Doll Quilts in the Spring Garden

I love making small quilts and if you're reading this and following my blog, you probably do too.  Simple little doll quilts made with reproduction fabrics really tug at my heartstrings. I know some of you love these same kinds of quilts as much as I do. So I'm sharing some of my favorite ones and a few newer ones that I made or finished last year just for those of you who are new to the kinds of quilts I like to make. (You can find the patterns for some these on my website and in my Etsy shop. Or ask and I'll tell you which book it's from.) 

So simple, yet gloriously fun. You can crank these out in between working on larger quilts. They're that quick. The most fun was probably sorting through my reproduction scraps looking for just the right combination of muted colors, finding some I hadn't seen in awhile. 

There's something calming about creating something pretty with simple little pieces . . . . 

One of the nice things about making small quilts is that they're easy to display around the house in many different ways. Quilts really add something to a room whether they're dressing up a bed, draped over a sofa or hanging on a wall in an entryway. 

                                 

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I really wanted to thank so many of you for participating in the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along this year. It was a nice diversion for awhile, don't you think? Thanks also for purchasing the book. Your support means a lot. The FB group will stay open for the rest of the year and we may do sew alongs for some of the smaller quilts in the book beginning this summer. 

I also wanted to thank you so much for following me all these years. It's been so nice meeting and connecting with many of you who share my love of all things small and made with reproduction fabrics. I sincerely hope that my books and quilts, my groups and this blog have inspired you a little bit and brought some joy into your lives. I know you have enriched mine with your kindness. 

                                                                                My best to all of you,

                                                                                                     - Kathy

Add Sashing to Your Sampler Blocks

Well, people, we're coming to a close on this Sampler Sew Along. Last week was Applique, this week you'll add sashing to your blocks and begin to put them together. We'll talk about the borders next week. If you have the Schoolgirl Sampler book and are following along, read the instructions on pages 14 - 15 in the book and see the tips in the file for Week 14.  

I recommend sashing the blocks individually instead of sewing long strips of sashing between the rows of blocks. I learned how to do this while making my Dear Jane quilt - 

Make sure your blocks measure EXACTLY 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" before you add the sashing.  (In putting my Dear Jane blocks together, I used to hold my breath and was always amazed when they came out exactly as they should. Will you look at that . . . . )  Add the sashing to each block on your sampler quilt the same way. Sew one strip to the side of the block and sew the strip with the cornerstone to the bottom of the block. But please read the instructions in the book as well. 

My Schoolgirl Sampler books were sold out for awhile but they've been reprinted and are now back in stock. So if you would like to purchase a signed copy, they're available on my website and my Etsy shop again.   

                                      

Those of you who are following along with me on the 2021 Mystery Quilt - all of the block units from previous months have now come together to make this cute scrappy quilt - 

Directions for this Mystery are in the files in the Facebook group and on my website. 

                                 

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

~Anne Bradstreet, 17th century poet

                           

                             Easter, the season of rebirth and renewal. The message is all about Hope, Love and Joyful living.      

Thinking of making a carrot cake this weekend. Haven't made one in years. If I can find a good recipe for cream cheese frosting.

   Carrot Cake

3 eggs

1 1/4 cups oil

1 1/3 cups brown sugar

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups flour

1 8-oz. can crushed pineapple

1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

                     4 carrots, grated                     

                          

Hoping you have a Happy Easter!