Ancient Quilt Inspiration + Simple Summer Coaster Tutorials

Greetings friends! Hoping this week's edition finds you well! Can you believe it's August? I'm still trying to decide how I feel about that.

Today I've got a free quilt pattern that's perfect for Layer Cakes as well as some tips for breaking out of a rut if your sewjo is missing this summer. (I promise you're not alone in this.)

But first, a little armchair travel. If you've followed me for a while, you know that I love to travel. And when I do, I love to find local fabric shops, textile traditions, or folk art that might appeal to quilters. In May we were able to take a bucket-list trip to southern Italy. I've finally had a chance to go through my pictures and share what I've found.

And this time my advice is a little different. You might be surprised to hear me say "Don't spend time trying to track down quilt shops" because the best quilt inspiration wasn’t hiding inside a shop - it was right under my feet!

From ancient Roman mosaics in Pompeii and Herculaneum to medieval marble church floors and the colorful majolica tiles of the Amalfi Coast, I saw familiar quilt shapes and patterns everywhere. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite discoveries (plus lots of inspiring eye-candy), along with a little of the fascinating history behind them.

Also, a little bit of the unforgettable personal connection we made to Italian family members. I felt like I was in a movie.

Free Layer Cake-friendly Quilt Pattern

Last year I shared this free quilt pattern perfect for using Layer Cakes (10" x 10" precuts). It's got such a great summer vibe to it, I thought it would be fun to share again!

This quilt is called Oh Susannah because it's based on the traditional Susannah quilt block. But this time, the block is blown-up to giant size quilt blocks giving the look a modern vibe AND making it a quick one for piecing! If you have a Layer Cake laying around that needs to be put to good use, this is the perfect project.

Click the button below for all of the details, a look at other color palettes for this design, + to access the free PDF download for this quick and easy stash-buster quilt pattern.

4 Tips for Getting Out of a Creative Rut

If you're like a lot of us, one thing that seems to typically be MIA at this point of the summer is my "sewjo".

The good news is: if you feel this way you're not alone! Summer is full of so many other distractions. And that's a good thing!

But if you're looking for a boost to your creativity I've got some suggestions. A couple of years ago I shared 4 Tips for getting out of a Creative Rut. The projects aren't current but the tips are timeless.

If you're stifled creatively, one (or more) of these tips might help you too. ❤️

Fun Finds: Handmade Summer Coaster Ideas

Coasters are so handy for cool drinks in summer months.

So why not have some pretty ones on hand?

These beautiful leaf coasters are easy to make thanks to a tutorial from Sedef Imer. And they're a great way to use up pretty fabric.

Or use leftover orphan quilt blocks to make cheerful coasters in this project idea from Stephanie of Swoodson Says.

Or what about a popsicle version in this free pattern from Amy of Ameroonie Sews?

Or check out this modern quilt-as-you-go quilted coaster tutorial using leftover scraps from Kristen of Scrap Fabric Love.

I can't believe August is here. I'm not sure how I feel about the fact that we're 8 months into the year. 👀 Is time flying faster because I'm getting older? I swear it is.

At the same time I'm beyond excited August is here because my youngest kid gets home at the end of the month after 2 years away as a volunteer missionary for our church. It's been an amazing experience - something we never thought he'd have because he had so many chronic health diagnoses and challenges in high school. But here we are! I can't wait to have him home!

Keeping it short today because the internet service went out at our house 🙃 as I was finishing writing this and I had to run to my husband's office to be able to send. Ahh, technology. I know I take you for granted when you work and I sure hate it when you don't work. 😅

Sending you all happy wishes for making the most of August.

Amy

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