You must have noticed that I like to review quilting books. To be featured on my blog a book must generally contain projects that are intriguing due to their design (interesting play between block and color, intricate [or very simple!] composition, etc), which might present a different take on a traditional block or quilt design, or which demonstrate new techniques or trends. I've just found a great quilt book with amazing contemporary quilt designs for every room of your home. True to the … [Read more...] about Sew a Modern Home
Vintage Baby
My latest wall hanging is a bit of a departure from the ones I usually make as it is wider than longer. But I really like how it turned out! It measures 27-1/2" x 15-1/2", has a flannel backing, and the applique ducks were inspired by one of the prints I used on the center block. After joining the bow tie blocks I added a narrow white border, then a wider yellow border, still not knowing how it would look like in the end. That is when the idea of the ducks came along. I dug deep (I mean, … [Read more...] about Vintage Baby
Free motion quilting for beginners
I have always quilted my projects using my Bernina machine. At first I relied solely on the walking foot. In time I got more confident and used the stitch regulator. Nowadays, I use the darning foot most of the time. Although practice has made free motion quilting easier for me (not many feathers yet!), I still buy books or take classes on free motion quilting whenever possible. If you want to start quilting your own projects but are afraid to give it a try, I just got this book for review … [Read more...] about Free motion quilting for beginners
Noah’s Ark Baby Quilt
It has been two years in the making, but I finally finished the Noah's Ark quilt for my grandson Nicholas. I am doing the happy dance today! Best of all, I will get to see him holding it as they are on their way to visit us from California. Yes! You have been very patient with me as I slowly embroidered each block... The blocks were pre-stamped for embroidery, made by JDNA in St. Louis, USA. The pattern name is Noah's Ark. I had to wash the quilt as soon as it was completed to ensure all the … [Read more...] about Noah’s Ark Baby Quilt
Quick dinner recipes
For our dinner last night I prepared Tilapia fillets using a new recipe I had just found online. I read the recipe, shut down the laptop, and went to the kitchen. The fish was defrosted so I grabbed a pie Pirex dish (my preferred dish for dredging food). In went the Parmesan cheese, then the Paprika (or so I thought). I was surprised when I realized I was pouring Old Bay seasoning instead of Paprika (the tin cans looked alike from above when I reached for the seasoning on my lazy Susan!). Oh, … [Read more...] about Quick dinner recipes
Scrappy Fat Quarters
I have a lot of fat quarters, many of which I purchased a long time ago and have not used because I love the fabrics and don't want to cut them! My determination to use the fabrics from my stash as much as possible before I buy new fabric is forcing me to pull those favorite pieces out and (OMG!) bring the rotary cutter next to the ruler, all along thinking "I am going to regret this!". This is probably why I have been so attracted to books with ideas for using fat quarters (see my review of … [Read more...] about Scrappy Fat Quarters