Gentry's Mill Month #5 Tutorial

 Hello Everyone, 

I'm a couple of days late posting the tutorial for Gentry's Mill for this block. You can download the tutorial HERE from Google Drive. 

I put the files in Google Drive to make them easier for you to print. 

Here are some things to remember:

1. Starch your fabrics first

2. Use Aurifil 50wt thread

3. Cut accurately

4. Check to make sure you have an accurate 1/4" seam

5. Follow the pressing directions

6. This is not a race

You will be finished with the blocks soon and then you can move on to the sashing.

If you are having a hard time finding all of the tutorials, put the words Gentry's Mill Tutorial in the search box on the left-hand side of the blog.

I'm still cutting kits and writing the pattern for Cozy Country Christmas. I have three more star blocks to make.  

Marcus Fabrics is sending me the material to make a version using Franklin House fabrics.  Not sure when I will get around to making this one.....which I truly LOVE! It is so elegant and would look so good on display in the cabin for the entire Winter. 

So many fun things to make and so little time.....sigh.

We still have a lot of summer people here in the mountains, but my community isn't as impacted today as it was over the weekend. I do feel fortunate to live in an area where so many people like to vacation.  I feel very privileged to live here year-round. 

Soon,

Lynn

STARDANCE - My Pattern of the Week

 Hello Everyone,

This week, I'm shining a spotlight on Stardance—a wonderfully scrappy quilt pattern designed to make the most of your treasured fabric stash. With clear, detailed instructions and step-by-step illustrations using fabrics from my Hearthstone and Gentry's Mill lines by Marcus Fabrics, Stardance guides you every stitch of the way. You can find the discounted pattern HERE.

One thoughtful touch: each direction page includes space to attach your own chosen fabric scraps, making organization effortless as you sew. I loved to be organized.....but you'd never know it if you saw my sewing room!

And of course, the pattern features my signature block layout sheet—the true map to your success. If you love turning scraps into stars, Stardance is the perfect way to let your creativity dance across the quilt top. The block layout sheet includes the measurements and graphic of the exact size the components need to be.  If the piece doesn't fit, you'll know it immediately and can adjust accordingly.  The block layout sheet also includes the pressing directions. If your block goes together seamlessly, you are more likely to finish the quilt.

After a full and bustling week down in the Bay Area, it was a breath of fresh mountain air to come home and unwind. We spent a beautiful evening enjoying tri-tip sandwiches expertly grilled by our local firefighters, all while tapping our toes to the live music. The band, fittingly named Burn Permit, played for the fundraiser—clever name.

I’ve been up to my elbows in fabric, cutting yard after yard for the Cozy Country Christmas kits. One day alone I sliced through 90 yards, and followed that with another 60 the next—my back had a few choice words about all the standing and bending! The upside? I’ve cleared out bolts and bolts of fabric, which means the hallway is no longer lined like a fabric fortress. It’s starting to look like a normal hallway again!

Mr. Joe took command of the smoker this Fourth of July with an 8-pound pork butt, and let’s just say—I haven’t needed to set foot in the kitchen since. The mouthwatering aroma wafted through the neighborhood all day long. The real twist? He found a recipe that called for basting the pork every 45 minutes with cherry-flavored Dr. Pepper. It was bold, a little quirky, and absolutely delicious. 

The summer crowd has poured in this week, bringing a surge of traffic and energy to our quiet mountain street and community. Sadly, with it came heartbreak—one of the three bear cubs we've been watching was struck and killed by a speeding car right on our street about five cabins down the road. It’s been a tough reminder of how quickly things can change. We mountain folks tend to drive with a watchful eye, knowing that wildlife can appear in a flash. But the faster pace and unfamiliarity with these roads are taking a toll.  A couple of years ago, a large bear ran right in front of my sister's car as she was driving up the hill.  Her vigilance paid off and the bear scampered off into the woods unscathed.

I have a Zoom meeting with Marcus Fabrics this week to discuss two more fabric lines.  It is so exciting to see my ideas come to life!

Here's a toast to 'to-do' lists! I have a full to-do list this week.  I find I have to 'write it down' to keep me on task.

Soon,

Lynn 

  

 

Happy July 4th

 Hello Everyone,

This quilt, “Zinnie’s Choice,” carries the legacy of our Golden Retriever, Zinnie. While I was piecing it together, she would snatch a quilt block and parade around proudly—like a rodeo queen in full gallop, waving her prize like the American flag in a victory lap. Her playful mischief turned the quilt into a celebration of joy, love, and a dog with undeniable flair.

To celebrate the 4th of July holiday, Zinnie's Choice is on sale in my Etsy shop HERE.  Here are closeups of the blocks 9" x 9" blocks.  The quilt measure 36" x 54".  I have free video classes on The Quilt Show HERE which will help you with this quilt.

Sadly, Zinnie passed away at the age of five and we were devastated. The story about Zinnie's passing is HERE.  I still cry and get emotional when I read it.

After years of having a dog by our side, the house felt incomplete without one—so we welcomed Mazey into our lives as a puppy, showering her with all the love we had to give. This past April, Mazey marked her 11th birthday, and through the years, the bond between us has grown deep and unshakable. She's become part of our hearts, just as we've become part of hers.

We've had a very busy week.  We traveled to Livermore to celebrate our youngest grandson's 17th birthday on Monday.  He is such a great kid and so much fun to be with. Kade is our lacrosse and football playing grandson.  We had the opportunity to meet his sweet girlfriend who was at his party.

On Tuesday I had my long-awaited cataract surgery.  I was on the waiting list for 7 months.  During that time, the quality of my vision diminished significantly in my right eye.  Hopefully my points will be totally aligned in my quilts from now on!

On Wednesday, we headed to the Alameda County Fair to spend time with our other grandson and say goodbye to his pigs before they were loaded onto the big red truck this Sunday. This marks his final year in FFA—a program we deeply admire for the skills, responsibility, and character it fosters. I have nothing but praise for the opportunities it has given him. He is a member of the welding team and has traveled to competitions around the state.  It has given him a skill which he loves.  He's not too fond of the pigs!

Wishing you a joyful and safe 4th of July! We'll be spending it quietly at the cabin—at least, that’s the hope. The sound of fireworks echoing through the mountains is truly unnerving, especially since they’re banned around here. Yet, some folks just can’t resist breaking the rules. And don’t even get me started on the ones who think it’s a good idea to fire guns… that kind of recklessness makes me crazy!

Soon,

Lynn

Pattern of the Week - Christmas Ribbons

 Hello Everyone,

Since it's Sunday, it must be time to post my pattern of the week offered in my Etsy shop for a 10% discount!  This week I'm featuring Christmas Ribbons.

This was the first time I did curved crosshatching on my longarm.  

The flange in the border can be optional.  I think it sets the border off so nicely.

The quilt finishes at 62" x 62", and the blocks are 10" finished.

It also looks great in non-Christmas fabrics too.

You could just call it Ribbons!

Click HERE for the link to the pattern in my Etsy shop. 

I have a very busy week ahead and I'll tell you all about it when I can.

Soon,

Lynn

Home to Stay & a Recipe

Hello Everyone,

My Gentry's Mill quilt has been out traveling around the country for months and she's finally returned home to stay for a bit.

My Calico Cottages design is on display on the left, and Minglewood is in the crock on the right.  Gentry's Mill is draped over a very old sled.

Calico Cottages is pouring out of a mailbox I found at an antique store here in town. The Rocking Chair Lodge sign came with the mailbox.  Perfect right?

I also use a sled to display my Americana collectibles and patriotic quilt.  Mr. Joe had glass shelves made for the sled and it's quite the conversation piece.

I took a picture of a new recipe I made for our company the other night called Smoked Deep-Dish Burgers.  

These are SO GOOD and would be great to make for your 4th of July celebration.

Here's the recipe:

Wood chips for smoking

1 T. butter

1 (8 oz) pkg sliced white mushrooms

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 C. chopped sweet onion

2 T. steak sauce

4 Thick-cut bacon strips, cooked crisp and crumbled

3-1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 Beer or soda can used to form the patties

12 Thick-cut bacon strips

Salt and pepper to taste

12 Slices of your favorite cheese

Soak a great big handful of wood chips in water for 30 minutes, then drain. In the meantime, melt the butter in a skillet and sauté the mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion until softened.  Stir in the steak sauce and cooked bacon and set aside.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spritz with cooking spray.  Form the ground beef into six equal-sized balls and arrange them on the baking sheet.

Clean the outside of the beer or soda can and coat it with cooking spray.  Press the can firmly into a meatball to form a cup, pressing the edges of the meat to an even thickness and fixing any cracks; wrap each with two bacon strips and secure with toothpicks.  Remove the can and repeat with the remaining meatballs.  Season with salt and pepper and fill with the mushroom mixture.

Grease the grill grate and preheat the grill to 300 degrees for indirect cooking.  For a charcoal grill, toss a big handful of the soaked wood chips directly on the hot coals.  For a gas grill, place wood chips in a smoker box.

Set the stuffed burgers on the COOL side of the grill.  Close the grill lid and cook for 30 to 45 minutes.  Top each burger with a cheese slice and cook until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. DO NOT FLIP THE BURGERS!  We rotated the burgers, so each side had a turn close to the heat, so the bacon was crisp.

These smelled so amazing that we couldn’t wait to dig in—I completely forgot to snap a pic of the finished dish! They were incredibly flavorful, and no bun required. I paired the burgers with Danish potato salad and fresh sliced melon. It is the perfect summer meal!

I hope you all have a delightful weekend!

Soon,

Lynn

 

Pattern of the Week - Autumn Thyme

 Hello Everyone,

Summer may have just begun, but it’s never too early to let a little autumn charm sneak into your stitching. Embrace those warm hues and harvest-inspired patterns now, and you’ll be ahead of the curve when the crisp fall days arrive.

This whimsical design blends the rich texture of wool with the touch of cotton, measuring 38" by 10". It is made from my Hearthstone fabric collection for Marcus Fabrics, it radiates a rustic warmth that feels right at home in any cozy setting.

Of course, I have a plaid flange around each of the blocks!

I'm offering Autumn Thyme as my featured pattern of the week at a reduced price of 10% off. The pattern is available HERE in my Etsy shop.

You certainly do not have to use wool in the design.  It would also look great in cotton fabric.

The pumpkins have little 9-patch windows looking out at the world.

On the home front, I’m still hitting the pool most mornings by 7 a.m.—though there are definitely days when my to-do list wins out and I opt to stay home and tackle it one task at a time.

I'm still volunteering four hours a week setting up for the massive flea market in August, working in the Craft/Sewing/Linens room. As I sort through bags and boxes of donations, I can’t help but think of my own sewing room. It’s a gentle reminder (more like a full-fledge shaking) that I really need to get things in order at home... before my treasures end up at the flea market for 50¢.

We had a delightful summer thunderstorm roll through on Monday. Dark clouds gathered over the mountain, and for nearly an hour, thunder rumbled off in the distance like an old engine revving up. I sat out on the deck with my book, soaking in the calm before the rain. When the drops finally came, they brought that sweet, earthy scent I love which is called petrichor.  There’s something about a summer rain—it not only soothes the soul but also offers a little relief from the looming threat of fire season.....my least favorite time of the year.

I'm off to the flea market this morning, then home to my sewing room.  I started stitching the rows together for my Christmas quilt.  When I get tired of sewing, I work on the pattern.

I hope all of you are enjoying your Summer so far.

Soon,

Lynn

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Beautiful Quilts

 Hello Everyone,

I always encourage you to make the quilt your own—add your unique touch, reinterpret the pattern, and let it reflect your creativity. A pattern is just a starting point, not a rulebook! I was thrilled to receive these photos: one from a wonderful follower and another from a dear friend. Both quilts are beautiful reflections of their personal style and thoughtful craftsmanship.

This is my Calico Cottages pattern made by my friend, Judy.  She named the quilt English Cottages since she used the English Garden line by Laundry Basket Quilts. I'm so glad she's coming to my November retreat so I can see this quilt in person!

I love the backing fabric! It's like having a 2-sided quilt.

The following images are from Joan who made turned my Country Sampler pattern from 9" blocks to 18" blocks using her AccuQuilt dies. The ribbon border is striking and frames the blocks so nicely.

Look at those perfect points!

It brings me so much joy to receive pictures of your quilts. I truly understand the time, heart, and effort that each quilt demands, and I absolutely love seeing the beautiful work you’ve created.

Both patterns can be purchased HERE in my Etsy shop. 

A dear friend from high school and her partner are coming for dinner tonight, so today’s agenda is all about cooking and giving the cabin a good tidy-up. Honestly, if it weren’t for company, I’m not sure I’d ever bother to clean—nothing like a visit to spark some motivation!

Have a great weekend.

Soon,

Lynn

Catch Up Time

 Hello Everyone,

It may feel like I’ve vanished from the map, but summer has swept me up in a flurry of projects. Between prepping fabric for upcoming retreats, assembling kits, volunteering, writing patterns, and starting each morning with a swim, the days have flown by.

One recent delight: Marcus Fabrics released a beautiful new line by Dolores Smith called Franklin House. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to audition those prints for my upcoming design, Cozy Country Christmas. I'm in the midst of writing the pattern now, and the fabric is adding an entirely different look to the pattern.  

I sent the image to a friend to get her thoughts.  She suggested it would be a quilt that you could put on display all through the entire Winter season. I may have to change the name of the pattern to Cozy Winter.  Are there any thoughts out in blogland for a pattern name?

I think the quilt and fabric radiate a quiet, low-volume elegance that’s both subtle and striking. My cuts from the Franklin House line are already on their way from Marcus Fabrics in New York—can’t wait to get my hands on them. I may not have the time to stitch the full quilt just yet, but I’m eager to piece together a few blocks and start exploring how it all comes together. It’s like a gentle whisper of the full story taking shape, one block at a time.

On another note, as if I don't have enough to do, I started volunteering at Independence Hall on Tuesday and Thursday to help with the organization of the upcoming flea market the first weekend in August.  This is the hall where my guild meets every Monday throughout the year.  The hall is the old Hazel Fischer School which was given to the community of Arnold.  The hall is in desperate need of a new roof to the tune of $100,000.  Every year the Hall holds a HUGE flea market, and the monies collected sustain the Hall through the year.

This is the most organized flea market I've ever seen!  The Hall has quite a few rooms which are going to be filled with children's toys and clothing, women's clothing, men's clothing, collectibles, books and games, furniture, Christmas items, tools.....you name it.  Different people are in charge of each room.  I've been volunteering in the craft/sewing, home goods room.  My superpower is folding fabric, so that's what I do.  I'll take a picture of my progress today.  This is a picture of Karen's area showcasing sets of dishes.  Great care is taken in each area showcasing the items for sale.

A dear friend from high school is in town, and she and her partner are joining us for dinner tomorrow evening, along with another longtime friend Kathy, from Livermore who has a cabin nearby. We went to dinner last night at Lake Alpine Lodge with Kathy and it felt like no time had passed. We never run out of things to talk about. Our sons grew up together and our friendship spans more than 40 years. This week promises to be rich with stories, laughter, and plenty of reminiscing, I guess like a verbal scrapbook of memories.

Soon,

Lynn

Gentry's Mill Month #4 Tutorial

 Hello Everyone,

I just posted the tutorial for Month #4 in Google Docs.  You can download and print the tutorial HERE.

My Gentry's Mill quilt has been traveling around the country and it's down at the post office waiting to be picked up and return home.

The quilt has been gone forever!

I can't believe I quilted around every cameo on the borders.

On another note, we attended our grandson's high school graduation last Friday in Livermore.  In the blink of an eye, Jess traveled from pre-school graduation........

.....to High School graduation.  He once had an angelic glow, but while that has faded, his warmth and kindness remain. He's still an incredible kid/young man and is a wonderful human, now with a playful, mischievous streak that keeps the whole family on their toes.  

This August, he’s heading to Feather River Junior College, where he plans to earn a degree in Ag Mechanics, followed by a degree in Ranch Management. With his passion for welding, he’s spending the summer working as a welder, gaining valuable hands-on experience. He also has his sights set on joining the college’s rodeo team. His hard work and dedication have earned him two scholarships—one from the Livermore Rodeo Association and another from the Alameda County Farm Bureau. Exciting times ahead!

His mom—our daughter-in-law—put together an incredible slideshow for the graduation party on Saturday. Kicking things off with the first song "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" set the perfect tone—what a fun and fitting choice!  Livermore High is known as 'Cowboy Nation'. 

At just three years old, he earned his first—and only—belt buckle as the fastest stick pony rider in the West. All these years later, he still wears it proudly, and now, it finally fits.

The college is small, and the dorms filled up in just two days. Luckily, there's an RV park half a mile from campus, so he bought a trailer and will be moving it there soon. Whether or not he knows how to cook is still up for debate, but one thing's for sure—life is about to get interesting!

We couldn't be prouder of him and are excited to see the incredible journey life has in store for him.

Soon,

Lynn