# sisterschoicequilts.blog


## Posts

- [How Do I Store My Quilts?](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/how-do-i-store-my-quilts/): How do I store my quilts? I get asked that question a lot. Presumably directed to me from lovely people who assume I have some sort of system to preserve and display my quilts to their absolute best advantage. Well, that could not be farther from the truth.  This is a perfect example of "do not do as I do." I don't really have a place to store my quilts. They are mostly kept together in one place, but it is not an ideal situation. I keep most of them in my master bedroom closet on shelves that are really […]
- [Autumn Nights Sew Along](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/autumn-nights-sew-along/): Every fall, Fat Quarter Shop hosts a free sew-along. They typically have a Halloween theme, but this year they decided to focus on Autumn instead. This year's project is called Autumn Nights. FQS has chosen a beautiful new Fig Tree collection of fabric called Agatha Road, which is very similar to past fabric lines Joanna Figueroa has designed. They also offered a fabric kit, which I ordered. You can see my starched and ironed fabric all ready to go in the photo above. If you have a stash of Fig Tree Halloween fabrics, you could have what you need to […]
- [Viola, Back From the Quilter](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/viola-back-from-the-quilter/): I'd like you to meet Viola, another wonderful Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. pattern. I made this quilt a while back and never got around to having it quilted. It is actually supposed to be bigger: sixteen blocks total. I can't remember why I made it smaller. Kind of wish I'd gone with the full size. At any rate, it is a beautiful and colorful quilt and I can't wait to use it! Seriously Archie? I cannot lay a quilt down without him immediately lolling around on it. This time he rolled around like a pig in mud and simply would […]
- [Typepad Problems Again](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/typepad-problems-again/): As you can see by my design wall, I have all but two remaining blocks of Halloween Memories to make. As well as the partial hourglass blocks for the outer border, which won't take long, since they are so big. I need to get this project off the wall because the Pumpkin Gatherings blocks need to be assembled and I will need it for that. The Pumpkin Gatherings quilt is large and has a diagonal set, so it will be a tricky one to assemble. My biggest issue right now is that Typepad is acting squirrelly again. After I posted […]
- [Typepad Problems Again](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/typepad-problems-again-2/): As you can see by my design wall, I have all but two remaining blocks of Halloween Memories to make. As well as the partial hourglass blocks for the outer border, which won't take long, since they are so big. I need to get this project off the wall because the Pumpkin Gatherings blocks need to be assembled and I will need it for that. The Pumpkin Gatherings quilt is large and has a diagonal set, so it will be a tricky one to assemble. My biggest issue right now is that Typepad is acting squirrelly again. After I posted […]
- [I'm Gonna Be Broke, But It Will Be Worth It](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/im-gonna-be-broke-but-it-will-be-worth-it/): I am seriously going to be broke, but I am sending a lot of quilts out to be quilted. They have languished too long and it's time to get off the pot and get them finished. Look at all those packages of backing fabric. That set me back a few bucks too. I did get some good prices on a few of them though. So, what am I sending out for quilting? Here is my little fashion show: These two quilts are Family Reunion on the left and the Riley Blake Design Challenge 2025 on the right. The Family Reunion […]
- [Keeping Up](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/keeping-up/): I am happy to say I have kept up with the Pumpkin Gatherings sew-along hosted by Lisa Bongean. A new block assignment has been released each week during July and August. Up until this latest block (shown above), the weekly tasks have been quite easy. This one was a challenge, I won't lie! These are the blocks we have made so far. Even though at times we had to make as many as 24 blocks in one week, the blocks have been pretty simple.  This past week's assignment was the center medallion for the quilt. Just one block, but whew, […]
- [Halloween Memories Back Up on the Design Wall](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/halloween-memories-back-up-on-the-design-wall/): Remember these fabulous blocks from last year? The fabric is Hey Boo by Lella Boutique and the pattern is Moonlight from the Halloween Memories book by Susan Ache. I was working on it last summer when Dennis got ill and my world unraveled.  I was super organized with the block preparation, so it didn't take me long to get up to speed. The blocks are a bit involved, but I had put the components for each block in a little baggie! Each baggie contains the materials to make one paper pieced square in a square unit, four flying geese units, […]
- [Time to Clear Off the Design Wall!](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/time-to-clear-off-the-design-wall/): It is time for me to clear off the design wall and get going on some Halloween UFOs. This little quilt is finished except for the borders. The fabrics are all from the Fat Quarter Shop Designer Mystery 2024 block of the month. I never actually made the quilt blocks from the project because I didn't like the setting. The fabric collection is My Summer House by Bunny Hill.  Having all that fabric sitting around was making me feel guilty, and I wanted to come up with something to use it up. I ended up using the fabric in Erica […]
- [Strawberry Garden is Finished](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/strawberry-garden-is-finished/): Well, I did it. Strawberry Garden is now finished, thank heavens. This quilt was a lot. So many pieces, scads of blocks, and fussy piecing. It is a real accomplishment to have made it, but it was an effort! I think it will be a while before I dive into another mega Fig Tree project such as this. The quilt was meant to be a block-of-the-month project, and I suppose it would have been more workable if I had done it that way. I was late to the game, however, and by the time I decided I wanted to make […]
- [Machine Binding Tutorial](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/machine-binding-tutorial/): I can't claim to be an expert on machine binding, but I have done a few lately with good results. A number of you have asked for a tutorial, so here you go. As I said, this is just the way I've been doing it, and it's working great for me. The very first thing to pay attention to is trimming up the edges of your quilt. You want it trimmed straight and very evenly. No extra batting or fabric sticking out. My photo above shows just how I like the quilt to be prepared. Next, make your binding, any […]
- [Thistles Pattern](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/thistles-pattern/): Several people have asked about the details regarding the Fig Tree pattern I shared the other day. It is called Thistles, and finishes at 75 x 75". It is fat quarter friendly, but I think you could absolutely make it from scraps. Don't you love that black flying geese lattice? I think it is stunning. You can order the pattern directly from Fig Tree & Co. That's what I did, and I got it super quickly.  I have got to make this quilt. It will be so much fun to pick my favorite Fig Tree color combos for these blocks. […]
- [Pumpkin Spice Gatherings Clue 5 and Finish Diagram](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/pumpkin-spice-gatherings-clue-5-and-finish-diagram/): Clue 5 of the Pumpkin Spice Gatherings sew-along was an easy basic star block. How did I not notice that big black thread on the top block when I took the picture? I haven't had a chance to work on Clue 6 yet, but I will get to it sometime this week. I don't want to fall behind. This is the diagram of the finished quilt. I think it is pretty spectacular. I am so glad they aren't being coy about keeping the reveal a mystery. I much prefer to know where we are going with a project like this.  […]
- [On Saturday I Did a Thing](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/on-saturday-i-did-a-thing/): Sometimes it only takes a simple question to cause a whole lot of action to take place. So, last week reader Carole commented on a post and asked a simple thing. "So how's all that binding coming along?" Uh. What? Binding? Well, I had to confess to Carole that it wasn't coming along in any way shape or form. I've had quilts waiting literally for years for me to sew the binding on them. So, on Saturday, I went up to the sewing room determined to make something happen. I decided that hand-sewing binding is not a task I enjoy. […]
- [Spending Spree](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/spending-spree/): I've lost my mind lately, picking up great end-of-the-summer bargains online and in person. Honestly, I may have gone overboard. But, hey, it's ok, you only live once and you can't take it with you. This bundle is Stitch by Fig Tree. It is an older collection from 2022 that I found for a great price online. I had an idea for what I was going to do with it, and now I can't remember at all what it was. No matter, if I can't recall, I will come up with something else. In fact, here's an idea. I saw […]
- [Two Fabulous Quilts Back from the Quilter](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/two-fabulous-quilts-back-from-the-quilter/): Oh my gosh, can I tell you how much I love this quilt? I just unpacked it and spread it out on the floor to take a picture. I've been calling it the Love quilt (for obvious reasons). It is one of two quilts I made out of the Moda Blockheads 3 experience. I am so happy with the way it turned out. The quilter recommended using the Orange Peel design for the quilting pattern, and I think it is perfect.  See what I mean? Now that I see it, I cannot imagine anything else. She did it nice and […]
- [July 2025 Books](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/july-2025-books/): I read quite a lot this month, but overall, I found it to be a very ho-hum month in terms of what I actually loved. For some reason, maybe I was just in a mood, most of these books were just ok for me. I read 12 books, and only four of them made it to a four-star ranking for me. A number of these books are free on Amazon Unlimited right now, so you should take advantage and give them a try! I will start with my favorites. What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown was a very thought-provoking […]
- [](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/after-all-the-sewing-i-did-over-the-weekend-my-other-responsibilities-are-catching-up-with-me-this-week-doesnt-look-as-i/): After all the sewing I did over the weekend, my other responsibilities are catching up with me. This week doesn't look as if it will be as productive. I did work on the patchwork border for the Strawberry Garden quilt. All the units are made. I need to connect them and attach them to the quilt. That one is going off for quilting very soon, along with the Drunkard's Path table topper I recently made.  These little block units are Clue 4 for the Primitive Gatherings Sew-Along. Clue 5 came out late Monday afternoon, but I haven't had a chance […]
- [Riley Black Designs Challenge 2025 Almost Finish](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/riley-black-designs-challenge-2025-almost-finish/): Remember this? It is the Riley Blake Design Challenge 2025, the sew-along I was not going to participate in. That being declared, I did make most of the blocks. I went at my own pace, and substituted a block here and there when I didn't care for the monthly offering. The Riley Blake Designer challenges are really wonderful sew-alongs. The blocks are always 10 1/2" unfinished, which is a great but rather neglected size block. The nice thing about these challenges is the block patterns are still available on the Riley Blake site going back to 2021. There is a […]
- [Down the Drunkard's Path](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/down-the-drunkards-path/): I went down the Drunkard's Path for sure this week. I am not sure what inspired me to starch and press my Autumn fabric collection by Lori Holt and drag out my Drunkard's Path templates, but this is the result. I used a pattern called Daybreak Mini by Sheri McConnell of A Quilting Life for the layout. I wasn't really paying attention to the size of her block units, because I was using a template that made units 4 1/2" square, which I trimmed down to 4 1/4". It took no time at all, and I was glad to have […]
- [I Couldn't Help Myself](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/i-couldnt-help-myself-1/): I had a lovely bundle of Autumn fabric by Lori Holt on the shelf and it has been calling to me. I wanted to make another mini quilt for late summer/early fall, and those colors are just perfect. I am not sure where I got the notion, but I thought I might make a small Drunkard's Path table topper. I have a small set of templates that I used. The blocks are supposed to be 4 1/2" unfinished, but with this block you always have to trim it down because it comes out wonky.  I trimmed mine down to 4 […]
- [More Designer Mystery 2024 Blocks](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/more-designer-mystery-2024-blocks/): I made a few more blocks for the Designer Mystery 2024 quilt. I may eliminate that block on the lower left. I think it's too red, and also the house pattern is placed weirdly. I like the block however, and may re-do it with aqua as the center color and just a touch of red around it.  Yesterday was one of those days where just about anything that could go wrong, did. First, my new housecleaning service cancelled on me. First visit, and they want to know if they can reschedule. Of course, we spent an hour tidying things up […]
- [What I'm Working On](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/what-im-working-on/): I thought I share an update on the projects I am currently focusing on. It is true that I love working on multiple things at one time, which can be overwhelming. I do enjoy the variety, and I definitely never get bored. I am concentrating on a couple of newish projects, but also finishing up a thing or two.  The photo above is my progress on the Pumpkin Gatherings sew along with Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings. Each week there is a new "clue" of multiple blocks to make in one pattern. The first week was 24 pumpkins, the second […]
- [I'll Be Out for a Bit](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/ill-be-out-for-a-bit/): I am going to be down for the count for a couple of days. We have a history of colorectal cancer in our family, so I get regular colonoscopies every three years. I think this time it may have actually been five years since my last one. The procedure itself isn't a big deal. It is the preparation for the procedure that is a bit of an ordeal. If you haven't had this particular medical procedure, to prep for it, you have to drink a very unpleasant concoction that cleans out your lower intestinal tract. Once you are clean as […]
- [Alternate Setting Plan for Designer Mystery 2024](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/alternate-setting-plan-for-designer-mystery-2024/): I gave up early on with last year's Fat Quarter Shop Designer Mystery project because I didn't care for the setting. As the sew-along went on, I found that I also wasn't crazy about a number of the blocks. I put the fabric and patterns away, thinking at some point I would drag it all out and see if I could come up with an alternate plan. I seem to have a real bee in my bonnet this summer to get past projects finished, so I added Designer Mystery 2024 to my list. I am happy to say I have […]
- [Strawberry Garden: Light at the End of the Tunnel](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/strawberry-garden-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel/): The end is in sight for the Strawberry Garden quilt. And I am not going to lie, I will be so glad to get this one done. This has to be one of the most labor-intensive quilts I have ever made. Have any of you made this? Did you think so too? My gosh, what a lot of work. Those checkerboard borders, good grief. I wish I had just cut fabric strips to frame the blocks. Those were a chore and I am not sure they add anything to the look of the quilt. They barely stand out at all.  […]
- [Designer Mystery 2025 BOM](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/designer-mystery-2025-bom/): I wasn't going to do it. I waited until the last minute. In fact, I waited until all the BOM subscriptions were sold out. Then they released a few more, and I caved in and signed up. This is the Fat Quarter Shop's Designer Mystery Block of the Month for 2025. The featured fabric is Abloom by Corey Yoder, which is just beautiful. The BOM is truly sold out now… I posted a photo of my first block a couple of weeks ago: And now the second block has arrived, along with the finishing kit: I won't lie, I was […]
- [Seam Press Tools](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/seam-press-tools-1/): We've been talking recently about block accuracy and getting nice flat blocks when we sew. The object in the photo above is called a Wool Presser Bar, designed for pressing seams nice and flat. The grey part is made of wool, which is covering a block of rounded wood, which is mounted on a flat wooden base. When you press your seams open on it, they seem to lie flatter and press easier and better. I bought mine at Fat Quarter Shop for $27. It is twelve inches long and works great for the size blocks I make and smaller […]
- [Going Green](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/going-green/): My departure from the Primitive Gatherings Pumpkin Gatherings Sew Along is to not go with the brown fabrics for the churn dash blocks. I have green fabrics from previous PG collections (Garden Gatherings, Yuletide Gatherings, Flower Garden Gatherings) and pulled them out of my stash. I didn't want to dip too much into the Pumpkin Gatherings greens, because Lisa indicated that there might be a Christmas project upcoming that would use the reds and greens in the Pumpkin collection. No problem, I have plenty of other greens that will work great. That is the wonder of being a long time […]
- ["Posie" Blocks and Quilting Shortcuts](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/posie-blocks-and-quilting-shortcuts/): I have moved on to the last stage of blocks for the Strawberry Garden project by Fig Tree. I have to make a lot of these little X blocks, euphemistically called "Posie" by the designer. Let me tell you, these are tedious. Not so bad if you just have to make a couple, but I have to make 14.  I don't have too many more to go, but I have given up on drawing diagonal lines on those little white squares to make the "flip and sew" corners. I just want to get through these without anymore fuss. Pressing all […]
- [Salad With Grilled Tuna](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/salad-with-grilled-tuna/): I hope you all had a splendid weekend. I will tell you about mine and then share the best thing about it: Salad with Grilled Tuna. It was 100 degrees where I live on Friday. And Saturday and Sunday. Our air conditioning system failed Thursday, and we had to have it replaced. We spent scads of money on not one, but two air conditioning units (we have a big house). When they were tested, they did not work. It turns out we needed a fan and a capacitor as well. Which could not be provided right away. The AC guy […]
- [Basket Blocks and Pumpkin Blocks Done](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/basket-blocks-and-pumpkin-blocks-done/): I am so glad to have these 4 1/2" basket blocks behind me. Yes, they are cute, but it was kind of boring to make 24 of them. Next up are 14 X blocks, which involve partial square in a square units, which I also dread making. I'll get through it. I am determined to finish this quilt and something else on the design wall! There are a ton more steps to the setting, however, including a number of checkerboard borders that will surround some of the larger blocks. It will be a beautiful quilt, but my goodness, it is […]
- [Tips For Accurate Piecing](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/tips-for-accurate-piecing/): When it comes to accurate piecing, there is a lot of talk about accurate cutting and an accurate scant quarter-inch seam allowance. It is absolutely true that if you don't have those two things going for you, your piecing will not be accurate. However, there are a few other pointers I'd like to share that have helped me achieve more accurate units for my quilt blocks. Keep in mind, these tips are just things that have helped me. The quilt police aren't going to come knocking if you choose not to do these things.  I am a firm believer in […]
- [New Sew Along: Pumpkin Spice Gatherings](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/new-sew-along-pumpkin-spice-gatherings/): There is a new sew-along starting up, hosted by Primitive Gatherings. Each week for only eight weeks, clues will be published by Lisa Bongean and her team at Primitive Gatherings. This sew-along features her new fabric collection, Pumpkin Spice Gatherings. Not all the colors will be used in this mystery sew-along; we will leave out the reds and greens and purples in this one.  If you recall, I was planning to use this bundle in the Moda BlockHeads 6 sew-along, but decided early on that I would not be participating in BlockHeads this go around. What to do with all […]
- [Books of June 2025](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/books-of-june-2025/): June was a great reading month. I definitely moved out my desire for lighter fiction this month! I finished my typical eleven books, and most of them were quite good. I read six books in print and five in digital format. There were a few real standouts, a few that were solid 4 stars, and a few that were good, but had issues that knocked the star rating down a bit. This post is a long one, so grab a cup of tea or coffee and settle in. Let's see what we have: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is a […]
- [Lots of Progress on Strawberry Garden](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/lots-of-progress-on-strawberry-garden/): Hope those of you in the US had a Happy 4th of July! I can't believe the year is half over. Do check out the Reeding Between the Lines YouTube video or podcast for Sara and me doing our mid-year book check-in. It was a fun episode. Slowly but surely, my design wall is filling up. I have completed all the main blocks for the Fig Tree Strawberry Garden quilt, and now have to make a ton of smaller filler blocks. I have my fabric mostly cut out and plan to tackle those this week.  Here are the most recent […]
- [Easy Tortellini Salad](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/easy-tortellini-salad/): If you are in a hurry to have dinner on the table and want it to be easy, I have a recipe for you. I stopped by my grocery store at 2:00 in the afternoon with no ideas for dinner. I grabbed a 20 oz bag of cheese tortellini from the cold case, a package of mixed Italian antipasti from the deli, a jar of marinated artichoke hearts, some cherry tomatoes and a red onion. I had some Olive Garden Italian dressing at home to season it all. The Italian antipasti mix is kind of the key ingredient for this […]
- [Loving Lately June 2025](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/loving-lately-june-2025/): I had to share the cutest bag I purchased recently from the Coach Outlet store. I have a June birthday and I always associate strawberries with it. Strawberry shortcake, strawberry pie, strawberry ice cream: all have been favorite desserts known to show up at my birthday. Anyway, I saw this bag and knew I had to have it.  But I didn't stop there. I wanted a little bag charm to go with it and found this precious thing on Macy's website. It is made of leather and those tiny little "seeds" are minute gold beads. Cuteness overload. I am not […]
- [Two MORE Quilts Off For Quilting](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/two-more-quilts-off-for-quilting/): I am definitely on a roll with sending quilts out to be quilted. This one is an old Miss Rosie pattern called Viola. I revisited my notes on it, and see that I made it slightly smaller than the pattern directed. I kind of wish I had made it the full size, but I guess I was just feeling "done" with it. It is colorful and fun and deserves to be quilted and used. My notes also tell me I used scraps of 58 different fabrics in this quilt! I started it shortly after my sister passed away in 2015 […]
- [Focusing on Strawberry Garden](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/focusing-on-strawberry-garden/): In an attempt to gain peace of mind, i have decided to try to focus on one quilting project at a time for a while. Maybe if I feel like i am progressing towards a finish, I will feel less overwhelmed by all my myriad of projects. I decided to go with the Strawberry Garden project, which is in a book by Fig Tree. I have made a lot of blocks, but I still have a way to go. The next block up in the book is a fairly large and complicated block featuring two strawberries.  Take a look at […]
- [Two Quilts Back From the Quilter and Charred Corn Salad](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/two-quilts-back-from-the-quilter-and-charred-corn-salad/): I made the most delicious Charred Corn Salad this week. If you want a summery meal that won't heat up the kitchen and will be ready when you want it, give this recipe a try. You do have to grill four ears of corn in advance, and fry up a few pieces of bacon, but the rest is just cutting up some veggies and making a salad dressing.  Do give this a try, it was SO good! Now for some quilts that I just got back from the quilter. Here is a little peek at the quilt I made for […]
- [Two Quilts Off To the Quilter](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/two-quilts-off-to-the-quilter/): I've got two quilts off to be quilted today, so I am feeling very happy about that. The one in the photo above is the smaller of my two Moda Blockheads 3 quilts. I was dithering about what to do about a border and finally decided to just keep it simple. I had 30 inches of the background fabric left, which meant I could do a very narrow border. I decided not to do a print border because I want all the attention to be on the blocks. This little border is 3 1/2 inches wide (will finish at 3"). […]
- [Riley Blake Designs Challenge 2025: My Progress So Far](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/riley-blake-designs-challenge-2025-my-progress-so-far/): Have you been working on the Riley Blake Designs Challenge this year? Each year, the Riley Blake Design team does a Challenge Sew Along featuring free patterns from their in-house designers. I wasn't going to join any sew-alongs this year, but I was intrigued and also wanted to use up some of my Lori Holt stash of fabrics. This is the tenth block I have made. It is called Give it a Whirl by Melissa Mortenson.  It is a fabulous block, finishing at 10 inches.  I've been using my Lori Holt stash, focusing. on the red, green, and yellow prints. […]
- [Cali and Co Month 6](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/cali-and-co-month-6/): This is the Cali and Co block of the month #6. It is so colorful and fun, I have to say. This quilt sure does use a lot of half square triangles! This is a sew along Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts is doing. Of course it isn't too late to join in, and the patterns are completely free. Corey also has YouTube video tutorials, so you really can't go wrong.  These are the six blocks I've made since the sew-along began. These fabrics are such a joy to work with. They are a combination of a couple of Corey […]
- [4th of July Quilts](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/4th-of-july-quilts/): Archie loves his porch time, especially if we are all out there together. He isn't that impressed with my 4th of July decorations, but I have had fun putting things out for us to enjoy this year.  That flag quilt on the rocker is a Minick and Simpson pattern I made called Liberty Road. I can't find the pattern anywhere, so it may be out of print. The fabrics are all Minick and Simpson as well. The stars are  machine appliqued on. There is another flag quilt that is quite popular this year that I think I may make as […]
- [Spooks and Spells](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/spooks-and-spells/): I meant to share this recent purchase with you all. It is a kit called Spooks and Spells by Stacy Iest Hsu, featuring her Halloween collection Home Sweet Haunt. Isn't that black print stunning? One of my enablers blogging friends, Ina, told me about this quilt kit and I could not resist buying it. The whole thing including pattern is only $89. I purchased mine online at Rocking Chair Quilts.  The quilt is based on this panel. You can see that there are nine different squares, which are meant to be cut out and used as the center of each […]
- [Back From a Little Get Away](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/back-from-a-little-get-away-1/): We are back from a little get away to the Monterey Coast. We stayed at Mission Ranch in Carmel and roamed around some places that used to be our old stomping grounds when we lived down there in the early 2000s. The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed revisiting many of the places we used to enjoy. Things have changed so much though. Many of the shops and other businesses we used to frequent closed during Covid and their replacements just aren't as charming.  I will say Mission Ranch had the best avocado toast I have ever had. The presentation […]
- [Another Look Back](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/another-look-back/): The next blocks for the Strawberry Garden quilt have caused me to take a look back at some of my quilts from the past. This cute little X block reminded me of a quilt I made decades ago.  Remember Thimbleberries fabric? Now that truly is a blast from the past. This quilt is made from basically the same block as the Fig Tree blocks in my first picture. The only difference is that I added one more corner square in a contrasting fabric. When four of the units were sewn together, the result was a "Posy", which was the name […]
- [Bow Ties](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/bow-ties/): Ok, this was a pretty straightforward block. Four little Bow Ties for the Strawberry Garden quilt. I'd forgotten what a quick and easy block this is. I once made a Bow Tie quilt out of Civil War reproduction scraps and enjoyed the experience. It was also a good feeling to use up so many of my scraps. This was from 2015. When I look back, I am amazed at how many quilts I was churning out then! Would you believe these blocks are only 3 inches?  The first time the Bow Tie block came to my attention was probably back […]
- [More Strawberry Garden and a Re-Do](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/more-strawberry-garden-and-a-re-do/): Seriously? I just followed the fabric suggestions that were in the Fig Tree Strawberry Garden book. The flying geese block on the left was the result. Now, that, in my opinion, is a poor choice of fabrics. I re-made the blocks with a less fussy background and a darker tone on tone "goose" fabric and much prefer the results. That was my point yesterday about value and contrast. A big blowsy floral print is not going to show off your piecing like a more solid-reading fabric will.  I plan to remake the basket block as well, and leave out that […]
- [Berry Picking Basket and Flying Geese](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/berry-picking-basket-and-flying-geese/): This is the Berry Picking Basket for the Fig Tree Strawberry Garden quilt. It actually came out great, but I am not happy with the large floral print that was suggested for the block. My points on the top of the basket came out perfectly, but you would never know it for the big blowsy flowers that hide the points. Nevertheless, it is a cute block, and it was fun to make. I considered remaking it with another brown Fig Tree print from my stash, but in spite of having years of past Fig Tree collections on hand, nothing was […]
- [Books of May 2025](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/books-of-may-2025/): It seems like I just posted my books of April! This month has sped by, and I have nine finished books to show for it. Lots of happy things distracting me: house guests, graduation, my kids' birthdays, a family wedding and more. Fun for sure, but they didn't leave me quite as much time to read. I finished nine books, six of them on my Kindle and three of them in print copies.  The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar was a book club selection. We haven't yet had our discussion on the book, but it should be interesting […]
- [Strawberry Garden Block Eight](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/strawberry-garden-block-eight/): This cool block is number eight in the Strawberry Garden book. My friend Thelma (Cupcakes n' Daisies) made this quilt and said on Instgram that it was her favorite block in the book. It had a lot of pieces and is actually four blocks sewn together. It is called Ring Around the Rosie and finishes at 18". Construction was actually very simple. Just some half-square triangles and a lot of four-patches.  These are the blocks that represent the first eight weeks in the original Strawberry Garden sew-along. The sew-along is long over, but I now have the resulting book, so […]
- [Reconsidering Moda BlockHeads 6](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/reconsidering-moda-blockheads-6/): Moda BlockHeads has been going on for three weeks at this point, and so far, I am feeling underwhelmed. I didn't love the first two block offerings and think I may sit back and see how this sew-along unfolds before I spend any more time making blocks. If future blocks are more challenging and innovative, I may change my mind and dive back in. I can always catch up if need be. Are any of you doing this BlockHeads 6 sew-along? What are your thoughts? Meanwhile, I have picked up a couple of unfinished projects that were abandoned when my […]
- [My Baby is Now in High School...](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/my-baby-is-now-in-high-school/): Well, it's over at last. Eva has graduated from 8th grade and is officially a high school freshman. How can the time have passed so quickly? It was a proud day for all of us, and I have to say, "Whew". All that planning and celebrating and carrying on is exhausting! Things are going to settle down now and I am looking forward to some quiet days with no demands, deadlines, or commitments! I wanted you all to know all is well, I am still alive and kicking and will be back (hopefully tomorrow) with some quilty and bookish content!
- [Salad of the Week](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/salad-of-the-week/): I thought it would be fun this summer to start a new series on my blog: Salad of the Week. My first offering for Salad of the Week is Shrimp Orzo Salad, by Foolproof Living. Link is here.  My husband and I strive to eat healthily and have promised to incorporate one vegetarian meal a week, one main dish salad meal a week, and so on. Also, during the summer when temperatures soar, I am not keen to be in the kitchen at 5:00 PM working out what is for dinner. Making a main dish salad does involve some advance […]
- [Success](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/success/): We had a little graduation party for Eva last night, and I gave her the calendar quilt I made for her. It is hard to put one over on her, and of course, she had noticed that I was working on it. She didn't seem to know it was for her, though, and seemed surprised to get it.  I think she liked it, judging by the smile on her face.  We had a nice family gathering, with her dad, Ryan, her stepmom, Stephanie, her stepsister, Sydney, and her other grandma, Nana Sue. We kept it simple, serving cheese and crackers, […]
- [Two Quilts From Moda BlockHeads 3!](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/two-quilts-from-moda-blockheads-3/): I haven't been so excited about a sewing project in some time! Well, that's a lie, I am excited about all the sewing projects, but this one is special. Can you believe it? I got TWO quilts out of Moda BlockHeads 3!  In my opinion, that sew-along went way too long, an entire year, which is a long time commitment to one project. I ended up with over 80 blocks in four different sizes, and had the unrealistic notion that I could combine them all into one gigantic quilt. It wasn't a quilt, it was a tent, and I ended […]
- [Moda BlockHeads 3 Second Quilt Setting Decided!](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/moda-blockheads-3-second-quilt-setting-decided/): I have found my second setting for the Moda BlockHeads 3 quilt blocks. I've nearly got the 8-inch blocks assembled into another quilt top, which I will share with you in the next day or so. In this setting, I have combined the 12-inch blocks and most of the 6-inch blocks into the top you see above. I have yet to actually sew the blocks together and will rearrange some of them before the final sewing. I see some that need other placement for sure. There is one block that stands out like a sore thumb. Which one does not […]
- [Eva's Graduation Quilt Back From the Quilter](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/evas-graduation-quilt-back-from-the-quilter/): Eva's graduation quilt came back from the quilter just in time for her graduation next week. I still have to sew on the binding, but I thought I would share the finished quilt.  For those of you who are new, this quilt was inspired by the calendar year, and all the activities Eva and I have done over all the years she has been in elementary and middle school. The idea for the quilt came from Sheri over at A Quilting Life. Sheri does a yearly quilt-along, and her blocks of the month for this year are surrounded by a […]
- [Moda BlockHeads 3 Version One](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/moda-blockheads-3-version-one/): I am still working on taking apart my setting for Moda BlockHeads 3. These are all the 8-inch blocks. I decided to make several quilts out of the 80-some odd blocks I made for that quilt-along. I really cannot believe I made over 80 blocks in four different sizes and thought I could put them all into one quilt. No. That did not work.  I've been obsessed with this project and it has taken over the sewing room for now. I want to get at least one BlockHeads quilt top done before I start on BlockHeads 6 next week! Taking […]
- [My Happy Place](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/my-happy-place/): I love to quilt, but bookstores are truly my Happy Place. This picture was taken a year ago when we visited our son in Ireland. We had traveled to Cork by train and spent an entire day exploring that city. Highlights were a local farmers' market and this bookstore. I think it may have been a really nice Waterstone's, but I don't remember for sure.  I just remember seeing familiar books, new books, fabulous book accessories, and wanting to take it all home with me. I spent a couple of hours in there and finally left when I noticed my […]
- [Taking Apart Moda BlockHeads 3](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/taking-apart-moda-blockheads-3/): Moda BlockHeads 3 was probably my favorite BlockHeads sew-along ever. And yet, I never finished it. The sew-along involved block choices in four sizes, and I randomly made them, without a plan for a setting. I had 12-inch blocks, 8-inch blocks, 6-inch blocks, and 4-inch blocks. It was actually kind of ridiculous. I would just randomly make a block in whatever size struck me and had no clue what I would do with them at the end. Honestly, I don't think there was enough direction at the beginning of the sew-along. Also, it went on too long ( a year), […]
- [Are You Feeling Halloweeny Yet?](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/are-you-feeling-halloweeny-yet/): Are you looking forward to Halloween yet? I know, I know, it is still Spring, why would anyone be thinking of Fall holidays? Well, if you have a quilt top and have a hope of having it quilted by then, you need to be planning ahead. I have a Halloween quilt top that has been languishing in the closet for a long time. Since 2014, as a matter of fact. I may not get things done in a timely manner, but I do circle back to my projects eventually.  This is a fun, scrappy quilt that I thoroughly enjoyed making, […]
- [Cali & Co Block 5](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/cali-co-block-5/): So, here's a good thing. I have kept up with the Cali & Co sew-along, hosted by Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts. The blocks are all composed of squares and half-square triangles. They are easy, colorful, and fun. What else do you need for a summer sew-along? Just look at how cheerful those blocks are in the photo above. I am using my stash of Coriander Quilts fabrics as well as my Sherri & Chelsi stash, which go remarkably well together. I really like how the blocks are playing with one another. It's a mystery quilt, so we don't know […]
- [Neutral Granny Finished](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/neutral-granny-finished/): I was super productive on Sunday and made a dent in my mile-long quilting To Do list. At the top of the list was the Neutral Granny table runner for my sister. I don't know why, but I was over-thinking that project from start to finish. Should I go with more lights, or add in more darks, how long should it be? In spite of all my dithering, it turned out very well I think. Ahren has left us and gone back to Ireland. Sob. We miss him already and wish he were still here. He made it home safely, […]
- [The County Fair](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/the-county-fair/): This handsome guy, as many of you may recognize, is my winemaker son-in-law, Ryan. Proud winner of a DOUBLE GOLD award for his wine at our county fair! His winery is called La Folia, and this prize-winning wine is his Il Pazzo line, and is called The King. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Graziano, and Zinfandel grapes. The judges evidently loved it and awarded him gold medals in two different categories.  Our county fair is this week, and the entire community takes time off to participate. The schools and businesses are closed, and everyone seems to have an […]
- [Books of April 2025](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/books-of-april-2025/): I read my typical eleven books in April. One audiobook, four in print, and six books on my Kindle. I am either a high grader or am getting really good at picking out books, because honestly, there wasn't a bad one in the bunch. I think many of you will really enjoy this selection of books. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy is getting a lot of hype these days. It is a recent release, so the waitlist at the library or purchasing the hardback are your options. I would classify this book as climate fiction. Set sometime in the […]
- [Moda BlockHeads Fabric and Mother's Day](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/moda-blockheads-fabric-and-mothers-day/): I've got my fabric all lined up for the BlockHeads 6 project, which will start later this month. It is Pumpkin Spice Gatherings by Primitive Gatherings. It combines the reproduction style I love, as well as the brighter colors I've been craving lately. There are loads of background prints, which I think add interest. The other colors are gold, rust, orange, red, tan, brown, sage green, black, and purple. I can't guarantee I will use the purple, but you never know. I decorate a lot with gold, red, and green, so these colors will fit in perfectly with my decor. […]
- [Another Zippy Bag](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/another-zippy-bag/): I made myself a new zippy bag over the weekend. (Yes! I made time to sew!) The pattern is an old Atkinson Designs one that I have made many times and always keep coming back to. It is called Zippy Strippy, and comes out adorable every time. My fabric choice was totally dictated by the cute zipper pull I had on hand. Isn't that the cutest thing ever? I do love a cute zipper pull. I can't recall where I got it. I suppose it could have been in a Fat Quarter Shop Sew Sampler box, or maybe I just […]
- [Moda BlockHeads 6 is Coming](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/moda-blockheads-6-is-coming/): Have you ever participated in one of the Moda BlockHeads Sew-Alongs? They are typically great fun. What is it? It is a sew-along hosted by Moda Fabrics that provides a free quilt block each week, which is created by one of Moda's talented fabric designers. Lisa Bonjean, Lissa Alexander, Joanna Figueroa, Lynn Hagmeier, and Brenda Riddle are some of my favorites. Participating provides an opportunity for you to "explore different styles and techniques, stretch your creativity, and sew at your own pace—all while connecting with a vibrant community of quilters. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Blockheads […]
- [Lake Tahoe Trip](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/lake-tahoe-trip/): No doubt about it, Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. We took a drive over to Reno on Wednesday and did some fun shopping. I got to go to an actual Talbots store, which is a rarity. Of course, I bought a few things. We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and bought some olive oil at a boutique shop. We live out in the country, so malls, chain retail stores, and even specialty stores are not something we get to experience frequently. We made the most of it and came home to our rental […]
- [Lake Tahoe Day One](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/lake-tahoe-day-one/): Dennis typically would pack our car when we left for a vacation. This time Ahren and I took on the job and I have to say, I think we did ok! Everything was organized and fit just right in the back of the Subaru. Ahren drove us up to the Lake and our condominium was just as we remembered: deluxe, spacious, and very comfortable. We settled in with more than enough room and were soon having wine and lively conversations in the living room. Ahren and I made fresh homemade linguine pasta in the morning before we left, with the […]
- [Great Weekend](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/great-weekend/): It's been a great weekend! We had a backyard family wedding, which went off without a hitch. Great weather, wonderful food, beautiful bride….everything was pretty perfect. Ryan, my winemaker (ex) son-in-law, was the officiant for his step-daughter's wedding, which made the occasion all the more meaningful. The newlyweds will be moving to Lincolnshire, England, where the bridegroom is serving in the military.  Eva is on the left in the photo above, standing next to her daddy, Ryan. She is wearing the dress we got last week for her to wear to her eighth-grade end-of-the-year dance. Have you shopped with a […]
- [New Pattern and Lori Holt Fabric](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/new-pattern-and-lori-holt-fabric/): Are you looking for an easy pattern for a colorful quilt? I love Cozy Cabin by Modernly Morgan.  I think a bright colorful mix of prints would be amazing for this quilt. Such as the limited edition Lori Holt bundle I recently ordered from Fat Quarter Shop. However, if you go to Instagram and put in #cozycabinquilt, you will get some fabulous ideas for doing the quilt in a scrappy one-color version, a scrappy autumn colorway, or how about a feed sack version? There is also a black, cream, grey and taupe version that is amazing. Go check out the […]
- [New Sewing Chair](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/new-sewing-chair/): I got a new sewing chair. I kind of had to. My old chair was great, but it had wheels. After getting the new carpeting, I wanted a mat of some kind under my sewing chair, to preserve the carpeting. I ordered a slick transparent plastic mat and thought I was good to go.  And "go" I did. Every time I lifted my foot to the foot pedal of the sewing machine, my chair would shoot backward about four feet. When I stood up to go to the ironing table, my chair would careen off in the opposite direction. It […]
- [Archie in a Snit and Verbena](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/archie-in-a-snit-and-verbena/): Archie is in a bit of a pout with us right now. Dennis had another round of infusions in the Bay Area this week and we had to put Archie in boarding at our vet clinic. When we can, we like to board him at a place in the country where he can romp and play with other canine pals, but our pet sitter was on vacation, so that was a nonstarter. Off to the vet clinic for boarding he went and he was not well pleased. He has been standoffish since we brought him home, and if truth be […]
- [Neutral Granny- ABB- and a Discussion Question](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/neutral-granny-abb/): I've got Neutral Granny up on the design wall, and as you see, it is All But Borders. I do hope to get those attached this weekend and send it off for quilting next week.  What do you think, does that block on the far right stand out too much? Should I replace it with one that has a lighter feel? Those darker taupes really make the runner feel heavy on the right-hand side. I don't mind the darker one in the center, as I think it has a grounding effect.  I've got loads of fabric. I can keep making […]
- [Cali & Co Progress, Block 3](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/cali-co-progress-block-3/): Are you doing the Cali & Co sew-along? Corey Yoder from Coriander Quilts is hosting it. She's got a monthly blog post and YouTube instructions on each of the free blocks she puts out. Corey is making blocks from two different fabric collections: her own Cali & Co, and various "Tilda" fabrics. I had a fat eighth bundle of Cali & Co plus some scraps from a couple of other Coriander Quilts collections, so I am achieving a really nice scrappy effect. Each of the blocks features half-square triangles arranged in different ways. Plus, the blocks are framed with scrappy […]
- [Progress on Riley Blake Challenge 2025](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/progress-on-riley-blake-challenge-2025/): These cheerful blocks are part of the Riley Blake Designs 2025 Challenge. They release a new block pattern each week, and I am using some of them. The other blocks are from the Riley Blake archives of past Challenges. It is a great resource for 10 1/2" block patterns. I am not really following along with the sew-along; I am just doing my own thing as the spirit moves me. I didn't want to spend any money on this project, so I am using scraps from my Lori Holt stash. Using fabric you have on hand plus free patterns equals […]
- [Archie Drama](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/archie-drama/): Sorry for not posting two days in a row. We had some drama with Archie that took things over.  Typically, he is a very light eater. He is a grazer, in that we put out his food and he doesn't just dive in and gobble it up like our previous dogs have done. He gives it a once-over, but often just passes it up and takes a nibble or two during the day. He rarely eats very much at a time. Well, on Wednesday, he seemed to have more of an appetite than usual. He ate up his bowl of […]
- [Around the House](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/around-the-house/): Spring has sprung and we have been enjoying our new fire table on the back porch. My husband is particularly fond of sitting around it reading his book or watching the hummingbird feeder. It has little round clear glass stones that are really pretty in the dark when the fire comes up through them. I have some great news about Dennis' health progress as he recovers from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Over the weekend he was able to walk 8 or 10 steps without using his walker! He did it in the kitchen between two counters he could grab onto if […]
- [A Little Sewing Going On](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/a-little-sewing-going-on/): I've mentioned previously that Riley Blake is doing a Challenge Sew Along for 2025. Each week one of the Riley Blake designers submits a block pattern for the project. I have been playing along with it, but not keeping up very well, and substituting blocks when the weekly block doesn't suit me. This is the sixth block I have made, and is actually Block 10 in this year's line up. The block I made over the weekend is Block 10 in this year's challenge. It is called Cat's Cradle and is designed by Janet Wecker-Frisch. I changed it up slightly […]
- [Friday Freak Out: Books, Fire Pits, Pasta, PJs and More](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/friday-freak-out-books-fire-pits-pasta-pjs-and-more/): Oh my gosh, I haven't been sewing the past couple of days, but my head is spinning with all the other things I have been doing. This post is all over the place, but I know there will be something for everyone. I brought out some Easter decorations, including a little bunch of fresh snapdragons, which I think are a great addition. I stopped by the new Bath and Body Works in Sonora and picked up three Easter candles. The one in the picture above is Easter Candy Basket, which is a really fun scent for the season. It kind […]
- [Family Time and a New Cook Book](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/family-time-and-a-new-cook-book/): This weekend Eva's family came over with little Winston, the Winery Westie and he and Archie had a playdate. I don't know which dog chased the other one more, but they sure had fun and wore themselves out. I bought a new cookbook recently, Everyday Comfort by Holly Nilsson, a blogger (Spend With Pennies) who I enjoy very much. It is so full of great-sounding recipes for every day that I practically used up a whole pack of post-it flags! Eva spent the night last night because her dad and her stepmom were going to an event. It was a […]
- [Back to Brio](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/back-to-brio/): I got back to working on my Brio/Frivols table runner and am super pleased with how the block turned out. I will probably make five of these blocks for the runner. Maybe more, we shall see. These fabrics are an older American Jane collection which I find so cheerful and fun. I am certainly leaning towards those brighter hues lately. My friend Carol from One Stitch At a Time (if you aren't following her, you should) and I have agreed to encourage each other along to finish up some of the Frivols we bought back in the day, and this […]
- [Cali & Co Block 2](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/cali-co-block-2/): This is block 2 of the Cali & Co sew along that Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts is hosting. I am using several collections of fabric for this sew along: some from Coriander Quilts and some scraps from some Sherri & Chelsi projects. They are all bright clear colors that will work great together in a scrap quilt. Corey has a video tutorial for each of the blocks she offers up, and I was watching it while I sewed this block #2. She mentioned that so many people contact her to say they have so much trouble combining scrappy fabrics […]
- [And The Great Carpet Installation is a Wrap](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/and-the-great-carpet-installation-is-a-wrap/): Pictures tell the story better than words, don't they?Here is all my bedroom furniture out on the back porch while my old carpet is being torn out and the new one laid down. At least it finally stopped raining.  Doors were removed. Beds taken apart. And here is my stairway with nothing on it at all. Here we are with new carpeting! It looks so pristine. And now to put everything back!     The installers were amazing. So careful with our things and very attentive to putting things back where we had them. I am so glad this process is over. 
- [Books of March 2025](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/books-of-march-2025/): My reading has been going great lately. I must be getting better at picking out books and realizing what type of book suits or doesn't suit my taste. I can see a pattern of me picking a lot fewer thrillers for one thing. I read 11 books in March, one of which is sure to be in my top ten of the entire year! Six books were in digital format on my Kindle and 5 were in print. Two books were duds, but the remaining nine got good ratings from me. Eight books were rated 4 stars and higher! Get […]
- [Designer Mystery 2022 Quilt](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/designer-mystery-2022-quilt/): My little photo bomber couldn't resist getting in the picture I promised you of my Designer Mystery 2022 quilt. Go ahead and enlarge the photo so you can see the pretty quilting my longarmer did. And the serious expression on Archie's face. I don't know what was up with him; I guess he felt the occasion was a solemn one. The binding is about half done and I plan to finish it so it can go on the bed as soon as the carpet installers get my bed put back where it belongs.  The quilt has such a light airy […]
- [This is the Big Week](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/this-is-the-big-week/): March may be going out like a lion here, but I was able to finally find daffodils at my local grocery store. I've been checking every week this month and they had them at last. Now it feels like Spring! This is the big week! My new carpeting is going to be installed on Wednesday and Thursday. Things are all out of place and there is barely room to move around with all the rooms cleared out as best I could manage. It's going to get worse once they start taking all the bedroom furniture out. Goodness knows where they […]
- [I'm Getting There](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/im-getting-there/): I got my husband to help me go through his closet yesterday. He had an entire wardrobe of beautiful suits and shoes that he used to wear to work when he was a banker in San Francisco's Financial District. Well, it was quite an investment of money, and it is now on its way to the donation center. Those days are behind him, and it's a life of sweatpants and flannel shirts from now on. He was pretty good at saying goodbye to his beautiful clothes, but I have to admit parting with his tuxedo was tough for him. Those […]
- [Block One Cali & Co BOM](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/block-one-cali-co-bom/): Don't ask me how I did it, but in between the Great Closet Clean Out activity, I got all my fabrics cut out for the Cali & Co BOM! Woohoo, look at me go.  I have always enjoyed the cutting process and don't find it boring at all. I get in the zone and just have at it, getting my pieces all cut and lined up and ready to sew. Background strips are all cut as well, and will be subcut later depending on block instructions. And here is Block One. It was easy construction and fun to play with […]
- [Starching in the Sunshine](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/starching-in-the-sunshine/): If you have been a reader of this blog for a while, you know I am a strong advocate of starching my fabric before sewing with it. I like it because the fabric is stiffer and easier to work with, the edges don't fray, it presses nicer, my piecing is more accurate, and the crisp finished look of my blocks is appealing.  Every now and then someone will ask me about my starching technique. So here is what I do: Starching is a bit of a mess, so I prefer to do it outside on my covered side porch. I […]
- [Cali & Co Sew Along](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/cali-co-sew-along/): This cheerful fabric collection is Cali & Co, by Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts. Corey is doing a free sew-along featuring this fabric (but you could use any scraps you have on hand) for a very colorful and scrappy quilt. There is a very active FaceBook group that is full of fantastic photos of the blocks and fabric collections other participants are making/using.  Corey has a YouTube channel where she does a tutorial of each month's block. Corey also has a blog where she goes into a lot of detail on each block and various construction techniques. The blocks are […]
- [Sewing Itty Bitty Pieces](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/sewing-itty-bitty-pieces/): I thought I'd share some tips on working with teeny tiny pieces with you. The block above is the October pumpkin block I made for the Calendar Quilt I have been working on. The pumpkin block is by Lori Holt from one of her Farm Girl Vintage books. And it has a gazillion itty bitty pieces. I mean, seriously? If I had truly comprehended the number of tiny pieces required for this six-inch block I might have picked out something a bit more simple. You all know the size of an Alphabitty square, right? One inch square. Some of these […]
- [Packing Up](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/packing-up/): No, I am not moving. We are getting new carpeting! This event requires me to remove everything from the closet floors in the bedrooms. We have four of them and there is a lot of stuff on the floors.  In addition, I have to pack up the contents of all the dresser drawers to make moving the furniture an easier job. Oh my gosh, this is such a big job. I worked for hours in the sewing room yesterday and am not even half way finished.  Well, I did get the floor cleaned out. I also emptied the bookcase and […]
- [Calendar Quilt Blocks Done!](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/calendar-quilt-blocks-done/): Sorry for the lack of recent posts. Typepad (my blog host) has been down for the longest time. Had me worried there that it might not come back. But, here I am, minus the hair I pulled out in frustration. I have been so busy, honestly. I have finished all the blocks for the calendar quilt for my granddaughter Eva. Today I hope to sew the blocks together and get a reply from my quilter that I can send it to her for a mid-May completion. Here are the blocks I have finished over the past week: Honeybee block for […]
- [Books of February 2025](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/books-of-february-2024/): February was a pretty great reading month. For such a short month, I was happy to have finished 11 books. One audio, four in print, and seven digital books on my Kindle. I bought myself a new Kindle Paperwhite after Christmas and am really enjoying the larger screen and super long battery life. So let's jump in and see how I much I enjoyed these titles. Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier. This book is a thriller about a couple whose small son goes missing at a holiday market in Seattle just before Christmas. A year later, mom Marin is a […]
- [July and Almost August  for Calendar Quilt](https://sisterschoicequilts.blog/july-and-almost-august-for-calendar-quilt/): Meet Miss July, the next block in the Calendar Quilt. Yippee, I am more than halfway through the year! This block is one of Lori Holt's from her first Farm Girl Vintage book. It is called "Old Glory". If you are new here, this quilt I am making was inspired by Sherri McConnell's (of A Quilting Life) 2025 free Block of the Month Sew Along. Sherri is providing a free center block, which is then surrounded by log cabin strips. I am using my own center blocks to make a calendar themed quilt to commemorate all the months of the […]


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