Denyse Schmidt’s collections always have a wonderful vintage feel. The prints are reminiscent of the 30’s and 40’s, but the colors are much more bright and modern. For her latest home dec line, Country Fair, she again draws inspiration from the 30’s, when “cheater cloth” was popular. Cheater cloth is fabric that has patchwork printed on it, ready for you to quilt. Patchwork Promenade is Denyse’s take on cheater cloth, where she takes prints from her quilting line, Katie Jump Rope, and assembles them into crazy log cabin blocks. So clever!

I took a yard and half (each repeat is one yard) for the front, pieced together the back from 3 yards of quilting weight cotton from Katie Jump Rope, and basted the layers together. I got out my trusty walking foot and machine quilted diagonal lines across my quilt. I thought about marking everything out ahead of time, but I decided to free hand instead. I think the off-kilter log cabin blocks are quite forgiving of my crazy quilting!

This whole process took a day’s worth of work, plus a few hours for hand sewing the bright red binding. I couldn’t be more pleased with this quilt! It was fun to see things come together so quickly, and now I can wrap up in a nice toasty blanket. I would like to do a hand quilted version of this as well, following the lines of all the blocks. I wonder how my family would feel about everyone getting a different version of this for the holidays? I know I would love making them!

My friend, Cathy, made these lovely pillows from Amy Butler’s latest home dec collection, August Fields. Each one has it’s own pretty block design, and I can’t decide which is my favorite! Pillows are a great way to try new techniques, like making cording and block piecing. Plus, they bring a punch of cheerful color into your living space. Cathy will be teaching a class on these pillows October 19 & 26. Please call the shop the shop to reserve your space. See you there!

Favorite Things Patterns is a new-to-us line that recently arrived here at the shop. Among them is the Prairie Girl Dress and Top. I had been looking for a pretty blouse pattern, and I definitely think this fits the bill. Tunics continue to be everywhere this season, and I think this gives a nice, shapely twist to the look. This piece slips easily over your head, forgoing the need for zippers or buttons, and ties at the back, giving a gentle waist definition. The gathers at the front accommodate the bust and accentuate the nice, flat skirt panel over the tummy. So flattering! It has two sleeve options as well: set-in like the ones in the photo or a ruffled cap sleeve. Either would fit easily under a cardigan, or over a long sleeve shirt when it gets a little chillier.

I chose Amy Butler’s Tree Peony fabric, for it’s sophisticated and feminine print. You can dress it up or down depending on your fabric choice. Make the dress version for work in a rich autumn tone, and make the top in a more whimsical print to pull a weekend outfit together. This was a fun sewing project, and it came together nicely in two afternoons. You should definitely give it a try!

Julie has been a very busy bee! After she recovered her kitchen chairs, she was back for more home improvement. She took, as she calls it, her sad blue chair, 5 yards of Drawing Room home dec fabric, and a staple gun and got crafty! Julie says that this is a huge improvement from the blue, and that she is very happy with the much needed update. She did a lovely job! The fabric choice is stunning, and the upholstery job neat and professional. Kudos, Julie!

Those of you in the Philly area may know that the Gee’s Bend Quilt Exhibit is opening at the Philadelphia Museum of Art next week. The show contains over seventy works by the quilters of Gee’s Bend, Alabama. I am always impressed with how modern and fresh these quilts look, and with unique use of materials and color sense. The one in the photo, by Ruth Kennedy, is made entirely in corduroy. Beautiful!

I received an invitation to attend the opening this Thursday, Sept.11 from 6-9, and would like to extend the invite to all of you. Tickets are required and can be purchased the night of the opening for $20. Since many of the quilters from the exhibit will be in attendance, this will be a rare opportunity to speak with the artists and get a sneak peek of what I am sure is an amazing show. Dilys Blum, curator of Costume & Textiles at the PMA, says “it is impossible to walk through this exhibit and not feel inspired — you will want to start making things after you attend.” Sounds wonderful! See you there!

Now that September is here and school has started, it’s time for the morning ritual of packing lunch! The little ones totally prefer homemade meals to school lunch, and the grown ups are trying to resist the temptation of fast food on the go. Eating from home is healthier and more economical. I know I always SAY I am going to pack lunch everyday, but it never quite happens. A girl needs a little incentive, don’t you think? We’ve got just the thing with the Apple-a-Day lunch bag. You can make these eco-friendly bags for the whole family with our Apple-a-Day kits. Each kit contains the pattern, apple fabric combination of your choice, interfacing and velcro to close it up. If you just want the pattern, you can download it here. If you’re in the Philly area, we are having a class to make the lunchbag this Saturday at 2:00. Please visit our class page for details.

Since I made one, I have been packing my lunch (almost!) everyday. Carrying it makes me smile and it feels good to have something pretty and fun to take out at lunchtime. I hope it does the same for you. Enjoy!