Freemotion by the River: Quilt tutorials

Hi Reader We have sure had some crazy weather lately and I'm sure you have also. Saturday it was almost 90 and I am not ready for that kind of heat. I did get some yard work done though. Sunday the temperature dropped down to sweatshirt weather (my favorite) and it is sunny and cool today. I finished up my March UFO quilt challenge, how are you doing on yours? Here is Honey Drift, the quilt made with my #5 quilt blocks. There is also a cute photo of Rusty on it. Honey Drift Quilt I also...

Hi Reader It is starting to look like spring here in Iowa, we did have a light snow a couple of days ago and I took a cute, short video of Rusty in the snow that is in my blog post today. I also have a couple of table toppers that are perfect for St. Patrick's day. There is a free tutorial for the Kite table topper. Happening in my studio #5 Connecting Threads is having a sitewide 25% off sale when you use the code 3QUILT26 you'll find thread, batting and fabric! Also don't miss: FQS Sew...

Hi Reader Good morning from Iowa, we had a thunder storm roll in last night and got some much needed rain. When I took Rusty out this morning, it smells like spring. There are puddles everywhere and the grass is turning green. Could spring actually be here? I have cleared the fabric off of my cutting table and it now my quilt studio looks like a cardmaking studio. I'll be in classes with Taylored Expressions all day and then tonight my daughter and grandkids will be here to make cards....

Hi Reader Remember all the little peeks at my next quilt? Well it is finished! I think you will like it. Yesterday we did our road trip to Nolting in Hiawatha, IA to get my longarm worked on. Builder Bob kept saying I should buy a new longarm and I kept saying nope. Guess what happened? I ordered a new 24" Diamond longarm! It will take about 2 months for them to build it so they sent my old longarm home with me so I'll have something to use. There has been an important part of the machine...

Hi Reader It is time for the 2026 March Color of the Month challenge and the color is GREEN. You can see my green Churn Dash quilt blocks and also several quilt projects I have done in the past that are green. 2026 March Color of the Month challenge By the time you read this newsletter, we will be on our way to Nolting Longarm in Hiawatha, IA about 2 hours away. My longarm needs a little work, thank goodness Bob was able to detach and carry it to the car, it is really heavy. Hopefully they...

Hi Reader Welcome to March, it is chilly here in Iowa but no snow and I'm starting to think Spring! I can't wait to work in the yard and plant in my raised beds. I finished my video picking the new quilt UFO for March and then I got the blog post uploaded yesterday on the first. It may have been late last night but it was the first. Wait until you see what I'll be working on this month! March 2026 UFO Challenge March is also a new month for the color challenge and I'll get that posted this...

Hi Reader Can you believe February is almost over? I thought I'd do a Happenings in my Studio #4 since I haven't done one since the end of January. I have all kinds of things I'm working on but can only share a few and yes, there is a new photo of Rusty. Happenings in my Studio #4 Don't forget to grab your March Quilt Calendar, I think I forgot to mention it last month. There is also a Quilting Checklist and the Annual calendar. What a deal! Green Fairy - All layer cakes 30-50% off! Don't...

Hi Reader How is your weather? It sounds like parts of the country are bracing for another round of storms. We ended up with 6 inches of snow but the roads are now clear and I'll be heading out shortly to meet some friends for breakfast. When I get home I'm going to try and finish the last quilt project for my February UFO challenge as Saturday is the last day of the month. Then it will be time to pick the March UFO and Color Challenge, I hope you're taking part. Many of you asked about a...

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...