Tips for Accurate Piecing + Spring Clean Your Sewing Machine

Hello friends! Thanks so much for reading my newsletter! This week I've got some great spring-cleaning inspiration, an update on the latest Quilt Block Challenge blocks, some of my favorite tools, and an announcement about where I'm teaching this Fall!

7 Tips and Tools for Accurate Quilt Block Piecing

This week I spent some time catching up on the latest quilt blocks from the 2025 Riley Blake Quilt Block Challenge. All of these 10" x 10" block patterns are available as a free download. They are great skill builder blocks if you're wanting to try new techniques.

Because these blocks are more intricate, they require a little more skill to keep them accurate. As I was working on my blocks this week I decided to put together a list of 7 Tips and Tools that help improve accuracy when piecing complex quilt blocks.

Click below for these tips + a look at how the first 10 blocks have turned out so far. You can also find links to the block patterns and information about the fabric I'm using.

How to Spring Clean Your Sewing Machine

How often should you clean out your sewing machine? Or change your needle? For optimum use, it might be more often than you think.

Since it’s spring I thought I’d share some quick tips on how to clean your sewing machine at home as well as other sewing machine maintenance tips to help keep your machine running smoothly.

It’s really easy to follow a few simple routines that will improve your sewing machine performance as well as prolong the life of your machine.

Fun Finds on the Web: More Spring Cleaning Inspiration

I'm writing this list somewhat selfishly because my sewing room is in dire need of some serious spring cleaning!

Sherri McConnell from A Quilting Life has an inspiring post to help you spring clean your sewing space with lots of practical ideas​

Jeni Baker also shared an motivating post about keeping your sewing table neat and clutter free. (Plus, I always love peeks into other people's sewing rooms.)

If you're looking for some help with organization, Sew What Alicia has a simple tutorial for clear zipper pouches to help you keep all of your supplies handy and easy to find.

Spring is a good time to take air out your quilts and refold them. Shelly from Ma Tante Quilting has a great tutorial for folding quilts on the bias for better storage (and fewer long term creases.)​

Design Wall Options

One of my favorite tools for organization (and wall art) in my sewing room is the Design Wall next to my sewing machine. I use this handy tool for laying out and organizing quilt blocks and getting a "big picture" look at what I'm working on. The blocks stick to the flannel-type fabric with out any adhesive or pins. It's fabulous!

Click below to read more about my Quilt Design Wall + links to find or make your own.

I'm Teaching at Garden of Quilts this Fall!

I'll be at the Garden of Quilts events in September! ​The Garden of Quilts at Thanksgiving Point is an annual event where hundreds of quilts are displayed throughout the 50-acre Ashton Gardens in Lehi, Utah. In addition to the outdoor quilt exhibition, the festival features quilting classes, trunk shows, lectures, demonstrations, and a vendor marketplace. It's an inspiring event in September during my favorite month of the year here in Utah.

I'll be teaching a class on Friday afternoon with a brand new quilt design that I'm excited to share. I'll also be participating in the Meet the Maker event, giving a trunk show (free with admission to the gardens), and the Shop Owner Education event. There are a bunch of wonderful classes, workshops and lectures this year including a keynote from Lori Holt! You can see all of the Garden of Quilts details here.​

What's on my mind this week...

Well friends, thank you so much for stopping by.

The world feels so full of chaos at the moment. I'm trying to navigate what it looks like to stay engaged and not overwhelmed. And close to home, so many loved ones are dealing with hard, hard stuff like cancer, a dear friend's baby in the ICU, aging parents, etc. It's hard to know how to be most effective helping when there are so many I want to help. You all can relate, I'm sure.

A friend shared on Facebook some steps that she's taking with her daily routines for mental health and it's inspired me to be more purposeful with my time and mental and physical energy. It's so easy to get derailed! I'm working on changes in my daily routines to make them healthier including prioritizing time set aside for quiet, exercise and fresh air for my own mental + physical well being (so I'm better able to show up for other people); a brief time set aside for staying informed, but not getting sucked into spiraling news cycles; and prioritizing how I can best show up for the people I love.

It's tricky! If you're struggling with the same things, know you're not alone! And if you have any great tips, I'd love to hear them.

In the meantime, wishing you all the very best. See you next week. ❤️

xo,

Amy

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