Batting Scraps Don’t fear the Franken-Batting! Use Batting Scraps to Grow a Big-Enough Batt. The more quilts one makes, the more batting scraps one accumulates. If you have not been saving your batting scraps, you definitely should! You never know when a little piece will come in handy. It’s very rare that I’ll use an entire piece of batting straight out of the package, I usually have to trim it to size. Then the scraps are ready to use for smaller projects, or they’re available in case I need to make a larger batting piece out of the scraps (I lovingly call it a franken-batting) and no one lo ..read more

Even before I became a quilter, there was one traditional quilt pattern that I recognized and knew the name of—it was the Grandmother’s Flower Garden. Completely made of hexagons, the center was usually yellow, surrounded by a row of six solid-colored hexagons, and then surrounded by a ring of pretty flour sack prints that matched the solid. Back in the ’70s and ‘80s you would often see this iconic quilt in thrift stores or antique shops. Sometimes you were lucky enough to find one that wasn’t finished and you could catch a glimpse of the bits of newspaper poking out of the back. Made by Alice ..read more

Even before I became a quilter, there was one traditional quilt pattern that I recognized and knew the name of—it was the Grandmother’s Flower Garden. Completely made of hexagons, the center was usually yellow, surrounded by a row of six solid-colored hexagons, and then surrounded by a ring of pretty flour sack prints that matched the solid. Back in the ’70s and ‘80s you would often see this iconic quilt in thrift stores or antique shops. Sometimes you were lucky enough to find one that wasn’t finished and you could catch a glimpse of the bits of newspaper poking out of the back. Made by Alice ..read more

Have you looked through the bright and beautiful new issue of McCall’s Quilting yet? It’s bursting with gorgeous patterns that are perfect for summer—fabulous florals blooming on quilts of all sizes, buzzy bee creations, décor pieces that bring the life and color of the season into your space, and strikingly original designs from our talented and creative contributors; now available in digital and print editions. McCall’s Quilting July/August + Sept/Oct 2024 One of those wonderful designs is Summer Flowers by Bonnie Osness. Summer Flowers by Bonnie Osness Bonnie made blocks with big, bright re ..read more

National Apple Pie Day (May 13) celebrates the quintessential American dessert that has become synonymous with warmth, comfort, and home. No one is quite sure who created it or when it started, but do you need any better excuse to indulge in a tasty dessert? The first apple pie recipe printed was in England in 1381. The list of ingredients included good apples, good spices, figs, raisins, pears, saffron, and cofyn (a type of pastry crust). You can find my favorite apple pie recipe at the end of this article! And what better way to honor this iconic pastry than with apple pie-themed quilts? Th ..read more

Are you ready to take your longarm quilting skills to the next level? Don’t miss out on the upcoming APQS Longarm Quilting Certification Workshop starting on May 14, 2024! Registration closes May 21st!! Led by experienced professional Eva Ellison, this workshop offers an interactive and comprehensive learning experience for quilters of all levels. What to Expect: ✓ Updated Content: For 2024, the workshop has been revamped with new videos, updated handouts, and the latest information and technology in longarm quilting. ✓ Expert Instruction: Learn from Eva Ellison, a successful longar ..read more

Quilt designer Sharon Wasteney knows how to put beautiful fabrics—both pre-loved and new—to good use. She collects vintage ties and linens and overdyes them as inspired to suit her unique quilt design visions. We invited Sharon to give you a behind-the-scenes look at her quilt design process. You can find complete instructions for her Blooming wall quilt design in the Love of Quilting March/April and May/June 2024 double issue, or as an instant digital pattern download. Read on for Sharon’s insights. Making of My Blossoms Quilt Blooming, designed by Sharon Wasteney, quilted by Heather Dodd, p ..read more

Quilt designer Sharon Wasteney knows how to put beautiful fabrics—both pre-loved and new—to good use. She collects vintage ties and linens and overdyes them as inspired to suit her unique quilt design visions. We invited Sharon to give you a behind-the-scenes look at her quilt design process. You can find complete instructions for her Blooming wall quilt design in the Love of Quilting March/April and May/June 2024 double issue, or as an instant digital pattern download. Read on for Sharon’s insights. Making of My Blossoms Quilt Blooming, designed by Sharon Wasteney, quilted by Heather Dodd, p ..read more

In just a couple of days, Star Wars fans across the galaxy will unite in celebration of May the 4th, a day dedicated to all things Jedi, Sith, and everything in between. While lightsabers and blasters often steal the spotlight, there’s another force at play for creative fans: sewing. Yes, you read that right. May the 4th isn’t just about movie marathons and cosplay; it’s also an opportunity to channel your inner quilter and create something truly out of this world. Quilt Patterns Themed quilts are a fantastic way to blend your love for Star Wars with your passion for sewing. Whether you’re a P ..read more

In just a couple of days, Star Wars fans across the galaxy will unite in celebration of May the 4th, a day dedicated to all things Jedi, Sith, and everything in between. While lightsabers and blasters often steal the spotlight, there’s another force at play for creative fans: sewing. Yes, you read that right. May the 4th isn’t just about movie marathons and cosplay; it’s also an opportunity to channel your inner quilter and create something truly out of this world. Quilt Patterns Themed quilts are a fantastic way to blend your love for Star Wars with your passion for sewing. Whether you’re a P ..read more