2023

Hello all, Mary Ellen here. Have you got your new dress and Easter bonnet all set for Sunday? LOL! Are you also in the generation that got all new regalia for spring–not just a dress and hat, but also new shoes, lacy socks, a new slip and … This week’s tip from Material Rewards is about putting coping borders on your quilt blocks. I just had to do that for a piece I’m making from several embroidered blocks. It’s a good technique to have in your arsenal. Teri and Marty will talk to you about several ways to use this technique when working with panels. The one example they didn’t mention where I think coping borders would be equally helpful is for those of you who participate in block swaps. We all know that even if it was agreed in the rules of the swap that everyone’s block would be […]

Hello all, Mary Ellen here.Today is the annual celebration of World Wide Quilting Day. Are you working on a quilty project? Last weekend I had to do a deep cleaning of my spare bedroom for a possible overnight guest. In the process of digging down to the bed, I came upon a collection of 9 quilt blocks completed years back for a quilt-a-long on our blog. I’ve decided they need to be put together and finished up. (There were several other UFOs in the pile on the bed which will be coming up for completion over the next few months.) Today I’ve been “shopping” my stash trying to find something to use for sashing between these “tropical” blocks. I’m including photos below. Any suggestions? Maybe a solid or tone on tone would be better–but which color should I pull out? I don’t know that I have a good option here, […]

Hello again, Mary Ellen here.I found another tulip topper idea that some of you may like. It’s not exactly a full on pattern, but it does have enough detail for you to be able to make your own design from the suggestions. And you will be able to use many more of your scraps. See what you think.  click here

Hello all, Mary Ellen here. It seems that every year when we get one of these sunny mornings heading toward spring I will get the urge to find a cheerful quick project to sew. You might want to look back in this blog’s archives for a cute project: try searching for shamrock or bunny or tulip or spring. Well this year is no different. After spending time chopping icy sidewalks with help from my godsons I’m taking it easy today. And here is the cute spring time project I’ve decided to try. If you like this cheerful little quilt you can find its free pattern here: Click here. Let’s get a conversation going! Please comment-even if only one word. What’s your favorite season of the year? Or which quilt camp are you in-the prewashers or non-prewashers?