Cobbler & Flannel

We are nearing a change in seasons.  Fall will soon arrive, but for now, we are still enjoying the fruits of summer....literally.   Anticipating the cooler season, my first ever flannel collection, Maple Lake Flannel, is in quilts shops now.  I took many of my favorite prints from my On Maple Lake collection, along with some gorgeous new prints, and put them in autumnal colors for your piecing pleasure.

I have just a few fat quarter bundles left of this warm & cozy collection.  Click here if you'd like to grab one before they're gone!

Very Berry Crisp

You will enjoy smelling the berry goodness  baking in the oven as you sew.  Right now, all of the berries we love are ripe, plentiful and inexpensive.  Here's a berry crisp recipe I enjoy making all year round (you can also use frozen fruit.)

You can print my Very Berry Crisp recipe here.

This week, Debbie and I are piecing my 2020 BOM, called Rachel's Tribute.  I should be able to show you the quilt and the fabrics next week when it makes its big debut at Marcus Fabrics.  

Lovin' the fabrics!  Lovin' the quilt.  Can't wait to show you!!  It's so hard keeping secrets!

Sit outside and stitch a spell....and then....have dessert!  Enjoy.

Introducing my New Circa Essentials Fabric Collection

True Confession:  It's SO hard to keep new fabric a secret!  I get so excited when the strike offs come, and we settle the line, and then send it into production.  I want it now!  I want to talk about it right away.  But...I have to wait.

Well...the waiting is over, at least for one collection!

New Circa Essentials

Here's your first look at some of the 28 New Circa Essential prints.

I really love small prints.  Why?

They're the bread and butter of piecing!

We use them more than any other print.....

In our blocks, in our scrap quilts....and sometimes even as borders.  

In most of the antique quilts I own, they are made up of hundreds of these small prints.  I don't have many that have fancy floral borders.  The antique quilts I own were working quilts....on beds every night.  And...most of the prints are multi-colored which are harder to come by than tone and tone prints.  

The original Circa Prairie Basics were created specially for The Circa 1880 Nine Patch Club, and these prints are a new addition.  But....like the Circa Prairie Basics, the New Circa Essentials are wonderful no matter what quilt you're piecing.  A welcome addition to your stash, for sure!

Look for the New Circa Essentials at your local quilt shop coming in October!  Click here to see the entire line.  Watch for news about a new quilt made with this collection....coming soon!

Speaking of the Circa Prairie Basic collection.....the Marcus Fabrics warehouse is sold out of these prints and the supply is dwindling at quilt shops everywhere.  I have just a few of these Fat Quarter bundles of the complete Circa Prairie Basics line still available....while supplies last.  Get yours before they're going, going gone!

Click here to order yours today.

Look Between The Lines

Recently, I was showing a group of quilters my Endearments print and talking about all the ways to fussy cut these prints.  They commented that I should blog about this....so here goes.

My Endearment print comes in two color-ways.  Antique brown is on the bottom of the photo and the soldier blue is at the top.  Obviously, you can (and should!) fussy cut the three Endearment phrases for pieced blocks or quilt labels to add a little something special to your quilt.  But...these prints have more to offer!

In the photo above, I have outlined the sweet little floral motif which can be cut to 1.5 inches and finish at 1 inch.  

I've also outlined the tiny background stars.  Why not fussy cut those as well?  Cut to 1 inch and finishing at 1/2 inch, these are perfect for most any block you are making.  

Read between the lines....so to speak, and get the most of every fabric you own! 

Look for both of the Endearment prints at your LQS or buy them here.  They make a fabulous backing for a quilt, too!

Tokens of the Past: Gathering In Blue

At last!  It seems like forever since I introduced my new Tokens of the Past: Gathering In Blue trio at Quilt Market.  It's been a couple of months, and I've been anxious to spread the word about it, but I wanted to wait until all of the fabric, namely the 10 x 10 precuts of Mrs. Miller's Apprentice were ready.  

What would be the point of telling you all about this pattern whereby all of the units and blocks for all three quilts are made from just one 10 inch precut of Mrs. Miller's Apprentice when the precut wasn't ready?  

It's ready now and available at your local quilt shop!!  

First up is Color Me Blue.  A wonderful star quilt in many shades of blue.  The quilt measures 18 x 18.  

Second is this sweet postage stamp quilt called Check My Stars.  I love this quilt so much.  It was so fun to piece and play with all those fabrics.  I am definitely in a "postage stamp" phase in designing right now.  Love, love piecing little squares.  Perfect leader/ender projects.  Quilt measures 13.5 x 13.5 inches.

Third and last is Blue Angel.  It has a little applique with the orange peel shapes and is very easy to do.  It applique is a FOUR letter word to you, you can sub wool appliques if you like, or play with more HST.  Quilt measures 20 x 20 inches. 

Please ask for the pattern and Mrs. Miller's Apprentice fabrics at your local quilt shop.  We simply must make it a priority to buy our quilting goodies from our LQS to support them!!!  We can't afford not one more shop to close its doors.  Seriously...my friends. 

If your LQS isn't into reproductions, or you don't have a shop nearby, you can order the Tokens of the Past: Gathering In Blue pattern and a complete kit (with all the same fabrics I used) from my website here.

Or...if you'd just like the Tokens of the Past: Gathering In Blue pattern, you can order it here.

My new Kentucky Crossroads quilt top is being assembled now.  All of the blocks are done and the top is coming together.  Looking so, so good!!  It's exciting to see a new quilt come together.

I'm also beginning to pack for my next trip.  I just returned home from the Atlanta, GA area where I visited with the quilters of East Cobb Quilters Guild.  Had the best time with them!!  Great ladies to spend time with, delicious food and quilts to die for from their members.  Thank you all for a terrific time.  

I'm off to spend a few days of vacation in the Washington, DC area with my hubby.  We will travel to visit the Winterthur Museum in Delaware, and the Harper's Ferry CW battlefield in West Virginia, after which I can cross off two more states in my quest to visit all 50.  That will leave me with just one left!!!!!!  

Then, onto Maryland to give a workshop at Traditions at the White Swan in Hagerstown, and Spring Water Designs in Columbia.  

After that....off to Lee's Summit, MO for Stitching With The Stars.  I'd sure love to see you there!!!

Grab an iced tea and a comfy chair on the porch this evening and do a little stitching.  Sounds lovely, doesn't it?

Kentucky Crossroads ~ Coming Soon!

I recently acquired this lovely old quilt.  I immediately fell in love with this block, and I adore blue and white quilts.  I had to have it!  

When I returned home, I looked for the block in Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia and found that this exact block is not in the book.  It's a unique version of the Kentucky Crossroads block.  A perfect name for the quilt, I thought.

The traditional piecing for the block requires a set-in Y seam.  Groan.  So, I drafted the block without a set-in seam.  Yay!

Hoping to have the quilt finished and photographed mid-July.  Pattern very soon afterward.  

It's been such a fun block to piece!!  Start stash diving for a bunch of dark prints that will make terrific blocks.  

Toodles for now.....keep on stitchin'!

Scrappy Letters From Grace ~ A New Twist on a Old Favorite!

I decided to make-over one of my favorite patterns, Letters From Grace.

Letters From Grace, as you can see, was originally designed for a two color quilt.  I've made this quilt in plums and in greens.   I love this pattern and it's easy, peasy.


I adore this star block and have always wanted to try it with scrappy fabrics.

So that's what I did!




I changed the name so there wouldn't be any confusion when ordering the pattern.  Scrappy or two color......it's a really great quilt to make.  I hope you like the new scrappy version as much as I do.  Change the border colors if you like and make it your own!!  

Quilt size is 59 3/4 x 72 3/4.   Patterns are ready to go and you can order yours here.

Post a comment on my blog (no email comments, please) to win a copy of both of my new patterns, Scrappy Letters From Grace AND Stars Over Union Hill!!  I'll pick a winner May 22nd when I return from market.  

Stay tuned for the new Tokens of the Past: Gathering In Blue pattern coming soon!  

As you're reading this, I'm at quilt market in Kansas City.   I'll try to post pictures on Facebook and Instagram where you can see a lot of my new stuff and much, much more!

Introducing Stars Over Union Hill

I'm so jazzed to finally begin showing you my new patterns!  This is a project that has been a long time coming.  I think I began making the pieced blocks 5 years ago.  Yes!  5 years!  I made them from extra Half Square Triangles and squares that I cut up while making other projects, so I just worked on it here and there.  Finally, last year I had made all the pieced blocks and set about making the stars.  Don't you just love those stars???  

I love them because they are so different.  The stars and the half rounds are all done in wool.  The look of wool and cotton is such a great combination.  

I named the pattern from the many stars that are seen in early American structures and on barns.  There's a little star history in the pattern for your enjoyment.

 Oh, and I made a little pinkeep, too!  The pattern includes instructions and templates for both the quilt and the pinkeep.  

The pattern is ready to go so if you'd like to put your scraps to good use...you can order the pattern here.

Hope you like Stars Over Union Hill as much as I do.  Now that it's done, it was so worth the wait!

Jane ~ Before and After

This is Jane.  She's named after the nineteenth century best selling book, Jane Eyre.

She's featured on the cover of my Vintage Patchwork book for Martingale Publishing.

I came across this photo I took while I was piecing Jane.  It's just amazing how the squares shrink when you piece a small little quilt like this.  

I also wanted to show you how that you can certainly make the projects in the book anyway you'd like to.  These cuties were made by Valerie Langue, owner of The Quilt Merchant.  She made Scarlet (left) and Jane (right) out of Mrs. Miller's Apprentice fabrics.  Love them!

You might ask.....what would I do with a 5 inch quilt?  Well....several things come to mind.  I  attached a ribbon to the back of Jane.   Sometimes, I tuck the ribbon between pages of a large, old book (like a bookmark) and she is displayed in front of the book.  At the moment, I've taped her to this antique cutting board in my kitchen.  I think it makes a great display....a little patchwork always warms things up and adds color!

I used the new (to me) Wall-Safe tape.  It works just like a Post-It note as it sticks well, but leaves no residue behind.  It doesn't damage anything either.  Great stuff!

Tiny, bookshelf size quilts are quite versatile.
I love displaying them in places you wouldn't expect and I hope I've inspired you to give them a try. 

You can get a copy of  my Vintage Patchwork book here.  There are twelve small projects all made from just one 10 x 10 precut of my Pam's Prairie Basics fabric collection.  Or, as you can see, you can make them from fabrics of your choosing!

Any day spent quilting is a good day!

Circa 1880 Nine Patch Blocks

If you're like me, every moment I was making my Circa Nine Patch blocks, I wanted more and more and more variety of fabrics.  My appetite for scrappy was insatiable!  If you're craving tons more fabric....trade blocks!  Oh....and I may have a fix in store for you.  Sixteen new Circa Essential Basic prints are coming soon.....and I love them all!!!!  Can't wait to share them with you.

Happy Stitches....have a great week!

Feeling A Little Blue is a Good Thing!

A few weeks ago, we sold out of my Mrs. Miller's Apprentice fat quarter bundles, but am happy to say, they're back in stock!

In this case, being in a blue mood isn't a bad thing at all!  Teehee!

And, there's a bunch of pretty lights for your truly sunny side.  

You can find Mrs. Miller's Apprentice yardage and bundles at your local quilt shop and right here.  

Last Friday, I happily put the finishing touches on the manuscript for my second book for Martingale.  Oh....I am so jazzed about this book!  It will be out next spring sometime.  Seems like so long to wait, doesn't it?  But, considering all the work that goes into creating the beautiful books they do, transforming a pile of type written pages into the glorious color filled books we love, we have to be patient and give them time.  Sigh...so hard to wait!

In the meantime, I'm making progress (with lots of help from Debbie) on three new patterns.  Tokens of the Past: Gathering In Blue is nearly done.  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for a few sneak peeks!  

There are no less than three new fabric lines in production as well.  I'll begin another next month sometime.  There's always something new brewing around here.  We have to keep our fabric stashes well fed.  Wink, wink!

With the manuscript now complete, I'm back to my early morning sewing.  I love starting the day that way.  It makes me feel so centered and happy.  I'm still making (read can't stop making!!) Circa 1880 Nine Patch blocks and never get tired of them.  They are such a happy, easy block to make.  I'm also sewing pieces for a new quilt (not a quilt in this new batch) as leader/enders with my morning sewing.  I feel like I get so much done before 9am!!

Well....back to getting things done for spring market.  Hope Spring has arrived at your doorstep!

Mrs. Miller on the Plantation

With the arrival of my new Mrs. Miller's Apprentice fabrics, I pulled together a new mix of blues to make kits for my
Plantation Stars pattern!

Gosh, I love this quilt!

There's a very pretty range of prints.....

And a gorgeous range of shades for all those stars to sparkle!  (The lighting makes them look much lighter than they really are.) 

I chose this floral for the border as it has all different shades of blues and ties the quilt together so well!  

Click here to read more details about the Plantation Stars quilt kit.  

Tomorrow, I'm heading for a much warmer climate!  At home today in Chicago, it's -12 temperature, so the 80's in Florida sound wonderful!  I'll be there giving a lecture and a bunch of workshops in the Tampa area for the East Pasco Quilters this Friday and Saturday.  So, come on and join the fun!!  

I'm also working toward the deadline later this month to submit the manuscript for book #2 for my next book with Martingale, and then there's the tax returns (groan) that are due.  

I'm also working on piecing the blocks together for a new, very different, large quilt called Stars Over Union Hill that is very scrappy and has some wool applique!  Ohhhh...fun stuff!

 And, at the same time, working on a new Tokens of the Past pattern, called Gathering in Blue, with three quilts made from a 10 inch precut of Mrs. Miller's Apprentice and border yardage.  Loving those 3 little cuties!  And...if time allows, maybe one or two more quilts before market in May.  

So...I'd better get packing.  The signs of spring are here somewhere.  The clocks change this weekend, and it's the beginning of Lent and Punchkie time (I know I didn't spell that correctly, but you know what I mean!)  Now, if Mother Nature could see to warmer weather....

Be Well and Stitch Happy!!  

Circa 1880 Nine Patch Blocks

Fabric......piecing.......pressing.......Happiness!!

Circa 1880 Nine Patch Blocks

Are you digging deep in your stash for tons of different prints?  Have you made some blocks with fussy cut centers and corners?  We're just getting started!

Looking for a participating quilt shop so you can join The Circa 1880 Club?  Click here for the list!

A Helpful You Tube Video

Last fall while I was attending quilt market, I met with the staff of Martingale Publishing and we worked together to make a You Tube video of my best tips for perfect Connector Corners.
They made a really great video of my demo and I think you may enjoy it and perhaps get some useful tips!

Click here to watch the video.

Click here to read the entire Martingale Stitch This! blog post.  They always have such great blog posts!  And...you can comment to win a copy of my Vintage Patchwork book!!

If you're interested in buying my Vintage Patchwork book and 10 inch precut, you can find them here.

Check it out....hope you find it helpful!

Circa 1880 Nine Patch Blocks

A new batch of blocks to inspire you.  Notice that we don't care about matching the dark prints in the four corners of the block to the center square.  Anything goes!!!  When the blocks are in the quilt, you won't care or notice if those corners are matched to the center.  They're all beautiful!!

I've had quite a lot of questions about The Circa 1880 Club, so I'd like to answer them here for you.

I am not selling the patterns or the templates on my website.  I created this program especially for quilt shops.  You can buy any of the Circa 1880 Club items from a participating shop.  

You can find the list of shops here.  This is not a complete list, however, as I know of many shops not listed here yet.  Many more are signing up as word of the Circa 1880 Club spreads.  So exciting!  So ask your LQS if they are joining the fun.

Many of you ask me what shade of Marcus' Aged Muslin I used in my quilt.  I used sku Y139-141D.  Remember.....each bolt of this very special fabric is hand dyed.  No two bolts are the same...very close, but not exact.  There are four shades of Aged Muslin.  Some are lighter with very little aging, and some are much darker.  You should judge for yourself.  The aging is the very thing that makes it perfect for replicating a vintage, aged quilt.  It gives the soft patina passing time gives to old quilts.  I love it!  

Another question....do you have to make the quilt in a year?  Certainly not!!  This quilt is meant to be a joyful journey.  It's an heirloom in the making.  Take your time and enjoy the process.  I am sharing many tips and hints in the Circa 1880 Club private Facebook group,  about ways to save time, organize and make lots of blocks in an hour which is how I completed my quilt in time.  But...you should make this quilt at your own pace.  Life happens....so no pressure from anyone!

Wishing you many happy stitches!  

48 Hour Fabric Sale!

Fabric Sale!

My sincere thanks to everyone who buys a book or pattern, a notion or some of my fabrics through the year as it allows me to continue doing what I love.  Where would I be without you?

So....I'm having a Customer Appreciation SALE!

Visit my website and shop all of my fabric on the bolt for 20% off every print in stock!  

Saturday, December and Sunday, December 30th only!!!  Stock up and save while supplies last.

Happy Shopping and thank you all so much!

The Circa 1880 Club Quilts

I'm over the moon happy to report that quilt shops all over are signing up for my Circa 1880 Club every day.  I believe a shop in Canada is signing up so our friends to the North will be included in the fun.

One of the benefits of being a club member is getting the pattern for the six exclusive small club quilts.

You will notice that in each of the club quilts, I used the same Uneven Nine Patch block  I used in the big quilt.  

Sometimes they're paired with other fun blocks.

Sometimes just that cute little block!

Each quilt also features the brand new Circa Basic Essentials fabrics and is given at just the right time of year.  The pattern/kit for the quilt above is given in December.

There are other benefits of the club, too!  But...I don't want to share all my surprises just yet!

I hope I have piqued your interest and that you'll look for a participating Circa 1880 Quilt shop in your area or that you can join by mail.

I have other news to share with you soon that I'm very jazzed about!

No news, however, on the whereabouts of my stolen quilts.  From what I'm told, they are likely in a Houston garbage dump.  Very sad.  If that's the worst thing that happens, I have much to be thankful for as they can be replaced.  

We have to keep our perspective as there is so much true tragedy with the California fires and people loosing everything.  A few quilts are meaningless in the grand scheme.