New Tutorial + Fabric Choosing Tips + Last Minute 💕 Projects

Hello Friends! Happy weekend!

In this week's newsletter edition I'm sharing a new tutorial, some fun last minute💕's projects as well as a very practical tip that I use on almost every single quilt I make.

Shortcut Method for Adding PERFECT Borders Every Time

This week we're wrapping up the Scandi Hearts Quilt Along and I shared my favorite tip for adding borders to a quilt. I learned this method from a master quilter 24 years ago and I've been using it on every quilt I've made since then.

The best part of this hack? It's SO EASY. And your borders will come out perfectly "square" (flat and straight) every time.

How to Choose Fabric for a Quilt

After years of working in a quilt shop and getting lots of emails from readers, I know that this topic can be one that causes stress for a lot of quilt makers. It's something that I used to feel inadequate about myself, but is now one of my very favorite parts of the quilt-making process.

With just a few simple tips, you can learn to choose fabric with confidence for a stunning quilt every time!

Click the button below to read more.

Valentine's Zipper Pouch - a perfect last-minute gift idea

Guest writer, Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl walks you through the simple process of making a simple heart-embellished zipper-pouch. These pouches are always handy and would make such a sweet, thoughtful Valentine gift!

Amanda also has a fun tutorial for making your own fabric Valentine postcards!

Fun Finds on the Web - Last-minute Valentine's Day Projects

Minki Kim has an adorable video tutorial: heart coasters available on her YouTube channel.

Melissa from Polkadot Chair shares sweet tutorial for handmade fabric envelopes perfect for gift cards or Valentines.

Want something extra simple? Check out these free printable coloring page from Ann Kelle, or Valentines Art from Create Simple. There's a list of a whole bunch more Valentines printables at the House that Lars Built.

Quick ​Valentine Paper Heart Garland made with a sewing machine!

Paper Valentine's Day Tree Branch from House that Lars Built

Looking for any quilt-inspired Valentine Gift Ideas? The Fat Quarter Shop has a fun list of 💗's gift ideas here.

I shared Amy Barickman's Love You To Pieces Book as part of my Gifts for Quilter's Recommendations a few months ago. If you're looking for a sweet gift for a friend who loves all things vintage (especially quilts and toys), this would be perfect. Amy is offering 15% off her entire shop to all my readers with the code DIARY15 at checkout.

It's been a more productive week here. I continue to make progress in my year of the "cleaning out my stuff" challenge. I'm still taking it one drawer or shelf at a time and the progress is happening. Not overnight, but every week a little better. And that feels great!

I'm also excited because my "emotional-support Olympics" are starting this week. (Credit to someone on the socials for coining the perfect description.) I've been a proud Olympics lover/junkie since 1984 (shoutout Scott Hamilton and Mary Lou Retton that year for being a core part of my memories as a 10-year-old). I love the athletic drama, the stories of hard-working humans, and the coming together of athletes and people across the globe in a spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity. I'm excited to learn the names and become a fan of all kinds of new people over the next few weeks. And I've got three quilts ready to bind, so I've got lots of couch sewing projects ready for prime time viewing. Also, give me all of the scenic shots of Italy that you can.

Finally, I want to say thank you to so many of you who wrote very kind, encouraging replies after my email last week. It's comforting and heartening to hear so many of you expressing the same feelings of care for and loving your neighbors.

Speaking of that, here's a chance to help a wonderful person. Gracey Lawson of Burlap and Blossoms is the designer of the cutest quilt blocks you'll ever see. I've been making a few of her adorable Valentine's blocks this week. Gracey was recently diagnosed with and is fighting leukemia. Gracey's blocks are genuinely so well written, come with instructions for multiple sizes of traditionally pieced blocks, and all available as PDF's. If you're looking for a seasonal quilt block or two, now's a great time to grab one and support Gracey. 💕

Hope you are well. Stay warm (or cool - depending on your hemisphere) where ever you are.

See you next week!

xo,

Amy

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