Cluck Cluck Sew

Shimmer block-a-long

January 23, 2019

Shimmer Quilt Block

This week I finally started making another Shimmer quilt . This will be a perfect winter/spring project, and I’m going to take it slow(ish). I’m going to make 4 blocks a month, so by July I’ll have 20 blocks for a throw size.

Want to join me?

These blocks are really fun to make!

Shimmer Quilt Block

I put the Shimmer Pattern on sale (PDF here, Paper copy here), in case you want to sew along with me.

I’ll be sharing my blocks in a post in the last week of each month. If you are on Instagram, you can add your blocks with the hashtag #shimmerquilt (there are some BEAUTIFUL quilts already there for inspiration!).

Shimmer Quilt Pattern

I cut all of my white/background fabrics at once so it’s out of the way, and I’m going to choose different fabrics each month for my blocks. There is a diagram with each cutting size in the pattern so you can cut what you need for only one block.

You could make 1 block a week, or whip out 4 blocks in a sewing session…whatever works. Things are pretty low key over here!

Shimmer Quilt

Just think…by the time you have your blocks done it will be SUMMER again. Time flies by too fast!

If you want to join me, the Shimmer pattern can be found here on sale, get your background fabric all cut out and ready, and if you need fabric inspiration, visit here!

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Evergreen Quilt + Tutorial

January 15, 2019

Since I live in the Evergreen State, it’s only fitting to call this my Evergreen quilt.

I made a handful of extra tree blocks when I was testing them for my Suburbs quilt, so I figured why not make a few more and put them to good use?! These are quick and addicting to make, and a good first project trying templates if you haven’t ever used them.

I included some quick instructions for making this quilt below. It’s a fast sew, and a good use of the random leftover green fabrics I had stuffed into my stash.

Tree Block Pattern

The finished quilt measures 49″ x 55″.

Make 35 tree blocks using this printable tree block pattern.
Cut 35 strips 2 1/2″ x 7 1/2″. Sew a strip to the bottom of 20 tree blocks. Sew a strip to the top of 15 tree blocks. 3. Layout the blocks into 5 rows of 7 blocks each, alternating between blocks with strips at the bottom or top. Sew blocks together to form rows, and sew the rows together to make the quilt top. I like to press my seams open, but you could also alternate pressing directions if you press to the side. Don’t worry too much if you are sewing some of your points off a little or they aren’t perfect as you sew the quilt together…especially if you are a beginner!

I did a super fast finish and quilted this with wavy lines on my Bernina with the walking foot. I use stitch 4, and set the width to 5.5 and the stitch length to 3.

We are still hoping for some snow here in Seattle this winter…but for now it feels like Spring already. It’s 52 degrees and sunny, and Jane and I already walked through the park today after running errands. No complaints here!

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Being Content

December 31, 2018

One Way Quilt Pattern, Cluck Cluck Sew

Aqua One Way Quilt

Early in 2018 I decided to create with more intention. Less hustle, less comparison, and more finding joy in creating. Looking back on the year I feel like I did just that, or at least got really close. I made less, wrote less, designed less, and posted less, but what I did create, I did for the enjoyment of doing so.

I have a few small personal goals as we head into a New Year, but my main goal is the same for 2019 as it was in 2018….to be content.

Content with my work, and finding joy in creating while still pushing myself. Content with my time, and being mindful of what I do with it. Content with my home, and it’s never ending list of projects and fingerprints to clean. Content with my body, and focusing more on giving it what it needs (i.e. not Diet Dr. Pepper) instead of what it looks like. Content with my finances, and being proud of how far we’ve come instead of discouraged by how far we’ve yet to go. Content with my parenting, because I have a lot to work on daily, but I’m also doing a pretty darn good job. Content in my trials, because that’s how I learn and grow even when things are the worst.

Anyways…you get the idea. I’m working on being content and happy with where I am now, while still working to improve and progress. It takes daily work to change my thoughts, not compare, and just remember to be happy where I’m at right now…but it’s worth it.

Milk, Flour, Sugar Quilt