2020 is turning into The Year of the Sew Along for me. In our current lockdown situation, so many designers, quilt shops, and groups are hosting the most fun sew alongs. If we are stuck in the house, surrounded by our fabric stashes, why not make the most of it! I have an all-time high of five, yes FIVE sew alongs going right now (technically one is a UFO, but it WAS a sew along lol), and I am loving it. I will share the details of them with you this week.
Let me tell you about the one pictured above. Since we are under orders to "shelter in place" in our homes, working on some cute little house blocks seems just about perfect. I first heard about it on Instagram #modavillage. There is a Miss Rosie pattern called Village that features an entire neighborhood of these adorable blocks. I happened to have the pattern, but it is FREE for downloading on the Sew Lux website. Lots of people are posting on the Instagram site and it is so much fun to see what they are doing. There are also helpful tips--for instance, some of the houses have little chimneys which look tricky to construct, and I noticed some kind soul had done a tutorial.
You can use charm packs or scraps to make the blocks, and I am telling you, they are absolutely addicting. Wouldn't this be a remarkable memento of the time we were all stuck at home but found a way to connect with other quilters?
I had a box of American Jane (Sandy Klop) scraps which got me started. I wanted the happiest, most cheerful fabric I could get my hands on and this fit the bill. If you have leftovers from Bonnie and Camille, Fig Tree or any of your favorite designers, they will work perfectly for this quilt. Or just use any random scraps. Whatever you choose, it seems to work. Thelma (Cupcakes 'n' Daisies) made one with scraps from every quilt she made in 2016.
How are you all getting along? Every day seems to bring more bad news, doesn't it? We will get through this eventually. In the meantime, I will try to post positive thoughts each weekday. If you are alone, feel free to email me or comment on my blog. I will be happy to answer you and be at least one person you interacted with in a day!
Thank you so much for today's post! I had not heard about this sew along and thanks to you, I now have a new project to work on! Thanks for writing a beautiful blog. I enjoy reading it with my morning coffee. Stay safe and healthy during this stressful time xoxo
Posted by: Susan Quinn | March 23, 2020 at 04:58 AM
I am mailing out a house block today for an area quilt shop. It's great that people are encouraging and helping each other at this time. I hope it continues long after restrictions are lifted.
Posted by: Mary | March 23, 2020 at 05:26 AM
This pattern seems to be such a winner. There have been multiple sew alongs featuring it and it just doesn't get old. I should pull mine out and work on it. Happy sewing!
Posted by: Robby H. | March 23, 2020 at 06:09 AM
This is going to be a happy quilt! I've been doing a lot of UFO finishing which is a good thing! I have the pattern for this project and also the Quarantine Quilt Along that Gudrun Erla offered. A couple of projects to reward myself when I have finished up a couple more small UFOs!
Sandy in Northern MN
Posted by: Sandy | March 23, 2020 at 06:36 AM
I have this pattern. I think I will dig it out and sew some houses! I need a new quilt for my hallway and this would be perfect.
Posted by: Joan S | March 23, 2020 at 06:40 AM
I already made this one and gifted it last year. I think I'll just watch others and continue on my 4 sewalongs! You are right; it is addictive.
Posted by: Susan S | March 23, 2020 at 06:47 AM
I've always wanted to make this quilt. Won't it be interesting to see all the different versions of it made during this difficult time. Stay safe.
Posted by: Donna | March 23, 2020 at 07:16 AM
SO cute! I have made these little houses before and they are great for scraps and quite addictive. Crazy times and they aren't going away anytime soon. Be well and be safe!
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | March 23, 2020 at 07:21 AM
Love the start of your Village. So cheerful! Keep on keeping your spirits up, and thanks for brightening our days!
Posted by: Debbie R. | March 23, 2020 at 07:32 AM
I finished this quilt last summer after working on it for a year. I would honestly say it is one of my favorite quilts ever!! I used all charm pack scraps. Too bad my charm pack box doesn’t look like I depleted it though!!
I too have s couple sew slings going. I shifted gears this weekend and have been making fabric masks for local medical facilities. Always something to sew!!
Take care!
Posted by: Jane Eilderts | March 23, 2020 at 07:48 AM
Those bright colors are perfect for the house quilt! Our local shop's retreat was canceled this past weekend so some of us had a 'virtual' retreat checking in every few hours with progress. We've now switched gears to making masks that are in such shortage for medical personnel. There are several varieties & directions here if anyone else would like to join in.
https://patchworktimes.com/2020/03/22/masks-for-medical-personnel/
If nothing else, it uses up some stash fabric while contributing to the cause! Thank you for posting something uplifting everyday! ❤️ Stay well!
Posted by: Jan | March 23, 2020 at 08:08 AM
As usual, you keep us informed. Thanks for the link for Villages. It is so nice that quilters are sharing during this time. Thank you for blogging.
Posted by: PamO | March 23, 2020 at 08:58 AM
What a fantastic idea! I haven't been on IG much and it appears I have been missing out.
I love the 1st day of the month bc Thelma does a virtual quilt show. She shows what quilts she has out on the beds and the walls and it is just lovely to see. I guess you know that already. You have linked to her for years. ;p
I love your fabric choice here. I can't wait to see what other sew alongs you are doing.
Stay safe. Have you and your husband had the pneumonia shot? I got mine 5 yrs ago. It really is a good idea. Can't convince my husband but after Covid-19 I think I might be able to get him to do it. ;p
Posted by: Ina | March 23, 2020 at 10:12 AM
love these houses! have downloaded and hope to get to this project....have plenty of scraps on hand, of course
Posted by: grace thorne | March 23, 2020 at 10:56 AM
You are a bright note in what can be a gray time. Thanks for sharing and helping us all stay upbeat. I love the houses. I have that pattern, but have not yet made it... But I have vowed to finish quilting my current project first!
Posted by: Diane | March 23, 2020 at 11:24 AM
Love the little houses. Wouldn't these make a cute border around a quilt.
Posted by: Teresa | March 23, 2020 at 08:55 PM
I have seen your quilt and fell for it. I am glad to add another sew along. Thank you. Luckily, I'm not alone, but sew a lot anyway, so this can be a happy time to enjoy each day and rejoice in our health. Sewing does that for me. Enjoy the day!
Posted by: Karen Wheeler | March 24, 2020 at 01:07 PM