What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

I’m doing a little series of posts that feature old blog posts. I have been going back and looking at them. It’s been fun. I started blogging in June 2009…WOW—over fifteen years. Today, I’m still playing catch-up.  I made my Jimmy John quilt. It’s been a very popular free pattern here on the blog. I …

Blast from the Past: August 2014 Read More »

Every so often, questions and comments come from readers, and I think others would like to hear my response.  That’s when I feature them on the blog.  This is one of those days.  All of today’s questions are related to cross stitch. Licia asked:“Hi, Jo, I’m wondering why you seem to start on the lower right corner …

Ask Jo: March 25, 2025 Edition Read More »

I thought I wouldn’t get a lot done this week. I had grandkids here Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for overnights. My son Buck’s kids came and they are always so good. I ended up with Kalissa’s kids here because they all wanted cousin time. But I faired better than expected. I made binding strips for …

What I’m Working On: March 24, 2025 Read More »

I didn’t think I would have much cross stitch time this week but between basketball games and watching a couple of kid movies with the grandkids, I did get in some stitching time. Here is where I was on my Cupid’s Sampler from With Thy Needle and Thread. I am stitching this on a light …

Cross Stitch Update: March 21, 2025 Read More »

This week I have been trying to gather thoughts to show respect to a woman I’ve never met. She didn’t introduce me to quilting, but her easygoing, sweet manner drew me in and her knowledge and skill kept me waiting every week for a quilting tutorial.

Donna Jordan, of Jordan Fabrics in Grants Pass, Oregon passed away last week. Unknown to her thousands of faithful fans, she’s been very sick the last several years. I grieve with her friends, family and countless fans who most likely haven’t met her either.

So today I would like to ...

Get ready for time in the wilderness with this free star quilt pattern! Make it for your home or your animal-lover friends.

Magic Under the Stars

Are you ready for a new, easy project? Then, download Magic Under the Stars – a free pattern I designed for Studioe Fabrics’ Woodland Magic collection by Ashley Satanosky. Owls, deer, foxes, bears, and rabbits bring their magic from the woodlands into our homes in this quilt where stars light up the sky, under which all is quiet and asleep!

The quilt measures 51″ x 51, and the blocks finish at 8″. Only the ...

Friday, I snuck away to the Stitchery Nook in Osage, Iowa. I’ve been telling you that the Needlework Market was coming soon and the cross designers were coming out with a lot of new designs. Well, Friday was the day we, the general public, had an opportunity to get our hands on some of the …

A Trip to the Stitchery Nook Read More »

I belong to a reading group on Facebook. I don’t look at it religiously, but I often check out what people are reading there. Someone suggested All the Colors of Dark by Chris Witaker. I lost my online membership via Libby so have been stuck with only Audible and those books I have to pay …

What I’m Reading: All the Colors of Dark Read More »

I’ve been trying to be on a thankful mindset. Arnie, the guy I’m with, is very much into gratitude and being thankful. It has been rubbing off on me. I’m generally a thankful person but I’ve been mindful to be even more thankful. In that mode, the other day I was scrolling through Facebook and …

Thankful For Laundry Read More »

Meet the Drift Quilt in Endpaper

I’m excited to introduce you to the Drift Quilt in Endpaper, a stunning version made by my pattern tester and friend, Rita. This quilt features lovely teals, beautiful blues, and a chirping cream, all accented with a pop of pink. The combination of these colors creates a vibrant and cheerful design. With simple curved piecing that is sure to bring a smile to anyone who makes it.

Drift – Now Available! This new pattern is now available in both hard copies and a digital PDF, so you can choose the format that best suits ...

Oh my…I had the best weekend. It was fun-filled. Friday Arnie came over. I was bushed. Friday was a computer day for me. I sat at it for WAY too long. I had started my purge of the blog that I shared with you in THIS blog post. My mind was on overload. Arnie swept …

A Fun Filled Weekend Read More »

You might remember last week I said I was hoping for more cross stitch time now that I am not working at the vet clinic. That really didn’t show up. I’ve been fully finishing LOTS of cross stitch items. I’ve been sewing a lot and I’m back to filming Sew with Jo videos. Plus, I …

Cross Stitch Update: March 7th, 2025 Read More »

I had finished a few of my cross stitch pieces. (I have a blog post about that coming soon) I showed them to my daughter Kelli and she said, “Mom, if you’re looking to earn a little extra money, why don’t you start finishing cross stitch pieces for other people?” Hmm. I am my worst …

Cross Stitch Finishes: The Kelli Edition #1 Read More »

Today’s tutorial was created by the talented Alana of Humunuku.

In Hawaii, it’s traditional to give leis on special occasions, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries. Although flower leis are most common, sometimes people like to make leis out of all different types of materials. Especially ones that last for a long time, like yarn. As a kid I remember making tons of these yarn leis for friends for different occasions. A lot cheaper than a lei and it’s made by you.

You’ll need:

• Yarn
• Scissors
• Ribbon

Using your left hand, thread the yarn between your thumb and pointer ...

The son of SparkleJane (daughter) was in town for a visit.

It was a great pleasure to have some grandma time. In the sewing room. He is off to a solid start–discerning taste in fabric.

Does it come with a built-in thread holder?

Because I sometimes bind on the road…