I love how this sewing pouch turned out! The colors are bright and cheerful. I have made and sold dozens of these pouches to my friends and family, and many of them have one for each handwork project. Here is what it looks like inside: It has room for pins, needles, threads, buttons... whatever you may be using on your project. It is fun deciding which fabrics to use and where to put them. I had cut the fabrics a few weeks ago for this one but never had the chance to put it all together until … [Read more...] about Sewing pouch and pattern

When I read a quilting, recipe, knitting or other craft book, I read it from cover to cover including pattern and recipe details, general instructions, etc. I enjoy every bit of it provided it covers a subject of interest to me. I am often surprised at the things I learn, which I would have missed had I only read the pattern or recipe I was looking for or liked. Such is the case with "Candy Store and More - 1930s Quilts Made New" by Kay Connors and Karen Earlywine, recently published by … [Read more...] about Quilting and Dreaming: 1930s

Here is my latest finish still on my design wall, waiting for a hanging sleeve. The name of this quilt is Teenagers in our House - see if you can guess why! I had fun making this quilt using 2 1/2" strips left over from a queen-size quilt I made for my son's wedding (see it here). It is an adaptation of a quilt I found in a book I received for review: "Strip Savvy - 2 1/2"-Strip Quilting Designs" by Kate Henderson.  Photo by Brent Kane for Martingale. Kate Henderson presents fun ideas … [Read more...] about Strip Quilt: quick, easy, and fun!

While shopping at Costco the other day I found organic coconut flour, a by-product of coconut milk production which is gluten-free, very high in fiber, low in carbohydrates and a grain-free alternative to regular wheat flour. It is also much less expensive than almond flour, another ingredient I like to use in baked goods. Since I love anything which has the word 'coconut' in it, I eagerly bought a bag. Over the weekend, unable to control carb cravings and feeling adventurous, I got the bag out … [Read more...] about Bake yummy, healthy snack for a quilting afternoon

Usually, binding a quilt is a very relaxing part of finishing a project. I sit on my comfortable chair in the bedroom, place my feet up on the ottoman, turn the music on, and stitch away. Except today... The cording to the blinds covering the large window in my bedroom broke this morning, so I cannot pull it up. When I pause to rest my eyes and look out the window, all I see is white, accordion-style nothing. I am running out of the perfect color thread for the job. After carefully using … [Read more...] about As I try to bind a quilt