Americana Quilt Ideas + A New Quilt Along + Ideas for sorting and using your scraps

Happy Weekend, everyone! I hope this week's edition finds you as well as possible.

I've been making quilts inspired by American folk art, the US Flag and other Americana-inspired motifs since 2001. Quilting has a tradition of commemorating special occasions or historical events with handmade keepsakes.

As we approach America's 250th anniversary this year, I've put together a list of ideas for anyone who feels inspired to stitch something special for the occasion. Some are full quilt patterns, some are free tutorials, and some are small projects perfect for seasonal decor.

This post isn’t about politics - it’s about classic patchwork, timeless red, white, and blue quilts, and the way quilts have always helped tell stories of family and history in this country.

You can even get a look at the quilt my mom made for the Sesquicentennial celebration in 1976. That quilt is still going strong! I love that a red, white, and blue color palette never goes out of style.

Don't miss two of my most popular flag quilt patterns are marked down 25% for this anniversary! Click button for details.

Fly the Flag Quilt Along

I'm also hosting a quilt along to help you make your own Flag Quilt before the 250th anniversary. The featured pattern is Fly the Flag. I'll walk you through the process baby-steps-style as well as be your accountability partner to finish the quilt in a month.

The quilt along kicks off next Tuesday, April 28 with a week to gather your supplies. We'll start sewing on May 5 with weekly prompts to break up the piecing into very manageable chunks each week until June 2 - with plenty of time to get the quilt finished before July. Get the pattern for 25% off here.

More Spring Cleaning: Ideas for Sorting, Storing and USING your scraps!

Last week I shared lots of repurposing ideas for quilters including getting the most mileage out of our fabric and projects, repurposing items to create handy notions or meaningful gifts, and places to find useable products second hand.

Today I'm going to expand on that concept focusing on your scraps!

One thing I've become really purposeful about in the past few years is sorting, storing, using and purging my scraps.

Click the button below for a simple break down of how I sort and store my scraps + some quilt projects for using them up!

Sentimental Spring Log Cabin Quilt

Speaking of Scraps, one of my favorite ever spring time quilts is this vintage-inspired log cabin quilt. It was such a perfect scrap/stash buster and totally therapeutic to piece.

I was making this quilt in the spring a few years ago at the same time that my Grandmother passed away. Seeing it reminds me of her too.

Have you ever made a log cabin quilt? If pushed to choose a favorite quilt design, I would probably say that log cabin blocks are my favorite blocks to piece.

If you're looking for some spring sewing inspiration, click below for details and more close-up looks at the blocks and fabric.

The post also includes links to how-to make a log-cabin quilt blocks + the cutting sizes for the pieces that I used.

I'm tying this week's final thoughts to my regular Fun Finds on the Web section of the newsletter. It's so easy to get bogged down and overwhelmed by the disheartening news around us - I thought it would be a good thing to share some of the inspiring quilting-related content I've come across recently. ❤️

Fun Finds on the Web: Inspiring Quilting Content

What happens to the handmade projects someone leaves unfinished? The Loose Ends organization steps in with a thoughtful solution: pairing volunteer crafters with families to lovingly finish those pieces and return them as lasting keepsakes. You can read the stories of some of the finished items here. ​

I love anything that shows the healing power of quilting, and the short documentary, The Quilters, is a sweet example. It’s a meaningful and inspiring look at the way creativity and working with their hands heals the lives and hearts of a group of incarcerated men who make birthday quilts for kids in foster care. It's available to watch on Netflix, or you can listen to Elizabeth Chappell's conversation with the the documentary's creator.​

​Wrap the World With Quilts - a humanitarian organization that I adore - announced a new partnership with the Other Side Village to teach quilting and sewing skills to recently incarcerated men and women, many who have struggled with homelessness and substance addictions. Wrap the World With Quilts is always in need of donations - whether it's finished quilts or quilting supplies, or just financial donations to set up Sewing Centers in war torn countries or needy local communities close home.

There’s something hopeful about seeing people quietly look out for one another - especially for those who feel most forgotten, struggling, or alone. Whether it’s finishing a quilt, offering time, or simply showing kindness, these small acts remind us that goodness is still found in the darkest corners of the world.

As Mr. Rogers once said, “Look for the helpers.” When we do, we start to see them everywhere - and maybe even find inspiring and accessible ways to become one ourselves.

Wishing you a comforting week. 🌻

xo,

Amy

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