After several practice quilt sandwiches, it was time to do FMQ swirls on a *real* project. I unearthed a Moda placemat panel that had been part of the swag bag at last year’s JK Quilts spring retreat. I prepped the quilt sandwiches at sew day on Wednesday. Quilted them on Friday. Four placemats are now ready to bind.

Learning to FMQ with on my Elna 782 with the ASR requires a different set of skills – not good, not bad – just different. The payoff has been a more consistent stitch length when doing FMQ. I still get occasional long stitches (usually from moving my hands too fast when changing directions), but that’s okay. It’s part of the learning process. I actually prefer to FMQ using the start/stop button rather than the foot pedal. Still haven’t decided which particular foot I prefer to use for everyday FMQ. My next FMQ will be on a project made using the fusible grid interfacing. I’m going to try the “bowl” or clear view attachment to see if this works any better with all of the seamlines.

Back to Front Binding Tips:

Start with 2-1/2″ wide strips, adding 20% extra to the total length needed (just in case).
Do a mock binding layout to preview where any binding seams may fall – preferably no seams at the corners. Adjust as needed.
Sew using a 3/16″ seam allowance, joining ends using your favorite method.
Press sewn binding away from the back side.
Roll binding to the front side and glue baste in place, leaving corners for last.
Set corners and clip in place.
Let sit for 1/2 hour or overnight so glue can dry.
Stitch using a straight stitch with tie-off option and Janome Bi-level Left presser foot. (Note: the foot is advertised for 5-7mm machines, but I think it offers more flexibility with the 7mm widith machines. That said, my Elna 450 is a 5mm width machine. I set SW = 0 and SL= 3.0. Sew slowly with the needle down function engaged. )

May 1st brought welcome news in that my husband does not need surgery at the present time and his next appointment was scheduled for 12 months out. This means travel is back! The companion pass we’d set aside in case we needed it to travel to Houston for medical care can now be used for a fun getaway instead! Mackinac Island perhaps? Time to dust off proposed itineraries, consult our calendars, check the budget and see where we might visit in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the month of May brings a wind down to therapy dog visits for this school year. It also means crunch time to get the Block Party exhibit ready for the June quilt show. So far, I’ve received 21 entries, with a hard deadline of in my hands by May 15th. I planned for 25 blocks. We’ll see what the final number turns out to be.

Our local artisan/farmer’s market opened today for the 2026 season. Sadie enjoyed one of our favorite Sunday morning rituals of visiting with the vendors, sampling water bowls and getting a pup cup from our favorite independent pet store. She also met lots of new friends today. It was great to see a handful of regular vendors we hadn’t seen in several months. I wasn’t particularly impressed with the numerous booths selling trinkets this week. We’ll see if the trend holds. If so, we’ll be switching to nearby farmer’s markets operating on Thursday and Saturday instead.

My backyard garden is planted. One of my cherry tomato plants already has fruit on it! The blueberry bushes are loaded, but I’ll bet the birds eat the berries before they ripen. I’ll be lucky to get a handful to eat. I’m thoroughly enjoying this blissful bit of perfect weather between pollen and mosquito seasons!

By the way, I made 20 additional potato chip blocks from all the 2-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ rectangles cut from leftover jelly roll strips and other scraps. In total, thirty-five (35) 12-1/2″ blocks came from my scrap fabrics. That’s the equivalent of a 60″ x 84″ quilt top!

Happy Spring and Happy Sewing!

Planning for a staycation quilty summer? Me, too! Let’s make the best of it.

Just for fun:
(1) Visit Shop Hop, Inc. to see if there’s a shop hop for your region or state. Buy a copy of the magazine and join the fun. You can visit participating shops virtually to make a list of the ones you’d really like to visit. Plan a daytrip or a weekend away to knock out your list and collect your shop hop stamps and free gifts.

(2) Paint a Barn Quilt Block for your sewing space. Search YouTube and online for a tutorial or order a ready-made kit from Covert Creations. Check with local craft/paint studios to see if an in-person class is scheduled near you.

(3) Search for summer quilt shows within a 2-3 hour drive. Research nearby quilt shops that you can visit as part of your trip.

Virtual QAL possibilties:
(1) American Quilter’s Society is kicking off a FREE, 7 week QAL that starts this Wednesday, April 8th. The quilt design features triangle in a square units to make spiky stars. Get all the details here. I really like the quilt design. The materials list specifically mentions the V block ruler from Studio 180 Designs. There are tools avalable from Bloc-Loc and Creative Grids that will also allow you to make these same units. I tried a set of Tri-Recs rulers found in my ruler stash. Tri-Recs rulers will work, but you have to be exact with your cutting, sewing and pressing. I opted to purchase the V block ruler because the ruler is way easier for me to hold in position while cutting versus using the Tri-Recs rulers. I’m also a member of team oversize and cut down. I have three other Studio 180 Designs rulers that I frequently use.

(2) 4th & Main Designs is offering a FREE, 12 week QAL that starts May 25th. Get all the details here. It’s a monthly sampler quilt where the blocks could easily become a door hanger, pillow cover, table runner or other seasonal decor in your home.

(3) Looking for something to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday? Check out the offerings from Fat Quarter Shop and Riley Blake Designs, especially the Firecracker Quilt, if you’re looking for a free patriotic quilt pattern.

(4) Need other options? Be sure to visit Moda Fabrics or visit your favorite designer’s blog to create your own QAL from a previous project that catches your eye.