Fellow Quilters,

I have a couple of special quilt-related news items to share with you today.  Let’s get started 😊

I am part of a fabulous group of quilt pattern designers, and these guys and gals are A-MAZE-ING!  They inspire and motivate me.  We come from all parts of the quilt world – piecing, applique, FPP, EPP, traditional, modern, you name it – and bring a wealth of knowledge to our collective group, very much like a quilt guild 😊. Twelve of us got together to talk SCRAPS/STASH and have created a special Love Your Stash pattern bundle of scrap- or stash-friendly patterns to share with you.  Why is it special, you ask?  Because each designer contributed one of their favorite stash-friendly patterns and you get all 12 pdf patterns for US$19.  What?!?! Yes, $19, but only for the next 5 days (March 7-11), then the link to buy the Love Your Stash bundle expires.

Let me show you these terrific patterns:

If you’re like me, you can likely make multiple versions of all 12 of these stash-friendly patterns with what you have on hand.  Think of it as Spring-cleaning your sewing space – haha! This Love Your Stash pattern bundle is all about getting that fabric unfolded, untied, unstacked and sewn.  Each pattern will help you find the perfect fabric from your stash.  From small pieces – to larger…or go totally scrappy and collect fabrics of the same color and value to mix and match together.  This bundle will help you feel happy about using your stash of scraps and remove the overwhelm of finding the right pattern to use up that awesome stash.  All 12 patterns are accessible immediately after purchasing.

So, I really dislike being bombarded with emails about special time-limited offers.  Last week I subscribed to a newsletter and almost unsubscribed the same day because I received 6 emails from them that same day ☹.  I appreciate each one of you, and I don’t want you to unsubscribe, so this will be the only email I send about the Love Your Stash pattern bundle.  I think it’s a steal-of-a-deal and I hope you do too – less than $2 per pattern is an awesome price! – and these patterns will motivate me to dig into my stash and remove the “I have too much fabric” guilt.  When you click on the link to purchase the Love Your Stash pattern bundle, I make some $$ (and appreciate your support) and it costs you nothing extra 😊.  It’s a win-win.  Just a reminder that the link expires March 11 so please take advantage of the offer now – your stash will thank you.

Just for fun, I played with my Beach Umbrellas design in the Electric Quilt software program and came up with 2 new color options – one that uses a stripe and one that doesn’t – super fun!

Mod version of my Beach Umbrellas – using textured scraps and some striped fabrics

I am looking forward to delving into my sizeable collection of Alaskan-themed fat ¼’s to make room for some newer ones from my upcoming quilting cruise in September with the Watergirl Quilt Co team.

In other news, in the past 2 months I have had a lot of interest in my Barn Raising PC301 pattern.  It features Northcott’s Stallion collection and works with any 36” x 40” horizontal panel.  If you’re wanting to make this quilt using the Stallion collection, you can use the super-helpful Product Finder on the Stallion page of Northcott’s website to find a shop that has the fabrics.

Piecefully yours,

Patti

Fellow Quilters,

What feeds your soul?  Is it spending time with family?  Perhaps connecting with friends – the “family” we choose?  Maybe it’s travelling or participating in your favorite sport or puttering in the garden or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.  How about journaling or singing or acting in a local theatre troupe?  Or even swinging a hammer, decorating or crafting?

When I look at the not-so-short list of things that feed my soul, a common thread is “making”.  I have been crafting since I was a kid, likely because my mom and Nana crafted.  Sewing, knitting, painting and cooking were routine activities in our home, particularly when my Nana visited.  I have very fond memories of making sequined or painted Christmas ornaments with my siblings under Nana’s guidance. I started sewing on my mom’s trusty Singer sewing machine when I was 7 years old and was far more excited than her when she (a.k.a. we) received a top-of-the-line Husqvarna machine for Christmas a few years later.  We always wore hand-knitted sweaters and mittens in the winter, and before long I was knitting and crocheting alongside Mom and Nana.  They encouraged us kids to assist with meal preparation and even plan some meals.  No excuse for not eating dinner!  As a result, my siblings and I are quite adept in the kitchen.  Hubby is equally proficient in the kitchen (he is the resident sous-vide specialist) and is also a maker, although his niche is fixing things or home improvements.  Our sons also have the “maker” gene – Older Son is a carpenter who also loves to tinker with old vehicles, while Younger Son has Dad’s “fixing” gene, and both boys are fabulous cooks.

Where is all this leading?  Well, this month’s theme for Quilt Block Mania is “maker”.  A full slate of 24 designers has each designed a block featuring various creative hobbies, from woodworking to painting, to needlecrafts and more.  I couldn’t decide which activity to choose so I designed a block that encompasses all of them.

My Makr block for Quilt Block Mania’s Maker theme

Here is my MAKR block.

You can find the pattern here.

It would look great combined with any number of the other Maker blocks in a fun quilt for a crafty person.  (Have you noticed that there is an increased interest in making?  Making is having a moment!) You can find the links to the blocks below:

Gear Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Hammer by Patchwork Breeze
Canning Jars by Crafty Staci
Rotary Cutter by Katie Mae
Cricut Maker by Appliques Quilts and More
Spool and Bobbins by Inquiring Quilter
Music Maker by Scrapdash
Variegated Thread by EvaPaige Quilt Designs
Pretty Spools by Sew Worthy Mama
Pottery by Inflorescence Designs
Quilt Maker by QuiltFabrication
Maker block by Patti’s Patchwork
Heart Hand by Brown Bird Designs
Quilting Bear by Colette Belt Designs
My Favorite Things by Robin Kinley Designs, Etc.
Cross Stitch Block by Slightly Biased Quilts
Paint Palette by Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts
Sewing Friends by Epida Studio
Make My Mark by Cristy Fincher
I Love to Make quilt block by Victoria Peat
Rainbow Glimmers by Craftapalooza Designs
Sweetgrass Basket by Emerald Falls Quilts
Maker Block: Sewing Machine by Oh Kaye Quilting
Pincushion by Flowerdog+Co
Painters Tools FPP by Amanda Harris

Or perhaps you want to use the MAKR block on a tote bag to store your crafty projects.  Or even a small wall-hanging for your own “making” space.

A shout-out to Donna N for winning the January QBM giveaway – she won 2 free patterns from Patti’s Patchwork.  This month you’re all winners, as I’m sharing my favorite (and super easy) Valentine’s dessert recipe – Orange Chocolate Mousse.  It’s totally worth the calories!  And it feeds my chocolatey soul 😊

That’s all for now.  In this “love-ly month, please do something that feeds your soul and makes you smile (as my friend Michelle of Watergirl Quilt Co says) 😊😊

Cheers,

Patti

Fellow Quilters,

Happy New Year!

Do you celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bang?  Or prefer to watch festivities on tv while curled up with a good book, a mug of cocoa and a furry friend?  I’ve got a fun giveaway if you post a comment (details below).  Many years ago, when Hubby and I used to cottage with my family, our New Year’s Eve consisted of a steak & lobster dinner followed by several hands of Court Whist (the predecessor to Bridge), and stepping outside at midnight to shout “Happy New Year!” to any neighbors who were also at their cottages.  These days, we get together with a few close friends to have a potluck dinner and perhaps some impromptu dancing to work off all those calories.

I live vicariously through my friends and colleagues who brave the crowds to go out on the town for New Year’s Eve.  Inspired by them, I designed my Party Glam

Party Glam by Patti’s Patchwork for the January 2024 Quilt Block Mania tour

block for this month’s Quilt Block Mania (the theme is “party”).  I imagined getting all dolled up in my stiletto heels, fancy dress and sparkles or pearls.  Nothing says “party” better than fire engine red stilettos!  You can find the pattern for my Party Glam block here.  And here’s a wall quilt/table runner made with 2 blocks and a narrow  border – fun!

Use 2 blocks for a small table runner or wall quilt

There are 15 other designers participating this month and you can find the links to their blocks here:

Party Crown Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Party Bear by Colette Belt Designs
Folded Napkins by Patchwork Breeze
Confetti Horn by Crafty Staci
Celebrate Letters by Tamarinis
Ballons & Streamers by Appliques Quilts and More
Happy New Year by Inquiring Quilter
Fiesta Block by Ships & Violins
Sparkler by Inflorescence
Gift Boxes by QuiltFabrication
Party Glam by Patti’s Patchwork
Cheers by Robin Kinley Designs
Free Disco Ball Block @ Slightly Biased Quilts
Cake by tourmaline Thyme Quilts
Fireworks by Cristy Fincher
Pinata by Flowerdog+Co
Dressed for the Occasion by Epida Studio

So, 2024 is promising to be a year worth celebrating.  I just had a quilt published in the latest issue of Fons & Porter’s Quick + Easy Quilts.

My Split the Layers throw quilt uses 10″ squares for “disappearing” blocks

My Split the Layers quilt is made with disappearing blocks – easy blocks that you cut apart and reshuffle the pieces to create new blocks.  I used Banyan Batiks’ Changing Seasons 10” squares for this pretty Spring throw-size quilt.  You can find the pattern in the March-April issue, on newsstands now or online here.

Later this year I’ll be joining the Watergirl Quilt Co team on 2 super-fun quilting cruises to Alaska

My classes for the Watergirl Quilt Co Alaskan cruises

in September.  Shop owner Michelle knows how to host a knock-your-socks-off party, so you can bet that these 2 cruises are going to be a blast!  If cruising to Alaska is on your bucket list, reach out to Michelle or her planner Scott to reserve your spot now.  Class selections will go out to registrants shortly and you don’t want to miss getting your first choice of workshops.

I’m already working on a sample for my sashiko class and will be testing the pattern for my new Skill-building Sampler shortly.

Once I return home from Alaska, I’ll be in full wedding mode for my son’s wedding to his darling fiancée.  Truth be told, she has been part of our family for a while now, but the official celebration is in November.

But first I’m going to celebrate the release of 10 new patterns, including 4 with the new Stonehenge Gradations – so delicious!

They will all be available at Patti’s Patchwork.com by January 8 so mark your calendar!  And I hear tell that there might be a newsletter-subscriber-only special price so if you’re not a subscriber yet, go here to sign up today 😊.

So, back to that giveaway I mentioned earlier.  If you leave a comment telling me about your New Year’s Eve tradition/custom/memory by January 6^th, your name will go into the draw for 2 free patterns from Patti’s Patchwork.

Good luck, and best wishes for 2024 😊

Patti

Fellow Quilters,

As I write this, I am cruising through Indonesia, exploring the various processes used to print batiks.

A high-end custom Javanese batik shop

It has been a fascinating journey – not only am I expanding my knowledge of batik printing (to expand my designing options for future collections with Banyan Batiks) but I am also exploring new-to-me areas of the world and gaining an appreciation of the lifestyle there, all while being pampered aboard a floating luxury hotel a.k.a. cruise ship.

Honestly, the only thing better is the option of quilting while cruising!  While I am not quilting on this Indonesian cruise, I will be doing so on a 7-day Alaskan adventure next September 8-15, 2024 out of Vancouver, BC with Watergirl Quilts/Gravitate Travel.  Michelle and Scott of Watergirl/Gravitate organized and very quickly sold out the initial cruise for August 31 – September 8 – bad news for anyone who missed out on this opportunity.  But wait!  They reached out to the team on Brilliance of the Seas and were able to secure a block of rooms for the following week, September 8-15, at the same fabulous rates – woohoo!  Instructors Paul Leger, Michelle Peters and I will be teaching the same popular classes as the previous week on fantastic Bernina machines (Michelle heard from numerous quilters who wanted to take every class but couldn’t due to time/scheduling constraints – there are only so many hours in a day).  I’m teaching 2 half-day classes – sashiko and binding techniques (including curved-edge binding!) – and 2 full-day classes – free-motion machine quilting and Skill-building Sampler (a new class 😊).  Hmmm… this cruise could be a Christmas gift to you.

So, what’s happening this month?  After taking a break last month, I am back on track with Quilt Block Mania for December.  The theme this month is Forest, and 19 designers including yours truly jumped at the chance to entice you with their free pattern for a 12” block.  I used my iconic Winter Solstice/Misted Pines pattern as inspiration for The Grove , my contribution to QBM.

The Grove, my 12″ block for the forest theme of Quilt Block Mania

Choose 3 greens and a scrap of brown to make this mini small-scale version.  You can download the pattern here.

The trick to this block is knowing how to line up the triangles pieces when sewing them together – sometimes they meet ¼” from the right edge and sometimes they meet ⅜” from the right edge.  I always make the pieces line up where they’re supposed to, instead of allowing my sewing machine to shift the fabric so that the pieces don’t line up as required.  I control my machine, not the other way around – this is super-important for consistent accurate piecing.

Redesigning my Misted Pines pattern has been on my To Do list for quite some time, tweaking it to make the piecing easier.  When Northcott revamped the Stonehenge Gradations fabric collection used in this quilt, I took the opportunity to do this.

The new updated Misted Pines 2.0 pattern has easier piecing and is available now for January shipping

I’m thrilled to announce that the new pattern, Misted Pines 2.0 will be available January 1, and you can preorder it here now.

But back to Quilt Block Mania.  You can find the free patterns for the other 18 forest-themed blocks here:

Owl by Carolina Moore
Silent Witness by Inquiring Quilter
Forest by Inflorescense Designs
Forest Tree by Scrap Dash
Bear Paw by Epida Studio
Snowy Forest by QuiltFabrication
The Grove by Patti’s Patchwork
Mushroom by Penny Spool Quilts
Reindeer by Crafty Staci
Christmas Tree Farm
Enchanted Forest by Sew Worthy Mama
Wolves by Paleofish Designs
Fat Bear Week by Sallys Sewing Circle
Chipmunk by Katie Mae Quilts
Fox by Appliques and More
Heart of Oak by Flowerdog+Co
Snowman by Colette Belt Designs
Mountain Forest by Oh Kaye Quilting
Starry Sky by Patchwork Breeze

Enjoy!

Cheers,

Patti

Fellow Quilters,

Woo-hoo!  It’s October – my favorite time of the year 😊  I love the glorious show of color that Mother Nature creates when the weather turns cooler.  Not that it’s any cooler than it was 2 months ago – we are in the midst of an unexpected heat wave, as temperatures approach the high 70’s – crazy!!  I hope that similar great weather will be in the forecast when I and the Watergirl Quilt Co posse embark on an Alaskan cruise next September.  I hear tell from owner Michelle that there are just a few spots left, and I’m super excited to learn that a few of my favorite quilting people have signed up – a shout-out to Gayle and Sylvie from not-so-Northern Ontario, who are taking this bucket-list cruise with us.  If you’re interested, you can find out more or secure your spot here.

While this weather may have me singing “Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot”, I could also play with the lyrics of another temperature-themed song to sing “Baby It’s Hot (Cold) Outside”, because the theme of this month’s Quilt Block Mania is Baby.

I had fun with this baby-inspired block.  After viewing the designs from the 13 other participating designers, I reminisced about the days when my kids were babies, and the paraphernalia that was part of our life.  Going out with Baby requires an almost suitcase-sized travel bag filled with necessities for any potential situation – diaper changings, feedings, toys to amuse fussy young’uns’, books to read.  So much stuff!

My block, Feeding Time, highlights the classic baby bottle, and I love how it turned out!

My Feeding Time quilt block

Not only do baby humans use this, so do other baby mammals, from monkeys to goats to cats and more – you may see this if visiting a zoo during birthing season, particularly if the mom is not able to produce enough milk to feed her baby.

Sometimes baby animals use this iconic feeding device as well

Did you know that baby bottles have been around for thousands of years?  The current design, with its plastic or silicone bottle and rubber or silicone nipple is relatively new, dating from the last century, when women started entering the workforce en masse and it became challenging to stay home to nurse their babies.  Today, baby bottle production is a $3.4 billion industry.

My Feeding Time block, which you can download here, would make a darling wall-hanging for a nursery, or perhaps as a panel on a diaper bag or on a changing pad.

Make a 12″ x 48″ 4-block runner or a 48″ 16-block baby quilt With Feeding Time

How about using 16 blocks for a fun baby quilt?  Super-cute!! Or combine it with one or more of the other 13 blocks in this month’s QBM blog tour – you can find links to the other blocks here:

Safety Pin Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Elephant Rattle by Inquiring Quilter
Cloth Diaper by Inflorescence
Bookworm Block by Scrapdash
20+ Black and White HST Quilt Blocks for Babies!
Crib Mobile by Patchwork Breeze
Baby Feet by QuiltFabrication
Feeding Time by Patti’s Patchwork
Soother by Penny Spool Quilts
Baby Bodysuit by Crafty Staci
Baby Nine patch at Epida Studio
Baby Botique
Teddy Bear
Baby Buggy by Robin Kinley Designs, Etc.
Hugs & Kisses Quilt Block

Which block would you combine with my Feeding Time block?  Let me know 🙂

Piecefully yours,

Patti

Fellow Quilters,

Today was a glorious day!  After 3 weeks of cool rainy weather (in the summer!), we had a Labor Day weekend of temperatures more in keeping with late July – hot and sunny.  I soaked up the delightful warmth while I worked on the September Quilt Block Mania pattern.  Sunshine is good for the soul 😊.  I know these last few warm days are fleeting – the temperature will soon be cool and crisp, perfect for Fall hikes through crunchy leaves and crystal clear blue skies.  Can you tell I like Fall?

In fact, Fall is the theme of this month’s Quilt Block Mania, so I put on my thinking cap and designed a block that embodies this time of year.  My Hats Off to Fall block incorporates two things I’m likely to see a lot of on those upcoming hikes – brown leaves and acorns.  Here is the link to my block pattern.  While my leaves aren’t exactly oak-leaf-shaped, they are much easier to make, and they definitely are the correct color of oak leaves in the Fall.  The squirrels will be “squirreling” away the acorns – haha!  We have a family of chipmunks in our patio – I wonder if they also eat acorns.

My original block design with rounded corners on the acorns

When I originally designed this block, I put curved corners on the bottom of the acorn – here is the image.  Which one do you prefer?

Fourteen other designers also designed Fall-themed blocks and you can find the links for their free patterns here.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Autumn Leaf by Inquiring Quilter
Pumpkin Spice by Inflorescence
Beanstalk Table Runner
Maple Twist by QuiltFabrication
Hats Off to Fall by Patti’s Patchwork
Hey Pumpkin
Apple by Penny Spool Quilts
School Pencils from Crafty Staci
Farmer’s Market
Scrappy Pumpkin by Katie Mae Quilts
Apple Harvest
Flying South at Epida Studio
Scattered Leaves by Patchwork Breeze
Persimmon Star Block

My block might not be used for a bed-size quilt, however it would make a fab table runner or set of placemats to spruce up your home for Fall.

Three blocks make a nice-sized table runner

As we sail into Fall, I want to let you know about a special opportunity to cruise to Alaska next September with me and the Watergirl Quilt Co team.

Cruise with me and the Watergirl Quilt Co team to Alaska next September

On this date next year, we’ll be cruising past the spectacular Hubbard Glacier and hoping for some White Thunder, as massive chunks of the aqua-blue ice crash into the bay.  Host Michelle asked me recently what my favorite travel destination is, and I replied, “Alaska’s breathtakingly majestic rugged scenery ties with Norway for top spot”.  I have been to Alaska 4 times and never tire of it.  I am thrilled to be returning next year.  Michelle and co-host Scott are doing it up right, starting with night-before accommodations in Vancouver BC at the world-class Fairmont Hotel followed by a leisurely breakfast before boarding the Brilliance of the Seas for 7 fun-filled days of scenic cruising, fascinating ports of call, quilting camaraderie, your choice of 12 different quilting classes on Bernina B475 machines and lots of other goodies/perks.  I am teaching 4 classes, including free-motion machine-quilting (the Bernina machines will be perfect for this!), binding techniques, sashiko hand-stitching and a Skill-building Sampler wall quilt – a project designed especially for this cruise.

My Skill-building Sampler wall quilt is designed specially for this cruise

I hear tell sign-ups have been brisk, and some stateroom categories might be sold out.  You can add your name to the list and find the details here.

Wherever you are, I hope you find some time to get out and enjoy Fall.

Chat soon,

Patti

My quilt’s on the cover!!

Fellow Quilters,

Happy August!  This summer seems to be flying by.  Between visiting with friends, squeezing in some outdoor activities like golfing, and designing new patterns, I have spent almost no time in my sewing room.  That’s going to change very soon, as I work on 2 projects for upcoming issues of Quick & Easy Quilts and Quiltmaker magazines.

Speaking of magazine quilts, I was over-the-moon thrilled to have my Candy Corn Slice table runner featured on the cover of the current (September/October) issue of McCall’s Quilting.  I used Patrick Lose’s Midnight Magic collection for Banyan Batiks for this seasonal splash of color that was inspired by a picture of “corn-on-the-cob” sections made with candy corn and marshmallows – how fun!  This issue is on newsstands until early September while available or you can purchase the digital edition here.

Sail with me next February aboard the Eurodam

What else have I been designing, you ask?!?  Well, how about projects and lesson plans for upcoming cruises!

I am delighted to be cruising once again with Deb Roberts of World of Quilts Travel.  From February 14-24, 2024 Deb is hosting a Quilt Bee at Sea aboard the elegant Eurodam.  Ports of call on this fabulous itinerary include Grand Caymen, Belize, Cozumel, Jamaica, Bahamas and Key West as we sail through the southern Caribbean for 10 glorious days.  Think of this as a Valentines gift to yourself (a little self-love 😊).

Make Lucy Goosy, a flying geese sampler, with 10 methods of making geese

I’ll be teaching 3 project-based classes that incorporate my many tips and tricks I’ve gleaned over the years.  In my Lucy Goosy class, we’ll try 10 different methods of making flying geese with perfect points.

Learn to master curves ahead with Fanfare

If curves are your nemesis, join my Fanfare class as we make pretty fan blocks for a wall quilt.  And banish your fear of mitered borders in my Borders and Bindings class.

Borders and Binding is one of my favorite classes, with pain-free mitered borders

You’ll leave the cruise with some new friendships, wonderful memories and a technique toolbox chock-a-block full of new techniques.  Find out more information here for this terrific opportunity to see these unique ports on one cruise.

In addition, I’ve also been designing this month’s block for the Quilt Block Mania blog tour.  It seems rather apropos that the theme this month is “circus” since my life feels like a 3-ring circus.  I joined 12 other designers in creating something “circus-y”.  What to do?  I started with the idea of 3 rings and then thought that circuses have lots of balloons.

My Balloons block for the August edition of Quilt Block Mania

I contemplated piecing this block but then decided to applique the circles in place instead.  By doing that, I could tuck the ends of the “string” under the edge of each balloon.  I could also overlap some of the balloons, making the image more realistic.  It reminds me of my overlapping “3-ring-circus” life – haha.  You can download this easy Balloons block pattern here.  I included a couple of tips for making those balloon circles oh-so-smooth and round.

You can find the other 12 participating bloggers’ blocks and patterns at these links:

Flaming Hoop Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Elephant by Inquiring Quilter
Circus Popcorn by Inflorescence
Wagon Wheel
Big Top Banners by Sugar Sand Quilt Company
Peekaboo Clown by QuiltFabrication
Balloons by Patti’s Patchwork
Big Top by Penny Spool Quilts
Top Hat by Crafty Staci
Day at the Circus at The Quilted Diary
Big Top at Patchwork Breeze
Giggles the Clown by Appliques Quilts and More
Clowning Around by Epida Studio
Merry-Go-Twirl
Dresden Three Rings

One of the items that missed being included in my 3-ring-circus life was my Christmas in July sale at Patti’s Patchwork.  No worries – it’s still coming 🙂  The link for the Christmas in July-ish sale will go out to Patti’s Patchwork newsletter subscribers this week, now that most quilt shops have received all their Christmas fabrics.  Before we know it, the cool Fall weather will be here, coaxing us back to our quilting space.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and do what you love,

Patti

PS.  I had the pleasure of being interviewed by fellow cruise passenger Steve Dutton, a.k.a. Sailor Steve, this past Spring while cruising around the Mediterranean/Europe.  Watch the video here.

Fellow Quilters,

What’s been under your needle lately?  After several months of travelling, I am finally back home – it feels good to sleep in my own bed on my own pillow and enjoy my gardens, now that summer has arrived.  After unpacking (and laundry, of course) it was time to survey the carnage in my sewing room, and there was plenty of it!  My travels over the past 6 months took me on 2 fabulous quilting cruises where I had the opportunity to share my passion with many quilters, and then my annual teaching gig at A Mountain Quiltfest.  For each of these events, samples needed to be made, with no time to spare, so my sewing room looked like a tornado had passed through.  I booked a date with myself and got everything put back in its rightful home.  I also found a bit of time for some much-needed sewing therapy, whipping up a couple of my favorite roll-up tote bags (from my Tote Bag Trio PC249 pattern) with a yard of recently-purchased nylon fabric. My previous bags had worn out. 

My new Go-To Roll-up tote bag made with some nylon fabric and my Tote Bag Trio pattern

I have also used batik fabric to make these – a great way to show off my stash – although the nylon ones roll up into a more compact unit to tuck into my pocket or handbag when shopping.  They hold a ton of groceries, with their gusseted sides.  I always keep a couple of the batik ones in my car for impromptu shopping errands.

I took some time to test some new patterns:

New patterns at Patti’s Patchwork

Just Beachy PC293 showcases scenic fabrics (I used Northcott’s Beach Therapy) and can be made with seaside or not-so-seaside scenic collections.  Edenvale PC290 has a panel in the center, an ombre print in the border to make the quilt luminous, and some smaller “panels” that are taken from a coordinating tote bag panel from Northcott’s Morning Light collection – so pretty!  I also recently finished Sashed PC294 featuring the Wild Night collection by Stephanie Brandenburg of Frond Design – this is a great pattern for any ombre print or 24” panel.  And lastly, I tested Christmas Album PC291 (featuring Northcott’s Christmas Wonder) – another very useful pattern for panels or scenic prints and their large-scale coordinates.

I also made my block for the July edition of Quilt Block Mania – fun!  This month’s theme is quilting – so many options!  I chose something quilt-related that has been travelling with me on my last 3 cruises.

My hand work project for cruising

  My Clover mini-iron is part of my portable hand-applique project that I work on while cruising (when not writing patterns, that is).  Irons are not permitted on cruise ships, but my mini-iron likely looks like a curling iron in the luggage scanner.

I tried a few different design options for my Pressing On pattern and settled on a variation of the classic Winding Ways block. 

My Pressing On block replicating Clover mini-irons

I chose a light silver Shimmer for the irons and a pewter Shimmer for the ironing board fabric.  Both have hints of metallic.  My initial process for piecing the block was modified once I tested it.  I often find that I tweak my pattern instructions once I test them.  The curves in this block are quite manageable. Just a heads up: the corner units create a jagged edge on the quilt block. No worries though – they are covered by the seam allowance.

You can download the Pressing On block pattern here.

I played with some different layouts and color options.

Different color options for Pressing On quilts

The other designers in this month’s blog tour came up with some great designs.  You can check them out and download them at the links below:

Carolina Moore block by Carolina Moore
Wonder Clips by Inquiring Quilter
Wonder Clip by Inflorescence
Spool and Bobbin
By the Bolt by Sugar Sand Quilt Co.
Rotary Cutter by QuiltFabrication
Pressing On
Spool by Penny Spool Quilts
Sewing Scissors by Crafty Staci
Cat Nap by Kathryn LeBlanc
Sue’s Quilt Shop by The Quilted Diary
Vintage Machines
Singer
Color Me Bobbin by Around the Bobbin
Stitching Together at Epida Studio
Quilt Terms at Patchwork Breeze
Happy Hours at Chickenscratch
Pin Cushion

Congrats to Laura M who commented on my June post.  She receives a pretty pack of FIGO fat quarters for her stash or next project.

I hear tell a Christmas in July sale is coming soon to the subscribers of my Patti’s Patchwork newsletter.  If you’re not a subscriber yet, you can sign up here.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll chat again soon 😊

Patti