25 Years of Americana + Quilts of Valor + Free Summer Sewing Ideas

Hello Friends! Happy July! I hope the heat (at least for your Northern Hemisphere folks) isn't too stifling! It sounds like it's going to be a sweaty one for most of the US this weekend. I hope you can do what you can to stay cool!

I'm sending a little early today because I'll be festivity-ing later this afternoon.

25 Years of Americana - Discovering Long Forgotten Projects

This week I was digging through a closet in my basement and came face to face with quilts I'd completely forgotten about. Two of them are over 20 years old, both tied to the 4th of July, and finding them again got me thinking about just how much red, white, and blue has been a recurring theme in my quilting life.

With America's 250th this year, it felt like the perfect time to pull them all together - from an unfinished quilt top I started 25 years ago (the needle is still in it, I'm not kidding) to the fabric collection I designed a few years back that's now become one of my all-time favorites.

There's also the story of how a 4th of July gone wrong (thanks to a barfy 2-year-old) has sweet quilting related memories.

It's a fun trip down memory lane, and I think you'll enjoy seeing how this classic color combo has evolved right alongside my quilting journey. Head over to the blog to see all of them ❤️🤍💙

Quilts of Valor - Sewing for a Cause

As we celebrate the 4th of July - Independence Day - here in the US. In honor of the holiday I want to recognize and share one of my favorite quilting opportunities to give back: Quilts of Valor. I know many of you are already familiar with Quilts of Valor (QOV). A big thanks to all of you who sew for this awesome organization.

QOV recognizes and honors American service men and women. It's an organization created to “cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts.” And there are so many ways to contribute - whether it's donating a whole quilt or just one block.

This one is near and dear to my heart because my husband grew up in a military family (his father served in the Army over 25 years) living various assignments in the US and twice in Germany. Through their experiences I've learned to better appreciate not just the service of these men and women, but also the tremendous sacrifices of the spouses and families who support them.

And did you know there's also a Quilts of Valour Canada organization!​

Want to help? It’s a great time of year to stock up on red, white and blue fabrics because they’re often on sale during July (including this weekend at the Fat Quarter Shop.) You can make a quilt or just contribute a few blocks for the 2025 Quilt Block Drive (Details in the post. Click below.)

Already have too much red, white, and blue fabric? Consider donating your excess fabric to your local Quilts of Valor chapter!

Tips: Sewing Machine Needle Guide

Ever wondered what the difference is between all of the different varieties of sewing machine needles?

Or if there even is a difference?

Check out this post about different sewing machine needles and how to choose the right needle for the right project. As well as how to buy needles in bulk!

They really do make a big difference!

Fun Finds on the Web: Summer Fun FREE Projects

Melissa of Happy Quilting has a free pattern for a scrappy Irish Chain-style quilt. I love her version in classic blue and white.

Tara Reed shares 3 quick methods for making fabric holders for Freezer Pops! Perfect if you're hosting summer picnics or your house is the goto "Otter Pop stop" this summer.

Damjana of Apple Green Cottage shares a free pattern for adorable draw-string travel bags.

Holiday Sale

The Fat Quarter Shop is up to 50% off Americana fabric, kits, gifts and patterns through 7/06. (This includes a bunch of Lori Holt kits and 45% off my favorite Summer Memories pattern book.)

FQS is also having big holiday discounts in their Cross Stitch Shop.

It's also the last chance to get the updated Hourglass Shuffle Quilt Pattern on sale for 25% off. Discount ends 7/06.

Happy 4th of July to all those who are celebrating. We've got family in town from out of state and we're excited to be together!

Fireworks are limited in Utah this year because of a severe drought, ongoing wildfires throughout the state, and an abundance of caution to avoid sparking more. It's a sacrifice from the norm, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. And the risk is definitely worth every precaution. (Thanks to those of you who reached out about the fires here - fortunately we are not close to any of the current fires, but we have had a lot of gross, smokey skies. And we definitely don't want anything to start even closer to us.)

This picture was from a 4th celebration a few years ago - those girls just graduated from High School and are heading off to college this year! And that quilt is the first one my ever made in 1976 in honor of the Bicentennial that year. It's still going strong (thanks, in part to a lot of 1970's polyester in that quilt. 😉)

There's still plenty of 4th of July traditions that we can do - including pig-out on good food as patriotically as possible.

Over the years of 4th of July celebrations with lots of cousins in my sister's backyard, our extended family has developed a tradition of lip syncs. It started spontaneously with Hamilton about 10 years ago and continues with the random pop-culture selections over the years including "The Greatest Showman", "What's Up With That", and "I'm Just Ken". 😂

Sometimes spontaneous traditions make the best memories!

Finally, many, many thanks for your kind thoughts regarding the loss of my friend that I shared last week. I don't always share something so personal in a quilting newsletter, and I was genuinely moved by how many of you took the time to respond - especially those who shared your own stories of losing or walking the path of chronic illness with someone you love.

Reading your notes meant more than I can say. Apologies for not responding to all of them individually yet - but please know that every message was read, felt, and appreciated. I'm so grateful for this corner of the internet and the opportunity to connect with so many of wonderful people who are each walking their own tumultuous and unpredictable journey of life.

Take care,

Amy

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