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.
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.
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.
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.
I played around with a few different layouts before landing on this one.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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?
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.
But I kept at it and as I built I could being to see the dimension building.
As I added blocks I squinted to see the color creating pattern across the quilt until I was satisfied with the final layout.
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 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.
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.
To add more interest, I added some hand quilting.
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.
I love this quilt so much and I hope if you make one, you love it, too!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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**:
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.
It’s tough to think about back to school at the beginning of August but here I am…thinking about it. My youngest headed back to high school yesterday and we drop our oldest in Cleveland in 14 days – not that I’m counting. Or crying about it.
Apropos of school, if you’ve followed along with me on Instagram or FaceBook you may have seen that I’m making a quilt for the daughter of my oldest friend in the world to take to college. Hope and I have known one another since we were infants. We lived next door to each other, started Kindergarten together, and then I moved after 1st grade. That we managed to keep in touch until my family moved back to metro Atlanta in the late 80s is incredible given that technology wasn’t what it is today. It took actual work to keep in touch with friends!
Once we were 20 minutes apart instead of 4 hours apart, our friendship continued to flourish. We were college roommates. We lived together after college. She and I were Maid and Matron of Honor at one another’s weddings. Baby showers and so much more. You get the idea. A friend who truly is family. Framily. 🩷
Anyhow, her youngest is headed to college this fall (see a trend here?) and asked for a quilt for graduation. ASG grew up surrounded by my quilts and wanted to one of her own. Obviously I couldn’t say no.
After a consultation about color and design via text (because, of course, right?), I decided to make a Love Shack Fancy version of my All Squared Up quilt.
It’s All In The Fabric
This quilt was made using a variety of fabrics – batiks, Asian, an old Kaffe ikat! (ohmygosh, so old), and other old and new yardage.
I’ve said it a million times and it seems to work for me: the more the merrier! I found some perfect fabrics for this quilt in my stash and I supplemented with a few more new pieces of fabric to round out the selection. For this quilt, more fabrics equal better. However, I’m generally on team more fabrics in a quilt mean each piece matters a little less so you should use them all anyhow. If you have enough variety, the fabrics will all blend and mix together so they don’t have to match perfectly. The overall effect will feel and read beautifully if the fabrics are given the opportunity to play together nicely in the sandbox.
The quilt I made for ASG was created with 81 blocks and no outer borders.
This quilt is so soft and serene. It finished just shy of 70” square so ASG can really bury herself in it on a cold night. I’m in love with this quilt, and so is Hope. She’s threatening to keep it! Guess I need to send it directly to the college student, right?
To Add a Border or Not?
While fabric choices will make each quilt feel different from the next, so can borders. This pattern originally called for borders, and I’ve made it with borders, without borders, and I used the small pieces I cut while trimming the blocks for a piano key border! Smart, huh?
Going Back in Time (but not the beginning in the mid-70’s)
I made the first version of All Squared Up waaaaay back in 2006 and in 2007 it was on the cover of Quilt Sampler magazine. It’s a quick and easy quilt to make and has become one of my tried and true favorites over the years.
The quilt was originally made using 10 1/2” squares – the original Zero Waste courtesy of my friend, Taffy – but it’s such a versatile pattern that it’s great for yardage and scraps. I’ve done that, too! In fact, this Love Shack Fancy version I made for ASG used 10 1/2” squares, yardage and scraps! And yes, a pack of 10” squares will work if you adjust the sizes you cut the pieces. This quilt uses so many different fabrics you can really do some stash and scrap busting and just have fun!
All Squared Up was a Zero Waste design before Zero Waste designs were even on my radar. In my lecture about Zero Waste I share that ideas begin and percolate for a long time before coming together. This was definitely the case with taking a Zero Waste approach. I knew it was possible to cut and use all the fabric for a quilt but using that idea as a larger concept that shapes how I work was another beast entirely.
I recognize I got lucky with this particular pattern but next steps include re-creating all my patterns into Zero Waste designs. Stay tuned for that.
What’s Up Next?
First things first: this quilt needs a name. I’m struggling with that. I really want to figure out how to tie in Athens, Atlanta, friends, family, favorite musicians and more. Does a name even exist for that? gah! Suggestions are welcomed!
And, I have a few more Zero Waste ideas headed your way. Here’s a sneak peak of some more Persephone leftovers. The blue and white version I made at the beginning of the year (you can read about it here) was larger until I pieced it horizontally and I had to trim it down so it became square. All that to say, I had different pieces to play with so here’s where I’m headed.
Oh, Patty they are stupendous and beautiful and awesome.
MARSHA
Every great once in a while I make commissioned pieces and more often than not, those commissions involve using clothes, ties or other textiles from someone who passed away.
It’s an honor and a privilege to be trusted to create a keepsake for people using treasured items but I’d be remiss not to share that it can also be a little nerve wracking! There’s a finite amount of material so it’s crucial that I pay attention and there is little to no room for error.
Recently I was asked to make two pillows using neck ties. Fun fact: all the ties had fish on them! Love it. I mean, could they BE any cuter?!
Originally I wanted to have pieces from the red and blue ties in each pillow but the pillows looked like an American flag and lacked any umph. I sat on them a while the decided to pivot.
I made one red pillow and one blue pillow. I used neutral fabrics for the Flying Geese backgrounds so the ties would shine.
The ties were all silk or a silk blend and were so easy to work with. I ironed a piece of lightweight fusible interfacing on the back of each tie before cutting out the pieces. Each 18” pillow has an invisible zipper along the bottom – a dainty closure that won’t distract from the pillow.
Fun fact: I used not one, not two but FOUR (yes, four) feet for this zipper.
I added a strip of fabric to the bottom of each pillow panel and sewed the zipper onto that. The seam allowance for the zipper is larger than the seam allowance for the front and back pillow covers and I didn’t want to encroach on the pillow design. I pinked the excess fabric to minimize bulk.
Leftover material from the ties, along with a strip of a coordinating red and blue Asian fabric, rounded out each back to create the backs
I’m just in love with these! They highlight the ties but hold their own as keepsakes for adult children who can appreciate them.
When I emailed my client that the pillows were finished she replied saying Oh, Patty they are stupendous and beautiful and awesome.
That’s the best thing Marsha could say to me and I’m so glad she likes them.
I love how quilt patterns can create an entirely different feel based on fabrics. Take Persephone Awaits. The original quilt is crisp and modern, made from a collection of ombré fabrics. The second version was made using a collection of blue, white, grey and cream prints. Both beautiful, but they definitely have different feels.
Diamonds can be tricky because of the bias but if you don’t pay attention you can make a mistake. Cue the size. When I laid this quilt on my design wall I didn’t catch that the quilt was a rectangle going the wrong way, i.e. wider than tall. See also: diamonds can be visually deceptive. Once I pieced the quilt I realized that I had to cut the top down to a square because of my mistake. That’s fine. The quilt is still plenty big to cover a lap but that did leave me with the conundrum of what to make with the scraps because I had a different set of leftovers than the original.
And THAT is why I love Zero Waste Quilting. For this quilt I had the same basic shapes leftover but more of them meant I could play to see what I could create.
Like the original leftovers, I used the half-rectangle triangles to create a small wallhanging. I played with the color to create dimension in the blocks. You can see the similarities and see how different the quilts look, too! The original is on the left and the new version is on the right.
And the leftovers I used to make the pillow (see photo above) and crochet case in the original Persephone? They became a cool quilt in this version – mostly because I had extra parts from all the trimming.
Zero Waste Quilting challenges you to work within a set of constraints to use what you have. I just love working in this manner. It takes me back to the roots of quilting because I’m working with a finite amount of leftovers and it forces me to get creative. I love what I make and I love that I’m not buying more fabric to make the additional projects.
Now to figure out what to do with the rest of those leftovers. Squee!
I’m embarrassed that it’s taken me as long as it has to get these patterns into the world. Somewhere between life life-ing (kids, book, travel, whatnot) the pattern writing got a little lost but I am happy to say that I am finally ready to share it with the world. Say what!? Patterns? Yep. I said patterns!
Zero Waste Quilting Comes to Life
What does that mean for you?
I am happy to share that I am now offering patterns BY THE BUNDLE meaning you have the ability to buy the patterns individually or as a bundle. You get the quilt pattern and additional patterns to use your scraps. Zero Waste Quilting in action and I am thrilled about it! You can buy the Persephone bundle here.
Let’s Take It From the Top
Persephone is a quilt I made using 16 fat quarters back in November 2023. That pattern has been out for some time and the Zero Waste quilts and projects from the leftovers have been pieced but the patterns? Boy howdy have they been woefully MIA. No longer, though! And I am so excited about that.
First Things First – The Clio Quilt and Clio Pillow
The first pattern I created from the leftovers was Clio. The Clio quilt was made using the leftover Half-Rectangle Triangles from cutting the center diamonds for Persephone. The Clio pillow is made using the leftover bordered diamonds that I cut off of Persephone when the quilt was squared. Genius, right? I mean, what else are you going to do with those shapes? The Clio Quilt and Clio Pillow pattern are available here.
It’s Okay to Fail
Before I landed on the pillow and crochet case (not pictured), though, I had to take a creative journey. When you challenge yourself to work in a Zero Waste capacity you work within a set of constraints based on the material you have leftover once a quilt has been cut. The leftover shapes and quantities force you to get creative to figure out how to best use what remains on your cutting board. Experimenting and sometimes failure are crucial to exploring all possible options. Remember it is okay if your design doesn’t come out the way you wanted the first time around.
Take the Clio pillow. I did experiment with making it into a hexagonal pillow but, honestly, I hated it so I went back to the cutting board and a pillow and crochet case were born. Manipulating the triangle shapes I had leftover and cutting them in a way that allowed me to create the pillow and crochet case was a brilliant way to use an odd assortment of triangle pieces. If I hadn’t experimented and failed I may not have gotten there. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
I used an invisible zipper on the pillow but you can use a traditional zipper or any other method of closing that you’d prefer – buttons, tabs, whatever you’d like!
The Crochet Case
I’m calling this a Crochet Case because I made it for my sister (who crochets) but this could easily be a carrying case for crayons, pens, pencils, or any other tools that fit.
I didn’t have an even number of triangles to make another row on the pillow so I decided to whip up this case using the last few leftover pieces I had. I used large scraps for the lining and pockets. The Crochet Case came together quickly. You can find the free pattern here.
Mikro Quilt
Mikro is, perhaps, an unexpected favorite quilt. I had a lot of strips leftover from the borders of the diamonds and what better do make with leftover strips than to make a Log Cabin. The strips were all cut the same width so it’s like they were begging me to make a Log Cabin. It’s a perennial favorite of quilters. It’s easy, versatile and fun, and for a little added flair I inserted scraps into strips to give some movement and use the tiniest leftover pieces.
Notice how the pieces inset into the strips are different widths? It’s okay to be perfectly imperfect. This adds movement to the quilt.
I set the blocks on point and used a bold floral between the squares. I’m beyond thrilled with how this quilt finished. You can find the pattern here.
Composition Notebook Cover
If you’ve followed me for a while you know that one of my favorite gifts to make is this composition notebook cover. In fact, it’s a free pattern here. Have a leftover fat quarter? Make a cover? Need a quick teacher gift? Make a cover. And in this case, have some random scraps sitting around? Make a cover.
Basically, if you can take leftover fabric and make a rectangle: you can make this. The instructions explain how to make the cover using one piece of fabric for the cover and how to make fabric to make a unique cover of your own.
It’s In The Bag
As if the Composition Notebook Cover wasn’t cute enough I have to go and share this bag with you. Another free pattern on my website.
When you create in a Zero Waste manner you often end up with a few rogue scraps. In this case I had a few rectangles that were SCREAMING for me to make them into a drawstring bag. The result? An adorable, little bag. Yes, please! Find the bag pattern here.
Radioactive
Cute name, right? The hexagons remind me of a radioactive symbol and I couldn’t think of a better name so here we are.
Now, I have thoughts on this quilt. It’s cute in its own weird way. The fact is when you get down to all the itty bitty scraps you might land somewhere unexpected.
Originally I thought about making this into a small hexagon only quilt but it didn’t come together in a manner that pleased me. That’s when I decided to separate each hexagon and put it into a square. Et voila!
Is this my favorite quilt ever? No but it’s PERFECT for practicing free motion quilting. Say what? Lemonade, my friends.
Not all quilts need to be show stoppers and I think it’s okay to make a meh quilt then use it to practice. The reason is: you won’t be worried about messing up the top. There is absolute beauty in that so yeah. Make a meh quilt and quilt it for practice. It’s a win win in my opinion. And I don’t know about you but I always need a baby quilt so this is perfect quilt to set aside for just that occasion. Find the free pattern here.
Scrunchie
Do you know how difficult it is to take a photo of a scrunchie in your own hair? It’s hard, y’all. But I did it!
I had one strip of fabric remaining and for the life of me I could NOT figure out what to make with it. Enter the scrunchie, and maybe cue Carrie Bradshaw and the scrunchie episode (season 6, episode 4 in case you’re wondering).
In all honesty, scrunchies have been back for a while so I thought it was time to take make one. It was so quick to make and there was NO hand sewing. None. Nada. No pulling and tugging and wrangling fabric. Super simple. This one’s a winner!
I’m going to publish a tutorial soon to show you how I make scrunchies so stay tuned!
Looking for a fast and thoughtful gift? Turn a rogue quilt block into a charming mug rug!
When I purchased my sewing machine in 2017, I decided against the embroidery module, thinking I didn’t need it. Fast forward to 2025, and I found myself regretting that decision. Thankfully, I was able to buy the module from my local BERNINA dealer.
Eager to dive in, I couldn’t wait to experiment with some rogue quilt blocks I had stored away.
While doing a bit of research beforehand is always wise, there’s so much to be learned from hands-on mistakes. Here’s what my first attempt with my module taught me:
Use more spray baste than you think you need. This keeps the block from shifting during embroidery. See below how the block shifted?
Consider the block seam allowance when setting up the embroidery on your block. I didn’t do that for the Sawtooth Star and the quilting extends into the seam allowance.
3. Pay close attention to thread starts and stops. I pulled the thread when I began and managed to mess up a small section. Don’t do that. LOL.
4. Embrace imperfection. Even if the embroidery isn’t flawless, there’s always a way to turn it into something fun.
Enter the mug rugs.
I needed end-of-year gifts for a few teachers and thought these embroidered blocks would make perfect mug rugs. To conceal a few mistakes, I cut the rugs into circles and finished them with leftover bias binding.
I began by marking the center of each block and marking the center of my template. I put the template over the block and marked the edge with chalk.
I trimmed the block the attached scrap bias binding to each mug rug.
Paired with a mug and a gift card to a local coffee shop, the result was a simple yet heartfelt success!
I met Julia several years ago and I jumped at the chance when she reached out to ask if I’d review her new book, Patchwork Luxe. I’ve made many quilts using neckties over the years and was eager to see (read?) if my approach to working with silks differed from hers.
Julia’s book is all about using repurposed silk ties, saris and kimonos. It’s an excellent guide on how to source and work with existing materials instead of buying new fabric to make luxurious quilts. The level of information in this book exceeded my expectations. Julia fills 126 pages with so much detail that confident beginning quilters can tackle projects simply by following her directions.
Overview
One of the things I love about this book is that Julia teaches you about silk. Julia smartly assumes that not everyone has sewn with silk so she gives you a history of the substrate sharing not only how it’s made but the different types of silk, different weaves and lustres of silk and she teaches you how to distinguish silk from synthetics and tells you why it’s important.
The book goes on to share how you can easily combine different substrates as well as the best backing, batting and binding choices. Julia shares the best way to clean silk quilts, too! Additionally there are several pages devoted to what she calls the 4 S’s of working with silk (seam allowance, stabilizers, support, starch) before diving into different techniques of working with silk.
Julia shares techniques to sew your silks that include traditional piecing, crazy piecing, fabric foundations and several ways to appliqué, giving you an assortment of ways to piece your silks so you can confidently dive into any project and be assured it’s successful.
The Importance of it All
I’m somewhat of a traditionalist when it comes to my piecing. In fact, many of you know that my first book, Piecing Makeover, was all about how to fine tune your patchwork so a book that focuses on the foundational elements to work with silk was right up my alley.
Patchwork Luxe will set you up for success sewing with silk fabric. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the fabrics (crepe de chine vs raw silk vs silk satin, etc) and all of the information provides a strong base from which you can build. If you know and understand the properties of the fabric you are using, you’ll have an easier time sewing with them (ie how to successfully make a quilt using denim and silk).
Final Thoughts
I think this book is an excellent addition to any quilters library. I know many of us are asked to make memory quilts and having quick access to this arsenal of information will only benefit you, especially if sewing with silk is new for you. And if you sew with repurposed or upcycled materials, the information contained in this book will only help your practice become more successful.
Silk Quilts in Real Life
Much of what Julia suggests in her book is how I’ve tackled sewing with silks over the years; BUT I’d be remiss not to say that I learned a lot! I’m so glad I’ll have the tools in my toolbox to tackle more complicated quilts with silk in the future.
Here are a few examples of quilts I’ve made using silks. If I can do it, you can, too!
I’ve been making these Composition Notebook covers for years. They are quick and easy, and you only need a little bit of fabric plus some trim to make one. These Composition Notebook covers make fantastic gifts for teachers, artists, anyone!
The Composition Notebook cover pattern available as a free download in my shop.
Mix It Up
One of the things I love about these notebook covers is that you can mix and match fabrics for your cover, pocket, lining, pencil holder – anything! It’s a great way to use leftover pieces from a quilt or any other project.
Here are examples of Composition Notebook covers with one piece of fabric for the cover and different lining, interior flap and pencil pocket fabrics:
First Things First. The Cover.
If you are going to take a zero waste approach and build out the cover from scraps, know this:
You can do whatever you want – use leftover blocks, strip pieces together, use embellishments – as long as the unfinished cover piece measures 10 1/2’’ x 16’’.
This Composition Notebook cover was made with leftover strips from Persephone Awaits. I used an assortment of strips that each measured 7’’ wide long by assorted heights. I sewed them together to create a 7’’ x 10 1/2’’ piece of fabric before sewing a 9 1/4’’ x 10 1/2’’ piece of fabric to have a 10 1/2’’ x 16’’ unfinished cover.
Sadly, I didn’t take photos of this as I made this cover.
Challenging Myself, Going Further
I wanted to challenge myself for this post and spent some time thinking about what I could do with leftover fabric in my studio. I knew I wanted to share the Composition Notebook cover pattern with you and I knew I wanted to take it up a notch. But how?
As I stared at my shelves, I saw a soft pink batik that I had used on the back of a quilt years ago. The quilt finished around 60’’ wide meaning I had a 10’’ x some length of fabric remaining. I never quite know what to do with these long, skinny pieces I have after a quilt has been quilted, so they either become a quilt sleeve or they sit on my shelf. That’s when it occurred to me! Embellish with thread!
No Measurements, No Problem!
I’m going to share how I put this together with general measurements because the big takeaway is that you can do this with any size scraps you have to make a 10 1/2’’ x 16’’ Composition Notebook cover. My scraps are most likely not the same size as yours. Just keep adding fabric or adjust the measurements until you get the size you need.
That said, the top piece of my composition notebook was about 6’’ x 22’’ and the bottom piece was about 10’’ x 22’’. Make sure you cut the pieces WIDER than you think because you can cut them down later.
Dress You Up With My Stitches
Now that I had chosen the fabric, I needed to figure out how to make it shine. I sat on that for a bit then, seeking inspiration, I turned to the Big Book of Feet and the Big Book of Stitches.
I recommend these books for your sewing and quilting arsenal. They are invaluable.
The Big Book of Feet shows you all the quilt feet BERNINA offers and how to use them. The Big Book of Stitches gives you tons of inspiration and shares, among other things, how to manipulate the stitches on your machine to create one of a kind creations.
The short version is that I found the inspiration I needed.
Fagoting Stitch, Part 1
I decided to attach the pieces using a fagoting stitch. I pressed each piece 2’’ to the back to create a fold along the length of my scraps resulting in 4’’ x 22’’ and 8’’ x 22’’ pieces.
To create this stitch, use the #7 foot. Set your machine for a 5.5 width zig zag stitch, 0.3 stitch length and an upper thread tension of 0.75-1.0 (you may need to play around with the tension).
I placed a piece of lightweight stabilizer behind the fabric for some added stability. The two pieces of fabric should butt next to one another when you are sewing but you can see the stabilizer peeking through here before stitching.
Part 2
I used my 20C foot to create the heirloom look. I adjusted my upper thread tension back to normal and set the #6 triple stitch with a 3.5 stitch length. Next I gently pulled the fabric (and thus, the stitches) apart to open the space between the two pieces.
When I sewed, the triple stitch gathered every few threads in the open space between the fabric to create a hemstitch look.
Creating the hemstitch.
Then I picked a decorative stitch I liked to sew on either side of the fagoting.
Part 3
I’m a believer that it’s not done until it’s overdone so I decided to add some ribbon to each side of the decorative stitching.
I attached the right seam guide to my presser foot so I could accurately sew down the ribbon.
I trimmed the cover to 10 1/2’ x 16’’.
Put It All Together
Materials Needed 1/2 yard fabric, 3/4 yard if fussy cutting 1/2 yard ribbon, or other trim for tying thread to match
Cutting Instructions: cut (2) 16” x 10 1/2” pieces*, one for the outside cover and another for the lining
*IF YOU USED THE ZERO WASTE METHOD, BUILD OUT YOUR COVER PIECE TO 10 1/2’’ X 16’’ and cut one rectangle 10 12/’’ x 16’’ for the lining
cut (2) 10 1/2” x 5” pieces for the inside flaps cut (1) 1 1/2” x 6” piece for the pen/pencil holder cut (2) 8” pieces of ribbon or trim for tying -or- cut (2) 2’’ pieces for pencil closure
Assembly Instructions:
Make the Inside Flaps
1. Place the two 10 1/2’’ x 5’’ inside flap pieces on a table, wrong side up. 2. Fold the right side of the left flap to the back side of the fabric by 1/4’’ along one 10 1/2’’ side. Press. Repeat with a 3/8’’ fold. Press. Straight stitch along the edge to keep the seam in place. Set aside. 3. Fold the left side of the right flap to the back side of the fabric by 1/4’’ along one 10 1/2’’ side. Press. Repeat with a 3/8’’ fold. Press. Straight stitch along the edge to keep the seam in place. Set aside.
I used the seam guide and a 1/4’’ seam to secure the flap edges but you could use a contrasting decorative stitch, handstitches or an edgestitch to secure the seam.
Make the Pencil Holder Option 1
1. Fold the sides of the 1 1/2’’ x 6’’ pencil holder back by 1/4’’ on ALL sides, bringing the front of the fabric to the back. Press. 2. Sew the pencil holder to the left flap taking care to center it.
Option 2 1. Cut two rectangles 2’’ x 6’’. Place them right sides together and sew 1/4’’ around the edges, leaving a 2’’ opening along one side. 2. Clip corners, turn right side out, and press. 3. Sew the pencil holder to the left flap taking care to center it.
Option 3
1. Cut 2 pieces of ribbon 2’’ long. Set aside.
Adding the Ribbon Mark 5 1/4’’ up each side of the Composition Notebook holder.
Option 1
1. If you plan to use a small ribbon closure instead of or in addition to the interior pencil holder, fold the ribbon in half. 2. Place the ribbon on the right side on top of the center mark and place the ribbon on the left side below the center mark.
Option 2
1. If you plan to use ribbons to tie the notebook closed, place one edge of the 8’’ long ribbon at the 5 1/4’’ mark. The ribbon will across into the center of the cover. Baste. 2. Repeat for other side. Place the inside flap pieces right side together with your cover piece. The finished edges of the flaps will be facing the center. Sew a very scant 1/4” from the top to the bottom of the outside edges on the left and right sides.
Putting It Together
1. Place the 16” x 10 1/2” piece you want to use for the FRONT cover FACE UP on a table, cutting mat, etc. 2. Place the flap pieces right side together with your cover piece. The finished edges of the flaps will be facing the center. Sew a very scant 1/4” from the top to the bottom of the outside edges on the left and right sides.
3. OPTIONAL: If you would like to add a bookmark to your Composition Notebook holder, cut a piece of ribbon or trim approximately 12’’ long. Tie one end of the ribbon in a knot and place one end of the ribbon at the top of the Composition Notebook Holder. Pin in place.
4. Place the lining piece face down on top of the assembly from step 2. Sew 1/4” around all edges EXCEPT for a 2” gap along one flap. 5. Turn right side out, press, and put over Composition Notebook. Enjoy!
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