Free Layer Cake Pattern + Quilts of Valor + Free Summer Sewing Ideas

Hello Friends! Happy July! I hope the heat (at least for your Northern Hemisphere folks) isn't too stifling!

What's New: Free Layer Cake-friendly Quilt Pattern

I've been working on a fun project to share. If you saw last week's newsletter edition, you know I've been on a bit of a "quilting with precuts" kick. Well, there's more where that came from!

This week I'm sharing a new, free pattern, perfect for using Layer Cakes (10" x 10" precuts).

This quilt is called Oh Susannah because it's based on the traditional Susannah quilt block. But this time, the block is blown-up to giant size quilt blocks giving the look a modern vibe AND making it a quick one for piecing! If you have a Layer Cake laying around that needs to be put to good use, this is the perfect project.

The fabric for this quilt is a new collection Bluegrass Charm by Melissa Mortenson. Click the button below for all of the details + to access the free PDF download for this quick and easy stash-buster quilt pattern.

Quilts of Valor - Sewing for a Cause

Yesterday we celebrated the 4th of July - Independence Day - here in the US. In honor of that holiday I wanted to recognize and share one of my favorite quilting opportunities to give back: Quilts of Valor. I know many of you are already familiar with Quilts of Valor (QOV). Thanks to all of you who sew for this awesome organization.

QOV recognizes and honors American service men and women. It's an organization created to “cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts.” And there are so many ways to contribute - whether it's donating a whole quilt or just one block.

This one is near and dear to my heart because my husband grew up in a military family (his father served in the Army over 25 years) living various assignments in the US and twice in Germany. Through their experiences I've learned to better appreciate not just the service of these men and women, but also the tremendous sacrifices of the spouses and families who support them.

Want to help? It’s a great time of year to stock up on red, white and blue fabrics because they’re often on sale during July (including this weekend at the Fat Quarter Shop.) You can make a quilt or just contribute a few blocks for the 2025 Quilt Block Drive (Details in the post. Click below.)

Already have too much red, white, and blue fabric? Consider donating your excess fabric to your local Quilts of Valor chapter!

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Tips: Sewing Machine Needle Guide

Ever wondered what the difference is between all of the different varieties of sewing machine needles?

Or if there even is a difference?

Check out this post about different sewing machine needles and how to choose the right needle for the right project. As well as how to buy needles in bulk!

They really do make a big difference!

Fun Finds on the Web: Summer Fun FREE Projects

The individual blocks coming out of the Summer Block Party 2025 are so dang cute! With more blocks to come this week, it's not too late to sign up!

Melissa of Happy Quilting has a free pattern for a scrappy Irish Chain-style quilt. I love her version in classic blue and white.

Tara Reed shares 3 quick methods for making fabric holders for Freezer Pops! Perfect if you're hosting summer picnics or your house is the go to "Otter Pop stop" this summer.

Damjana of Apple Green Cottage shares a new free pattern for adorable draw-string travel bags.

Post-Holiday Sales:

The Fat Quarter Shop is having 50% off all Patriotic fabric and patterns through 7/07. (This includes a bunch by Lori Holt and my favorite Summer Memories pattern book.)

Connecting Threads is having Christmas in July sale through 7/06.

​SOJO Fabric is having a holiday sale 10-50% off assorted yardage, bundles, kits, and notions through 7/06/

As I mentioned last Saturday, I came home from camping in the mountains for a few days where we had little to no cell service. After I got my newsletter written + that much needed nap, I happened to open up my phone and look at social media.

And suddenly I felt the "yuck" of the real world creep back in. There was such a noticeable difference after that time away from it all. Feeling that stark contrast surprised me more than I thought it would. And I realized I needed to make some changes in my habits.

It’s hard to be in the world and not let it drag you down! I’m trying to figure out how to limit my social media so I can maintain some of that soul cleansing that I felt in the mountains. 🌾

I shared these thoughts on Instagram (ironically) and asked for suggestions of things to do to help eliminate the overwhelm. There were some good ones. I'd love to hear them if you have more.

I will continue to keep this newsletter and my social media a "politics-free-zone" not because of naivete or trying to bury my head in the sand, but because I was reminded that we all need places of respite to get away from the "yuck". I want this to be a place of encouragement and inspiration.

In happy news, here's a look at the sunset the last night I was at camp. Also, I harvested and ate my first zucchini this week! Somehow I've kept the squash bugs at bay this year. 🤞🏻 (Hopefully word doesn't get out and they don't launch a surprise attack on my plants!)

Wishing you a happy week, some soul rejuvenating times, and no squash-bugs. As always, thanks for stopping by!

Take care,

Amy

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