Sewing & Quilting Design Studio

     For a while now I have been trying to convince my sweet husband that we needed to close in our backporch and make it into my sewing room.  Today, I am happy to share with you that for the past two days, I have been listening to the sound of hammers and nail guns!  And windows being installed!  And paint colors to choose!  Oh my gosh, it is finally happening.  I will have my very own room that will be used for my sewing and quilting, and pattern designs.  Can you tell I am excited?  I haven't decided what fabrics to highlight in the decor, maybe Fig Tree, Tilda, Rifle Paper Company, Art Gallery (so many to choose from) or Corey Yoder?  The walls will be a light gray, my favorite.  I believe all the fabric colors stand out against a nice neutral background, and light gray is my favorite.  Of course, there will be some sunflowers in the sewing room too!  I will share photos when construction is complete, and as I grow along in this quilting journey. 

Kits Available

Today I am sew excited to share with you that Quilted Creations Quilt Shop has made kits to use to make my pattern for the Sewing Machine Mat. These are the same fabrics that were used to make the shop sample.  Visit the shop located at 24 Main Street on the square in historic downtown Headland, Alabama; or by shopping on-line located at quiltedcreations.net

Late Summer

     It is late Summer here in my countryside, and most of the garden plants have bloomed and withered away.  Just a few lazy zinnias left.  And the beauty of God's nature in these wild morning glories growing on the old fencepost.  

Maggie's First Dance BOM Block One

I am so happy that this FREE block of the month quilt has begun.  I am using the fabric collection, Strawberry Fields Revisited, by FigTree and Company-Joanna Figueroa, for Moda Fabrics.  When reading the directions for the blocks, half square triangles are created, and Tip #1,  I always read the directions before I start cutting.  I thought to myself, oh no, not triangles!   But never fear, Tip #2,  the new Creative Grids Itty Bitty Eights ruler by Lisa Bongean is just what you need to cut those 4 5/8 inch squares.  This ruler has all the 1/8 inch markings clearly marked and easy to use.  Just what is needed. When creating the flower center appliques, Tip #3,  you cannot cut a perfect circle unless you have drawn a perfect circle.  So the next tool is a plastic circle template from the office supply store. Easy peezy!

    This is my version of Block One.  Block two will be released next week!

Hop on over to jacquelynnesteves.com and join the fun.

Summer Blooms

How about taking a nice stroll through my summer garden blooms? 

Grab your iced sweet tea and straw sun hat and come join me.

Pink climbing rose growing on an old fence post at my neighbors house.

Golden day lilies in my garden.

Bright yellow day lilies in my garden.

White crape myrtle tree full of blooms in my yard, and full of bees, look closely and you will see the bees.

Purple cone flower I grew from seed.

Hope you enjoyed the walk! 

Ellen's Quilt

During the Spring of the year we visit our friends' farm in Kentucky.  We always have so much fun there.  Larry enjoys turkey hunting with David on the farm.  And Ellen and I enjoy nice conversations with coffee on the back porch while enjoying the most amazing views of the rolling hills of the farm, and the tobacco barns.  We enjoy visits to nearby places to shop for antiques and quilts. 
My mother-in-law, Annie Laura Doster, age 97, yes I said 97, started this quilt top many years ago.  She completed the center blocks and then left it unfinished.  When Ellen saw the quilt top,  she wanted to have it completed as a quilt for her bedroom.  So I added the last three borders, the one inch yellow border, the pieced blocks border, and the final floral border, to complete the quilt top and make it large enough for the bed.  The quilt really turned out beautiful.

Maggie's First Dance

Have you heard the news?  This FREE Block of the Month Program has just been announced. The first block will begin in June.  I will be making this quilt using FigTree Strawberry Fields Revisited fabrics. I will be posting photos of my blocks!  This quilt has really cute flowers and has that vintage look that I just love!
Visit:  jacquelynnesteves.com for all the details and to get signed up for this program.