Hometown Hearts....the story behind the quilt....

 

....the story of Hometown Hearts begins in two small rural farming communities of Northwest Iowa during the early 1950's. My husband's parents were sweethearts when Dad was drafted into the Korean War. He completed his basic training here in the States, then took a ship across the ocean to be stationed in Germany. During all this time apart from each other, the sweethearts commited to writing each other a letter every day....and I mean EVERY day for 3 years. They diligently kept that commitment, telling each other about the daily things of life...what the weather was like, things they did during the day, stories about family and most importantly encouraged each other with faith filled promises when the loneliness became most imbearable.

Dad would tell Mom how his bunkmates would poke fun of him for spending all his free time writing letters and rereading the ones he received. Mom treasured each and every word Dad sent to her...so much so that she stored them in chronological order inside cardboard shoeboxes securely tied shut with cotton string. After Mom's passing I saw Dad throwing the shoeboxes into the farm garbage dumpster. I conviced my husband to dig them out--bring them back to Dad with the promise no one would read them. And since Dad treated me as his own daughter, he agreed. The letters lived in his house, then his assisted living home, then the farm office when he moved into the nursing home and finally after his passing they came to live in my store room. I still never read them--just knew they had to be kept.

Dad passed away in 2022, two years later Island Batik asked if I would be interested in being a Guest Fabric Designer and if yes--what would my inspiration for my first fabric collection be. With no hesitation the answer was--Dad and Moms' love letters. And so the story of Missing You begins. I opened a few of the letters--not really reading--just skimming to get a feel of what they wrote. From that flowed the ideas...scattered envelopes, note paper, ink smudges, heart shapes filled with XOXO, air mail letters passing each other across the ocean and finally how they signed their letters...sweetheart, darling and love which I spelled out in Morse Code. This process has healed a hole in my heart that I didn't even know was there. Dad would be filled with so much pride and humbly excited that I was sharing their love story. The fabric collection has just started hitting shops this spring and I still have to pinch myself when I see it on the shelf of my local quilt shop or on the website of a shop.

Dad was very much a Faith, Family, Freedom in that order kind of man. Hometown Hearts is inspired by his love for the small town 4th of July or summer celebrations that included a fireworks display. He loved parades, demolition derbies and a great firework display--as many as he could find each summer. In this quilt I paid homage to small towns with a farmhouse stripe and love for county with the heart filled star. I can see this quilt stuffed in a red wagon full of snacks and toddlers, then spread out next to the curb on a small town street while the toddlers wait anxiously for the parade to start so they can fill their buckets with candy thrown from the floats that go by. Ask for the pattern in your local quilt shop--or find it HERE.

THIS....is the rural small town America that my father-in-love spent time away from his sweetheart and family to protect. A place where the volunteer firemen shoot off the fireworks over a soybean field, children gather with glow sticks and the best viewing area is on the parking lot of the Co-op Feed Elevator. May we all work together to keep this alive and may God bless the land Dad loved!!

Find more information on my Facebook page HERE or Instagram HERE--where my farmer husband has become my social media man!! He tells a great story!! And occasionaly I add to YouTube HERE.

Now onto the hop! There are so many beautiful quilt patterns to explore today, all celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States - and I can't wait for you to see them! I've copied a little summary of each pattern provided by each of the designers, and I've included links to their patterns and blog posts. 

And the Rocket's Red Glare by Brooke Stambersky of Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches: In Brooke's words: "This pattern, And the Rocket's Red Glare, is dedicated to my grandfather, Sgt. Stanley Stambersky of the US Army. During WWII, he was a Sergeant in General Patton's Third Army, and received the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He was a war hero who loved and honored his country. He would tell me "The National Anthem is the most beautiful song I know," and I could not agree with him more."

 

And the Rocket's Red Glare is part of her Home Pattern Series, and is a pixelated pattern of the United States of America. This pattern is precut, fabric stash and AccuQuilt GO! friendly. The eight page full color pattern includes the throw size quilt design, step by step instructions, and applique templates for the quilt stars & heart. You can add an applique heart to the quilt for the city and state you call home too. You can get this pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here. 

Stars & Stripes by Teresa Coates of Crinkle Dreams: Teresa Coates of Crinkle Dreams has travelled across America as a sewing teacher for a decade, inspiring her to create something special this year: the Quarter Millennial Quilt sew along. This was her way of exploring each state, from its history and geography to its fantastic local quilt shops, by creating a unique block for every state. It's been an adventure in learning new techniques, and the one block that has gotten the most enthusiastic response is this variation of the classic Lone Star. This traditional block can feel intimidating, but making this small, beautiful version is totally achievable for every maker.

The Stars & Stripes block finishes at a versatile 18” x 18”—perfect for a wall quilt, or even a cozy throw pillow with the included instructions. As a beautiful variation on the block she originally designed for Texas in the Quarter Millennial Quilt project, this design is meant to represent the beautiful diversity of all of us across the country, coming together to create something lovely.

Have diamonds always made you nervous? Don't worry! Teresa designed the Stars and Stripes pattern to be a genuine skill-builder. She walks makers through every single step, making that beautiful star shape simpler to sew together than they might imagine. This is their perfect chance to build confidence and try out some fantastic new techniques.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Quarter Millennial Quilt project or finding the block for your state, visit crinkledreams.com/collections/quarter-millennial-quilt. You can also find Teresa on Instagram (@teresacoates) and Facebook (@makewithteresa). You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about the pattern here.

Faith and Freedom by Jen Frost of Faith and Fabric: The Faith and Freedom quilt pattern, designed by Jen Frost of Faith and Fabric, was created to honor two gifts that were passed down in her family: faith in God and the freedom we are blessed to live in each day. This patriotic cross quilt combines classic red, white, and blue with traditional piecing to create a design that feels timeless, meaningful, and full of movement! Finishing at 52″ x 72″, this quilt is the perfect size for a throw, a patriotic wall hanging, or a meaningful gift for someone who treasures both faith and country. The design is especially scrap-friendly, making it a wonderful way to use leftover red, white, and blue fabrics while still including full yardage instructions for those who prefer a more planned color layout. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here. 

One Nation Under God by Krista Smith of Grunge+Grace: This quilt was designed to showcase my love of God and Country. When my son saw me designing it, he asked if he could have the finished quilt when I was done with it. I told him that if he joined the military, it was his. Well, he up and joined the Coast Guard, so eventually this quilt will be gifted to him! I used Moda Grunge for this quilt and it was custom quilted by Erika Binder/Off The Frame Quilting. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Enduring Liberty by Cheri Termini of Heartfelt Works: In this heartfelt reflection, Cheri shares the frightening season in 2011 when she faced emergency open-heart surgery just as her husband was deployed to Afghanistan with the US Navy. Separated by war and recovery, the couple leaned on prayer, perseverance, and humor while navigating months of uncertainty and sacrifice. To keep her hands and heart busy during his deployment, she designed a patriotic quilt that would eventually become her Enduring Liberty pattern. Though the blocks themselves are simple, the quilt carries a deeper story of courage, love of country, and the resilience demanded of military families. With gratitude and patriotism, she closes by honoring both America’s 250-year journey and the men and women who continue to serve it. You can get this pattern here, and you can learn more about this pattern here.

Hometown Hearts by Terri Venden Bosch of Lizard Creek Quilting: My parents-in-law were sweethearts when Dad was drafted into the Korean War. For three years they wrote each other a letter every day--and I mean every day--they would apologize if they didn't get one sent. Mom saved those letters in cardboard shoeboxes tied with a cotton string. After they both passed, the family didn't want the letters--so they came to live in my storeroom until just the right time. Hometown Hearts is a quilt designed with small town celebrations in mind. Think 4th of July parades and fireworks. Dad loved a good fireworks display. The fabric collection used in this quilt is called Missing You from Island Batik. I was inspired to design this collection from the devotion Mom and Dad had to each other along with the strong pride Dad had for serving his country. You can get this pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here. Find her on Facebook here where her farmer husband is in charge of her social media account.

Triumph by Lauren Metang of Palm Creations: The stunning log cabin block has been a classic and timeless quilt block for centuries. The inspiring red center indicated a safe and welcoming home, as it signified the hearth, or the heart of the home. Although the log cabin block was originally a block created out of necessity, the versatility of this pattern is endless. Whether you use Civil War reproduction fabrics or modern and playful designs, the Triumph pattern will help you to create quilts that will last for generations to come. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Rocket's Red Glare by Kris Driessen of PhoebeMoon Designs: I can't honestly say that Rockets' Red Glare was inspired by any one person or event. The design itself was based on an antique quilt that caught my eye, and I adapted it into a modern pattern sized appropriately for a Quilt of Valor. Over the years I've designed many red, white, and blue quilts, including several free patriotic patterns. They are my small way of honoring the men and women who serve our country and our communities. Every stitch is a reminder that freedom is never free, and that ordinary people perform extraordinary acts of service every day. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Heartland Boot by Kate Eberius of Quiltin' Crazy: The Heartland Boot Quilt Pattern, designed by Kate Eberius of Quiltin Crazy, is a reflection of my roots, which run deep in the Heartland of America. My ancestors settled in Missouri generations ago and lived, worked, and built their lives on the land for many years. This quilt is meant for the farmers, ranchers, and anyone whose life is closely tied to the land. The kind of life that values hard work, simplicity, and family. Heartland Boot is a traditionally pieced quilt pattern and very beginner friendly. This throw size pattern includes detailed diagrams and clear written instructions. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Patriotic Exploding Heart by Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilts: The Patriotic Exploding Heart quilt, designed by Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilts, is a bold burst of patriotic pride! Based on the popular Exploding Heart quilt pattern, this new version is perfect for showcasing red, white, and blue fabrics. The advanced beginner pattern includes two size options - a 72" x 72" throw that is fat quarter friendly and a 36" x 36" mini size that uses fat eighths, plus bonus ideas for enlarging to to twin and queen sizes. The pattern includes cutting options for both traditional methods as well as using a fabric cutter and dies. Make a wall hanging for your home and a quilt to honor a veteran! You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Home of the Brave by Sandra Starley of Textile Time Travels: Home of the Brave is a patriotic wall hanging designed by Sandra Starley of Textile Time Travels. It is the perfect pattern to use up UFOs/orphan blocks and lots of fun scraps. This quilt is a melting pot of techniques: standard, strip, paper and freezer paper piecing. See how to adapt and actually use your orphan blocks to speed up the piecing process. A fun way to celebrate America 250! You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.

Patriot by Jennifer Fulton of The Inquiring Quilter: After the shock and disbelief of 911, my first thought was to fly a flag. Like all Americans, I needed to feel connected and strong to face the changing world ahead, and flying a flag provided that. 

A flag is only a symbol, but to me it's a very special one. In our flag I see one country, united and strong, yet flexible and free.

I designed Patriot to honor veterans--my father, my brother, my aunt. My hope is that quilters will make Patriot to honor the veterans in their lives or to donate to Quilts of Valor.

Patriot is easy to piece, but there are supporting videos on my YouTube channel for those that need more help. Patriot can be cut out conventionally, or with an AccuQuilt cutter--complete yardage and cutting directions are included in the pattern. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about the quilt here.

Sew Pink 2025.....in lime green this year....

 

....yes--lime green. Keep reading for the rest of that story. But first a big thank you to the team at ByAnnie.com for helping to raise the awarenss for all types of cancers this year. As someone who has heard the words "you have cancer"--it doesn't matter what color the ribbon is--your world will be shaken. 

The #SewPink Initiative's mission is to raise awareness for cancer throughout the year.

Efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote self-care, awareness, early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer.

To learn more and see the calendar of events visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK

This four generation photo was taken at my baptism. The dress was given to me by my great grandmother who is holding me. The lady on the left is my grandmother--keep her in mind for later.


Fifty years later--we took another four generation photo. This time I am on the left and my granddaughter is wearing my baptism dress.

My mother tells me that my grandmother was a very creative person--and I get my skills from her. 

I remeber how grandma would make Christmas so special. She would set a beautiful table with cute little favors by each placesetting. We would all squish into her tiny kitchen for an amazing meal. Oh the cookie trays she could make. I designed the quilt above with her in mind--Gingersnap Recollections. She made the most delicious molasses cookies. My grandma was diagnoised with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I was 13 years old when she passed away at the age of 62. My oldest granddaughter--the one in the photo--will be 13 years old when I am 62--and I too have had cancer. This quilt holds all the family recipes that grandma put on her cookie tray--that I want to pass down to my granddaughter. I pray that we can take another 4 generation photo someday. 

...and that is my reason for a lime green SEW Pink post--it is the ribbon color for Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I knew I had to honor my grandmothers' memory with a mixer cover. In the Mix is the pattern I used.

As usual, the ByAnnie.com patterns were spot on--lots of steps--but just follow them one by one to get to the finished project!! The lime green fabrics used are leftovers from the Gingersnap Recollections quilt--so double the meaning behind them!!

Only had one little mishap. And it actually worked out fine because the folded over fabric could be trimmed off when rounding the side panels!! Just had to add a little line of quilting back in.

Super fast project--only took a long afternoon from start to finish.

Love the finished product!!! Now everytime I pull out my mixer I can think of my sweet grandmother!!!

And my grandmas' recipe--I think I will add it to the zipper pocket just to keep it safe. Thanks so much for stopping by. Take some time today to plan memories with your loved ones---oh and take some photos with your kids and grandkids!! I don't have any with my grandma--just the ones in my memory!!

"A grandma is someone who plays a special part in all the treasured memories we hold in our heart."  --unknown

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children." Deuteronomy 4 : 9

Out to Lunch 2.0 in #SewPINK Initiative...

 ...so honored to be part of the byAnnie.com LLC #SewPINK Initiative this year...a bit of my why.

Having no family history of breast cancer, I choose to do a mammogram every other year. The pandemic year was supposed to be my year to schedule--but I didn't. Then in 2022, at the insistance of my husband--I scheduled and went in for a mammogram. Only to be called on our 37th wedding anniversary of a suspicious area that needed to checked into.  After lots of hurry up and wait came the cancer diagnosis. Then more waiting until the meeting with the breast surgeon. There we found out the tumor was small, non agressive and treatable. What an answer to prayer!! We choose to go the lumpectomy route. Radiation could be done right in the operating room--who knew they could do that?!?  No lymph node involment. After testing the tumor, no chemotherapy was needed. Since the tumor was hormone positive--ER+ PR+ HER2-, I would need to go on a hormone inhibitor--Anastrazole--for 5 years. Such amazing new treatments have been made!! It might seem simple to just take one pill a day--but oh my--I call these little white pills my Brutal Blessings!! The side effects of the drug can be brutal--dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, interupted sleep, constipation and snarky moods just to name a few!! But the fact that I love my family and want to be here to see my grandkids grow up keeps me taking them and looking for ways to deal with the side effects!! One thing I want to stress to anyone taking any of these medications is to pay close attention and make a list of the side effects--then when the pharmacy tells you that the refill is from a "new supplier" and the pill might look different--but it's still the same drug--make a new list of the side effects. I have had 3-4 different suppliers in the last 2 years--each one with a different set of side effects--some almost made me quit--but after reviewing the lists with the pharmacy we have settled on a supplier whose side effects are ones I can manage. I say all this to encourage those struggling with a hormone inhibitor to pay attention and don't be afraid to be your own advocate!!! 

The #SewPink Initiative was created by ByAnnie.com LLC to raise awareness for breast cancer throughout the year. Efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote self-care, awareness, early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer.

To learn more and see the calendar of events visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK

To find screenings available near you:

• Breast Screen (Australia)
• CDC.gov (US)
• Komen Foundation (More info)

Such a fun array of colors and supplies!! The byAnnie.com products in the color Lipstick were an amazing match for the selection of pinks from my Signature Fabric collection--Peace and Love--with Island Batik fabrics.

Such great texture quilting on the Soft and Stable with the Superior So Fine! thread.

Looking good!!

I had never tried this step in the binding making process--but let me tell you--it really works well!!

The carrying strap was quite easy to make too!!

In love with the finished product!! I chose the Out to Lunch bag because after the cancer diagnosis, my husband and I decided to change our eating habits. We cut out all processed foods and no refined sugars. I do love to cook, so our meals are still delicious--lots of fresh fruits and veggies along with seafoods and meat--we are farmers so we eat what we raise. By adding in exercise--walking 16 miles a week--that also helps with reducing some of the medication side effects--I have lost over 65 pounds since the diagnosis and my husband is right at 35 pounds. We acutally feel better at age 60 than we did at age 50!! 

This is the blessing part of the breast cancer diagnosis--we have chosen to embrace each day with joy!! Live life to the fullest. Praise the Lord for each new day to serve Him in all that we do!!

Click photo for video to see inside the Out to Lunch bag!!

Thank you for stopping by--and please take care of your breast health!! 

 Farmhouse Vintage Ornaments and Tree Skirt with AccuQuilt....

...AccuQuilt released 2 Christmas dies this year--the GO! TreeSkirt Wedge and the GO! Ornaments Medley. Read on to find out how I used them to add some Farmhouse charm to my holiday decor.

I used pages from a vintage book to die cut 6 shapes from each ornament design. Fold each die cut in half vertically. 

Apply a bit of double stick tape to one side of folded ornament. Stack another folded matching ornament on top and repeat until all 6 ornaments are stacked. 

Open stacked ornament and place a length of double stick tape along center crack. Place a folded length of baker's twine on centered tape. Place another small length of double stick tape to one side of ornament body. Fold ornament together along center crack encasing the baker's twine in the center fold to create the hanging loop.

Use a small paint brush to apply a thin layer of glue to edges of one ornament. Swish ornament into a pile of glitter. Make a huge mess--but oh so rewarding to play with glitter!! Repeat until all edges are coated with glitter--and your workspace.

Display your new handmade vintage book paper ornaments and ENJOY!!!!

Next up, the tree skirt. For 8 years, I have used just a length of linen fabric to wrap around the base of our tree. It did the job fine--but when AccuQuilt released the tree skirt die--I thought--hey let's see if it works to make it out of burlap!! 

The shapes die cut beautifully!! Once again though--a giant mess was made in my studio!! Seems to be a theme with these designs. Oh well, sometimes a bit of mess is needed for something beautiful to be made!

I used a narrow zig zag to sew an approximate 1/2" seam. This larger seam allowance than the pattern calls for is because the burlap weave is quite loose and ravels easily. Press seams open. Then secure seam down with the same narrow zig zag. Follow die pacackaging pattern to make the tree skirt top. I chose not to use a backing, so just folded over the inner and outer edge once and secured hems with the same narrow zig zag stitch. Quite an easy sew--just once again--super messy with the burlap. Trim all the excess threads off and tree skirt is finished.

I just love the finished project. The skirt really does lay flat--but I have it gathered quite small at the top because I don't have a large area around the base of the tree as it is next to the basement steps. 

I hope you have enjoyed learning to think outside the die--and use new mediums to make something special!!

Have a Blessed Christmas Season!!!

Twist and Turn in Sunshine Garden....

Twist & Turn Quilts by Cinzia White published by C&T Publishing is landing in stores this month. I have joined with a group of exciting original designers to bring you more ideas on how to meld different designs to make your own original quilt. These innovative designers are showing you a variety of their own circle designs using the latest fabrics to highlight the versatility of Cinzia’s Twist & Turn Quilts. 

Cinzia is an Australian designer who has been quilting for over 30 years. She has had designs in many Australian and American quilt magazine, created award winning quilts and taught her design process all over Australia. She creates quilts not intended to be finished quickly, but to enjoy the process!! I am honored that she reached out to me to participate in her blog hop.

Cinzia choose--Soul Search--one of my newest quilt patterns designed using fabrics from my 2nd Signature Fabric collection--Sunshine Garden with Island Batik. You can find the pattern HERE.

How delightful is this mash up of Cinzias' Twist and Turn with my Soul Search block in Sunshine Garden?!?!? I think that adding some of the vines, berries and butterflys to this would make a stunning design.

There is such movement and flow going on here--just like how a butterfly looks for landing platforms to feed. Really beautiful!!!

You can see all the other designers Twist and Turn at the links below!! 

Thursday 25th   Monika Henry from https://www.pennyspoolquilts.com/blogs/blog/twist-turn-blog-hop 

Friday 26th Tammy Silvers of https://www.tamarinis.com/ 

Saturday 27th Swan Sheridan from https://www.swanamity.com/ 

Sunday 28th Laura Piland from https://www.sliceofpiquilts.com/2023/05/twist-turn.html 

Monday 29th Robin Koehler from https://nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com/ 

Tuesday 30th Terri Vanden Bosch from http://www.lizardcreekquilting.com/ 

Wednesday 31st Cinzia White from https://www.facebook.com/groups/cinziawhitedesigns/ 

Several designers are offering an e-book giveaway of this scrap busting, enjoy the moment and all the things book. Comment here or on my Lizard Creek Quilting Facebook post for an opportunity.

"Butterflies add another dimension to the garden, for they are like dream flowers--childhood dreams--which have broken loose from their stalks and escaped into the sunshine." --Miriam Rothschild