Vintage Lone Star Quilt, Jen Kingwell Inspiration + My Go-To Gift Quilt

Happy Weekend Everyone!

I've had some fun things behind the scenes just waiting for me to get my act together and photograph and share. This week it finally happened. Here's a look at what's new!

Unearthing a once-in-a-lifetime quilt find ✨

This summer I stumbled on an antique Lone Star quilt that completely stopped me in my tracks- over 2,500 tiny, hand-pieced diamonds, gorgeous vintage prints, and some surprising research that likely dates it to the late 1800s.

In this post I’m sharing up-close photos, what I learned about the history of Lone Star quilts (including their many names!), and ideas + resources if you’re feeling inspired to make your own modern version.

Come see this breathtaking treasure and take a little Lone Star deep dive with me!

Meet Jen Kingwell's Latest Quilt Pattern Book

Jen is one of my favorite inspirations in the quilting world. If you love the mix of cozy quilts and good food, you’re going to swoon over Jen Kingwell’s newest book, Gathered: Quilt Recipes 2. It’s packed with scrappy, vintage-inspired quilt patterns plus family-favorite recipes that celebrate gathering around the table and the sewing machine.

I’m sharing a closer look inside the book, as well as a peek at the latest project I started using one of the patterns from this book + the handy dandy Foundation Papers to go with it! I definitely found a new squirrel project.

The Perfect Fast Quilt For Gifting

Wanting to make a quilt for someone, but struggling to find ideas for the right one to make? This simple, flannel/plaid patchwork quilt is my go to favorite. It's super quick and easy with simple patchwork blocks and flannels and plaids are often on sale this time of year.

I've officially lost track of how many of these simple quilts I've made and gifted but they're always a hit and well loved.

Fun Finds on the Web -

This simple Thankful hoop art project would be fun to sew during the season. Find the free Thankful pattern from Jennifer of Cutesy Crafts.​

Lia Griffith has a tutorial for a beautiful "Thankful Tree" which would make a lovely Thanksgiving centerpiece or eye-catching decor. The House that Lars built has another beautiful tree version here.

Lori Holt has a free tutorial for a cute Turkey Quilt Block here.

Pre Black Friday Sales continue:

​Connecting Threads continues their mega sale with huge discounts on yardage this week.

The Fat Quarter Shop has all Quilt Kits on Sale up to 50% off.

We've had another fabulous Fall week around here. Lovely and warm - but maybe a little too warm. Some of my plants are thoroughly confused.

This was a view from my walk just last week. Those leaves are officially down now and this weekend has been filled with all of the Fall clean up before the weather turns wet and cold tomorrow. So I think we have officially bid farewell to autumn. (And you may be relieved that I will stop talking about it too... haha)

But first, one last Autumn quote. I've seen it a million places, but don't know who to attribute it to.

I'm at peace with the change. It was a spectacular season, I stayed "in the moment" and enjoyed it to it's fullest. At the same time I'm excited to be officially done with yard work for the year and looking forward to hunkering down, sipping hot chocolate, wearing my coziest clothes, and sewing for the winter.

It's all a good metaphor for all of the changes going on at this stage of my life: my body is changing, my eyesight is changing, my body temperature is changing, my family is changing... life is full of so much change right now!

Maybe with my changing (aging) body I'm finally getting better at seeing the big picture and less resistant about change itself. (Or I'm more resistant - depends on the day.) I'm starting to better understand the words of one of my favorite modern poets, James Taylor: "The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time." I get that now in my 50's so much more than I did in my 20's. And I suspect it'll come to mean even more as more time passes.

I'm finally learning that being present in the moment is the best way to live. Trying to make the most of what is beautiful about one stage and then you can put a season/stage to bed and see with curiosity what comes next!

Or something like that.

Hoping you all have the best week,

xo,

Amy

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