How to Choose Batting For a Quilt + Christmas FPP pattens

Greetings friends!

It's been a super happy week here - a heart full of lots of happiness and gratitude. More on that below.

First, today we're talking basics, sharing more fall ideas, and starting to give ideas for holiday sewing. (I can't believe we're at this point of the year.)

Back to Basics: How to Choose Batting for a Quilt

First, let's talk quilting basics. Adding batting to a quilt is what makes a quilt a quilt - and yet the process can be confusing because there are so many batting options to choose from.

How do you know which kind of batting to choose? And where to find the best price?

This week I updated my post about How to Choose Batting for a Quilt. And with the close of JOANN's (RIP JOANN's 😓) - which was where I got most of my batting - I've got a list of other resources you can use to find batting at good prices.

We also talk about defining different batting options including:

• Fiber (cotton vs. blend vs. wool, bamboo, etc.)
• "Loft" (how thick should your batting be?)
• Plus some really helpful tips from a professional long-arm quilter.

Don't need this information right now but might want to find it later? Go to the post and pin this image so you can find this reference guide easily.

Click below for a guide for all of your batting needs.
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I also wrote a review post a few months ago doing a side-by-side comparison 100% Cotton Batting and 100% Bamboo batting. I finally had a chance to wash and document the Bamboo batting quilt post-wash and have updated the post with that information and photos.

New on the Blog This Week: A Little Christmas Magic for Your Sewing Room

This week I’m welcoming guest contributor Liza Taylor, who is giving us a peek inside her new book, Wonderful World of Paper Pieced Quilt Blocks for Christmas. With 13 festive foundation paper-pieced designs, nine creative projects, and plenty of helpful instruction, it’s full of inspiration for making handmade treasures you’ll enjoy bringing out year after year.

If you're new to Foundation Paper Piecing and want to learn the basics, Liza will show you how to start here:

Fall Acorn Coaster/Ornament Tutorial

One of the most popular summer tutorials on my blog is Nadra's (of Ellis and Higgs) Strawberry Coaster. Did you know Nadra also has a tutorial for some cute Acorns? Aren't they perfect for Fall?

More Fun Finds on the Web:

Tilda does it again with another gorgeous free quilt pattern. I love the Peace and Love block letters.

Another cute use for "cheater quilt" panels - check out the adorable overalls made by Mary of Ember Craft Co. She's also got tutorial for a beautiful Hexie Diamonds quilt with no Y-seams.

Enabler Alert - Labor Day Weekend Sales:

Some shops are kicking off their Labor Day sales early. If you're looking to stock up on quilt-backs, batting, or notions, now is a great opportunity.

​Batting Super Sale is having a big overstock sale 8/29-8/30. They stock reliable brands like Hobbs Heirloom and Quilter's Dream.

​Connecting Threads is having 20% off the entire store between now and 9/7. Use code: 8SALE26 at checkout

​Stitches 'n' Giggles is having an End-of-Summer Clearance Sale with up to 50% off.

​Baby Lock is having 10% off ALL Machines and Accessories thru 9/9

It's been a super special week at my house this week. 🥲 I mentioned last week that my youngest son was coming home after being away for 2 years. We've been happy to support our kids' choices to be away (with no visits) for 18 to 24 months to serve as missionaries. They've helped people overcoming addictions, healing broken relationships, and met so many of the most kind, generous, good-hearted people of all faiths. I'm SO grateful for all of the great folks in North (and part of South) Carolina who looked out for him, showed him love and kindness, and fed him lots of bbq and banana pudding. ❤️

That said, it's the best thing ever when their service is complete and they come home!

And this one is extra special because our son's long-term chronic illness made us wonder if he'd ever have the experience of serving this way. When he was 14 he was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune conditions (including MCAS, POTS - if you know, you know how rough those can be) and for many years we wondered what his adult life would look like. There were times we never dreamed this experience, or even going to college would be possible. But he did it! And he moves to the dorms to start college next week.

This week I've had so many thoughts about those very challenging and isolating years when he couldn't even go to school in person part-time. There were lots of dark and heavy days when I had to be mom, caregiver, teacher, and sometimes I even felt like his only friend. I feel overwhelmed with profound gratitude and wish I could go back to that version of myself and tell her that all would be well - better than I could have ever hoped at that point of our lives. And that he'd be a stronger person because of those experiences.

So if you're in the thick of particularly rough times yourself, or with people you love, know that your challenges are real and valid and that you are loved and seen. And also know that change and opportunities you can't imagine right now are possible. It doesn't mean everything will turn out perfect every time or the way we think it should happen. But there is always hope in good things to come.

This week I've got all 4 of my kids under one roof! A rare and treasured occurrence - especially now that I've got adult kids. It has made me so happy to have them all together. Sewing will be at a minimum - we've got family coming in town and a kid to move to college and I am so grateful! Sewing can wait. 😉

Sending happy vibes to all of you.

xo,

Amy

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