Bees & the New Summer Quilt

A Simple Summer Quilt

This has been a good summer. Those of you who know me well will think I'm nuts for saying so, but after last summer, well, it is good. To top that, this has been a doozey of a week, and without explaining the gory details everything panned out well. The involved party is recovering, and it's almost nice to have a slow down for a few days. For one, it's given me time to sit, to stitch, and to write. I really want to tell you about this new quilt for summer--for just me.

Easy No-Knead Bread Recipe

Easy No-Knead Bread Recipe

I am a gluten free gal with a gluten loving husband, who needs a homemade loaf of bread once in a while. Carefully stirring the ingredients vs. kneading and tossing flour helps keep my kitchen as gluten free as possible, and still delivers the goods. And remember, there are hundreds of simple bread recipes out there if this isn't just what you're looking for, but it's a good place to start. Experiment! 

The Kitchen Garden in July: Preparing

The Kitchen Garden: July 2021

Pictures of my kitchen garden are helpful to me in spiritual ways. I see such a difference week to week in change, in growth, and it feeds my soul knowing I had a part in this. Yes, there's a lot of work and planning, but the payoff is sweet.

One of my major goals this year was to grow food my family could and would eat, and to put some of it up through canning, dehydrating, or freezing. I believe food security is a real issue facing us. Last year's struggle to source food and basic supplies was a lesson to many of us, and should not be wasted on those who think it's past. The supply chains everywhere are fragile, and each of us should think in terms of what we need or want to be comfortable in our homes. How do we maintain our lives in case of future shortages and scarcity? It wouldn't be the first time in history people have had to ask this question, but perhaps in many of our own short lives. This is what I'm doing.

Spindrift II: It Floats

"It Floats"

I have some amazing, supportive friends around the world. I traveled young, and am lucky several of those friendships are still strong. But the blogging world has also been a road onto itself connecting me with other like-minded souls. I am grateful for that. One dear friend who hails from Australia, Jan, said, "Oh, Julie! It floats!" about this quilt. I think she summed it up well. It Floats is together, and the class at Berlin Quilter's Gathering is just around the corner. I am hoping to have it quilted by then, but if not, there is a lot to learn by looking at the back. I'm not worried.

By the way, there are a few spots left in Thursday's class, and one in Friday's. I'd love to see you there!

Dresdens & Fish: Spindrift II

Spindrift II

Slowly, but surely--no, that's a lie. I am hammering away at this quilt every chance I get. The 4th is upon us, and we celebrate here with a big party. A rock band at night, this year we have Road Dog, followed by this small town's stunning fireworks. Everyone is welcome here, and we love meeting people who've driven in from several counties away. So there is a lot to do to get ready yet, and I want this done before. 

The Quick-i-est, Fabulous Baby Quilt!

Original Concept Post by Jen Eskridge

Based on "Huge No-Waste Flying Geese with Fat Quarters"...but My Way

A dear friend called with a quilt emergency. Could I make a super quick quilt for a baby shower in a matter of weeks? There were boxes we had to check, and one of them was a hint of something with aviation. Sure! I know something about that.

Custom Quilting Finish: Vintage Windmills

Vintage Windmills 

Isn't this just the neatest quilt? It's a Krista Moser pattern, and can be purchased through Mercantile on Main LLC in Coshocton, Ohio. The Mercantile also carries the beautiful Tula Pink True Colors line--yum! The brick and mortar store is one of my favorite quilty haunts, and also has an easy to navigate website. And better than most sites, you can always reach the store by phone, if you have a question. Follow the link, show her some love, and tell her Julie said to say hello. 

I'm Teaching at Quilter's Gathering at Berlin 2021

Quilter's Gathering at Berlin 2021

August 26, 27, 28th

Quilter's Gathering in Berlin on Facebook

Early in 2019, I was asked to teach at Quilter's Gathering at Berlin 2019. Then Covid took center stage in the world, and all our lives were put on hold. 2021 slowly opened up, infections continued to go down, and plans were made again. The site went live the end of May with my class for Spin Drift. Yes, it was very exciting to see happen after the long wait! It's time to live again.

Meadow by Jen Kingwell: The Quilting

The Close Ups

I want to get this post out this morning as there's so much happening. May is a crazy month between garden and studio. Some days I think I've got things hammered down, and a day or so later I'm backed up both places. 

Beneath the busyness, I'll think, "This is something I think people would enjoy seeing," and then I'll forget. That's irritating. Also, subjects and threads are easiest for me to write about while they're still relevant. When I'm deeply involved with a subject, I have a swirl of emotions along with the process. It's that I hope to convey.

Blue Skies Inside and Out

Commuting

Surely you expected I'd wear pink Crocs to work. I have a raspberry pink shirt on right now, too. Color is a powerful thing.