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.
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.
They Got Married progress photo
Almost there!!
They Got Married almost complete
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?
They Got Married
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
Arcs for They Got MarriedBack of arc for They Got MarriedSewing arcs to center sections
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!
Binding and backing for They Got Married
Quilt top lifestyle photo before quilting.
Back of They Got Married
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
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.
Little Lone Star Quilt
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.
Detail of strips cut to make the Lone Star QuiltDetail of Lone Star pointDetail of the center of Lone Star quilt
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.
Close up of quilt backing
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.
Spiral quilting on Lone Star quilt
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.
Quilt hanging on a ladder
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.
In progress cutting strips
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 pieced quilt top
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!
Detail of quiltDetail of quiltDetail of quilt
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.
Lone Star Quilt
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!
Detail of Lone Star quiltDetail of Lone Star qultDetail of Lone Star quiltDetail of center of Lone Star quilt
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!
Lone Star quilt
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!
Lone Star quilt leftovers
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.
Radioactive Qulit
Detail of Radioactive Quilt
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.
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!
Wipe Your Face
I grabbed some flannel scraps, sewed the pieces together then pinked the edges.
Wipe Your Face progress photo
Back of Wipe Your Face
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.
Weighed Down pattern weights
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.
Progress photo of Weighed Down
Progress photo of Weighed Down
Hand sew the opening closed and enjoy!
Do you have a favorite small project you’ve made using leftover fabrics?
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.
Coffee Goes Here
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.
Coffee Goes Here progress photoCoffee Goes Here progress photo
Then I bordered them with the coping strips I thought I was going to use with the pie carrier.
Coffee Goes Here progress photo
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.
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.
Center blocks for wonky log cabins
I got all the blocks made and played around with some scrappy sashings and….
Wonky Log Cabin
I HATED IT!
So I tried to make it better by playing around adding sashing.
Wonky Log Cabin I hated even more
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.
Changing directions and cutting Quarter-Square Trianglesprogress photo
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.
Initial layout of pie carrier
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.
Cutting off corners and adding webbing
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.
Cute as Pie Carrier
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!
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.
Best Foot Forward Shoe Bag
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.
Making Best Foot Forward Shoe Bag
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.
Casings before attaching them to shoe bag
I pinned the casings to each side of the center then serged them to the bag.
Detail of casing on shoe bag
I pressed the seam then added some topstitching.
Detail of edgestitching on 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.
Adding drawstring ribbon to shoe bag
Add a little Fray Check to your ribbon and voila! Your shoe bag is ready for travel!
Using Fray Check on ends of ribbon
Have you made a shoe bag before? Do you love and use it? Let me know in the comments.
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 Log Cabin blocks
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.
Sawing Logs quilt block
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.
Sawing Logs progress photo
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.
Sawing Logs quilt progress
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!
Sawing Logs with borders attached
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.
Sawing Logs in Inman Park
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.
![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?'.](https://i0.wp.com/pattymurphyhandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-03-at-10.13.18-AM.png?resize=750%2C907&ssl=1)
