Life is a patchwork of experiences
Sharing my experiences taking an Empty Spools Seminars quilting class at the historic Asilomar Conference Center located on the scenic Pacific Ocean coast in California.
It’s important in any craft to continue honing your skills. Whether it’s blogging, photography, or quilting, I like to try classes that offer a different perspective, but they also need to be in interesting locations.
One of my favorite quilting class experiences is offered by Empty Spools Seminars at the Asilomar Conference Center located in beautiful Pacific Grove, California. In fact, I liked it so much that I’ve gone twice.
Over the years, I have amassed a wish list of quilting classes, quilting workshops, quilting retreats and quilting holidays that combine both great instruction and inspiring destinations.
For me, attending a quilting class or workshop is as much about the location as it is about the quality of the quilting instruction – it has to have both.
Sharing my comprehensive list of 50 organizations that are happy to receive quilts, fabric and other sewing supplies, as well as ideas for local organizations where quilts can be donated
Do you love to quilt or sew but don’t know what to do with everything you make? Is your fabric stash getting unmanageably large? Do you have too many UFO’s (unfinished objects)? Do you have fabrics you are no longer thrilled with? Do you have bins full of scraps? Do you have too many quilt patterns you want to try?
If you are asking yourself, “Where can I donate quilts?”, there are a large number of organizations that are thrilled to receive finished quilts or quilting supplies. I’ve put together this comprehensive list of places to donate quilts to charity to make it easy for you.
Continue reading “Be a Quilt Volunteer – Where to Donate Quilts for Charity in 2026”
I used fabric that were inspired by the colors of the Orient Express train to celebrate and commemorate our 3oth weding anniversary
Quilt Inspiration – I wanted to commemorate our 30th wedding anniversary trip on the Orient Express from Venice to London with a special quilt. Continue reading ““Quilter on the Orient Express” Original Quilt Design”
A rainbow quilt inspired by the traditional English herringbone pattern
Quilt Inspiration – The herringbone pattern may be a traditional tweed pattern used in country gentlemen’s clothing, but bright colors on a light grey background update the pattern to a modern look.
Continue reading ““Not Your Grandfather’s Herringbone” – Original Quilt Design”
Kaffe Fassett striped fabrics set in a rainbow pattern make up this original quilt design.
Quilt Inspiration – I commemorated our bucket list trip to Jordan with a quilt inspired by pictures of the blankets the Bedouin use on their camels.
Continue reading ““My Bedouin Desert Blanket” – An Original Quilt Design”
I used a colorful Eiffel Tower quilt panel for my Paris inspired quilt
I love Paris in the springtime
I love Paris in the fall
I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles
I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles
Continue reading ““I Love Paris in the Springtime” – Original Quilt Design”
This Greek key quilt pattern is an easy and beginning quilter friendly design inspired my trip to the Greek islands. The PDF pattern is available on my Quiltripping Etsy shop.
Quilt Inspirations – For my recent trip to Greece, I chose a simple, classic Greek key design to make this easy, modern-looking quilt in shades of white and Aegean blue.
Continue reading ““Greek Key” Quilt Pattern – Original Quilt Pattern Download Available on Etsy”
Use this easy, free scrub cap pattern and tutorial to make a reversible surgical cap that is both functional and stylish for your favorite health care workers.
My daughter-in-law is a nurse at a large city hospital, and she asked me to make her a few surgical scrub caps for work. I tried the patterns I found on-line and eventually combined elements till I came up with a scrub cap pattern design that she liked and fitted her long hair well.
I am sharing this free, printable scrub cap pattern and tutorial with detailed instructions for making a reversible scrub hat or scrub cap.
Continue reading “A Reversible, Free Scrub Cap Pattern With Easy Instructions”
Block 7 of my block of the month project
I am slowly continuing my investigations into half square triangle (HST) geometries with this block of the month project, especially all the options possible with a 4 patch HST unit.
Continue reading “Triangle Fourplay – An Easy Quilt Block of the Month – Block 7”
