Quilt Guilt 

Can we pause for a second and talk about quilt guilt?

You know the feeling—when you see that pile of unfinished quilts and think, “Ugh, I really should finish that…” Or when you scroll through social media and someone has just posted another beautifully bound quilt while yours is still just blocks in a bin.

It’s easy to let that guilt creep in. We tell ourselves things like:

• “I’m not disciplined enough.”

• “I should finish what I start.”

• “Why can’t I be more productive like her (that one person who seems to have it all)?”

But here’s the thing I’ve learned: GUILT has NO PLACE in our creativity.

It’s been a slower season in the sewing room lately. Life has been full, and my stitching time feels like tiny pockets here and there rather than long, uninterrupted stretches. But even so, I’ve found that moving a few projects a little closer to the finish line—bit by bit—has brought a fresh spark of joy.

I’ve been hopping between projects, and surprisingly, that shift in pace has made things feel exciting again. Each time I pick up something different, it feels like I’m reuniting with a friend I haven’t seen in a while.

There are affiliate links within this post which are meant to make it easy for you to find things at no cost to you at all. Find full disclosure here. 

Strippy Spool Quilt

First up is the Strippy Spools quilt—such a fun one! It’s part of a quilt along hosted by Fat Quarter Shop using their pattern and a jelly roll, making it super quick and satisfying to piece. I was on a roll (pun intended!) until the quilt top grew a little too large, and I found myself pausing.

I had originally planned to baste it this week, but as I laid it out, something didn’t quite sit right. That final border just wasn’t quite me. Seems a little narrow to be binding it already. So, I’ve decided to add another round of borders using a different fabric—something that feels more cohesive. I’ll be binding it with the same fabric to pull it all together. Just that little creative decision already has me excited to finish it.

Strippy Spool Links

• Strippy Spool Quilt Pattern
• Lori Holt Jelly Roll
• Novodon Wool Mat – absolutely love the size of this mat! made pressing large quilt top so much easier, and I tend to keep my mat clean and clear which makes it a great surface to play with new projects. A clear surface is always a great start.
• Essex linen for the spool itself were from my old hoarded stash. Can’t find a suitable link to it. 
• Oliso Iron 

Prairie Pastures Table Runner

Next is a table runner made using a pattern from the Prairie Home book. Oh my goodness, this book is such a gem—packed with beautiful patterns, and honestly, I’d love to make every single one of them someday.

I started with the Prairie Pastures table runner and made mine a bit shorter to suit my smaller table. Even so, it turned out a bit large—but I love how it looks. Over the past week, I managed to sneak in some time to free motion quilt it, choosing my go-to design: a meandering zigzag. It’s quick, fun, and gives just the right texture without too much fuss. So happy to call this one quilted! I’ll be binding this and maybe gift it away unless I can get a larger surface to use it on. 

Prairie Pastures Table Runner Links:

• Prairie Home Quilt Book. by Lori Holt which you can grab HERE>
• Lori Holt Bundles
• Lori Holt Low volume bundle

A Fresh Start: Flower Farm Sampler Quilt

And finally, to breathe a little spark into my creative space again, I pulled out some stash fabrics to start the Flower Farm Sampler Quilt. I know I haven’t finished my previous blocks from the other sew along… but this quilt has been calling to me! The design is just stunning, and the book’s instructions are incredibly well done—colorful diagrams, clear steps, and that irresistible sampler vibe.

Sometimes, all you need is to start something new to bring joy back into your routine—and that’s exactly what I think this quilt is going to be for me.

Flower Farm Sampler Links:

• Flower Farm Sampler Quilt Book: I’m using Kindle Unlimited for this which you can find HERE>, or you can grab a physical copy HERE>
• Fabrics are from my stash. But I’m happy to report, some of these are being reprinted! Check out Heather Ross’s New Collections HERE>

I might not be finishing things at lightning speed, but there’s beauty in slow progress. Every stitch, every choice, every moment in the sewing room adds up. Whether I’m quilting for five minutes or fifty, I’m grateful for the calm and creativity it brings into my days.

Thanks for catching up with me! What are you working on lately? I’d love to hear what’s bringing you joy in your sewing space at the moment.

Linking to: 

• Design Wall Monday
• Sew & Tell
• Monday Musings
• Put Your Foot Down

Your sewing room is more than just a corner with a machine — it’s a haven. A space filled with fabric, color, memories, and comfort. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, your sewing mojo just disappears. You walk in, glance at your sewing station, and suddenly, every project feels like too much.

Whether it’s the time of year, the world’s unpredictability, or simply a busy life, losing motivation to sew is incredibly common. But the best thing about sewing is that you can always begin again — gently, and on your own terms.

Currently, I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed by everything happening in the world. There’s a mix of worry, sadness, and uncertainty — and while those feelings are valid, I’ve realized they don’t always lead to anything productive. What has helped me is gently turning my focus back to my sewing. As I begin to find my sewing mojo again, I’m reminded how healing it feels to immerse myself in the simple, grounding comfort of stitching fabric together. Sewing doesn’t fix everything, but it gives me a place to breathe — and that’s more than enough right now.

So today I’m sharing some of the things that I find works when it comes to find my sewing mojo back on track. 

Here’s my Janome quilting machine review. 

Late to the party, but still in June! So, Happy National Sewing Machine Day! 🎉

Today, I’m sharing a long-overdue love letter (and honest review) to my sewing room workhorse—the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC, which I’ve owned since 2013. 11 Years In and Still Going Strong. If you’re a quilter thinking about upgrading your sewing machine, especially for free-motion quilting or working on large quilts, this post is for you.

✨ Why I Upgraded to the Janome Horizon

Before getting the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC, I was quilting on a much smaller domestic machine, also a Janome, Janome DC4020 – which you can see in my earlier posts and in the photo below. And while I could finish a quilt on it (and did, many times), it was never easy. Wrestling a large quilt through a small throat space can be exhausting—and honestly frustrating.

But I loved it too. We work with what we can afford and have right?

It’s been a quiet patch in my sewing life lately. I’ve been gently easing back into creating, after a stretch where I just didn’t have the heart to sew much.

Heaviness in my heart.

Maybe you’ve felt that too at times—the heaviness of the world casting a shadow over even the brightest fabric.

There’s been a strange sense of estrangement in me… I can’t quite name it, only that it carries guilt—guilt for having peace in my sewing room while others face turmoil. I know guilt doesn’t solve anything, but it nudges me to look deeper, to be kinder, and to stay rooted in the belief that the good we do, however small, matters. We are all human, and it’s heartbreaking to see that truth not honored in every corner of the world.

Still, here we are, doing our best. Sometimes it feels helpless, but I do believe: if we choose kindness, we’re already making a shift. And I know, doing nothing keeps me in the shadow too, I need to keep on moving, finding peace in my heart so I can continue to pray, spread kindness and keep hope alive. 

Hence, I’m picking myself up when I can, and share this part of joy with you. 

Strippy Spool Quilt Along

This week, I found a flicker of joy in beginning the Strippy Spools Quilt—just a little head start before the quilt along begins on May 17th. Lori Holt’s cheerful colors gave my heart a small lift, a reminder that color and beauty still belong to us, even in hard times.

Using Lori Holt’s Mercantile Collection for this Strippy Spool Quilt.

Scrappy Dresden Bee Quilt

There are other projects quietly calling to me too. The scrappy Dresden bee quilt with the printed panels is yet to be sewn into blocks. You can read more about this quilt in my previous post HERE>

Hopefully another start –  Charm Squares Woven Star

And there’s a charm pack on my shelf that’s just perfect for a paper piecing idea I’ve been itching to try. I can feel the spark returning… slowly, softly.

I’ll be using Sunday Brunch Collection and the Woven Star paper piecing pad. (click on the link to grab it too)

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today as I’m writing this, it’s Mother’s Day, and I want to spend it mothering, resting, and holding gratitude close. However you spend the day, I hope it’s filled with love. Whether you’re a mother in body, spirit, or presence—you matter, deeply. Happy Mother’s Day to you.

If you’re in the mood for a little creative treat, grab some fun Jolly Bars HERE>
✨ 25% off Jolly Bars for Jolly Bar Day – which is half of a Layer Cake, double of a Charm Pack. use code JBDAY25. (ends Sunday 11:59pm May 11th)

Thanks for reading my heart today. Let’s keep being gentle with ourselves and one another. That, too, is a form of healing.

I’m so thrilled to finally share the finished Jelly Roll Quilt Spinner with you—and let me tell you, I’m in love. 😍 This quilt turned out even better than I imagined, and I just can’t get over how magical the rainbow ombré jelly roll looks with this pattern. The colors seem to dance and swirl with every block—like the quilt is spinning with joy!

This particular jelly roll was such a beautiful collection to work with. I really feel like the ombré effect brought the quilt to life, highlighting the motion in the design – can you the illusion of a reflection shining from the quilt due to  the lighter shades of the ombre? 

This pattern is free for all my lovely newsletter subscribers, so don’t miss your chance to grab it and sew along! In the video, I take you through the whole process—and yep, I even show you the mistake I made so you don’t have to repeat it. Learn from my oopsie!

But honestly? I’m convinced this jelly roll quilt pattern would look amazing in any jelly roll—whether you prefer soft florals, bold brights, or soothing neutrals. It’s one of those patterns that just knows how to make fabric shine ✨.

I just had to dive into my latest quilt book, The Prairie Home Quilt Book by Lori Holt (published by It’s Sew Emma). The moment I flipped through its pages, I knew I couldn’t resist starting a new project. This book is packed with so many delightful sewing ideas—it’s like a quilter’s playground! And the gorgeous bright colored Lori Holt Fabrics in the book, simply delightful to browse through. 

Prairie Pastures Runner

For my first project, I’m making a table runner. The pattern Prairie Pastures Runner actually calls for a layer cake, but I decided to get creative and use what I already have—two Lori Holt charm packs from my stash, plus some scrap pieces to fill in the gaps. I love a good quick quilting project, and making this project slightly smaller than the original design feels just right for my space and time.

Want to see more? I’ve got a sew with me video where I chat about the project and take you along for the fun. Come hang out with me, see my fabric choices, and let’s stitch up something beautiful together! ✨

Discover The Prairie Home Quilt Book by Lori Holt, published by It’s Sew Emma—a treasure trove of quilting projects inspired by vintage charm. In my latest sew with me video, I’m starting a table runner from the book, using Lori Holt charm packs and scraps instead of a layer cake. Join me as I share my process, fabric choices, and quilting tips!

Link to shop:

• Prairie Home Quilt Book:
• Denim Book Stand
• Small Cutting Mat
• Rotating Mat 
• Endurance Blade 

Are you working on any new quilting projects? I’d love to hear what’s on your sewing table! 🧵💛

If you are like me and love making quilted table runners, check out my previous post and table runner finishes too:

• Kaleidoscope Bed Runner
• Winter Chic Table Runner
• Tabletastic Table Runner

Kindle Unlimited for Quilt Books

By the way, I used my amazon kindles to browse through other  fun quilt books too. And there are so many available with the Kindle Unlimited, so check it out HERE>