When we last saw our intrepid hero she was trying to find her lost sewing mojo but excitedly looking forward to visiting and gaining some much needed inspiration and rejuvenation at the Garden of Quilts event when life took a sudden, dramatic 2020-flavored twist...
Hello friends! It's been a couple of weeks since I last checked in - which is not typical for me. But may become more typical in the future? Who knows? The break was unplanned, but necessary and ended up being a good thing. I'm enjoying slowing down a little more. Most of the time...
The main reason for this unplanned break - our family was hit by the dreaded you-know-what (rhymes with Sharona). I won't go into details - some fared better than others - but we are past the worst of it and on the mend. Doing much better this weekend than last and have hopes to make a full recovery.
One of the biggest bummers of all of that - I didn't get to attend Garden of Quilts. I was pretty sad about the timing of it all. With so many events canceled this year, I was excited that this was one I could still participate in. Well, make that a big Nope for me on that one too. I think the theme of this year is "Get Used to Disappointment." lol
So I'm sorry I don't have fun pictures to share of gardens full of quilts this year. (Here's last year's Garden of Quilts event and hopefully more of an example of what next year's event will look like too.)
The good news after 10 days of family together time at home, I've found some of my lost sewing mojo. So there's something positive! Here's a little bit of what I've been working on. These patchwork star blocks have been a lot of fun! Just what I needed to jump start my sewjo again.
As I mentioned here, a few weeks ago I pulled out these wool applique Autumn Love blocks that I originally made a couple years ago. I decided to get them out of UFO (UnFinished Project) Purgatory and get them sewn up this season.
Here are the details on the Autumn Love wool applique blocks. Wool applique is so much fun and very forgiving and un-intimidating. If regular applique scares you, try wool applique to boost your confidence. The best part is that you don't have to worry about turning or fraying edges. This makes it super easy. I walk through all of the basic steps for wool applique here.
After some playing and pondering, I decided that I would make my blocks into a smaller Fall wall hanging. I also decided to alternate the applique blocks with the pieced star block from Lori Holt's original Autumn Love pattern. You can find the tutorial for the pieced Star Quilt Block on Lori Holt's blog here.
Next up: finding just the right sashing fabric...
I'm combining fabric from Lori's collections including Autumn Love and Prim for my blocks. They play so nicely together.
Speaking of fabric and holidays and sewing mojo: this pile is on my sewing table and beckoning me to come and play. I'm SO smitten with each of these prints - this collection is part of Liberty of London's cotton collection and called simply A Festive Collection. It's available now in shops - I've seen it from SoJo Fabric, Simply Love Fabrics, and other Etsy sellers.
The details in the the prints are so cute. And here's a close up of probably my favorite detail: the little Liberty of London flagship store. Can you spot it? Be still my heart. It's been almost 2 years since my last visit and I'm itching to go back. Who knows when that will be at this point.
I'm still in the plotting stage with this fabric - not exactly sure what it will become yet, but I have some ideas. Be prepared to see more of it in the future. In the mean time, I'm insisting to myself that I stay disciplined and finish this fall project before I move on to Christmas sewing. Hold me to that!
I'm in a little bit of denial that it's almost the end of September. The afternoon light in my sewing room is changing and it's getting darker earlier. Usually September is my favorite month of the year. This one hasn't quite lived up to typical expectations. (Surprise, surprise...) I haven't even made it up to the mountains yet. Sigh. Hoping to remedy that this weekend.
xo
Candace
Get-well wishes for you & all your family! Your ideas are always so good to see & learn from. We would even enjoy reruns as you recuperate.
The Joyful Quilter
That Autumn quilt is going to be SEW pretty, Amy!! About the nastiness... Glad to hear that your family is doing better after being ill. Hoping you all continue to feel better every day!
Kay
The autumn blocks are so pretty, I do love the colours and the crispness of the blocks. We just got out of isolation today after having to quarantine the whole family as my son had coronavirus too, I am so looking forward to a walk outside and treating myself to some new books. So glad it is all over for you too, it is such a worry having it in the house. x
lee
Wishing for you and your family continued good health!
Anne
So sorry to hear about the dreaded virus and what your family has endured...hope that everyone is getting back to normal (if there is such a thing these days...) Be kind to yourself and take it slow! You have been a blessing to all of us and we love so see all of your beautiful creations -
Susan C Quinn
Your autumn quilt is going to be gorgeous! I think you picked the perfect blocks to go with your wool blocks. Hugs and warm wishes that all of you will be feeling better soon. 🙂❤
Little Quiltsong
So thankful you are all on the mend! We are still very careful here - mandatory masks till end of May 2021 for our province. Makes a person hesitate to go out, except for the most necessary items - groceries and work. Love your star blocks and autumn quilt with those very cute wool blocks. Stay safe and healthy, Amy!
Judi Smith
I have drooled over pretty wool appliqué for a long time. Thank you for showing me a fun version complete with a tutorial! I really did need a shove to improve my sewing mojo. You are wonderful to share while dealing with the “nasties”....you are fabulous!
nancyangerer
I am so sorry to hear that you have been ill, but am glad you are on the mend and able to sew again. Hope you have complete recovery soon.
hopflower
So sorry for the misfortune, Amy. I fell for anyone affected by this problem, and do hope that all of you recover quickly and comfortably. The new quilt looks beautiful, and as usual it is very inspiring.
kaywelch
Sending healing thoughts and virtual hugs to y'all as you continue your recoveries. Yes we're all having to learn to deal with disappointments, and finding positives in them makes a huge difference. Really like your autumn quilt - colors are wonderful. I've made 15 quilts so far this year (which is a lot for me). So I'm taking a break for "scrap management" - thought I'd be further along, but alas there's more to do. Earlier this spring I wrapped all of my yardage on comic boards and organize by color. What a surprise to find I had room for more fabric, and a shopping i did go (LQS only). Well take good care, rest, and recover.
Robby H.
Wishing you all a full recovery as soon as possible. Yes, 2020 has been the year that few of us will feel bad seeing come to a close. So, move along 2020, ya big loser. Or something like that. Ha! Glad you feel like you might be getting that creative spark back.
Joan Lesmeister
Happy to hear you and your loved ones are on the mend after the dreaded rhymes with Sharona! Prayers for good health!. Always enjoy your work.....really beautiful!
Stephanie Mullin
I am glad you are on the mend from the nasty ! Thanks for your quilty update💗
Jillene Robison
Wishes for a full recovery for you and your family. More wishes for enjoyeable sewing and autumn outdoor time.
Kathleen McCormick
Sorry for the covid interruptus! What a strange time this is. I am glad your sewjo returned (for whatever reason it chose this time period to do it) and hope that the remainder of the year is somehow easier, if even so slightly easier because you are sewing again.
Margery Pinnetti
God bless you and your family; complete recovery for all SOON! You inspire so many, Amy. Think virtual hugs and soldier on. '2020' has such a happy ring to it but it went sour early on and got progressively worse. MUCH better times are ahead and will be so cherished by comparison. In God We Trust
Gwyn
Blessed be your family for a healthy beginning! Glad you found your sewjo. The star blocks are lovely. Have fun choosing sashing, maybe a low volume variety and colorful cornerstones. Let's kick 2020 to the curb!
Melanie Martin
So sorry to hear your family was effected by the virus. It hit us too back in July. I hope you all continue to recover and regain your strength. Brilliant idea to mix in the star blocks with your autumn wool appliqués. They look great together!
Amy
Thank you, Melanie!