Freemotion by the River: Quilt tutorials

Hi Reader How is your weather? Here in Ankeny, IA it has gotten colder (still not bad) and we are supposed to get some snow. The forecast changed and we are now supposed to get 3-5 inches starting this afternoon. I bet the grocery stores will be busy today. I know Rusty will enjoy the snow as he has been rolling around in yard and getting covered in dried grass, then he comes in and sits so I can brush him off. Silly boy! I have been working on my February UFO Challenge and have finished 2 of...

Hi Reader How is the weather where you are? Our weather has been unbelievably warm for Iowa. Builder Bob grilled ribs on the deck and several other neighbors were outside grilling also. Rusty and I went for a walk along with everyone else in the neighborhood, it was a perfect day to be outside. They are talking snow on Saturday so winter will be back. I want to share this Mini Dresden table runner that I made. MSQ sent me the mini ruler that is perfect to use with 2½-inch fabric strips. Be...

Hi Reader I am so excited that many of you have purchased my Misty table topper! I can wait to see your quilt projects and I hope you visited my blog to see more photos of it. Misty in Pink Table Topper Misty Quilt Pattern You can find the Misty quilt pattern in my Shopify Store or Etsy. I know it is Valentine's Day tomorrow but I wanted to share some of the quilt projects that are perfect for this time. Maybe you'll find something that can be made in different colors or work on it for next...

Hi Reader Have you decorated for Valentine's Day? I admit about the only thing I do is put several new table toppers on the tables. In fact I just finished one using a beautiful fat quarter bundle of fabrics and revised a quilt pattern of mine. I hope you like it! Misty in Pink Table Topper If you like working with HSTs, you'll enjoy this quilt pattern. Misty Quilt Pattern You can find the Misty quilt pattern in my Shopify Store or Etsy. Don't miss: February 2026 UFO January 2026 UFO Red...

Hi Reader Have you had time to quilt this week? I started working on my February UFO challenge. My pick this month was 4 bag projects and for the first one I picked the Cupid's Catch-All. This really was a challenge for me, the binding doesn't look the greatest but.....it is done. Now to see if I can finish another one or....all 3 that are left by the end of the month. If you finished a UFO in January or have selected a new one for February I would love to see you add it to my Linky Party....

Hi Reader Are you staying warm? I'm so glad I can stay home and quilt in cold weather. Builder Bob seems to be doing fine, no more nosebleeds thank goodness. Yesterday I spent most of the day on my computer working on blog posts and videos. I guess I'm a procrastinator as I like saving things till the last moment. I have 3 blog posts and 2 videos to share! My January UFO is finished and wait until you see what I will work on in February. The January Color Challenge closed early (my fault). I...

Hi Reader I hope everyone is staying warm and safe. We have only had bitter cold but I see all of the ice and power outages everywhere. I have several things to share including some medical issues with Builder Bob. Happening in my Studio #3 Feeding the Squirrels Don't miss: Happening in my Studio #2 Willow quilt pattern Happenings in my Studio #1 2026 Studio Tour Quilt Projects of 2025 2026 Unfinished Quilt Project Challenge January Color of the Month Challenge Free Quilt Calendar for 2026 PS...

Hi Reader It is hard to believe that we are more than half way through January. We have lucked out on snow lately but it is very cold. Of course that makes it a perfect time to stay inside and quilt. I have several things I am working on and also finishing up my January UFO. At the end of the month I'll share it but you can take a peek of it in my blog post today. There is also info on another giveaway on Youtube. Happening in my Studio #2 The birds and squirrels are enjoying all of the...

Hi Reader I have finished my first quilt for 2026, it is a small one but that still counts. I always love small, fast, and easy quilt projects. Willow is the name of my quilt pattern and there are 2 different sizes to make. I think you will like it. Learn more about it in my blog post. Willow Quilt Pattern Willow Don't miss: I also have a giveaway going on Youtube. Happenings in my Studio #1 2026 Studio Tour Quilt Projects of 2025 2026 Unfinished Quilt Project Challenge January Color of the...