Loads of Ideas for Precuts + Last Minute 4th of July Projects

Hello, hello!

First of all, I'm trying to wrap my head around the fact that it's the end of June. How are we half way through 2026?!

Brand new this week: Meet the Hourglass Shuffle Pattern

I'm excited to share my newly updated Hourglass Shuffle quilt pattern! This has been one of my favorite go-to patterns for years because it’s simple, scrappy, and perfect for using 10" precuts - aka Layer Cakes.

The updated pattern now includes multiple size options, from lap size all the way up to king. It's available as a PDF and now as a printed pattern for the first time. It’s a great quick-sew project when you want something classic, satisfying, and it's especially great for busting through your stash or stack of Layer Cakes that you've been looking for a quick way to use.

Here's a look at some of the versions of this quilt I've made over the past 15 years. I love how the choice of fabric gives each quilt it's own personality in this timeless design.

Come see the new version, plus lots of color and fabric ideas for making your own Hourglass Shuffle quilt! And get the pattern 25% off this week only.

15 Quilts Patterns Perfect for Using Precuts

Speaking of precuts, I recently put together a free printable list of lots of ideas for USING your precuts including specific tips and benefits for all prectus as well as free tutorials and fast, fun quilt patterns to get those beautiful collections off your shelf and into finished projects.

Click below to access the full list of ideas for Charm Packs, Layer Cakes and Jelly Rolls, including the free printable PDF list and a couple of videos where I walk through some of my favorite trips and tips with precuts.

Fun Finds on the Web - Last minute 4th of July small projects:

Not a lot of time on your hands, but still wanting to make something a little festive for the 4th?

Or maybe you have lots of red, white, and blue scraps lying around?

Here's a quick project for you. Check out this flag mini quilts tutorial designed by Ameroonie Designs - you could easily whip up a bunch in an afternoon.

Or this free mason jar stitchery design from Sew What Alicia.

Melissa of Polkadot Chair has another simple way to embellish and personalize t-shirts for the 4th.

This patriotic hat made from paper plates would be a fun craft with kids.

It's been a summer of contrasts for me. On the one hand, I'm enjoying a beautiful summer including big things like amazing travel and special time with our daughters and being excited about small things like checking every morning on the seedlings popping up on pumpkin plants and flowers for a cutting garden. They make me so happy! Or time to sew.

It's also been a summer of sober and hard such as spending time with my dear friend going through the end stages of cancer a few weeks ago. I'm heartbroken to share that she passed away. Even sooner than we expected. We had thought she would at least make it through the summer, hopefully longer.

It was such a shock to get the news after being together so recently. I feel profoundly grateful for that time we were able to spend together in person. It was sacred time with a friend who's been like another sister to me for 30 years.

And at the same time it's strange. She lives in Norway so it's not like we saw each other in person regularly. We weren't part of each other's daily lives, but we connected multiple times throughout the year through texts and annual visits - usually she came to stay with us until her cancer diagnosis. They we were blessed to visit her home over the past couple of years.

My heart especially breaks for her husband and family and friends who were part of her everyday life.

It's weird that my everyday life carries on without much change, but still this huge void is there. I keep starting to text her memes and videos of Norway's world cup fans, and then have to stop and realize she's not there to receive them on the other end.

This is a strange part of life - finding joy in big and small things and learning how to navigate loss while everyday life just keeps moving on. Such as writing a newsletter about quilting.

So, deep thoughts from me today. But that's what I'm processing right now.

Take care my friends,

Amy

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