It’s strawberry season. Might be a good theme for an event or class. So, I said to myself, why not look up some favorite strawberry project things and pass them on to you! You will be responsible for the strawberry shortcake which always makes for a good event dessert.
My first thought was ‘table-runner’. A cheerful strawberry runner looks so summery and fresh all summer long. Could be on a buffett, kitchen table, or those great big islands some are so fortunate to have.
If I didn’t give you enough notice to plan this year, buy this Farmer’s Daughter Sweet Strawberry Patch Runner Kit by Lori Holt for next June. It isn’t available until January of 2026 anyway. This is an early heads-up. Now I just need someone to help ME plan so I can give YOU more notice.
This one, from Sew-A-Story, I just stumbled upon and find it unbelievably cute AND available now. It could be a great table-runner instead of a quilt if that’s what you want. Make one row or add blocks to make it longer. I (sing-songy) la-huuuuh-ve it!
For something a little different, how about teaching a beginning wool applique’ class that is strawberry themed. This could even be a combined beginning quilting and beginning applique’ class. One block of each makes this Strawberries and Cream Pincushion. Call it “A Taste of Sewing Patchwork”. Don’t forget the strawberry shortcake for dessert!
Christmas fabrics and patterns are due to arrive in stores this month. Mistletoe & Ivy by Beverly McCullough for Riley Blake is one of the best. Her fabric line is available by the yard as well as pre-cuts.
And, just look what she has done with them!
Decorate for Christmas with this darling Runner and Pillow pattern. The pattern includes full color instructions for both the runner and pillow. The design will look great with any fabrics and the stars look sweet with fussy cut prints. The finished runner size is 18″ x 60″ and the finished pillow size is 20″ x 20″.
Stroll down Holly Lane and sew up this gorgeous Christmas quilt in no time. This quilt is full of fun Christmas elements, trees, a sweet house, Christmas flowers and more. The quilt pattern is full of color illustrations and easy to follow. The finished quilt is 71″ x 71″.
Pick up your favorite rolie polie to make this darling Winter Kisses Quilt. Use Christmas fabrics to make the blocks look like snowflakes, or use fun florals to create a completely different look. The quilt is made with traditional piecing and is easy and fun to sew. Finished quilt size is 59″ x 75″.
Patchwork Blooms is a colorful and fun quilt to sew together. This quilt looks gorgeous in Christmas fabrics with the big floral blocks and sweet patchwork chain between them. It would look great in any floral collection though. The finished quilt is 79″ x 79″ and is made with traditional piecing.
Why not get a jump on the holidays by letting your favorite shop know you want these patterns.
Yuletide Treats is a 52″ x 61″ Christmas lap quilt made from a Layer Cake. The blocks include potted trees, gifts, peppermint candies and Christmas crackers. It is shown in Old World Yuletide by Fancy That Design House, creating a vintage look for Christmas decor. This pattern is an updated recolor of Christmas Treats and would look great in any Christmas fabric.
Winter Village is a 66″ x 80″ lap quilt with a large double star in the center surrounded by small house and potted tree blocks. Shown in Winter Friends by Deb Strain to create a winter village, this pattern would suit any fabric or any season.
Line Dancing is a 68″ x 83″ winter lap quilt with potted tree blocks and snowman blocks. The snowman blocks include fusible applique for the tree branch arms, scarf, buttons and eyes. The pattern features Winter Friends by Deb Strain but would suit any winter/Christmas fabric.
Friends of the Forest is a 60″ x 72″ Winter Lap Quilt featuring the Charcoal Black panel from Deb Strain’s Winter Friends fabric line. Blocks include potted trees, cardinals, double stars, winter lodge and snowman blocks with fusible applique detail. Put flannel or fireside on the back and it will be a perfect cuddle quilt for the cold weather.
Among Friends is a 61″ x 75″ winter lap quilt featuring the Snowy White panel from Deb Strain’s Winter Friends fabric line. The design includes potted tree blocks, cardinal blocks, star blocks and snowman blocks which have fusible applique detail.
Winter Stars is a 58″ x 66″ lap quilt featuring 4-color star and double star blocks. This quilt is made with a winter Layer Cake and features Winter Friends by Deb Strain. Perfect for showcasing winter pre-cuts but would also work all year round with non-seasonal fabrics.
These patterns should be in stores next month, so let your favorite quilt shop know you want them!
I will admit that I have not completely thought this through. It is an idea for you to think about and come up with your own unique twist.
Summertime brings the State Shop Hops as well as smaller hops. Providing door prizes and gifts is always a challenge. I know because I have had the “prize chairman” position in hops that I have been involved in. I came across something that I have purchased for my own use that I thought might be something to consider as a door prize or gift for stamped passports. For smaller hops, what if you bought enough of these boxes to hand everyone a card at every shop? Or, give one to every shopper in the state hop that comes through your door? You could even do one every year so that shoppers start to build their own box.
There are four boxes containing 40-50 cards with a pieced block and instructions, and there is one box containing 40 cards with applique’ blocks and instructions.
The cards are a heavy cardstock that will hold up and be a nice, tradeable gift for quilters. What could go wrong? HA! Experience tells us that even when everything goes right, someone finds something wrong. Maybe not this time.
Mellie & Me is releasing new vest patterns that make me want to start sewing clothing again! The Britney Vest comes in three styles and a multitude of sizes from XS to XXXL. The zippered version is my favorite. I don’t know if it is the colors or the pockets, but this one is definitely on my to-do list! Mix and match the variations to make it truly your own! You can also easily make this with a quilt top or finished quilt instead. This printed pattern contains fully illustrated step-by-step instructions and full-sized templates to create your own Britney Vest.
The back is understated elegance.
Same pattern, different cover for those Tula fans. Notice this version, included in both patterns, includes a V-neckline, no zipper, and a binding trim with a bow closure – the perfect choice for a beginner!
Or Version 3…squared off neckline and bottom.
The Harmony vest is adorable in whichever size you choose. The baby sized version includes sizes newborn to 24 months.
The Harmony Girl Vest pattern includes sizes from 3 to 8.
The ladies version includes sizes from XS – 4XL.
All of these patterns should be arriving this month, just in time for those cool, summer evenings!
Art is something very personal to me. Anything I put on the walls or display is something that is a reflection or description of me or somewhere I’ve been. I’ve been following Art East Quilting Company for a few years now. The patterns are so whimsical and fun that when I make one of them, they actually become a reflection of things that I love and I consider it art that I am adding to my home.
Take this one for example. Tail Wags.
I have three dogs, two of whom are puppies. This quilt sums up my life right now. Puppies needing their bellies rubbed and constantly wanting to play. With fabrics that represent my own dogs and balls that match their play balls, I have a wonderful piece of art to put in their shared bed in the living room.
Imagine my delight when I saw two NEW patterns from Art East Quilting Co. that also reflect my life in some way. I am a nature lover and would choose to be outside any day- even in the cold winter months. So here comes Folk Sampler.
So many things that I love! Critters, birds, flowers, mushrooms! I can hardly wait to put my stamp on this one in the way of fabric choices. The Folk Sampler is more than just a quilt pattern; it’s an invitation to dive into a creative journey, one beautiful block at a time. This pattern features 21 unique and charming block designs that come together to create a stunning 66-½” square quilt. Designed with a classic two-color scheme, the added sashing of each block allows for incredible flexibility. You can easily incorporate a variety of fabrics throughout the quilt without disrupting the overall design. Choose fabrics that resonate with you and craft a quilt that’s genuinely your own!
Lastly, this might be my favorite Alice In Wonderland quilt EVER. Called Mad Quilt Party, it was inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale. This quilt is a fantastical journey through a patchwork dreamscape. Featuring beloved characters like Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, alongside iconic symbols like pocket watches, teacups, and playing cards, this quilt is a visual feast for any Wonderland enthusiast.
I am verklemt. I can write no more. Visit Art East Quilting patterns on our Checker Distributors website. You might be as overwhelmed with excitement as I am.
My Courtyard is offered in two sizes 40″ x 40″ & 80″ x 80″. The designer, Eunsoo Kang, calls this a modern, loose interpretation of a log cabin. I looked at it as a variation of a plaid. However you look at it, it is stunning! This pattern is best suited to an Intermediate level quilter since seam allowance accuracy is key to lining up seams. I love that it is also available in two sizes.
Rose Garden is a modern interpretation of roses. I immediately thought of my Kaffe collection when I saw this. Wouldn’t it be stunning??? The wall hanging size can be completed using a Fat Quarter Bundle. Once again, it is available in two sizes: 44″ x 42″ and 88″ x 84″.
Dancing Donuts is a block based design that looks difficult but is simplified by machine appliquéing the donuts. This pattern includes three sizes 47.5″ x 57″, 57″ x 66.5″, 76″ x 85.5″. It has great instructions for getting a consistent, quality appliquéd finished project. Dancing Donuts works with Layer Cakes, Fat Quarter and Fat Eighth Bundles.
This Barn Star Quilt Pattern offers three sizes 46″ x 46″, 68″ x 68″, & 90″ x 90″. Barn Star has a unique design in the background that elevates what at first glance seems like a simple pattern to a sophisticated and pleasing quilt pattern.
All of these patterns will be available later this month so let your local quilt shop know you are interested!
This piece is dedicated to all stitchers aiming to cross every x-just Bust A Moove! Kim Diehl’s latest creation from the Pennyberry Farms series will have you singing and dancing as you stitch an adorable cow standing beneath a garland adorned with buttons. So get out the floss and Bust a Moove!
Bust A Moove is the third in the Pennyberry Farms Cross Stitch series by Kim Diehl and features the Its Sew Emma Berry Mad for Plaid Project Bag.
‘Feeling Sheepish’ is the second in the series. This delightful design features a playful sheep surrounded by a rustic fence, set against a backdrop of green grass and a clear blue sky, evoking a sense of pastoral tranquility. Ideal for crafters looking to add a touch of whimsy to their projects, this pattern is suitable for all skill levels. The kit includes a detailed pattern chart, ensuring your stitching experience is both enjoyable and precise. Whether you’re creating a gift or enhancing your home decor, this cross stitch pattern promises hours of creative fun.
Kim stitched this design on an Olive Mad for Plaid Project Bag.
Henny Penny is the first in the Pennyberry Farms Cross Stitch series. This Henny Penny hasn’t a care in the world. She is safely enjoying herself in a bower of leaves and blossoms-no worries about falling acorns in her garden. Should a petal fall on her head, our Henny Penny will be reminded to stop and smell the roses she gathers to weave into her feathers.
Henny Penny features the Jade Mad for Plaid Project Bag.
The newest pattern in the series should be arriving in stores in June. The pther items are available now so ask your local shop to order them for you!
I love this latest pattern called Pinwheel Patch by Judy and Brad Niemeyer. Just nine paper-pieced blocks are needed to make this adorable baby/child’s quilt. Or, at 48 inches square, it would be a perfect summertime table topper. Change the color scheme to red, white and blue, and it would look like fireworks! As usual, Judel’s photography adds that awe factor and is the perfect finishing touch.
Unicorn Gallery includes several different elements surrounded by a stunning border that accentuates the center design.
Imperial Crown features a stunning medallion design. Once again, the border is stunning. I love the fact that they put just as much thought and effort into framing the quilt, always adding that awe factor!
Monument Valley features a and eight pointed star set on point. The pieced side-setting triangles make this an heirloom quality quilt. But lets face it, ALL of her patterns are destined to be heirlooms.
These patterns will be shipping the middle of June so ask your local shop to order them for you. There are also additional foundation papers available for the three largest quilts when all of your friends want you to make THEM one!
Huh?…Being a bit beyond the mid-point of the aging scale, I am no longer a Spring Chicken. But I make a mean Summer Hen when I’m wearing these luxurious linens from Robert Kaufman. There’s nothing better than having lots of lightweight linen dresses that flow and move easily during hot summer months. Sure, spring chickens might be wearing shorts and minis, but this old hen needs those pale white and blue (vericose veins) legs covered up comfortably. There are lots of easy dress patterns out there with no zippers or buttons, but we can offer lots of help in the way of reading material to get you through a pattern that is a bit more involved. First take a look at these beautiful Brussels Washer Linen fabrics from Robert Kaufman that are a combination of linen and rayon for excellent drape and breathability.
There are many colors to choose from and can be ordered regardless of stock levels shown on the website. This is a heavenly linen that you must try. I wash mine in cold water and lay flat to dry. And don’t worry about wrinkles! It used to be a thing to avoid but it now adds to our casually worn appearance. Natural, effortless, and undeniably modern. Think summer hen grunge. I think I just coined a great new term!
If sewing garments is not something you do, or you don’t do often, we have a couple books I’d like to recommend. This one is available now.
The Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Sewing Clothes is a must-have resource on everything you need to know on how to sew clothes. Filled with valuable insight on sewing, tailoring, and making alterations, you’ll learn how to get a good fit for every body type out of any sewing pattern, install a zipper, use notions, and more. Whether you’re new to sewing or have experience, expand your skill set and build confidence so you can sew like a pro!
I am looking forward to this next book which is coming in August. A bit late for summer sewing, but a good one to have in your arsenal.
Ultimate Guide to Designing Patterns for Clothing is an essential reference guide for aspiring fashion designers, fashion design students, and sewing and fabric enthusiasts who want to develop their eye for fashion. Packaged with easy-to-follow diagrams and QR codes for exclusive video tutorials from the author, Ultimate Guide to Designing Patterns for Clothing covers 11 essential subjects, from creating basic slopers to building perfect-fitting garments on the first try. Whether you’re a seasoned sewist looking to level up your skills or a beginner in the world of fashion design, author Suzy Ferrer’s Ultimate Guide to Designing Patterns for Clothing is the definitive resource for professional pattern making instruction.
I’m not looking to become a fashion designer but I sure look forward to those QR tutorials! If I can avoid Amazon shopping and make my own clothes, I’ll be the loudest clucker in the hen house. Join me!
