Submitted...With a Motive- and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, my friends.  I am so happy to report that I have submitted my manuscript for the Twelve Days of Christmas book.  Of course, that doesn't mean that there won't be additional things to do along the way to final publication, but the initial push is complete.  And I must confess that I had an ulterior motive in getting it done so expediently, which will continue to affect my blogging and sewing time.  

You may remember that last February, we tragically lost our beloved Boxer, Finn at the very young age of four, and it almost broke me.  Afterward, I couldn't fathom ever having another dog and opening myself up to the possibility of another loss like that, but I'm a Boxer lover through and through.  I grew up with them, and my mom grew up with them as well.  We are a Boxer family, and the longest I've ever been without one in my entire life is 18 months. 

Eventually, as I remembered Finn and talked about his funny antics, the tears were slowly replaced by smiles, and I realized that I truly missed having a dog in my life. So, we will be welcoming another Boxer puppy into our hearts, and will be going to pick him up next Thursday. And here he is-

Puppies are a lot of work, especially in the beginning, and I knew I needed to get my manuscript submitted before all of the puppy madness.  We got Finn during the summer right before our son started high school, so of course he lived at home and was able to help out with house training, and with general puppy-wrangling.  And then, not long after, Covid happened and all three of us were at home!  This time, I'll be on my own during the day, and I know it will be tough to get anything done (for awhile anyway).  But that sweet little face will be worth it!  All of this is to say that I will continue to post NTT each week, but I'm not sure how much sewing I'll be able to do for a little while.  

On that note, let's go ahead and check out some of my favorite links from last week's party.  This beauty is from Something Rosemade-

Deb at A Scrappy Quilter linked up this fun quilt top.  Y'll know I love scraps!

Viridian's Blog linked up her progress on this pretty quilt-

These three quilts from Nancy at Grace and Peace Quilting are so cute and fully of scrappy goodness!

And this embroidered quilt is from Gretchen's Little Corner, and it's a joint project with her granddaughter (who embroidered the blocks).  So lovely, and I love that they shared this!

Okay, my friends!  It's time to get our party started.  You know what to do!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your 

    post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Twelve Days Book News and NTT

Happy June, and welcome to another Needle and Thread Thursday, my friends!  I have some big news to share today, and it involves a shift back to an original plan!  After getting back from all of my travel just before Easter, I set to work on finalizing my Twelve Days of Christmas pattern, all set to start a Block of the Month for Christmas in July.  

But, when I got them all finished, I just kept thinking that they would be so amazing all together in a published book, with all of the pretty professional photos, detailed piecing tips, and close-ups of all the quilting- all the pretty things that are hard to include in a stand-alone pattern.  Well, after getting it all compiled, I sent it to my publisher as a nearly-completed manuscript, and they wholeheartedly agreed.

So, my fourth book, my Twelve Days of Christmas quilt, will be released as a book in late Spring of 2026.  We'll still be doing a Block of the Month sew along, but instead of starting next month, we''ll just have to wait until next summer.  I promise, seeing it all together in a gorgeous book will be worth the wait!

As it happens, amidst all of the crazy book writing, I DID sew something this week!  You know that I always offer a little thank-you bonus with my books.  With Stash Statement and Scrappy Improv Quilting, I give away the Sweet Bee pattern, and Perfectly Pieced Quilt Backs includes 18 free downloadable quilt patterns within the book itself.  This Twelve Days of Christmas book (still not officially titled) continues the trend, and of course, the thank-you bonus pattern had to be Christmas themed.  So, I will be including my Father Christmas quilted pillow, a pattern for which I've had lots of requests.  

Since photography needed to happen ASAP, I spent some time this week getting this pillow made (I've gifted the other two), and have already shipped both the Twelve Days quilt and this pillow off to my publisher.

So, I think now it's clear why this has been taking up SO much time.  I haven't been writing a pattern, I've been writing a book!  

It felt so good to get back to my sewing machine, but alas.  That was just a brief respite from editing and revising.  I'm in the home stretch of this thing, and I'm so close to getting it submitted.

It's almost time to party, but before we do, let's look at the highlights from last week. These two beauties are from Jan at The Colorful Fabriholic-

Gretchen's Little Corner linked up this soothing quilt-

This cute quilt is from Kat at Scrapbook Quilts-

And these sweet little baby quilts are from Nancy at Grace and Peace Quilting-

Okay, friends!  It's time to show what you've got going on in your sewing space this week!  

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your 

    post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

An Exciting New Book!

Hey there, friends!  I am so excited to share a brand new book that's being released today by my friend, Laura Piland at Slice of Pi Quilts.  It's called Storybook Quilts, and I have to be honest- I'm a little jealous that I didn't come up with this idea myself!

After spending 15 years in an elementary classroom, I had SO many children's books, and of course there were some that were very near and dear to my heart.  Laura has chosen fourteen beloved children's books and designed quilts that are inspired by them.  Genius!

Here are a couple of my favorites from the book, but honestly, they are all SO cute.

Wouldn't this be fantastic for the special little readers (or storybook lovers) in your life?  You really need to go take a look at all of the designs.

You can find Storybook Quilts in Laura's Etsy Shop, Slice of Pi Quilts, HERE, and of course on Amazon HERE.  Go check it out!

Needle and Thread Thursday!

Hey there, friends!  It's time for another NTT, and boy, this week has just slipped on by.  My husband is off for the next several Fridays, and so we had a four day weekend last weekend.  It was fantastic and relaxing, but short weeks always have me questioning what day it is.  In fact, I just remembered it was Wednesday in time to get this post done!  I still haven't sewn anything, as I've been spending even more time finishing up my Twelve Days of Christmas pattern, which is really more like a book because it is so detailed.  I just don't have extra quilty brainpower to start something new just yet.

So, let's jump right into last weeks highlights.  Take a look at this oh-so-adorable foxy quilt top from Maggie at Making a Lather-

Gretchen's Little Corner linked up this quilt, with another one in her blog post.  Lovely!

And finally, Quilting Gail shared this quilt, AND a second one in her blog post as well! The blues are so soothing.

Okay y'all, you know what to do!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your 

    post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Still in the Zone and NTT

Welcome to Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  I'm still in the pattern-writing zone around here, though I am getting close to calling this one done.  Until then, I'm not breaking my concentration (or cleaning off my table) to sew.

So, let's get right to the highlights from last wee, shall we?  This stunner is from Something Rosemade.  Oh my goodness, all that color!! 

This lovely finish is from Quilting Gail-

This pretty quilt top is from Julie's Quilts and Costumes.  I love that blue background against all these warm colors-

Nancy at Grace and Peace Quilting shared three beautiful quilts!

And finally, check out this spring-a-licious floral quilt from Yvonne at Quilting Jetgirl!

Okay, friends!  let's get this party started!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your 

    post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Pattern Productivity and NTT

Hey there, my friends!  Welcome to Needle and Thread Thursday.  This week, I've been in the pattern writing headspace.  I've been working furiously on finishing up my Twelve Days of Christmas pattern, and because it is pictorial, each block is a separate pattern in and of itself.  Even within each block, there isn't much repetition of block units, etc.  

I pride myself on writing very detailed patterns that illustrate each and every step.  It makes for a pattern that is easy to follow, but it does mean that it takes more time to write each pattern.  Once I'm in the pattern writing zone, it's best for me to stay there until I get them done. So, this is the state of my table this week-

Even though I don't have any pretties to show from my own space this week, I have no shortage of gorgeous things to share from last week's party.  This scrappy beauty is from Jan at The Colorful Fabriholic-

I love this quilt from Brenda at Songbird Designs-

Take a look at this lovely quilt from Sew Preeti Quilts-

And finally, Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl linked up this stunner!

Alrighty, friends!  You know what time it is!  Link up!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your 

    post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Springtime is Calling and NTT

Hey there, my friends.  Welcome to another Needle and Thread Thursday!  With the exception of one stormy day, it's been a glorious spring week.  I love quilting.  I really do.  But when it's 70 degrees and sunny with a light breeze, I have a very hard time making myself go inside.  I can almost always find something to do in my yard, and when I can't, I'm perfectly content with a book outside on my patio, just soaking up the sunshine. So alas, there has been no sewing at all for me this week.

But, apparently y'all are all rocking it in your sewing studios, because there were so many great things linked up last week!  Maggie at Making a Lather linked up this pretty finish-

Sew Preeti Quilts showed off this pretty finish-

And finally, this stunner was shared by Rebecca Grace Quilting-

Y'all are amazing every single week!  Are you ready to party?  Let's see that eye-candy!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your 

    post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Summer Blossoms and NTT

Hey there, my friends!  Welcome back to another Needle and Thread Thursday.  This week has been a busy one around here.  As you may remember, gardening is another passion of mine, and we added a new, large flower bed along the side of our house, which required installing the metal edging, tilling up grass, and of course, planting.  After we got all of the new plants in, we did our annual mulching of all the flower beds, which amounted to seven yards of mulch!  It's hard work, but I really love being outside when the weather is pretty, and I especially love the gorgeous end result when my yard is in full bloom.  All of our spring planting and garden maintenance is usually finished by this time of year, but being out of town for five weeks really put a kink in the usual plan.  

Shockingly, even after all of that, I still found time to finish my Summer Blossoms quilt, which has been waiting for me since before I left for California.  And y'all, this one just makes me happy!

You may recognize this block as the Summer Blossom mini quilt from my second book, Scrappy Improv Quilting, but it looks very different with the low volume background. 

That being said, since I used every color in the rainbow in this quilt, I think the lighter background works better.  The background fabric I chose is from the Postmark collection from Alison Glass.  The print is called Margin in the Daisy color way.  It's a very subtle print and the sunshine makes it very difficult to see, but I grabbed an online photo for you.  It's just perfect with these flower blocks.

I stuck with the floral theme for quilting and added allover flowers to give this quilt lots of yummy texture.

Free motion quilting is just like riding a bike.  You never forget how to do it, but after being away from it for a little while, it does take a few minutes to find the groove again, especially when quilting a specific design, rather than stippling.

Once I had all twelve blocks put together for this quilt, I realized that I still had enough scraps for a few more blocks.  I didn't want to make the quilt any bigger, so of course I put them on the back.  I did have to buy a little extra background fabric to make that happen, but it was totally worth it.

When I made the huge push to sew ALL of my stash last year, I had a leftover chunk of this warm Alison Glass print from my Misfits quilt.  I initially saved this warm print for the back of my Starfire quilt, but decided it had too much pink to use there.  I love it on the back of this one though!  To make the backing long enough, I found this gorgeous green print on sale at my local shop, and just by happenstance, it's also by Alison Glass (Sun Print Crochet in Gulf).  Here's a closeup since the sun and quilting are making this one hard to see too-

By the way, do you ever wonder how I keep all of my quilt backs straight, centered, and aligned perfectly with the front?  Or, do you ever shy away from making a pieced quilt back because you're certain that you won't be able to keep it straight?  Well, I'm here to tell you that it's easier than you think!  A few well-placed pieces of painter's tape will help you get perfect results every time.  You can find the full method, along with thirty (!!!) different pieced quit backs in may book, Perfectly Pieced Quilt Backs.  Just click on the cover of the book on my left sidebar to visit my Etsy shop and start giving your quilt backs a little extra fun.  Check it out!

In an ongoing effort to use up what I have, the binding of this quilt is scrappy!  I had several large scrap chunks in my purple jar, all leftover from my Grape Soda quilt, and they make a great frame for these blossoms.

Okay, my friends.  It's almost time to party, but first, we can't forget to ogle some of the projects shared last week.  Sandra at mmmquilts linked up this sweet quilt, and it definitely gives all the summer vibes!

These gorgeous teal stars are from Gretchen's Little Corner-

And finally, this rainbow stunner is from Something Rosemade-

So, let's get our party on so we can see all of the awesomeness you have to share this week!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your 

    post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)