June Nestlings

June in Chicagoland was lovely. The temperatures stayed 'unseasonably' lower and there was usually a nice crispness to the morning air allowing for open windows and listening to birds chirping to start my day. That is now over...

Here is what else my June included along with lots of stitches and sunsets:)

Two patterns, Dogwood Stars and Just Hangin' Out, are both now available in my Etsy shop. If either has been on your radar, they're worth a closer look. 

And for those of you following along with my magazine work, I gave a peek at some of the sampler blocks I started using the fabric from those projects as a memory for myself. 

Seeing those come together never gets old.

I have put them on my calendar to slowly work on in between my design work and my commission work so stay tuned for more peeks.

June wasn't all business... I posted some sunset pics that remind me why evening concerts or a back patio can be some of the best studios there are. That's where a lot of my summer stitching happens, and I'll defend it as the perfect workspace until further notice :). 

My backyard views make every stitch sew worth it.

I also shared some thoughts on self-assurance this month. 

Through the PT and OT that I have been doing for my FND, the Calm App has been a terrific support. So, every now and again for my #reflectivefriday I will post one of their motivational prompts. 

Can't believe I am almost 60 and am just learning to breathe and be kind to myself!!

And big news (for me:), Botanical Beauty is almost finished...the top anyway. This quilt has been a labor of love. 

I think some quilters look at my designs as hard. None of what I design is "Hard", but they can be a time commitment. No one says we have to have a quilt done in a weekend! I like to enjoy the process on my heirloom designs and have my quick ones too.

Believing in what you're making even when it's slow, matters.

July is here tomorrow and I have a surprise class announcement. 

Join me for a new design and a fun twist on an old technique.

Here is the perfect weekend project-LOL.

 
Mod Poinsettia: Curved Half-Square Triangles Without the Curved Piecing!
Yes, you read that right.
This two-hour class introduces a clever technique that creates the look of curved piecing without requiring curved seams. Using my original Mod Poinsettia design, you'll learn how to achieve that flowing, modern shape entirely through straight-line piecing.
Whether you're picking up a rotary cutter for the first time or you've been quilting for decades, this technique is approachable and very satisfying. 

Everything is doable one step at a time and by the end of class, you'll have all the skills to finish this fun holiday wall hanging AND have a new trick up your sleeve.
What you'll learn:
-The curved half-square triangle technique (straight seams only!)
-Fusible applique' tips
-How to press for crisp, clean results
Come ready to be surprised and inspired by the simplicity. 

All details are in my June newsletter. 

Sign up HERE via the secure pop up:)

Limited Seats!

Thank you for being here! 

See you in July because there's plenty ahead worth sharing.
Obviously, I couldn't put a whole month's worth of posts here so I hope you will take a peek at my IG or FB feeds for the other stuff.

Keep Stitching~

The INSTANT QUILT

Disclaimer: May have a "Soapbox" feel as they are MY opinions:)

Instant Pots are all the rage and I feel like 

quilters expect the same thing from quilting.

I totally understand time restraints, 

ailing health issues that don't allow

someone to do everything they once did 

and I sympathize with those frustrations but.....

I do get confused when they say they are "Passionate" about quilting but want to rush through every stage by getting all the fabrics pre cut or pre laser cut/fused, assemble the top and then send it out to be quilted.  Where was the joy in selecting your own fabrics?

I am not against working smarter not harder (Thank you rotary cutter inventor!!), but I wonder how much enjoyment is being lost in the process when the urge to rush through it is there.
Every process in life has parts that are less enjoyable than others and I admit being at the machine is the least enjoyable for me.

When we live in such a rush rush world, I feel quilters are cheating themselves of the JOY of quilting, the meditative process that can come with slow stitching.  Physical limitations are starting to affect how much I can do but I am not ready to throw in the towel and rush the process when I have so many lovelies in my stash to play with.

I want Everyone to quilt and I hope that we can find a way to slow down and enjoy choosing the colors/prints, the feel of the fabric as we prepare it for stitching, and the sense of accomplishment at every stage of the process! 

Back to work and keep stitching~R

Cheryl Sleboda of Muppin.com for more blogs to follow.

Time to Dream

Look at these circa 1900 lovelies that arrived this week!! I have a tiny work break coming this week and will be spending time dreaming of a perfect way to use them.

Any suggestions?