Finding Myself at John C. Campbell Folk School

Sometimes you’re fortunate enough to have an experience that changes you for the better. That was my experience when I taught at John C. Campbell Folk School last week. It’s long been on my bucket list to teach there and I was incredibly excited when an invitation was extended to me.

What Is John C. Campbell Folk School?
Scenic view of a rural landscape at dawn, featuring bare trees and rolling hills in the background, with a hint of a building visible near a body of water.

John C. Campbell Folk School (JCCFS) was founded 100 years ago by Olive Dame Campbell and her friend Marguerite Butler. The school is based on a Danish model folk school that brings art and education to adults in rural communities. After much travel and research, Olive Dame and Marguerite decided to establish the Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. You can read more about Olive Dame, Marguerite and the founding of the Folk School here.

Lots of rural education came in the form of what we consider arts and crafts but these crafts, techniques and tools were essential to sustaining every day life. While we may endeavor to create these things for fun now, this was serious business in living100 years ago. Currently, the Folk School offers classes in over 50 subjects including baking, clay, cooking, jewelry, wood carving, quilting and so much more! There are always different classes and different programs on the schedule and JCCFS even has a Little/Middle camp they offer one week in the summer for elementary and middle school children. My youngest went for three years and loved every minute he was there.

Community is the Core

The Campbell Folk School has a strong focus on community and it has four core values:

Joy
Kindness
Stewardship
Non-competitive

When you walk on campus for the first time you feel it immediately. I felt the sense of community. I was never alone. I never felt awkward reaching out to ask for help. People offered help when you didn’t even know you needed it! It takes work to create an environment like that. My parents, who live in rural North Georgia, say that’s just the rural way of life and, perhaps it is, but I think it’s more than that at Campbell. They want everyone to feel welcome and belong. There’s some magic in those mountains.

Let’s Talk About The Classroom

I had a really bright classroom. It had windows, light, design walls, and lots of space but more importantly, I had seven incredible students who were eager to learn.

I taught my Aether quilt. This class is more about color and design than it is making a quilt. Piecing this quilt is the easy part but laying out this quilt definitely challenged some of my students, especially the first two days. I’m pretty sure there were some heads knocking against the walls but by the end of the third day things really started to come together the idea that we were looking at color instead anything else started to resonate. Then the magic began.

A colorful quilt featuring a gradient of circular patches in shades of pink, orange, yellow, green, and blue, arranged in a visually appealing pattern.

I think part of the joy in this classroom was the sense of community. Everyone got along. There was an absolute lovely group of women who shared about their lives, talked, shared tools and collaborated. It was special and we could all feel it. The week that I spent with those women was absolutely transformative. It has changed how I want to approach teaching and it has changed how I want to approach my own work as well.

Maybe it was the ladybugs in my room sprinkling good luck on me. Maybe it was just predetermined luck. Whatever it was, I’m glad it happened.

What Kind Of Teacher Are You?

I always wanted to be one of those teachers who read from a book or turned on classical music during class and I leaned into it last week. It’s not just about teaching, it’s about the entire experience.

Each day during class I shared a meditation from a Melanie Beattie book. The meditations tied into what we were learning, had learned or where we would land throughout the week and going forward. Students loved it. They loved to lean into the lessons.

I was finally the teacher I wanted to be.

Leaving The Classroom

During closing ceremonies I thought it was appropriate to share another sentiment attributed to Mother Theresa:

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.

You didn’t forget the sense of belonging to one another at Campbell and I really want to take that sentiment forward. I want to really work us on expanding my community here, online, wherever. I want to foster those relationships. I think it’s really important to do that but I also think those are the things that will help me slow down. Help me remember who I am and where I’m going and what I love about this art. My art.

What Does That Mean Going Forward?

I’ve been sitting on my experience and thinking about where I want to be this time next year. What did that experience mean for me and how do I carry the lessons I learned forward?

What I’ve landed on is the word intentional.

I want to be more intentional and grounded in my work and my approach to my work and pretty much everything I touch. I want to slow down and enjoy the process. I want to be present. Presence removes hurry and I think I have more to offer if I land there.

What Happens At Campbell Stays at Campbell

Here are some snapshots of the week:

Studio Space
Student Progress
Gallery 1
Colorful fabric shapes arranged on a design wall, showcasing quilt pattern elements.
Colorful quilt pieces arranged in a petal pattern on a white fabric background.
A colorful quilt design in progress on a white fabric backdrop, featuring various fabric shapes in shades of pink, purple, and orange, with additional fabric pieces scattered on a table below.
A bright classroom setting featuring a colorful quilt design in progress, with various fabric pieces scattered on a wooden table.
A colorful quilt design displayed on a white backdrop, featuring a pattern of overlapping circular shapes in various vibrant colors.
A brightly lit classroom at John C. Campbell Folk School featuring a colorful quilt design on the wall and craft materials on a table.
A colorful quilt design featuring various shades arranged in a circular pattern, displayed on a white backdrop.
Gallery 2
A bright classroom at the John C. Campbell Folk School showcasing colorful quilt patterns on design walls with a wooden table and sewing materials visible in the foreground.
A brightly lit classroom at John C. Campbell Folk School featuring colorful fabric designs pinned to a grid wall, with a seated student working at a table.
A colorful quilt design featuring circular patterns in various shades and fabrics displayed on a design wall in a classroom setting.
A colorful quilt layout featuring various circular patterns in a gradient of colors, displayed on a design wall in a classroom at John C. Campbell Folk School.
Colorful quilt design featuring various fabric patterns, displayed on a grid wall in a studio setting.
Gallery 3
A classroom wall with various colorful fabric pieces arranged in a leaf pattern, showcasing design elements for a quilting project.
Colorful quilt pieces arranged on a design wall in a classroom, with various shapes and fabrics displayed on a table beneath.
A colorful quilt design displayed on a grid wall, showcasing various fabric pieces in leaf shapes and bold colors, with a wooden table in the foreground featuring additional fabric cutouts.
A woman arranging colorful fabric pieces on a design wall in a bright classroom, showcasing her quilt design process.
A colorful arrangement of fabric swatches in various shades, displayed on a design wall in a classroom setting.
Gallery 4
A classroom wall at John C. Campbell Folk School featuring a design display of colorful fabric leaves arranged on a white background.
A colorful quilt design featuring various fabric patches in shapes of circles and leaves displayed on a white wall.
A bright classroom featuring a quilt design in progress, displayed on a white wall, with a step ladder nearby.
A colorful quilt design made of various patterned fabric pieces arranged in a diamond formation, displayed on a wall in a classroom setting.
A colorful quilt laid out on a surface, featuring squares in various hues including green, yellow, orange, blue, purple, and pink, each with a subtle polka dot pattern.
A colorful quilt display featuring various patterned fabric circles arranged in a vibrant, overlapping design on a white wall.
A colorful patchwork quilt featuring a grid of various hues including blue, green, yellow, orange, and pink, laid out on a surface.
Gallery 5
A quilt design displayed on a large grid wall, featuring colorful leaf shapes in various green, purple, and blue patterns, with an iron and an ironing board visible in the workspace.
A woman sitting at a table in a quilting studio, working on arranging fabric pieces on a design wall that displays various geometric shapes in shades of green, purple, and other colors.
A colorful quilt display featuring a diamond pattern made of various fabric swatches in shades of yellow, purple, green, and blue, pinned to a grid wall.
A person arranging colorful fabric pieces on a design wall in a quilting classroom, with a stack of fabric shapes on a table in the foreground.
Close-up image of colorful fabric pieces in purple, yellow, and green, showcasing textures and patterns.
Close-up of fabric pieces in various shades of yellow and patterns, including circles, pinned together for quilting.
Gallery 6
A classroom wall featuring colorful quilt pieces arranged in a design, with a step ladder nearby and craft tables in the foreground.
Colorful fabric quilt pieces arranged in an intricate pattern on a grid design wall in a bright classroom.
Colorful fabric pieces arranged in a quilt pattern on a design wall in a classroom setting, with tools and materials visible on a nearby table.
A colorful quilt design in progress, featuring circular patterns made from various fabrics, displayed on a design wall in a bright classroom.
A close-up of a colorful patchwork quilt displaying various shades of fabric, including greens, yellows, pinks, and blues, showcasing the intricate design and textures involved in quilting.
Close-up of colorful fabric pieces arranged in a design, showcasing various patterns and textures for a quilting project.
Gallery 7
A classroom wall featuring a quilt design, with a grid pattern and various fabric swatches arranged in a colorful ovoid pattern. There are also quilt samples and informational materials displayed on the wall.
A colorful quilt pattern displayed on a design wall featuring a variety of fabric shapes arranged in a circular design.
A vibrant patchwork quilt design displayed on a wall with large colorful fabric circles and ovals, showcasing various patterns and shades.
A colorful patchwork quilt laid out on a wooden table, featuring various fabric patterns including floral, plaid, and solid colors, with a textured blue background.
A smiling woman stands in front of a colorful quilt patchwork display, with her arms outstretched, showcasing her enthusiasm.
A woman in a light gray outfit stands proudly next to a colorful quilt displayed on a white backdrop in a classroom setting.
Around Campus
A colorful quilt block displayed on the side of a wooden building, featuring geometric shapes in shades of yellow, orange, purple, and blue against a brown wall.
A framed display featuring various plants used as sources of natural dyes, labeled with their names, showcasing a range of colors and types.
A narrow room filled with bookshelves lining the walls, showcasing various books and craft supplies, with a cluttered aisle leading to a cozy seating area.
An oval frame containing intricate white lace designs, including a cross, displayed against a dark background, with colorful threads on the side.
Wooden weaving shuttles arranged on a wall, next to various folders and items related to crafts and education.
A shelf displaying a colorful assortment of spools of thread in various shades, arranged neatly in a craft space.
A colorful woven circle artwork displayed on a wall, created by Ruth Truett, showcasing a gradient of colors from red to violet. Below it, a vertically woven piece featuring bright, multicolored strands hangs at the entrance of a studio.
A metal plaque on a weathered red background indicating that the campus of the John C. Campbell Folk School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
An old wooden building with a rusty red metal roof, partially covered in vines, surrounded by fallen leaves and trees.
A winding dirt path lined with trees and a wooden fence leading to quaint buildings in a rural setting, showcasing the scenic environment of John C. Campbell Folk School.
A close-up image of a hollow tree trunk featuring two round, googly eyes peering out from inside, surrounded by textured bark.
A vibrant holiday wreath featuring a pineapple, various fruits, and greenery, hung on a wooden wall.
A rustic wooden basket made of twigs and branches, filled with dried plants, sits on a porch outside a building with a light blue exterior.
A wooden birdhouse mounted on a tree, with a small wooden plank beneath it, surrounded by fallen leaves and forest scenery.
A wooden structure with shelves displaying various handmade crafts and decorations, including small birdhouses, pottery, and signs.
Evening Entertainment

Reading of A Christmas Carol

A speaker delivers a presentation in a rustic wooden hall, decorated with a wreath, while an audience attentively listens.

Followed by the Morris Band, Cloggers and Dancers

A lively musical performance at John C. Campbell Folk School featuring a diverse group of musicians dressed in colorful attire, playing various instruments in a cozy wooden hall decorated with a large wreath.
Morris Band Cloggers
Morris Band Dancers
More dancing!!
Closing Thoughts

If you have the opportunity to go to John C. Campbell Folk school and take a class for week or a weekend I cannot recommend it enough. It was truly one of the most incredible experiences that I have ever had and my sincere wish is that everyone can experience that magic that I did.

I learned things as a human, a teacher and I want those lessons to carry me forward.

Maybe I just needed to be there. Maybe that week was all about lessons learned but I definitely felt like I was home and there is nothing better than going home.

A colorful quilt design in the shape of a heart made from various fabric pieces, displayed on a grid-patterned wall with a yellow note attached.
A handwritten note on a yellow notepad expressing gratitude and reflections from students about their experience at John C. Campbell Folk School.

They Got Married

They Got Married. Cute name for a Double Wedding Ring quilt, right? This quilt was inspired by my Aether quilt and was originally designed to be the second quilt in a series of ombré and large floral quilts. In addition to wanting to be more mindful of the fabric I was (am) using, I decided that templates that work across multiple quilts is also excellent.

Now I know I am not the first quilter who uses the same template for multiple quilts, I was just happy to join in on that practice.

A colorful double wedding ring quilt hung on a wooden railing, featuring an ombré pattern with floral designs, surrounded by greenery.
They Got Married
Where It Began

The seeds for they Got Married began while I was making Aether. I wanted to keep exploring curves and building more quilts based on the Orange Peel template I created. A natural next step was to build out the double wedding ring with arcs.

I drafted the templates in Illustrator, printed them out, made sturdier templates with comic book boards* I’d taped together and I was off!

Like Aether, I built out the arcs first then I added the orange peels and center sections.

Colorful Double Wedding Ring quilt design featuring overlapping arcs in an ombré effect, showcasing various floral and patterned fabrics.

Almost there!!

Colorful Double Wedding Ring quilt featuring intricate curves and floral patterns, showcasing an ombré effect with shades of yellow, pink, purple, and green.

I love this never been seen before photo of They Got Married. Everything was going well until I saw a HUGE spider web across some of the tree branches. And the spider started to move.

Anyhow, I was holding the quilt somewhat clumsily and Greg managed to snap a photo. If only there hand’t been a spider. I love the vista here. Gorgeous, right?

A colorful Double Wedding Ring quilt displayed in a wooded area, featuring shades of orange, pink, and blue in an ombré design with intricate quilting patterns.

They Got Married was an exercise in patience and color. Getting the pieces to flow *just so* took some effort but it was well worth it in the end. Using all the yardage I needed to make this quilt? Also an effort but the collection of goods I created is so much fun.

Sewing Curves

Sewing with curves is easy if you have a few tricks in your back pocket. My best tips are:

  • use starch
  • use pins
  • use a smaller stitch length (it makes the curves smoother)
  • clip curves, if necessary
  • patience pays off
A close-up view of a vibrant red fabric piece shaped like a curve, bordered with floral patterns, laid on a gray felt surface with other fabric scraps in the background.
Close-up of a quilt piece showing a floral fabric pattern and a pink background, with marked sewing lines and fabric edges.
Close-up view of a quilting process, showing pinned fabric pieces ready to be sewn together.
Details, Details, Details

A few detail shots for fun.

I used a bright solid for the backing and scrap bias binding around the edges of the quilt. In fact, the bias binding color coordinated with the colors on the edges of the quilt to create a seamless look! The binding below is actually leftover from Misunderstood!

Close-up of a quilt featuring a bright yellow fabric with intricate stitching patterns and colorful scrap bias binding in blue, green, and purple hues.

Quilt top lifestyle photo before quilting.

A colorful assortment of quilt fabric pieces arranged in a rolled, layered pattern, showcasing intricate designs and textures. Soft hues of pink, green, purple, and blue intermix with various floral and abstract prints.
Zero Waste Quilting Book

The pattern for They Got Married is available in my book, Zero Waste Quilting. You can order copies on my website, or pick up copies at your local quilt shop or other retailers.

Have you made a Double Wedding Ring?

Notes

*Comic book boards are one of my favorite studio tools:

  • I wrap fabric around the boards and use them for storage.
  • I use them for templates.
  • I tape them together for large templates.
  • They are great to use when you fold paper back while foundation paper piecing

Zero Waste Quilting: My Creative Journey

It’s funny when you look back on your scope of work to see how it’s evolved. For me, looking back includes Zero Waste Quilting before I even knew I was working in this sphere. Often a scope of work happens that way – you start doing something and it snowballs until one day you recognize it. For me, at least with Zero Waste Quilting, that’s exactly what happened. I didn’t start out with a plan – it just sorta happened.

A vibrant Lone Star quilt named Little Lone Star, featuring colorful diagonal patterns, displayed against a stone wall.

This Lone Star quilt named Little Lone Star was the first Zero Waste Quilting pattern I made.

Back in 2017 my friend, Sarah, owned a quilt shop in Decatur, GA. The shop has since closed (RIP Intown Quilters) but years before the shop closed Sarah asked me to make a quilt and pattern so she could sell kits at QuiltCon. We all loved the new line of Alison Glass prints so I grabbed a fat eighth bundle and got to work.

Colorful fabric pieces in various shapes arranged on a green cutting mat, showcasing a quilting project.
Close-up of a colorful quilt piece featuring bright fabric patches in a diagonal arrangement on a neutral background.
Close-up of a colorful quilt showcasing a vibrant patchwork design with various textures and patterns.

We chose an Essex linen for the background and the finished quilt was <<chefs kiss>> beautiful!

Anyhow, the top finished at 43 1/2” square so I needed the tiniest bit of fabric to make the backing wide enough. I didn’t want to buy 3 yards of fabric to make the backing so I used leftover diamonds – if I had offset pieces I had just enough fabric to do the trick.

A close-up view of a quilt top featuring bright, colorful fabric strips in a diagonal pattern on a light beige background.

I quilted the quilt on my domestic using my walking foot. I quilted in spirals to add softness to the diamonds in the Lone Star.

Close-up view of a colorful quilt with a variety of patterned fabrics, being sewn with a Bernina sewing machine.

The Second Zero Waste Quilt

The Lone Star went to QuiltCon and Sarah sold out of the kits but I had some of the diamonds and fabric leftover and desperately wanted to make something with them. I absolutely loved this fabric and didn’t want any of it to go to waste.

I decided that a quilt using negative space would be the perfect second project to use the remaining scraps!

Enter the second Zero Waste Quilt I made.

A colorful quilt featuring a dark background with vibrant geometric patterns hanging on a black ladder against a neutral wall.

I took the remaining scraps I had and sewed dark grey between them. I also took apart any remaining diamonds that had been sewn into strips for the Little Lone Star and put them into the new strip sets.

A rotary cutter and a ruler placed on a green cutting mat, surrounded by colorful fabric strips in black and various vibrant colors.

I cut the rows at different widths to create variety then sewed varying size width rows between the strip sets to create the top.

Close-up of a quilt featuring colorful fabric strips arranged diagonally on a dark grey background, showcasing a modern quilting design.

It took me a while to quilt this top but once I got around to it I used a variegated thread to sew some straight lines AND mimic the angled columns. Getting the columns quilted out just right took some time but I love the look in the negative space!

Close-up of a quilt featuring colorful diamond shapes on a dark grey background, showcasing quilting details with varying stitch patterns.
Close-up of a quilt featuring colorful diamond shapes in vibrant fabrics, set against a dark grey background, showcasing quilting detail and texture.
Close-up of a quilt featuring colorful diamond patterns on a black background, showcasing the intricate quilting design.

After making the Little Lone Star and the first Zero Waste Quilt I carried on like normal. I made another Lone Star Quilt for the birth of a friends baby but nothing came of those scraps.

A colorful Lone Star quilt showcased against a stone wall, featuring a variety of vibrant fabrics and a gray background, with fallen leaves scattered around.

Like the original Little Lone Star, I quilted circles but these were concentric. I left space between the circles for some hand sewing and let other friends put in a few stitches into the quilt, as well!

Close-up view of a quilt showcasing colorful fabric patterns with visible stitching in contrasting colors.
Close-up of a colorful quilt featuring various fabric patterns, including pinks, purples, and greens, with intricate quilting design.
Close-up of a colorful quilt featuring a variety of patterned fabrics, showcasing geometric shapes and quilting lines.
Close-up of a colorful quilt featuring various fabric patterns in triangles, showcasing the intricate patchwork design.

And then I went on a quilt retreat and made another Lone Star. This time, the wheels began to churn.

Lone Star Revisited

I had a rogue roll of 2 1/2” strips sitting in my studio. I’d had them for a while and decided that I should use them to make another Little Lone Star. They were the perfect width for this little quilt!

A vibrant Lone Star quilt displayed hanging from a tree, showcasing a mix of colors and patterns with a natural stream in the background.

I had enough fabric leftover to make another small quilt and a pillow. I can’t currently find a photo of said pillow but when I do, I’ll add it to this post!

A quilt design featuring a star pattern made with various colorful fabric pieces, displayed against a stone wall backdrop surrounded by greenery.

I added a the green and the purple inner border fabrics from my stash.

The Idea Sparked

I made the last Little Lone Star in November 2021. That’s when the idea really clicked. What if I were onto something?

And it turns out I was.

I’ve gone on to design and in some cases redesign patterns so they are all Zero Waste. It’s such a smart way to use your scraps. Working within the confines of what fabric leftovers you have challenges you in the best possible way.

A Secondary Bonus

A secondary bonus to Zero Waste Quilting? It’s a great way to practice your Free Motion Quilting. Yep! You create quilts and small projects you like but they aren’t as precious so you aren’t afraid to use them for practice.

It’s nice to use an actual quilt for the practice, too! Here’s an example of my latest project practicing my FMQ using Zero Waste Scraps.

A small quilt featuring colorful diamond patterns arranged in squares, displayed against a stone wall with greenery in the background.
Close-up of a colorful quilt showing intricate stitching and patchwork designs with a predominantly yellow background and floral patterns.

This quilt is named Radioactive. It’s a free pattern in my shop.

Have you used a Zero Waste Quilt project to practice your free motion quilting? If so, be sure to comment and share with me. I’d love to see your project and learn more about it.

Transform Fabric Scraps into Eco-Friendly Projects

The last of the scraps from Metaphor. As I said in previous posts, some projects come easily and ohers take time to figure out. Some you figure out with a little divine intervention.

While I was writing this book I took at trip to Italy. The Tuscan country side was relaxing and inspirational and the family time was incredible. I packed cotton balls for make up removal while I was there and one night while I was washing my face it occurred to me that reusable face wipes would be the perfect way to use some of the smallest scraps! I didn’t have a full plan yet but I knew I’d incorporate face wipes somewhere into my book.

Fast forward….we get home and I work my way through the Cute As Pie Carrier. I had some small pieces that I’d cut from the corners and just KNEW they would make perfect reusable face wipes!

Colorful fabric scraps arranged on a tree trunk, surrounded by mushrooms and greenery.

I grabbed some flannel scraps, sewed the pieces together then pinked the edges.

A close-up image of a small fabric patchwork piece featuring purple, pink, and green fabrics, with visible stitching and texture.
A small square of flannel fabric featuring a colorful polka dot pattern, partially stitched around the edges.

The great thing about projects like this is that you aren’t limited to size. These are small because I had small pieces of fabric remaining but you can easily make these any size you want.

Scraps of flannel, microfiber, and old towels are perfect for one or both sides. You can serge, pink, or use a binding along the edges, or you can sew the pieces right sides together, turn, and edgestitch for a more finished look.

The Final Project

I thought about making these two separate posts but both projects are small and I thought one post would do justice for the face wipes and pattern weights.

The very last pieces of fabric I had were the perfect size to make pattern weights.

A close-up view of handmade pattern weights made from various fabric scraps, placed on a bed of leaves and natural materials.

I folded the fabric in half, stitched up the sides then moved the fabric so I could create a triangle. My pattern weights were filled with sawdust (so no, they don’t weigh much down) but you can fill yours with anything – lavender, emery, whatever floats your boat!

If you fill your pattern weights with emery or other fine particulates, you’ll need to make a lining fabric to put the emery into before putting it into the pattern weight. This is to keep the emery from coming out through the seams.

A small green fabric square with white polka dots, showing unfinished edges and loose threads.
A person holding a sewn fabric piece with polka dots, showcasing the unfinished edges and stitching.

Hand sew the opening closed and enjoy!

Do you have a favorite small project you’ve made using leftover fabrics?

Creative Zero Waste Mug Rugs: Easy Projects

Once I figured out how to hurdle the Cute as Pie Carrier dilemma, the mug rugs were an easy project to throw together. I had four quarter-square triangles remaining and knew they’d make perfect mug rugs and the coping strips I’d made previously became and easy border to make them a little bit larger.

A top-down view of a coffee cup filled with black coffee placed on a colorful patchwork coaster, with a textured wooden surface in the background.

If you are a coffee drinker like I am then you KNOW the joy of a mug rug. I think they are cute and fun but they also keep rings off my kitchen counter. Additionally, they make a great gift.

The Joys of Zero Waste Quilting

One of the perks of Zero Waste Quilting is that you end up with a cabinet of gifts. Using all your fabrics to create a capsule collection means that projects get smaller and smaller as you whittle down the pieces. Smaller pieces often become gift items. I mean, what else are you going to do with small squares and rectangles, right?

I truly love working this way because it’s easy to just grab a little something to bring as a hostess gift, a teacher gift, whatever!

Easiest Cup of Coffee

To make this mug rug, I sewed two quarter-square triangles together.

Colorful quarter-square triangles made from various fabrics arranged on a white surface, destined to be used for mug rugs.

A colorful patchwork mug rug made from various fabric strips in shades of pink, green, and blue, featuring floral and geometric patterns.

Then I bordered them with the coping strips I thought I was going to use with the pie carrier.

A colorful patchwork mug rug featuring various fabric swatches in shades of green, pink, and purple, with a layered design and small details.

I backed the mug rug with scrap fabric from Metaphor, did some simple quilting, trimmed the piece then bound it with leftover bias binding – also from Metaphor.

Bigger Lessons Learned

Bigger lessons can be learned when you work in a Zero Waste Quilting capacity. Working within a set of constraints – in this case the quantity of fabric you have to use encourages creativity. You have to figure out how to use what you have. It can be challenging, for sure, but the end results are so rewarding. Patience and perseverance, too.

Lessons from a Wonky Quilt: Creativity and Challenges

AKA: the pie carrier almost broke me.

A pie carrier with a cherry pie inside is resting on a wooden table outdoors, accompanied by a mug and a plate with a slice of pie.

In the middle of writing Zero Waste Quilting we had a family vacation to Tuscany. We were celebrating a myriad of family milestones and were fortune enough to enjoy Italy for ten days. It was glorious.

Before leaving I was trying to knock out as many projects as possible. Between time on the plane and quiet time in the villa, I knew I’d be able to write but it’s easier to write directions to projects when they are made.

I had a few green squares left over/sashing pieces I could cut down from making the Sawing Logs quilt. I also had some strips of fabric hanging around from Metaphor so I decided to make a small, wonky Log Cabin quilt.

A collection of cut fabric pieces in vibrant colors, including greens, pinks, and purples, arranged on a cutting mat with measurement grid.

I got all the blocks made and played around with some scrappy sashings and….

Colorful patchwork blocks arranged in a wonky Log Cabin quilt layout, featuring vibrant greens, pinks, purples, and blues on a white background.

I HATED IT!

So I tried to make it better by playing around adding sashing.

A colorful quilt featuring a wonky Log Cabin design with green, pink, purple, and blue fabric squares, set against a white background.

I HATED THIS EVEN MORE.

Then we went to Italy where I stressed about HOW to make this mess look better.

WHY am I sharing this part?

If you’ve read previous posts I’ve shared that people always ask if projects and ideas come easily to me while I work in a zero waste fashion. Some do. Some do not. I thought this would be an easy project. I thought I’d knock out a little wonky quilt and move along but the universe had other plans.

I’m sharing this because I think it’s important that you know this process isn’t linear. Some ideas come to fruition without any hiccups. Some take time and sometimes, like with this pie carrier, it takes a lot of time and causes a lot of anxiety. BUT with time and space, usually the issues reconcile themselves.

It’s good to step away

I was really stressed to take such a long vacation in the middle of writing this book but it turns out that was the best thing I could do for myself. A step away gives you fresh eyes, new perspective and brings clarity and focus. If you are too wrapped up in the problem you can’t always see your way out.

Towards the end of our vacation I had the lightbulb moment: It’s not done until it’s overdone. I needed to come home, cut those blocks into quarter-squares, reassemble and poof! So I did just that.

Close-up of colorful quilt pieces cut into triangular shapes, with various fabric patterns laid on a cutting mat.

A collection of colorful, triangular fabric pieces arranged on a flat surface, showcasing a variety of patterns and colors.

The pieces look cuter already, right?

I shuffled the pieces, creating movement and dimension to make the top.

Sometimes the answer is that more is more. Don’t be afraid to cut up blocks to see what happens. Is it scary to do that? Oh my gosh, yes! But, in this case, absolutely worth the risk.

Colorful quilt blocks arranged in a diagonal pattern featuring a mix of vibrant fabrics and textures.

Finishing Touches

Once I had the top pieced I decided that I need to make something other than another small quil top. I spent some time contemplating options and landed on a pie carrier.

This pie carrier has a top, an insulated middle and a bottom layer. Cotton webbing is used to create the handles.

Close-up of a colorful quilt piece with a prominent purple strap laid over it, showcasing a variety of stitched fabric patterns.

Was it worth it?

Was the stress worth it? In the end, it was. I think this pie carrier is the cutest thing ever and it gave me a reason to ask one of my kids to help me.

A handmade pie carrier in vibrant colors, held by a person's hand in front of a backdrop of blooming pink azaleas.

Other options

Other options to make this pie carrier include:

1.Use a plain piece of fabric for the top, too. You don’t have to make a quilt top.
2. Sew straps using fabric. Be sure to include an interfacing for extra stability.
3. If you don’t want your pie carrier insulated you can use a layer of batting instead.

Possibilities are endless.

You can also change the shape to a rectangle and make this a casserole carrier! Adjust strap sizes as needed and enjoy!

DIY Shoe Bag: Easy Projects from Leftover Fabric

As I continued to whittle down the leftover materials from Metaphor and Sawing Logs I was left with some fairly decent sized scraps. This shoe bag is one of the projects that actually came to me quickly. It was an easy, fun project to whip up. Additionally, once you understand the mechanics of how this bag comes together you can make it in any size.

A colorful, drawstring bag made from various patterned fabrics, positioned on a stone surface amidst green grass and fallen leaves.

Keep It Sweet and Simple

Best Foot Forward is a shoe bag. It features a tie at the top to keep your shoes secure in the bag. It’s simple and fun to make. KISS, right?

This bag was made using several leftover strips of fabric that I serged together. You don’t have to limit yourself to using multiple strips of fabric for this bag. You can also use one piece of fabric, build out blocks or any manner of using fabric to build out the bag to the size you want.

No Serger? No problem.

If you don’t have a serger you can:
1. Pink the edges instead of serge them
2. Zig Zag the edges instead of serge them
3. Use a French seam to finish the edges

I used one finishing method for my shoe bag but that doesn’t mean you have to do the same. It’s important to me that each of these projects are accessible for sewists with basic sewing supplies. FWIW, my serger is about 35 years old!

Let’s Make a Bag

I began by sewing three leftover strips together. I pressed them then cut them to the width I wanted.

A sewing workspace with various strips of colorful fabric arranged on a cutting mat, alongside a rotary cutter and cutting rulers.

I used leftover strips from the sashing to create a casing at the top for the drawstrings. I serged the edges, pressed, then used a straight stitch to sew down the edges and keep the secure.

An assortment of colorful fabric pieces laid out on a cutting mat, with a focus on green fabric strips and stitched edges.

I pinned the casings to each side of the center then serged them to the bag.

Close-up of pinned fabric pieces in bright colors, with a floral pattern on one piece and solid green on another, placed on a cutting mat with measurements.

I pressed the seam then added some topstitching.

Close-up of three fabric strips in bright colors, including floral and patterned textiles, arranged in preparation for sewing a shoe bag.

The last step was to put ribbon through the casings. A safety pin secured to one end of the ribbon makes it easy to get the ribbon through the casing.

Close-up of a sewing project with colorful fabric strips, featuring a pink floral pattern and green accents, displayed on a cutting mat alongside a rotary cutter.



Add a little Fray Check to your ribbon and voila! Your shoe bag is ready for travel!

A close-up view of a hand holding a ribbon with Fray Check fabric glue positioned next to a vibrant patchwork sewing project.

Have you made a shoe bag before? Do you love and use it? Let me know in the comments.

Sawtooth Star Quilt: A New Twist on Reusing Blocks

When I finished making Metaphor I had a few blocks remaining – enough to make another column or row – but not enough to use for anything else I sorta had in mind to use the rest of the fabric – there were ideas in my head. The simple fact is I probably could’ve made more blocks to make Metaphor even larger but I was tired of making so. many. small. blocks. <<haha>> These Log Cabin blocks finish at 3 3/4” square!

So, I sat on the remaining blocks until I had a plan.

A collection of colorful fabric quilt blocks arranged on a light wooden surface, featuring various patterns and shades of pink, green, and blue.

What’s the Plan?

People ask me all the time if I just knew what to do with the leftover fabric and the answer is complicated. Some projects came to me easily. Others did not and some really challenged me! However, when I had a plan things usually came together quickly.

I knew I wanted (needed?) to incorporate the Log Cabin blocks into another quilt but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to make. I played around with a few layouts before landing on making a Sawtooth Star quilt.

The Sawtooth Star is one of my favorite blocks. It’s such a versatile block and there are so many different layout options for the center. I think that’s why I like it – you can use a Square in a Square, a Log Cabin Square in a Square, a 4- or 9-Patch block – or any number of combinations for the center. You can leave it as a single patch, too.

A colorful Sawtooth Star quilt block featuring a green background, turquoise triangles, and a central patchwork design with various fabric patterns.

With Sawing Logs, I actually decided to add fabric to make a Sawtooth Star quilt. In Zero Waste Quilting I actually discuss that sometimes it’s easier to finish a project by adding more material. This is what happened here.

Colorful quilt blocks arranged on a wall, showcasing various Sawtooth Star designs with a mix of green, pink, and blue fabrics.

Gallery of Blocks

Here’s an up close and personal look at each block. I wish the green Log Cabins didn’t get lost in the green background but c’est la vie. I still really love this quilt.

A colorful quilt block featuring a green background with blue, pink, and purple fabrics arranged in a Sawtooth Star design.
A colorful Sawtooth Star quilt block featuring a central patchwork square surrounded by green and aqua fabric triangles.
A colorful Sawtooth Star quilt block featuring green and pink fabric with playful patterns, arranged in a geometric design on a light wooden background.
A colorful quilt block featuring a central log cabin design surrounded by a sawtooth star pattern, with bright green, purple, and patterned fabrics.
A colorful quilt block featuring a central log cabin design with green, pink, and patterned fabrics arranged in a sawtooth star layout.
A colorful Sawtooth Star quilt block featuring a central Log Cabin design with pink, green, and various patterned fabrics on a light wooden surface.
A completed quilt block featuring a colorful Sawtooth Star design with a central Log Cabin motif, set against a vibrant green background with multicolored sprinkles.
A vibrant quilt block featuring a central Log Cabin design made with various fabric patterns in purple, green, and multicolored tones, set against a light wooden background.
A colorful Sawtooth Star quilt block featuring green and teal fabrics with a center made of various patterned strips.
A completed Sawtooth Star quilt block featuring a mix of colorful fabrics on a green background.
A colorful quilt block featuring a central log cabin design surrounded by sawtooth star points in shades of green and purple, with a playful confetti-like pattern.
A colorful quilt block featuring a central log cabin design surrounded by a sawtooth star pattern, with green, pink, and blue fabrics.
A brightly colored quilt block featuring a central Log Cabin design with various fabric patterns, framed by vibrant teal and green pieces.
A green Sawtooth Star quilt block featuring a central Log Cabin design, surrounded by geometric patterned fabrics in purple and pink, placed on a light wooden surface.
A colorful quilt block featuring a central Log Cabin design with various patterned fabrics, surrounded by pink and green star points, placed on a light wooden surface.
A colorful Sawtooth Star quilt block featuring vibrant greens and purples, with a central Log Cabin design made of various fabric scraps.
A colorful Sawtooth Star quilt block featuring vibrant fabrics in greens, blues, and purples, with a center Log Cabin design.
A vibrant Log Cabin quilt block featuring green fabric with pink and purple floral patterns, pieced in a geometric design.
Close-up of a colorful Sawtooth Star quilt block featuring a central patchwork in shades of teal, purple, and colorful patterns, surrounded by a vibrant green fabric with confetti-like sprinkles.
A colorful quilt block featuring a Sawtooth Star design with green, pink, and patterned fabrics, displayed on a white wooden background.

I played around with a few different layouts before landing on this one.

A colorful quilt display featuring various Sawtooth Star blocks arranged on a wall, showcasing different fabric patterns and colors.

The background fabric and the fabric for the Sawtooth Star points and border all came from my stash, as did the backing and binding. This is where my trick (obsession?) with making extra binding really comes in handy. I had a binding on hand that I’d already made. Win, win!

A colorful quilt featuring Sawtooth Star blocks in various shades of pink, green, and blue, arranged in a grid pattern against a bright green background.

Springvale Park – a brief history

Shooting photos for a book is hard work. Half of the images were taken at my parents’ property in north Georgia and the other half were taken in Inman Park. Inman Park is a neighborhood a mile due east of downtown Atlanta. My husband and I bought our first place together there and brought our kids home there. We lived on a sweet street and made some lifelong friends, as did our children. It was (and is) a very special place to us.

During our time living in Inman Park I volunteered for with the Springvale Park Playground Committee. Springvale Park is a City of Atlanta park in Inman Park. It was designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead so there’s historical significance to it, too. Anyhow, over the years the park had been neglected and it was in dire need of a refresh – new playground equipment, grading work, and so much more.

The committee, made up of five neighborhood parents, spent several years raising money and writing grants to secure funds to design, plan and build a new playground structure. The new playground was installed just before we moved.

Anyhow, we took the other half of the photos in Inman Park in my friend Regina’s backyard and at Springvale Park.

How lucky am I to have two places so dear to me to take photos for my book?

et voila

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and this one is for sure!

Greg and I were nearing the end of usable daylight before it got too bright and we were tired from a long day of shooting. We were traipsing around Springvale Park desperately trying to find a place to take a good photo of this quilt.

We walked across this little culvert and decided that if we used the quilt to hide the opening it would be a great photo. Et voila! It was.

A colorful quilt with geometric patterns hanging on a stone wall in a lush forest setting.

The Name Game

Much like creating projects, naming them was sometimes a challenge, too. I’m grateful for an editor who helped me name some of the projects in the book. But this one? This quilt was named after a sleepless night wishing I could saw some logs.

Zero Waste Quilting: Transform Scraps into Beautiful Projects. A year in review

Wow. What a year it’s been. If I knew a year ago what I know now….well….I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Okay, maybe a few things …like sharing ALL the projects here on my blog as well as on socials (what was I thinking?!)…but other than that, not much. Truly, y’all! What an incredible year! I’ve met so many amazing people and been to so many wonderful places. I’ve been humbled by the reaction from this book.

Apropos of that, I thought I’d take a moment to go over all the projects in my book (see above), taking a slightly deeper dive for everyone to see.

A colorful double wedding ring quilt displayed on a bridge, surrounded by greenery, showcasing a vibrant ombré design.

Take It From the Top – What is Zero Waste Quilting

The concept behind Zero Waste Quilting is that every scrap of fabric from a quilt is used to make a quilt and subsequent projects. Thinking even bigger: it’s a redesign of how we use scraps. Traditionally we make quilts and scraps land in the garbage, a destash, endless piles in our sewing spaces, or elsewhere. With Zero Waste Quilting all the leftover fabric from quilts is transformed into useful secondary projects.

Zero Waste Quilting has four main projects and 34 small projects using the leftover fabric. The projects include quilts, tote bags, headbands, bookmarks and so much more! Each main project has yardage requirements and each subsequent project contains cutting information from leftovers as well as new yardage and cutting information for new material, giving you endless options to make items.

Why is Zero Waste Quilting Important?

When we think in larger terms about our environmental footprint specifically with regard to textiles, we need to acknowledge that textiles are a huge pollutant and contributor to global warming. And when we think about what resources we have as quilters, our options have traditionally been up-cycled materials, a limited (but growing!) selection of GOTS, OEKO-Tex or digitally printed materials.

All three of those options are fabulous and we should fully utilize and take advantage of them when we can. I recognize that availability and cost factor into the conversation When those options aren’t actually an option or if you are like me and up-cycled materials aren’t really my medium of choice, then what happens? How can I continue to create while being a better steward to the planet? Enter Zero Waste Quilting. The concept introduces a middle ground so we can stretch the life of the materials we use. Better for our wallets and better for the planet. Plus who doesn’t need a cute gift from time to time? This way you can grab and go. There’s a bonus in that, as well!

How Does Zero Waste Quilting Work?

The reason Zero Waste Quilting is important is because we can take steps to minimize our environmental impact through craft. We all have scraps. We all have piles in overflowing bins and often we don’t know what to do with them. At a certain point, scraps can become overwhelming. What to do with all those mis-cut pieces, random cuts or fabric that has otherwise been cast aside.

Zero Waste Quilting takes the hassle out of how to handle your scraps. In my book, and now this pattern, you are given supplemental projects to make, meaning the frustration and overwhelm of figuring out how to use your scraps is eliminated. Additionally, you gain some freedom in that each project is fluid so you can make an item slightly larger or smaller to allow for mis-cuts or extra yardage you may have. For example: does it matter if your scrunchie begins with a 3” vs a 4” strip? Nope! You can make it with either size, get a cute scrunchie AND use all the material! A win all the way around.

Now, I know what you’re saying: I know how to use the scraps or I love having scraps around but not everyone does. In fact, at a guild meeting a few months ago a member offered that she threw the scraps away after a quilt was made because she didn’t want to hassle with them. And I am not here to throw shade on anyone but people toss material if they can’t figure out how to use it. In addition to being wasteful, it’s not good for the planet (or our wallets) so this concept helps us minimize our footprint just a little by using all the fabric. Beginning to end use of goods.

Progression of Projects

Zero Waste Quilting works because you have a progression of projects.

Like I said earlier, there are four main projects in the book: Metaphor, They Got Married, Poppies in Tuscany and Misunderstood.

Over the course of the next few weeks, I’m going to deep dive into each project so I can share a little more about how they came to be, the inspiration (or struggles!) behind them and other tips and tricks. Today I’m going to share the first project in the book. Meet Metaphor.

Metaphor

A double wedding ring quilt displayed in a forest, featuring bold floral and ombré fabrics in vibrant colors that create a rainbow effect.
Metaphor

I began this quilt more than a few years ago. Determined to create a Log Cabin quilt using only scraps, I got to work cutting 1 1/4” strips in a myriad of lengths. The blocks finish at 3 3/4” so I could use the smallest of the small pieces and some larger lengths, too.

A collection of colorful fabric scraps in various shapes and sizes, showcasing an array of patterns and textures, ideal for quilting and crafting projects.

I made quite a few blocks then we began some home renovations, including in the basement where my studio is located. Fast forward two months. Renovations were complete and I was trying to find my blocks. They were NOWHERE to be found. I knew they’d eventually appear, and they did, but it took about a year for me to find them – carefully tucked away in a bin for safe keeping under my cutting table.

I pulled the finished blocks out and pressed them then got to work making more. The thing is, though, Log Cabin quilts work well because all the blocks are pieced in the same direction going clockwise or counterclockwise around the center. You get symmetry and easy placement of dark or light fabrics or any combination thereof to create interesting patterns on the quilt top.

Enter: these blocks and the cut pieces sat untouched for a while.

A close-up view of a stack of colorful fabric scraps, showcasing various patterns and textures, held in a hand, against a blurred green background.

What does that mean? It means I began to piece more blocks without consideration of my pieces.

What happened? Well, once I had enough blocks I put them on my design wall but they weren’t coming together. It took me a minute to figure out that I had some blocks oriented in a clockwise fashion and others oriented in a counter-clock wise fashion. So what to do?

A collection of colorful log cabin quilt blocks made from various fabric scraps, featuring vibrant patterns in shades of green, pink, purple, and blue, arranged on a light wooden surface.

Go with it.

Yep.

I decided to see what would happen if I played with the blocks and you know what? I created a really cool layout.

At first it’s hard to see the quilt coming together.

A colorful patchwork quilt layout featuring numerous small fabric blocks in varied patterns and colors, arranged on a design wall.

But I kept at it and as I built I could being to see the dimension building.

A colorful quilt made from various fabric scraps, featuring a log cabin pattern with vibrant greens, pinks, blues, and purples.
A colorful quilt layout featuring various fabric scraps arranged in a Log Cabin pattern, showcasing a mix of vibrant colors and textures.

As I added blocks I squinted to see the color creating pattern across the quilt until I was satisfied with the final layout.

A colorful quilt featuring a Log Cabin design with various shades of green, pink, and blue, arranged in a patchwork style, hanging on a wall.

There are streaks of color going diagonally across the quilt right to left, and up and down. It really creates a whole other layer of dimension and I just love it!

A colorful Log Cabin quilt featuring vibrant pink, green, and blue fabric arranged in a geometric pattern, displayed outdoors against a backdrop of trees.

A Glorious Backing

I chose a Tula Pink fabric for my backing. The colors were spot on, I loved the design and carefully matching the print to make the backing appear seamless was right up my alley that particular day.

A close-up view of fabric featuring a colorful floral design with circular patterns, showcasing vibrant flowers in shades of pink, orange, and green on a light background.

The Quilting Makes the Quilt

I quilted this quilt on my BERNINA 770QE Plus. Log Cabin blocks are geometric plus I had the added diagonal lines creating more geometric shapes so I decided to quilt in concentric circles to soften the quilt.

The quilting is offset so I began by tracing a glass (or bowl? I can’t remember) where I wanted the “center” to be located. Then I got to work. I quilted this using my walking foot.

Close-up of a vibrant log cabin quilt, featuring a patchwork of various colored fabrics, showcasing intricate designs and geometric patterns.

A sewing machine placed on a table with a colorful quilt partially draped over it, showcasing vibrant fabric squares in various colors and patterns.

To add more interest, I added some hand quilting.

A close-up of a colorful Log Cabin quilt showcasing various fabrics in shades of blue, green, purple, and pink, with distinct geometric patterns and quilting textures.

Close-up of a colorful quilt showing vibrant floral patterns on a pink background with quilted stitching.

Et Voila

I bound the quilt using a grey bias binding that was leftover from a previous project.

TIP: I always make bias binding and I usually make a little more than I need for two reasons:
1. That way I won’t run out and calculating bias binding exactly has always seemed a little like a bad idea to me.
2. I do the work once and keep the leftover binding for other projects. Like this! However leftover binding is perfect for smaller projects like mug rugs, placemats, wall hangings, etc.

A vibrant quilt draped over a wooden chair with a scenic mountain view in the background, showcasing a mix of colorful fabrics.

A colorful quilt draped over a log in a lush forest clearing, surrounded by greenery and trees.

I love this quilt so much and I hope if you make one, you love it, too!

The Sewing Guide to Cancer (and other long term illnesses) – a book review

I’ve been trying to figure out what to say about this book for a while. It hits close to home for several reasons and I decided that the best path forward was for me to write from the heart. So here it is.

Book cover of 'The Sewing Guide to Cancer' featuring a hand holding a medication bottle and a colorful fabric project bag. Text highlights include the title, authors, and a note about profits donated to Camp Kesem.
Take it from the top

I’ve known Heather for 6 or so years through quilt world but like many relationships in this small industry, there is often some spill over between personal and professional. Heather and I have shared things about our personal lives with one another, have annual hellos at Quilt Market (when I make there!) and we casually stay in touch. Truthfully, I’ve always long admired Heather. She is smart, talented and kind – everything you want in a quilting friend – so it’s an honor for me to review her book.

I heard about the book when…

I learned that Heather and Samarra* had written this book about a month ago. I texted Heather about something unrelated and we began chatting about this incredible accomplishment. The book came out quietly over the summer and I immediately knew I needed a copy. I knew this book was special.

And it is.

Heather shares how this book began

Heather is a cancer survivor and years ago she and Suzanne Woods** had the idea to write a book about projects you can make for anyone going through cancer treatment or managing a long term illness.

The Sewing Guide to Cancer (and other chronic illnesses) is honest and raw and vulnerable. It stems from pain but brings such beauty to the world. The first eleven pages are real, including ever important information of how to help someone with cancer or other chronic illnesses. It’s hard to read and at the same time empowering if you or someone close to you is navigating an awful disease.

The projects in the remaining 148 pages of the book are well curated, simple and useful – an eye mask, cubbies to hold medications, quilts and so much more.

Table of contents for a book featuring various projects related to caregiving for cancer patients and individuals with chronic illnesses.

Each project has a full page illustration that Samarra lovingly created as well as a thoughtful statement from the designer, general notes about easy changes to make and tips, like microwave time for a heating pad and reinforcing corners.

Illustration of a person sitting on a chair with a bright, heart-patterned quilt draped over their shoulders. The quilt features shades of pink and aqua, symbolizing comfort and support. The surrounding environment is minimalistic, emphasizing the emotional connection portrayed through the quilt.

Yardage and notion requirements are clear. Size charts are included and the book has tissue paper patterns in the back! Yes, please.

The designers of each project graciously donated their time and talents to this book and all proceeds from the book are being donated to Camp Kesem. Camp Kesem is a camp that helps children coping with a parent’s cancer diagnosis. You can read more about Camp Kesem here.

An image showing children walking on a wooded path, accompanied by an adult. Text on the left describes Camp Kesem, a program supporting children coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis.
The truth about cancer and other long term illnesses

Cancer is hard. It is effing hard. It is grueling. It is cruel. It can crush you.

If you’ve navigated a cancer diagnosis for yourself or with anyone else you know how hard it is. I helped my mother-in-law through a cancer diagnosis and recovery so I know. The shock of the diagnosis. Tears. The doctors. More doctors. Opinions. Second opinions. Third opinions. Tears. Scans. Blood work. Surgery. Tears. More surgery. More tears. Port installation. Chemo. Radiation. More blood work. Tears. And follow ups. All the follow up appointments. Even years after treatment ends. It’s a long term illness that requires managing. If you’re lucky, that’s all you’ll need.

I vividly remember how hard the diagnosis and treatment were on my family and me. It’s exhausting and overwhelming. There were days I was away from my husband and kids. I learned a lot – about her, about myself, about cancer. Fight or flight kicks in. It’s real. It’s what keeps you going, even if you are exhausted.

What I wish is that I’d had this book 6 years ago when the cancer journey began for our family. Truthfully, I don’t know if I would have made anything because the overwhelm of caregiving and raising my young family was real but having it on my shelf would’ve been comforting.

But I have it now.

And if I need a project in it to help someone, I have it.

And that is comforting.

My MIL ringing the bell on her last day of treatment!
Why now matters

Shortly after my MIL completed her treatment I was diagnosed with Lupus. For those of you unfamiliar with it, Lupus is a rare autoimmune disease that attacks healthy tissues and organs. It’s chronic. It’s lifelong. It has no cure, only treatments are available to slow the progression.

Because I carry it well doesn’t mean it is not heavy.

Lupus is hard. Something always hurts. Something is always going haywire in your body. You’re always tired. I don’t nap because I’m lazy. I nap because I won’t make it through the day if I don’t.

Think you’ve reached stasis? Think again. Always adjusting medications. So many appointments. Labs. Follow up. More tests. Crossing fingers that the bad lab results were a hiccup on one particular day and not something getting worse, or some new problem.

Perhaps that’s why this book spoke so strongly to me? All the projects in here are useful to my health journey, too. I’m part of a club that I don’t want to be in. So badly I don’t want to be in this club.

It is personal

Cancer and other chronic health issues are personal. Everyone handles and manages illnesses differently. As Heather said, some friends stay, others leave. Some treatments work, others don’t. Some days are good. Others kick you in the butt. You learn a lot about yourself but you learn even more about others.

Apropos of that, two things caused me to lose my breath while reading this book.

The caregiver and what not to say.

The caregiver(s)

Being a caregiver is hard. When I read this paragraph I broke down in tears honoring the journey I’d been on with my MIL and recognizing the journey my husband and kids are on with me daily. It’s incredibly hard work to take care of others.

It’s also an honor. It’s an honor to be trusted with that task. Not everyone can do it. I’m grateful to my husband and my kids who remind me that Lupus doesn’t define me – it’s just a part of who I am – just like cancer patients. I’m grateful that my family remains by my side and are my biggest cheerleaders. I’ve had some pretty significant lows on this journey and they are steadfast in their support.

Caregivers can come in different ways, too. My sister (oh, my darling, adored sister!) and some close friends (IYKYI) always step up as caregivers, too. They’ve offered incredible support as I’ve navigated this journey. There for a hug. There to listen or give me advice. There for whatever I need. Sometimes just to hurl four letter words into the universe. There’s comfort in that, as well.

I would be in a very different place without every single one of those people and I’m lucky to have them in my life.

What not to say

Yeah.

Sometimes people don’t know what to say and they say the wrong things. I like to believe it’s from a place of concern but don’t say any of this**:

A graphic with the title 'Seriously, Do Not Say This.' It lists phrases to avoid when talking to someone with cancer, set against a colorful background with speech bubbles containing various phrases like 'Have you tried [insert any alternative treatment here]?' and 'Are you going to make it?'.

I’ve had people say some of the most egregious things about my diagnosis, including some of the statements above. Truly astounding. If you don’t know someone well simply say “I’m sorry you are going through this” and if you want to help then add “Please let me know what I can do to support you”.

That’s it. That’s all we need to hear.

Closing thoughts

There were tears writing this post. Perhaps it was cathartic? A way to get some things off my chest under the guise of an excellent book?

Either way, tread lightly and lovingly. Be kind to one another. You never really know the journey someone is on unless they invite you.

And if someone tells you they have cancer or some other awful illness, don’t be a dick.

*Samarra lost her fight to cancer shortly after this book was published.

**Suzanne began Lucky Spool Media, the publisher of this book. Suzanne lost her battle to cancer in 2020.

*** Listen, ask me how I’m doing but in a “Hey, how’s your Tuesday” kinda way not a you feel sorry for me kinda way. Unless you KNOW what’s going on with me. Then ask because those caregivers can ask. The rest of you…not so much. Cancer patients and people with chronic illnesses don’t want to be continually reminded of that they are sick.