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
Zen Life – a quilt with batiks
Today I introduce you to Zen Life - a quilt with batiks, my project just published in the September 2019 issue of American Quilter magazine. Check out these bright colors! Photograph by American Quilter magazine. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Since I received it back from the publisher, I have had it in front of my office so I see it all the time. The vibes! The many hues on the quilt center, surrounded by the cool border, brighten up any room. It is perfect as a major pop of … [Read more...] about Zen Life – a quilt with batiks
Lap quilt patterns – The Ultimate collection
O M Goodness! Have you seen The Big Book of Lap Quilts published by Martingale earlier this year? It is The Ultimate collection of lap quilt patterns, a round-up of 51 amazing designs all in one beautifully photographed package! [Edited: June 18, 2020] All photographs by Brent Kane for Martingale. Used with permission. My library of quilt books is growing, and I am glad to add one more for the bunch! I particularly like the "Big Book" series that publishers put out - we get dozens of … [Read more...] about Lap quilt patterns – The Ultimate collection