I’m all caught up with the A Quilting Life Sew Along for 2026. The blocks above are January through June. Look at me, right on schedule. The BOM is hosted by Sherri McConnell (one of the nicest people ever), who offers a new completely free BOM each year. This year the blocks all have a star theme, which I like a lot. Sherri is using her own fabric designs for this project. If you aren’t familiar with her collections, do check her blog, they are gorgeous. If you like bright cheerful colors, she is your girl. She actually designs with her daughter Chelsi, and they have a great line of patterns and a YouTube channel with loads of helpful tips.
This is June’s block, easy peasy. Lots of flying geese for this block, but it’s my favorite unit to piece, so I was happy. The fabric I am using for this sew-along is Sunnyside by Camille Roskelly (Thimbleblossoms). Love her fabric collections; she never disappoints.
I’ve been using my new Bernina 570 and love it. The acrylic insert for the table arrived, and I have it all set up. You can see I am working on some of those flying geese I mentioned. It sews like a dream, which is typical for the brand. No buyer’s remorse here.
The thing about flying geese, at least the way I make them, is that they need to be trimmed to the desired size after sewing. I don’t mind this extra step, because they come out perfect every time. I am using one of my BlocLoc trim tools, and they are great. The price has always been kind of high, but it has gone up astronomically due to the tariff situation. A real shame because I wish they were more affordable so people could have all the sizes they want!
Hope your week is going great.
16 Responses
I’m late to the party as far as being a Sherri follower, but I’m all in now. I make primarily Civil War color quilts. Sherri’s cheerful colors are outstanding, and her kindness really shows through all her videos. Wish she lived in my neighborhood!
I think she lives in Nevada. She seems super nice. And her fabrics are just a ray of sunshine.
Your blocks are gorgeous! Block-loc tools are great, but costly. I have one but it’s the most common flying geese size I make and I use it all the time. Your sewing table looks amazing with your new Bernina! 😊
I have the flying geese tool in the two sizes I use most often. I bought the half square triangle ruler in the 2.5″ size, which is the one I use all the time. Before the prices went up, I also bought a larger size 4.5″, I think) and found it would have worked for all the smaller-sized ones as well. If I could only buy one, I think that would be the size to get. There is also a 6.5 one.
Those blocks are beautiful — I’m glad Camille was able to add in those pretty rosy pinks! I have a couple of bloc-loc rulers that I received as a thank you gift from my local quilt shop owner…. that was lucky. They really do “lock” into place so easily. Your new Bernina looks right at home.
I am really enjoying it. There is one tiny adjustment I would make to the presser foot, and I will have to talk to the dealer about it.
I just checked….you aren’t kidding about the prices going up! holy moly! I still have my June block to make. I got distracted. ;p
I mean, seriously! That little acrylic rectangle is about 2″ x 3″ and costs nearly $45!
I’m so glad you like your Bernina 570! The jumbo bobbin & dual feed are just two reasons why I love mine! Your BOM blocks look lovely together!
Nicole, I love the fabrics you’re using in the BOM, Camille Roskelly fabrics is one of my favourite designers.
I love the navy background or base fabric colour, when I use it, it makes me happy! Also love to wear this colour vs black. It is so much softer. As for the rulers, when you find one that works consistently you are a happy trimmer. I use the Tucker Trimmers for HST and Flying geese, they are very accurate and I like to make a bigger block and trim down, which is why I use the Deb Tucker Studio 180 methods. So glad I purchased these ruler years ago as they are very expensive now! Enjoy the new machine! Have a great weekend!
I’m interested in a new bernina. Just looking for a simple to thread and operate machine. I’m not tech savvy and have been afraid to take the bling.
Sorry …. I’m afraid to take the plunge.
Hi Barbara! I’ve been a ‘regular’ reader of Nicole’s blog for as long as I’ve been quilting. I started with a basic Bernina 155. I loved every stitch I took with it & it’s still my backup when my 570 is in for its yearly checkup. I’ve had my 570 for 7 years & it sews like a dream. It’s easy to thread, including using the automatic needle-threader. The dual feed means you don’t need a typical walking foot. The jumbo bobbins are life-changing!! The Bernina shop will have a new-owner’s free orientation class for you & I highly recommend it. And the owner’s manual is easy to use when you have questions at home. Go for it! You won’t regret it! (Yikes! I sound like a used car salesman here!!! 🤪)
Love your quilt. I’m going to look into the patterns. I like star quilts too.
Nicole, I’ve always downloaded in safari but these are google. I only have an iPad and would love to do these blocks. I save to books and open pattern and work from there rather than a paper copy. Any suggestions?
Your blocks are always beautiful and we seem to have a number of projects going at the same time!!
Thanks Debbie
Hi Debbie, I wish I were more tech-savvy and could answer your question! I do have a suggestion for you, though. Sherri has an email address for inquiries: info@aquiltinglife.com
I would contact her and tell her your issue and see if she has any ideas for you. She probably has gotten the question in the past. She is super nice and I know she will help you out if possible.