I somehow overlooked this sweet block made by my Calendar Girlfriend, Diann C and I wanted to feature it today. It appears on March 23 (which was this past Tuesday) in my calendar. Diann has a lovely memory she allowed me to also share: My parents were both born in the 20s. My mom’s name was Betty. She loved to sing the old songs from that era.  Of course, the one I loved the most came from the old Betty Boop short films.  “Boop-oop-a-doop” still brings a huge smile to my face and a warm feeling to my heart.   And here's the 12" block that Diann made. Isn't it fun to see the images of  Betty Boop, too? Dancing Betty by Diann C. And, wouldn't you know? I got the same block from Susan B. yesterday - just in time to be included here. Bonus! Dancing Betty by Susan B. Thank you, Diann and Susan, for your lovely blocks and Diann's memories!  My calendar is back in stock with C&T and also with other retailers! on  Amazon at  C&T Publishing and i...

I just discovered I have named 3 DIFFERENT quilts with the same name! Good thing I didn't do that with my 3 precious daughters who also are different. The first one is a FREE pattern today. I designed it for a Windham fabric collection called Modern Grace. It is raw edge appliqué. I've used this pattern with other collections, too. Modern Grace with 10" blocks Here's another quilt using the same photo corner treatment. I put these sweet birds in the center of the photo corners Photo Corners Birds quilt Here is another quilt I named "Dancing with the Flowers." It was in my 2nd book (Supersize 'Em Quilts, 2009). Dancing with the Flowers: 76" x 76" And one more made just a few months ago using a Benartex collection by Lisa Ruble. I used a Stacked Bricks pattern in the center and then surrounded them with those lovely dancing flowers! Dancing with the Flowers: 40" x 40" Don't forget to get your free pattern for the quilt at the top o...

Are you still with me on this fantastic Sewalong by Benartex? A new block drops each Thursday and today is Block #4: Moon Bloom  By Jen Wagner –  Snapdragon Quilting Block #4: Moon Bloom (Here is the link where you can still sign up:  BenartExperts Spring Block Hop .) And you can see all 12 of the blocks as we hope they will appear in the final quilt. If you missed the first 3 blocks, here they are: Block 1 is  Coral Bell s. It is by Kari Matthews and is the 3rd one down on the left in quilt above. Block #1:  Coral Bell s Block 2 is  Starburst  by Maude McDonald. It's the top left block above. Block #2:  Starburst   Block 3 is  Static Spin  by Sarah Fulks. Block #3 is   Static Spin This is all based on the  Superior Solids Collection . Of course, you can use whatever fabrics you wish. With each block release, there will be a link (sent to your email - that's why you have to sign up) that takes you to each of the 12 BenartE...

The beauty of living on the East Coast is getting to experience the four seasons. Watching Nature change her clothes several times a year has given me a new appreciation of the steps involved in quilt making. A few years ago a catalog bulb company made an error in my order. Instead of one bushel of daffodil bulbs (200), they sent three!   Wild daffodils in my yard I went feverishly to work that November planting 600 spring bulbs, not knowing the wonderful surprise I would receive come March. The breathtaking display of yellow in all its glory was only enhanced by the spring green background. It was a welcome sight after a long, hard winter of gray, white and dull brown. It reminds me of the Daffodil Block from the Memory Bouquet quilt I made with my quilting friends from Atlanta 25 years ago. The Daffodil block from the Memory Bouquet quilt Here's the whole quilt in all its beauty! The blocks are 9" x 12" and the whole quilt is 63" x 63". Memory Bouquet Quilt ...

The first one was  March 5 !  And there have been two others, so you certainly can catch up! Here is the link where you can still sign up:  BenartExperts Spring Block Hop . And what are the 12 blocks that are offered? (Yes, that's my Squash Blossom block on the bottom left! She's SO thrilled to be there.) Block 1 is Coral Bell s. It is by Kari Matthews and is the 3rd one down on the left in quilt above. Block 2 is Starburst by Maude McDonald. It's the top left block above. Block 3 is released today and is Static Spin by Sarah Fulks. This is all based on the  Superior Solids Collection . Of course, you can use whatever fabrics you wish. With each block release, there will be a link (sent to your email - that's why you have to sign up) that takes you to each of the 12 BenartExpert's web site to get the FREE pattern. My block will be revealed April 23 and these are the fabrics I used: So, if you haven't seen the blocks yet, click those links to get the FREE pdfs....

Today is St. Patrick's Day and I'd like to share some lucky quilts with you! You've seen a few of these before, but I truly love revisiting them again and again. The first one is the oldest and I still own it. The label says 1994, but I know I made it several years earlier. All hand quilted! Yes, that's decorator fabric for the border! Irish Chain quilt early 1990s Here is one I made using the embroidery unit on my Pfaff sewing machine to add those little butterflies. It appeared in my first book (2004). I think I still have this somewhere. Black and Pink Irish Chain: 31" x 31" Here's a beauty sent by one of my Calendar Girls and she has it as a backdrop for a block she stitched later in the month. I just had to add it today! Diane L. quilted this herself. Irish Chain by Diane L. And, finally, my Irish Cross and Chain from years ago: Irish Cross and Chain Wishing you a very lucky St. Patrick's Day!

Lucky you - today is Friday the 13th again, but let's be positive! There is a gorgeous quilt being raffled here in Northern Virginia that is called "Women of the Bible." There are 40 blocks skillfully created by the Holy Quilters of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Haymarket, Virginia. First, the gorgeous quilt: Women of the Bible Quilt: 73" x 88" What's the reason for the raffle? The church is in desperate need of structural repairs. It was built in 1801, with some outbuildings built in early 1900s. As you know, old things fall apart! This historic church has been a cornerstone in Prince William County for many, many years. The quilt is made with high quality cotton fabrics in teals, blue, brown red and green. The pattern is taken from Stitchin' Tree Quilts. The quilt includes a hanging sleeve on the top back of the quilt (as you can see in photo above). Along with the quilt, the winner will receive a book with the biography of each woman as well a...