does not have to be perfect to turn out beautiful - here is one of my favorite embroidery projects - do you see what I mean? If you like it, too, check out these embroidery designs for every season: they mix quilting and hand stitching. [Edited: June 18, 2020] I just realized that Autumn is almost here! The past few months have flown by and I still did not have a chance to make one of the projects in Gail Pan's … [Read more...] about Embroidery designs for every season
Free quilt patterns: Blue and White quilts for home decor
Free pattern alert! Actually, I have two Blue and White free quilt patterns for you today - anything to make Friday the 13th more fun, right? I designed these two projects for the beautiful Once in a Blue Mood fabric collection by Yolanda Fundora for Blank Quilting. [Edited: June 14, 2020] Quilt #1 above measures 45" x 65" and the border blocks finish at 5". They are really the only blocks you need to piece so this project can be completed very quickly. I love this colorway, as you can … [Read more...] about Free quilt patterns: Blue and White quilts for home decor
The Algarve and Portugal’s Cork
My previous post about Portugal showed highlights of our first week in that country last month. Today's post is about our second week: The Algarve and Portugal's Cork. [Edited June 6, 2020] How do you like the tile work in the hotel room? It gives a different meaning to the word 'headboard' and never let us forget where we were. We stayed in Albufeira, where cliffs frame the beaches, the weather is dry and warm, and the evenings are fantastic! Walking every … [Read more...] about The Algarve and Portugal’s Cork
Best Vacation Destination: Portugal’s Allure
After a long while away from Europe, it was difficult to choose where to begin our return to it. Our research decided it for us: Portugal's Allure as a Best Vacation Destination did not disappoint! [Edited: June 18, 2020] My husband and I spent two weeks in Portugal this August. What a fantastic time we had as we feasted on history, amazing food, and the country's natural beauty. You know I am Brazilian. I grew up immersed in Portuguese food, music, and literature; yet, this trip … [Read more...] about Best Vacation Destination: Portugal’s Allure
Best embroidery patterns for your home.
[Edited on February 3, 2020.] I am back from a two-week vacation to Portugal (more on that on my next post) but my internal clock is sort of messed up. I have been waking up in the middle of the night and it is a good two hours before I can fall back asleep. I have been up since 1:30 am this morning so I figured I might as well kick the covers off me and come write. Write about what? Stitcheries! If you are like to embroider as much as I do, then you must be always looking for the best … [Read more...] about Best embroidery patterns for your home.
Butterflies and Dragonflies in 2 free patchwork patterns
How about two free patterns today? I love to share the designs I create for fabric manufacturers, and they in turn provide them to you as downloadable projects. So, enjoy the butterflies and dragonflies in these 2 free patchwork patterns. [Edited: June 14, 2020] I designed two quilts for the Gypsy Dreams fabric collection by Ani Del Sol for Blank Quilting. Quilt #1, above, uses the blocks in the panel and measures 60" x 84". The blocks finish at 12" and feature beautiful motifs. The … [Read more...] about Butterflies and Dragonflies in 2 free patchwork patterns