Free Mini Quilt Pattern + Tips for Finding Time + What's New

Hello friends!

Happy March! I hope you're feeling some of the effects of spring sun and hope wherever you are! (Well, if you're in the Northern Hemisphere that is.) Did you know March is also National Quilting Month?

Apparently, it's a thing. Any excuse to celebrate quilting and I'm all in!

In honor of the occasion I'm re-sharing the free Mini Quilt pattern called Bright Star with all of you.

Click below to find the post to download a free printable pattern.

I love mini quilts because they're a quick finish and a fun way to play with different fabric combinations. But if you don't need a mini quilt you could always turn this into a 18" x 18" pillow!

I'm also sharing a bunch of quilting tips and tricks along with this pattern as well as a look at versions of this quilt in different fabric and color combinations. I think its fascinating to see how colors and prints can change the whole feel of a quilt.

New on the blog - a quilter's guide to Amsterdam!

If you've been following along here for a while, you know that when I travel, I always seek out local sewing, fiber, and quilting traditions. Amsterdam has been on my bucket list forever, and last summer we finally made it happen with a quick 40-hour layover on our way home from Norway. I'm just now getting around to sharing what I found - and honestly, who doesn't need a little vicarious travel at the end of winter?

In addition to two amazing quilt shops right in the city center, I'll walk you through a few other favorite stops, a food tour, and my favorite unexpected find: a story about WWII patchwork "Victory Skirts" that will inspire you. ❤️ Come see what I found!

Ten Tips to Find More Time for Quilting

Do you ever struggle to find more time for quilting in your life? Lisa Donnelly of Wild Plum Lane shares 10 practical tips to help you find more time in your schedule and life for quilting.

Lisa also has some free-printable worksheets to help you make more time for your favorite hobby.

Fun Finds on the Web: Ways to Channel More Spring Vibes

Check out these cute Hello Spring free stitchery patterns from Bev at Flamingo Toes.

Liza of Liza Taylor Handmade has a free pattern template for an adorable pixelated strawberry block in two sizes when you sign up for her email list.

Speaking of pixelated quilts, if you love the look of Tilda's pixelated flower quilts but haven't had the gumption to make a full quilt (me 🙋🏻‍♀️) I've got good news! They've introduced pillow patterns with the same pixelated flower designs!

One last quick reminder: the FREE online Quilters Paradise Summit kicks off this week (March 9–16, 2026)! I’d love for you to join in! I’m teaching a session called Introduction to Manx Quilting, and the summit is packed with 25+ workshops from fantastic teachers (see all details here), full of fresh techniques, inspiration, and that little nudge we all need to make progress on our projects. 😊

Here's a peek at my crocus flowers blooming this week. The rest of my yard looks pretty trashed, but these little blooms are making me happy. A good bright spot right now.

The past few weeks have been a bit of a sentimental and emotional roller coaster. Some of you may remember when I shared in my newsletter about having a great visit with my 90-year-old friend, Lynette just over a month ago. It was a cheerful visit, and I had no idea how much I would treasure that memory. I never imagined at the time that it would be one of our last visits!

I'm heartbroken to share that she passed away last week, just two weeks after a fall.

Lynette was my neighbor for 13 years before she moved to an assisted living situation, and along the way she became one of my BFF's and dearest friends. Even though she was nearly 40 years older than me, we genuinely enjoyed each other's company and bonded over our love of See's chocolates, a good laugh and a good lunch date. We could call upon each other to borrow an egg and later to learn together how her new glucose monitor worked. She offered me perspective and wisdom that comes with a full life that was not without complexities and heart breaks, but also many laugh-until-you-cry moments. I am so grateful for that friendship and example!

I was able to visit her a couple of more times after her fall, and while it was hard to watch her suffering, I wouldn't have traded those visits for anything. During our last coherent visit I held her hand while we watched the Olympic Women's Figure Skating competition and she asked about each of my kids with the same interest she always has.

Her passing has left me reflective and deeply grateful for 13 years of neighborly friendship, for cheerful visits, for her wisdom, homemade treats, and humor. And for the reminder of the beauty of getting to know our neighbors - even if at first glance you think you might not have much in common.

Some of our greatest friendships can come in unexpected places. ❤️

As always, thanks so much for stopping by.

Wishing you a sweet week ahead.

xo,

Amy

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