Last summer I signed up for the Summer Sampler 2021: Vintage Restyle Sew-A-Long. I learned so much from this group! The vintage inspired blocks were given a modern twist and each block was designed by a different quilt designer.

Each Monday morning during the Sew-A-Long, a new block pattern would be emailed to all the participants. I liked that schedule and most weeks it was pretty easy to squeeze in making just one block.

Another advantage of the Sew-A-Long was the Facebook group comprised of the others making the sampler. Along with tips and tricks from the designers, these individuals could share their questions, ideas and advice. There were new products on the market that I had never heard of. One of the tips was to use Glue-Baste-It, a temporary basting glue when piecing. You just need tiny drops in the seam allowance. It dries quickly and hold the fabric firmly in place. I used the iron to quickly dry it. No pins needed. I usually just use then when the seam allowances are pressed to the side. The Best Press spray starch was another product I really liked. When cutting out your blocks, press your fabric with the Best Press first, then cut, for a sharper cut. It also works great to starch your finished blocks. Both of these products are available on Amazon and fabric stores.

The bright colors in the kit were so pretty! In many Sew-A-Longs you have the option of purchasing a pattern and fabric kit or just purchasing the pattern and selecting your own fabric.

There is something so soothing about sewing! Well…most days! There were some tricky corners and curves with some of these blocks. What I learned is that to be accurate, you have to be accurate. I had to learn to take my time and do it right the first time.

A quilt is not really a quilt until it is quilted. And what an important artistic feature the quilting adds! It is like giving your quilts a personality. This one was quilted by Kristi Ryan of Kristi’s Quilting in Kansas City. She did an amazing job!

Her free motion skills really brought the solid fabric pieces to life! She quilted each block differently – what a skill and an art!

The back side was also so pretty! Gorgeous!

The finished quilt! Loved the colors, the design and the learned experience. I am looking forward to doing another one!

For this Summer Sampler pattern and others, click on the link below:

https://www.freshlypieced.com/

Happy Quilting!

March is National Quilting Month. I love old quilts and some of my most treasured keepsakes are quilts. Quilts are works of art, family heirlooms and for many of us, are full of memories, love and sentiment.

This flour sack quilt was pieced by my Grandma Davitt, I just love it. When I see it, I think of all the good times we had visiting her and Grandpa Davitt and playing with the cousins. I remember my Grandma Steinhauser using my Grandpa’s old suits to make comforters. They used what they had on hand to create necessary items, and now they are part of our family history.

I want to continue that tradition, and this past year I have learned so much about piecing and quilting. During the pandemic I participated in a couple of quilt-a-longs and read about old techniques and new methods. I have pieced several quilts this past year and have learned so much! Now I am getting ready to take another class, where we will do the background quilting on a embroidery machine.

My sister, Laurie, makes a rag quilt to welcome all of her grandchildren.

Now quilting has become a popular hobby. The repetitive motion of quilting and sewing helps relax the brain and feel less stressed. I also enjoy the creative process of cutting up the fabric and arranging it to create a special quilt. Baby quilts are an easy way to ease into quilting.

How will you celebrate National Quilting Month? Get out treasured keepsake quilts and enjoy them! Create a record of your keepsake quilts so future generations will know who made them. Start a simple quilting project, such a wall hanging, table runner or Christmas stocking. Get out that quilting project you started earlier and work on it.

Enjoy these facts about quilting from HolidaysCalendars.com

• Quilting goes back to Ancient Egypt—approximately 5,400+ years ago.
• The word quilt comes from the Latin world “Culcita”, which means stuffed sack or bag.
• Medieval knights used quilted pads under their armor to protect against chaffing and to prevent the armor from rusting from sweat. 
• The earliest American quilt made is from 1704.
• During the 19th century, it was customary for girls to make quilts to show off her quilting skills to her new husband.
• Quilting was popular 100-years after the sewing machine was invented at the end of the 18th century.
• There are three basic quilt types. These include Plain Quilts, Applique Quilts, and Patchwork Quilts. 
• The most expensive historic quilt ever sold was a Civil War-era quilt that was sold in 1991 for $254,000.
• The average quilter is 63-years old. (I am guessing that this average age is lower now.)
• In 2017, the quilting industry was worth over $3.5 billion dollars. 
• During the 1960s, quilting became popular again after interest had waned in it during the early part of the 20th century. 
• Patchwork quilts became extremely popular in areas that only had leftover fabrics for people to quilt

Enjoy today!

Holiday traditions – whether it be decorations, food or activities – really are what make the holidays so special. We look forward to enjoying special times and sharing memories of past gatherings. Last weekend I as I went through our Christmas boxes, it warmed my heart to see treasured decorations and think about holidays in the past.

I painted these Santa figures right before John was born, note that Santa’s list has “Carrs” on it. So these have been part of our Christmas decorations for over 30 years.

Mark’s mom collected these carolers and he always loved them. So he started a collections for our family. This represents us, our parents and our children. Most years we add something new, this year we added the little reindeer.

Now as our children get married and have children, we start their collections. So last year we added a “little Berkley” caroler to John and Lauren’s collection. Our collection also includes the clock maker and the woodworker Santa in his workshop to represent Mark’s hobbies.

Traditional foods – the tastes and smells – truly make your house “home for the holidays.” When I was growing up we would make cookie trays and deliver them to our neighbors, so we continue that tradition. Our favorites include sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, chocolate crackle cookies and peanut blossoms.

One of the Carr Christmas traditions was baking and decorating sugar cookies, so we always try to work that in during the Christmas season. Last year we switched from buttercream frosting in bowls to royal icing in squeeze bottles – which let all the “big” kids be more creative with their decorating. Then they get to take them home – so good to sit down with a cup of hot cocoa and some homemade Christmas cookies.

Enjoy your traditions and have a wonderful Christmas season!

Click on the link below for our cookie tray ideas: