How to Quilt a Vintage Log Cabin

How do I quilt a vintage log cabin pattern while 
staying true to the era?

How do I give the borders each a unique pattern from the central part of the the quilt, but still be able to quilt them as I work?

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Are You Ready for the Farmer's Wife 1930s Version?

Penny's Dollhouse (left) & Walk in the Park (right)

Today is the big day many of us have been waiting. The first block for Farmer's Wife 1930's Sample Quilt Sew-along was announced last night. Angie at Gnome Angel is leading over 4,000 of us through the year with help from Marti Michell, and many other bloggers. The only commitment is to purchase your own copy of The Farmer's Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt which comes with its own cd to print instructions, templates, or paper piecing templates for each block. I would like to compliment how well it's gone so far, and the lack of technical problems. Emails are on time and accurate, the Facebook page is very active, and people are kind! There's no deadline, so join in if you wish. The back posts will be hosted on Gnome Angel's blog page if you need to catch up.

Moda Boo Crew Spiderweb Quilt: Pop Stars

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave.

When we first practise to deceive."

                      ~Sir Walter Scott

An Unmentionable Subject We Should Talk About

Today's post is about making menstrual products. This may not interest you at all, and I respect that. The important part you should know before you pass on this post is 1 out of 10 school girls in Africa either miss classes or drop out completely due to their periods. Education gives all children an enormous advantage. Girls as well as boys should be able to attend school.

Changes to This Quilter Blogger's Blogging Cycle

Do you remember my 'Katie Jump Rope' from last year?

I was just learning to FMQ on my Janome domestic machine. I snuggled under this quilt last night, and slept in a chair. There were so many thoughts going through my mind--big decisions for me to make.

Many Quiltworks In Progress

Moda's Moxi by Studio M

A few months ago I picked up a mini charm pack of these pretty-little-things at my LQS. I wanted to see if a smaller pre-cut would be more accurately cut than the charms, jelly rolls or layer cakes, and now I can tell you, "Yes!" This Moxi line was used straight out of the package, and I laid out something I thought would make sweet quilt center. A few seams needed tweaking just a bit, but overall they were quite accurate. I paid $4 for this package of 42 pieces. So, figure roughly 10 cents for a 2.5" square.

Baby Quilt Finish with Minny Muu from Lecien Fabrics

Such a big story behind this little quilt! I'm not sure it would all fit here. Shall I give you the condensed version? 

E's Hexie Finish, CST, and Pet Project Show #37

If I said I was writing this quickly so I could go to bed, would you understand? It was a hard day in the studio, and I have so much to share over the next few days with you. But this is the big one. E's Hexie is completely finished. The binding is a Timeless Treasures print in a peachy-orange, and I couldn't be happier with it. It's girly yet modern, and sets off the quilt with a soft framing.

A Soft Finish: E's Hexie Quilted

How I wish you could feel this quilt! 

If a finished pieced top is called a 'Flimsy Finish', I think a finished quilted top should aptly be named a 'Soft Finish'. Binding is all that's needed yet here.

E's Hexie Quilt: Modern Baby

E's Quilt

This baby quilt was on the top of my list to get done, and it went from single hexies to pinned in the frame yesterday. The backing is Minkee, and the batting Warm & Natural. My customer requested a peach thread, and I've come to find out my source doesn't carry peach. A Natural White Omni laid on the top fools the eye into blending with some of the pastel colors, but I have a grey that matches well, too, with both top and backing.

Managing Changes in Creative Energy & Design Wall

"You can't wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club."--Jack London

I have low energy right now. My current projects aren't progressing, and I'm struggling to get back on track. No real passion. No creativity. A proverbial standstill. Blah.

Pet Project Show #36 and Highlights

Nero's Post and Patch

The Doxie girls and I had a terribly hard time this month picking our favorite link ups. We never cease to be amazed at the talent pool out there in QBL. ('Quilting Blogland'. An acronym coined by Sandra at Musings of a Menopausal Melon and Helen of Midget Gem Quilts.)

Pencil Case Tutorial and Therapy Sewing

Life is a rollercoaster. Try to eat a light lunch.

--David A. Schmaltz

Transition of Seasons: Behind the Scenes

New Routine: Coffee and a book 
after lunch in the shade

I didn't want you to think we'd abandoned you, but it's been a bits and pieces kind of week. Not really summer anymore, but not quite fall. Without a doubt, this is my favorite season. Most of our summer chores are slowing down, if not over. Routines are returning, and I like that. All the girls started back to their universities, and are doing well. I feel l I can take a few minutes of downtime to think and plan.

Fabri-Quilt New Block Blog Hop 2015: Pink Doxies

Thank you Fabri-Quilt for sponsoring this blog hop! 

One summer treat for me was to be part of the New Blogger's Bloghop. As our time together was ending, our fearless leaders were working on continuing the the fun with this last hop. Thank you to Yvonne @Quilting Jet Girl, Cheryl@ Meadow Mist Designs, Stephanie@ Late Night Quilter, and Terri Ann @Childlike Fascination. Blocks made for this hop will all be assembled and completed into several quilts destined for charity organizations. 

60 participating bloggers each received an identical fat eighth's bundle of our palette named "Watermelon Summer." All were challenged to design an orignial 12" block using only the fabrics provided, and to publish their own tutorial. Our theme...

"Summer!"