Monday, July 6, 2026, Update

And we’re off into another summer week.

It’s hot here, and so far no thunderstorm in the late afternoon to feed plants and grass. Maybe today…

My six placemats are done, and I’ll post a pic when they are gifted.

“Flower Pop” (Sew Kind of Wonderful) is having its binding sewn on at night. I’ve almost finished two sides. I am really really loving this quilt.

“Bright and Beautiful” is on the longarm.

The design wall is…happy, and so am I.

On the bottom left, the Bonnie Hunter “Patches and Pinwheels 2” top is done. I have a backing for it. On the upper right, Rachel LaBour’s “Spinny” that I’m calling “Umbrellas” is growing–it has become more of a primary project at this point. I bought a backing for it the other day. It will be 4 rows by 4 rows. I may not add a batting as it is…heavy. I’m still tempted to make a warm center with cool borders as a table topper, but time will tell.

On the top left are my growing number of Lelia Gardulnia’s “Scrappy Stars,” each with a different foundation pieced center. I make one, then kit one, and sew it when the mood strikes. (I use Tara Faughnan’s foundation piecing method, so no paper to rip out.)

Under “Umbrellas” is a trial block for Quilty Love’s “Cross Tiles.” It’s a big block and this quilt will make up fast when I really get cranking on it. I saved one of my Tara Faughnan’s palettes to use in this quilt, and I can add from my stash if needed.

Bonnie Hunter released her 2026 “leader/ender” project the other day: “Tulip Swirl.” She does that in July. It’s a free pattern on her blog: quiltville.com.

Of course I had to make the 4-inch trial block. And then, of course I had to make more of them. Bonnie explored so many ways to combine this block–I’m not yet sure which one I’ll choose, or if I’ll go with the stars and use a sashing to unify the project. I’ll make some blocks first. They are so easy–just 2 half-square triangles and 2 squares cut from two 6-inch rectangles, one light and one dark. Each block can use up a lot of small scrap pieces, so that’s a win-win for me. (The pattern has pressing instructions which are needed to best combine the block with others.)

Have a good week everyone!