I’ve been sewing along with A Quilting Life’s 2026 free Block of the Month. Sherry always does nice sew-alongs, and this year’s quilt theme is star blocks. I thought that was appropriate for America’s 250th anniversary. However, the original fabric I chose isn’t patriotic, and after making a few blocks, I decided not to continue with it.

Instead, I switched things up and dipped into a collection of red, white, and blue fabric I had set aside when another project fizzled out on me. The fabric I ended up with is in the photo above. It is a collection by Lella Boutique called Old Glory. I had started a sew-along a year or so ago using it, and the blocks just were not gelling together, so I quit. I do think the fabrics will be perfect for this sew-along, however.

Sometimes fabric is just waiting for the right project to come along!

This was my original block from my stash of Thimbleblossoms fabrics. It’s ok, but it doesn’t really stand out like the red, white, and blue one does. Furthermore, in Sherry’s example, the X design is very prominent. I think my red, white, and blue version better fits Sherry’s intention.

As you can see, I have dipped my toe back into the sewing room. I hope to make a couple more of the A Quilting Life blocks of the month this weekend, as well as get the border on my Halloween Figs quilt top. Dennis is heading to the Bay Area for his monthly infusions on Monday, so I will have loads of uninterrupted time to sew next week. I hope to show some real progress to you all!

Happy weekend, everyone!