“What’s the secret of success? Right decisions. How do you make right decisions? Experience. How do you get experience? Wrong decisions.” – John Wayne
John Wayne was spot-on with that quote. It’s so true! I think we can reword it a bit and apply it to sewing: “What’s the secret to successful sewing projects? Completed and almost-perfect projects. How do you complete almost-perfect projects? Experience. How do you get experience? Imperfect projects.” – Beth Cooper
Trust me when I say, I’ve made a ton of mistakes in my sewing projects over the past 20+ years! But, man oh man, did I learn a bunch as well. My projects will never be perfect but I can confidently say that I make a lot less mistakes these days. Experience is priceless.
Let’s Talk About Sew The Duke!
Speaking of John Wayne, have you seen the new John Wayne fabric that just came in? It is just beautiful. I’m a big fan of the Duke and fell in love with this fabric instantly. It makes me want to make another John Wayne quilt! (Yes, I already have one. lol.) I’ll share a few pics of the John Wayne fabric, just in case you are inspired to make one too. You can find the whole collection here.
This would make a beautiful quilt for someone going through a difficult time. You can find the panel by clicking here.
“Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne
Quilt Along with Us!!
In other news, have you heard about our Sampler Quilt Along? We are making a FREE Sampler Quilt Along quilt, where each week, we release one block per week. (Click here to read all about the Quilt Along.) You can jump into the fun any time you want. There’s no need to sign up. You can print or download each free block pattern. Make them all to have a beautiful Sampler quilt! Or just make your favorites! It is totally up to you!
Our reader, Colleen Peterson from Las Cruces, New Mexico, recently sent in photos of some of her progress on the Sampler quilt. How gorgeous are these blocks? I love them! She also sent in a tip for the Dutchman’s Puzzle block: “For the Dutchmen’s Puzzle block I actually used Deb Tucker’s Wing Clipper ruler and the 4 at a time flying geese method. It fits my brain. The ruler was purchased at the Wisconsin Quilt Show years ago(when I still lived there) where I got to actually see Nancy Zieman and meet her. She was such a a quilting celebrity and I continue to revisit her videos on YouTube.”
These Sampler quilts are all turning out just beautifully! Remember, you can email your progress pics, as well, to: beth@nancysnotions.com. I would love to see them and I can’t wait to see all of the finished quilts at the end of this project!
It’s Not Too Late to Join the Block of the Month!
If you like our Sampler Quilt Along, you will probably love the new 2024 Block of the Month going on over at Missouri Star! This quilt is called Summer Strolls (pictured below) and is just such a beautiful selection of blocks and colors. This quilt goes together row by row and is the first ever Triple Play Block of the Month! There is a tutorial released each month showing you exactly how to make each block. This is a seven month program and the fabric is included in the purchase price. You can learn all about it by clicking right here.
Winter is the perfect time to keep that sewing machine running! Enjoy the season by keeping something under your needle and being creative. Happy Sewing!
‘Til next time!
Beth
P.S. Remember, each day there is a new Daily Deal on Missouri Star! (I’m addicted to great deals! Caution: you may be too.)
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