10.20.2025

The Unboxing of My Dearest *JANE*


Here she is, in all her fancy zip-top bag glory! It’s been far too long, dearest 30s TATW — Trip Around the World — Rainbow *JANE*.

Its construction was a gift of time that I desperately needed, while also connecting me back to my great-grandmother, Gladys, who loved all things textile-related — especially linens. I recall admiring fabrics with her as a very young child. I also embroidered when I was young, inspired by her beautiful antique pillowcases. Despite my modern minimalist taste, I collect milk glass, vintage and antique Christmas ornaments, and have a feather tree that reminds me of her.

Many gorgeous linens and glassware items were tucked away forever in her hall closet. I always felt that was so sad — she loved them so much but was always saving them for another time. In the end, they were still brand new and sold by my maternal great-aunt and grandmother.

Not me! I am living my best life, sleeping on the softest embroidered-edge 100% cotton pillowcases and gladly bringing out glassware for the pure enjoyment. I’m likely drawn to shell collecting because of her as well. She had the most gorgeous pink conch shell in her restroom with a thriving asparagus fern planted in it.

With her help, I learned to propagate violets, trim climbing roses for the best growth, identify various plants — all while playing with antique toys kept in a box at the bottom of her linen closet.

She was patient and kind to me; I felt so cherished in her presence.

I think my memory of her is what sparked the idea for my 40th birthday. I know the quilt choice certainly was. For the longest time, I’d buy bits of fabric that reminded me of her, without realizing they were all 1930s reproductions. When I saw a 30s *JANE* at the Chicago (Rosemont) Quilt Festival, I found the perfect design to showcase those fantastic fabrics.

At the time, I was so busy raising babies, working, baking, and cooking that I kept prioritizing everyone but myself. The priceless time leading up to that milestone birthday was exactly what I needed to claim as my own gift. Afterwards, with encouragement from my online friend group, I worked on the triangles and kites — and then we needed a long break from one another.

Jobs changed several times, the kids grew older, my volunteer work slowed, and I was no longer running to soccer games with bags of snacks in hand. Still, my time was dedicated to the education of others, balanced between working on graduate degrees and meeting family needs.

I’ve been busy being busy, and my health has finally required a pause — a forced break, if you will. It’s helped me put things into perspective, including the importance of rest and my favorite activity: sewing. I’m still working on my formal education but am consciously choosing to make time for creative ventures along the way.

First on my list is revisiting my dearest *JANE* project. Seeing all that work just waiting for the last bits — some redos and the final top construction — feels like a moment of progress after an incredibly extended hiatus. It’s about time we get reacquainted.

I’m a little nervous about continuing this beautiful project, as I’m still not fully recovered from wrist and forearm surgeries, but I’m learning to be patient. Just revisiting the fabrics feels amazing.

The latest quandary? Whether or not to construct a second version in the process of completion.

Piece & Appliqué,
Heather

10.08.2025

Liberty of London Stash



 The Liberty of London fabrics have been folded and moved to the top of the 30s cabinet. It's not ideal but will work for a while. I can pull the drawers out of the second cube to access the variations. The first cube has mostly quilter's blues and yardage of the Emily Belle line. The second set has purple quilter's cottons and my Tana Lawn pieces. 

The Aneela Hoey are folded in an open cube temporarily until I get the latest rolling cabinet in place and the L shaped desk situated. They'll have their home soon. 
Piece, 
Heather

10.05.2025

Tula Pinks Found a New Home

    
Moving the Tula Pink fabrics to their own (small) rolling cart feels like a much better option than squished on the top of the 30s cabinet. Opening drawers to see the colorful designs with room to grow the collection brings me joy. I hope you're doing something purposefully to bring some more happiness to your life as well. 💞

I pulled the Liberty of London and Kaffe Fassett fabrics last night to colorize, refold, and adjust the method for some smaller cuts. The Liberty collection is new to me, mostly scrappy fat eighth bundles; the remaining scraps of Kaffe fabrics from FWQA are in the mix. It was intended as a gift for my maternal grandmother however, she passed before I was able to complete it.

Piece, 
Heather

10.03.2025

Aneela Hoey & Tula Pink Fabrics

       
The Aneela Hoey and Tula Pink fabrics have all been folded & placed above the 30s cabinet but the cubes are too small; another move is in order. Looking at the two piles, some more Tula Pink yardage is clearly in order. The stash includes some hard to find patterns purchased for a sewing supply pouch, possibly a Bionic bag, one of these days. 

I also have some more Aneela Hoey embroidery and organizers to get to one of these days. I used to sew outside the house frequently before COVID and have done so little traveling the past few years that I'm in no rush, maybe that's a project for this winter. The smaller rolling carts were just filled with polka dots - my favorite basic - but they've only been sorted by color. I'm leaving the basics folded as is for now. Other prints and the Essex Linens were moved from their cubes to the small, solid cabinet in the back corner of the sewing room.

The Spring International Quilt Market will be in St. Louis, MO - my hometown this coming April. That means I'll be in for a good week and will have time to sew a bit after visiting with friends and family. My first big show, the International Quilt Festival, was at Rosemont (Chicago, IL). There's another post with some highlights, if you're interested.

Piece,
Heather

10.01.2025

The Last (so far!) of the Heather Ross Fabrics

The last of the Heather Ross fabrics have finally found their new home in the second rolling cabinet. The longer drawers of these chests are perfect for everything from FQs to yardage storage. 

About half of the basics have been moved to a smaller cabinet with plenty of space for stacks of goodness. The Essex Linens that I have been amassing have more space than they did in the cabinets, as most of those cuts are several yards long. I even have some space behind each door to stock with smaller bits and plenty of room for more scrumptious Essex Linen cuts as I add to the stash. 
Wishing you happy organizing,
Heather