When our final shipment of the 100 Century Solids arrived this week, the first thing that crossed my mind is how neutrals and dull colors are so important in our world as makers. Neutrals have the job of holding up brighter more intense hues and adding a place for the eyes to rest in a composition. A winter walk provided me with more insight when considering how to use neutrals in my quilts. Continue reading

Color is the big idea in your work. It emphasizes feelings. I am sure you have heard someone refer to moody blues, say red is a passionate color, or that green is associated with relaxation and growth. Violet is dignity... Continue reading

As I looked at our shipment of 24 new solids from Andover today, I began grouping them for our ever popular Pencil Packs. Customers tell me how these collections of solids are so helpful in extending their palette choices. Thinking about that reminded me of one of the concepts that I find so useful in quilt design - pushing a color. Pushing a color is a phrase that I use when pulling fabrics for a project. Once I have determined the colors I think I want to use, then I look for lighter, darker, brighter, and duller colors in the same family. You never know when you will need to pep up a color, or enrich it once you begin combining it with others. Continue reading

The arrival of the Entwined line of fabric, by Guicy Guice from Andover Fabrics, gave me the idea to explore textural fabrics in terms of color. These yummy textiles offer an opportunity to add a dimensional quality to quilts that are mostly solid in nature. The first thing I want you to notice is how dimensional the wovens are, where solid fabrics appear flat. That quality can add interest to a composition. It is another tool for you to use in your journey as a quilter. You can see the variety in the woven designs and the color... Continue reading

Our environment is full of eye candy this time of year with all of the fall colors and textures. I really feel like an explorer trying to get last minute hikes and drives in before the snowfall. Lately, when I'm outdoors the intense blue of the sky catches my attention. I've realized that it is like a “neutral” in my photographs, because it seems to go with all the other hues. Going forward, I will certainly... Continue reading

It’s August already! Where did the time go? Many of you attended my “Dreaming in Color” Lecture series late this spring. After experiencing the stay at home order, I was really excited when Valori asked me to do the color lecture series. I finally felt like I had a purpose, and I could once again connect with many of you, which is what I love most Continue reading

One our most popular posts continues to be our Quick Strip Quilt tutorial so we wanted to share a few variations on that quick and easy quilt. We've created four equally simple variations, all from our Oregon themed batik strip rolls. For basic technique and photos of all the steps check out our original post. Continue reading

Remember our post back in December about DIY adjustable dog collars? Well, today we're going talk about making a leash. It's even easier to make, since there is no need to fit your dog or figure out how to make... Continue reading

Whether for yourself, or a quick gift, it's the fabric that makes these projects shine! The placemats below are constructed from two colors of French Sashiko for Moda (one for each side). The fabric is a heavier cotton with contrast sashiko stitching. The texture is so lovely! Continue reading

Spring is a fabulous time to observe color, as there are daily changes right outside the door. We are fortunate enough to be able to go on walks, and can take drives in the car, but stopping at parks and forest service viewpoints is currently prohibited. My friend Betty, shared some photos from the tulip fields near Mt. Angel, Oregon with me. They reminded me of ... Continue reading

Jean is a home, staying safe, and busy in her studio. She wanted to share a technique she's been having fun with: piecing free form triangles. Continue reading

Here in Central Oregon, spring flowers are just starting to poke through the ground. We couldn't wait for them to bloom bring a little spring cheer, so we made our own flowers. Our bouquet has the added advantages of never wilting, needing water, or activating anyone's allergies. Hydrangeas are always a favorite and look so good in fabric people think they are real. Set a knock out Easter table with a bouquet or two, or if you aren't hosting bring a bunch as a gift. While a beautiful bouquet is always wonderful, you could also attach finished flowers to a headband, cover a tote bag in them, or add some to a pillow. Continue reading

Face masks are in desperate need and anyone who can sew, can help. We've gathered the best information and patterns we could find and added some of our own tips and tricks in this post. We also created an information page on our website that we will update as more information becomes available. Continue reading

Do you subscribe to our newsletters? We have one for all Stitchin' Post news and a second for Quilter's Affair information. Newsletters keep you in the loop with our latest arrivals, projects, tutorials, events and special offers. Continue reading

The past two months have been filled with the bright colors of summer even though it is winter in Sisters. This is the time of year that I work on quilts that will be donated to fund raisers for Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. Our theme for our 45th anniversary show this year is “My Kind of Town”. As always, I began my project by pulling as many fabrics as possible in the colors I choose to work with. Once that's done, I turn to balancing colors in my composition. Continue reading

We've put together a free pattern, a tutorial (below) and four different bag kits to make it super simple. Kits come with everything you need for a single bag; exterior linen or canvas fabric, muslin lining, and sturdy cotton webbing for handles. No scouring stores or buying more than you need. Continue reading

It is early January and as I write this blog it is trying to snow outside. To so many people the winter colors in the landscape are dull and uninviting. When I take time to sit and really look outside I see some very interesting combinations of colors. Seeing our Central Oregon sagebrush with snow was an eye opener to me about the subtle elegance of neutrals. Continue reading

Christmas is only a few days away! Most of us are super busy with last minute preparations; focused on wrapping, baking, and getting through it all. So our last project of Christmas couldn't be easier, plus you probably already have everything you need to make it. These adorable yarn hats only take a few minutes to make and make charming package toppers or a quick last minute ornament to give. Continue reading

This week we're going to the dogs with a DIY adjustable collar. By making your own collar you can ensure a great fit, trust in the quality of the hardware and workmanship, and show off a bit of your own style. Continue reading

Every little bit helps when in comes to living greener. One way to make a difference is by using reusable produce bags, instead of plastic. While reducing your plastic use is an obvious benefit, the ventilation in mesh veggie bags can help your fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer and you can wash them right in the bag. Making your own bags also allows you to customize the bag size to the type of produce you buy regularly, getting rid of all that wadded up plastic in your vegetable drawer for a single lemon. On top of that, these bags look great, are strong, durable, and easily washable. It's pretty easy to "do the right thing" when it also makes your life easier. Continue reading

There is something magical about seeing a place for the first time. I was fortunate to be able to attend Valori Wells and Kelly Sheets Morocco Creatives Retreat in November. Valori has been to Morocco several times and her photos taken there made me want to visit. Continue reading

One of our most popular patterns is Valori's Little Wallet. It's easy to understand why - it's quick to make, only needs two fat quarters, and is so versatile. Organize a ... Continue reading

Traditionally sewn pillowcases are great, and a perfect first project for beginners. We want to show you how to up your game with the burrito method. This technique is so slick! Once you get the hang of it, you'll be turning out immaculately finished pillowcases as fast as you can choose the fabric. Continue reading

While you're thinking about gifts this year, consider giving a gift to our environment and try using beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap. Beeswax wraps are a wonderful natural alternative for keeping food protected. Use them in a lunch bag to wrap a sandwich or a cookie. Wrap and store cheese, fruit, or vegetables in the refrigerator. Wrap up a baked good for a snack on the run or to share with a friend. Beeswax wraps work brilliantly with just about any cold, dry food. Continue reading

If you're reading this it's likely that sewing and/or quilting are hobbies you love. Having the skill to make something for yourself is immensely satisfying and crafting is a wonderful way to express your creative self. Sewing can sooth, comfort, inspire and be practical. This Christmas share your passion and experience with the young people in your life by teaching them to sew. You'll be giving them a gift that lasts a lifetime and you'll get the gift of spending time together. Continue reading