Favorite Scrappy Quilts New and Old + Free Quilt Block Tutorial

Hello quilting friends!

I hope this newsletter finds you well. I've got lots of quilt-y inspiration plus some time-passing-thoughts to share with you this week! But first:

Last Call Pattern Sale! It's the last weekend to get the Stitch in Time Pattern at 20% off! Sale Ends Sunday, 10/26!

Advanced Piecing Tutorial: Piecing Y-Seams and 60 Degree Diamonds with your Sewing Machine

Ever wondered how to sew those classic six-pointed stars with Y-seams on your sewing machine? 🌟 Learn the simple technique for piecing 60-degree diamonds into beautiful star quilt blocks - it’s easier than you think!

This week I shared Part 3 of my Series: Learning to piece Y-seams with your sewing machine.

If you're new to this series or would like a refresher, you can check out Part 1 and Part 2 using the links below:

• Advanced Piecing Part 1 - How to Machine-Piece Hexagons using Y-Seams with your Sewing Machine
• Advanced Piecing Part 2 - How to Piece Diamonds to make a traditional Tumbling Block using Y-Seams

Free Table Runner Tutorial

For a simpler, quick project for fall, check out this tutorial for a quilted Table Runner featuring an 8" x 8" Dutchman's Puzzle Quilt Block.

I wrote this free table runner pattern a couple of years ago. It's perfect for fall or Thanksgiving décor! And super simple to make.

Repurpose an Old Block or Quilt to Make a Christmas Garland

Looking for a fun, scrappy holiday sewing project? My friend Tamara from Remi Vail Studio is sharing the sweetest Quilted Holiday Tree Garland tutorial on the blog this week! It’s the perfect way to use up leftover fabric or give new life to an old quilt or orphan quilt blocks and it adds such a cozy, handmade touch to your holiday décor.

Looking at this tutorial, I'm suddenly in the mood to start pulling out the Christmas projects!

Fun Finds on the Web - Last Minute Halloween Projects

In need of a new trick or treat bag? Melissa of the Polkadot Chair has a really simple treat bag tutorial.

I love the look of these stuffed pumpkins made with fabric. Plus, they stay fresh year after year! Check out the free pumpkin tutorial by Ameroonie Designs.

Want a sewing project that's not necessarily seasonal? I've got you covered too. Check out this free Make It Modern Pillow Tutorial from Jamie at Sew Brainy Designs.

Here's another fun use for Halloween or fall-colored fabric scraps! A charming fall-flavored scrap garland tutorial from Needle Pointers.

Halloween (and Busy Life) Memories

This is my favorite quilt from Halloweens-past (you can read about it here). I still love pulling it out every year - it stands the test of time. It was such a fun one to make - total improv-piecing using strips and scraps of fabric.

I can't say I'm super into Halloween, but I do love Halloween quilts. Not sure I can explain why, but that's me.

I just looked back to see when I finished this one and when I realized it was 15 years ago, I could NOT believe it.

I was at a much busier stage of life with 4 busy kids in grade-school and junior high. We were in the thick of the years full of preparing Halloween costumes, school parades, class parties, etc.

I also crack up every time I see this picture. I think we pulled my full minivan off to an empty lot on the side of the road on our way home from piano lessons one evening to take this picture before it got dark. 🤪

Whew! Those were busy days. Good job past-me for also making a quilt during those busy years! Actually, this was the therapy that also got me through that busy season of life.

To anyone reading this who is in still in that stage of life, you go girl. I'm cheering for you. I used to hate it when well-meaning people would say something like, "Enjoy it all because it goes so fast..." because sometimes those days felt L O N G. And somedays I felt like I was loosing my marbles.

But, I guess I (and this now-15-year-old quilt) are living proof that those people weren't wrong. Time really does move on.

I'm grateful for those memories and for giving it my best (but definitely not perfect) effort during those busy years. And I'm also grateful for how much enjoy my grown-up kids and don't have to worry about pulling together Halloween costumes or class parties anymore. 😅😉

I definitely don't have all of the secrets to life, but the one that I've found to be most consistently applicable is: live in the present. Both of these things are true: there are seasons of life that are bonkers, and at the same time, at some point you're looking back and wondering where they went. (And maybe how you survived. 😂)

Whatever stage of life you're in right now, I hope it's memorable and enjoyable. And if its also a little bit bonkers, whether good or bad, the reality is that it won't last forever.

Hang in there friends!

xo,

Amy

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