Threaded Reflections #2

Welcome to Threaded Reflections, where I share what I’ve been making, what I’m learning, and what’s inspiring my quilts this week. Think of it as a peek inside my sketchbook — projects in progress, ideas unfolding, and thoughts stitched together. This week I’m diving deeper into my newest Irish Chain quilt pattern, reflecting on how it came together and what I’m planning next.

If you missed Threaded Reflections #1, you can read it here.

This week’s post is a bit delayed due to a family emergency. Our dalmatian had to have surgery for an ear hematoma. We had hoped it would heal on its own, but it kept getting worse, so we took her in on Saturday. She’s on the mend now, though recovery may take about three weeks. I’m grateful she’s doing better today.

Pattern Release: A Fresh Take on the Irish Chain Quilt Pattern

I released my new Irish Chain quilt pattern, Patches & Squares pattern, and now comes the waiting to see what kind of interest it gets on Etsy. It often takes a few months for a new listing to gain traction and start getting orders, but I’m excited to see this quilt made up by some of you! It’s such a fun pattern. I designed it with strip piecing in mind to take the confusion out of sewing a classic Irish Chain quilt — especially if you’re newer to quilting or just want a faster finish.

Liberty Prints & a Quilt in Memory

This week, I’m back to working on another Irish Chain quilt and choosing fabrics for a second sample. I originally wrote the pattern in a block-based format, but after releasing Patches & Squares, I added efficient strip piecing instructions as well. Now it’s time to test the new version.

I’m thinking about using Liberty prints for the sample. I brought in a curated bundle of eight Liberty fabrics to test in the shop this year. I used them to make a Blossom Pillow (pattern here), and now I’d love a full quilt too. The main print I chose is called Iris — it features iris flowers and reminds me of my mom, Iris. This quilt will be in her memory.

Quilting a Gift for My Daughter

While my husband and daughter were at the vet with our dog, I kept busy working on my daughter’s twin-size quilt to help ease my anxiety. I decided to quilt it myself rather than send it out — I want this one to be entirely handmade from me to her. I finished pin basting over the weekend and plan to start quilting it this week. I’ll be sure to take plenty of breaks to avoid straining my shoulder again. Quilting a large quilt at home can be tough on the body — there’s just so much fabric to maneuver! I use a Sew Steady table for extra support, but i’m researching sewing tables where my machine sits flush with the surface.

Summer Quilt Alongs & Scrappy Ideas

This summer, I’m participating in two quilt alongs: The Dash Quilt by Blair of Wise Craft and Moda Blockheads. I’m especially enjoying learning from Blair’s perspective on color value in scrappy quilts. For my Dash quilt, I’m making a quilt shop memory quilt using leftover scraps from fabrics that have come through my shop over the past two years. I save a half-yard bundle from each collection for sample-making, and since most of my samples are pillows, I’ve built up quite a stash of extras. I’m excited to turn those pieces into something meaningful and scrappy.

I didn’t get to my Blockheads block last week, but I plan to catch up on that soon.

In Case You Missed It…

Thanks for reading along! I love having a space to share not just finished projects, but the behind-the-scenes stitching too. Whether you’re quilting along with me or just peeking in for inspiration, I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re new to the series, you can catch up on Threaded Reflections #1 here. Until next time — keep stitching, one seam at a time.