Hello Quilty Friends!

Happy Thursday to you!

Allow me wish everyone an almost Happy Halloween!

A whimsical Halloween scene featuring a black cat and a cheerful ghost with three carved pumpkins, surrounded by autumn leaves and a lantern, set against a twilight background with a full moon. — *Image created by moi using AI tools*

Here it is the end of October and I’m still wearing capri pants and t shirts! That’s right – capri pants – in Pennsylvania on October 29th. Can you believe it? I certainly can’t, but I must say I’ve been enjoying it tremendously! Seriously though, we’ve had a really lovely fall – the best one in a long long time. Prime leaf viewing has already passed but because it’s been dry, we are still enjoying the colorful leaves, especially when the sun shines on them and the leaves fairly glow.

The weather has also been great for our recent remodeling project, too. And as of this past Monday, the bathroom is completed and totally different than it used to be with an accessible walk in shower (with plenty of grab bars for safety), a higher vanity, and a higher toilet. It’s done, done, done and I couldn’t be happier because now I don’t have to worry so much about my parents’ safety as they age. The last project was walling in the old garage doors, which will now keep the weather out and the heat in this winter, thereby lowering energy costs. Yay! Yay! Yay! Of course, I am already adding new projects to our to-do list so we can spiff up the rest of the house to match our new modern farmhouse bathroom. Fingers crossed….

It sure has been a busy couple of months! In fact, my internal clock thinks it should only be June, not the end of October! And – gulp! – we turn the clocks back this coming weekend. What are your thoughts about the time change? Me, I wish we didn’t have to change the clock twice a year – by the time I’m finally in sync with the clock, it’s time to change it again. Sheesh!

A cheerful animated clock character with arms and a smiling face, joyfully running with spinning hour and minute hands. — *Image created by moi with AI tools*

Speaking of how swiftly time is moving – I’m sure you are already planning your handmade gifts for the upcoming holidays, if you haven’t started already. Normally, I’d be list-making right now, maybe even gathering materials (the fun part!), and beginning 1 or 2 projects. This year, though, has been one filled with chaos and craziness and I don’t think I’m going to make any new quilts for the holidays. I know – that’s a shocking statement, isn’t it?

Shopping My Stash and Saving My Sanity

The good news is that I do have a stash of quilts ready to gift when needed and it’s a real blessing to have that backup just in case. Most of my family members have their own personal quilt collections by now anyway – you know, the ones I’ve made and gifted over the years. Sometimes I almost feel like I need to go door to door to find new quilt victims – er, people to give quilts to. LOL!

I do have a few projects I need to work on, though. I need to make my niece’s wedding quilt, but I do have several months before her first anniversary, so I still have time to put it together. I have the design and I’ve got some fabrics in my stash in mind as well as a special pieced backing to delight her hubby. But now is not the time to start that project, not right before the holidays.

I also have some binding to finish on my sister’s quilt from last Christmas. That sounds pretty awful, doesn’t it? But as I mentioned earlier, this past year has been a real doozy.

Here’s the story of my sister’s quilt – I decided to make my sister a new throw quilt way too late in the season last year. I gathered up my fabrics, but never really had a chance to start it, so I gifted her the EQ image of the design along with the fabrics at Christmas. Then I took her gift back home so I could make it after the holidays. Rest assured, I did make her quilt and even quilted it, but I never quite finished the binding. There were always other projects with deadlines so her quilt kept getting put on the back burner. Her quilt is at the top of my list now, and I’m looking forward to finally checking that binding off my to-do list.

My sister’s quilt is a perfect example of what I’m getting at today – we, as quilters, often take on so much during the holidays, there isn’t enough time to actually enjoy them because we’re too busy trying to complete handmade gifts. Or make eleventy seven dozen cookies. Or cook the entire holiday meal by ourselves. And the list goes on and on.

A festive holiday to-do list with tasks like shopping for gifts and baking holiday treats, beside a cup of hot chocolate, a pen, and holiday decorations. — *Image created by moi with AI tools*

So my gift making plan for the holidays this year is to catch up with some of the many things on my to-do list and not to add anything else to that list until I can cross off at least some of the projects already there. I guess you could call 2026 my reset year.

Of course, I’m being optimistic here and knowing myself, I’ll probably wait until the eleventh hour and decide to make someone a gift for the holidays. But I’m going to try not to do that to myself. Instead, I’m going shopping among my already completed projects or I’m going to finish a UFO. I do love gifting handmade quilts and other goodies to those I care about, but I need to extend that caring to myself too. And this year, I need to practice a little self-care by giving myself permission not to stress over making gifts for people.

So, how about you? Do you ever find yourself making a mile-long list of handmade holiday gifts, only to realize there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to finish them all? Maybe this is the year to shorten that list, finish a few things you’ve already started, or even give yourself permission to buy a gift instead of making one. Another idea would be to go to a local craft show and support other local artisans while giving special handmade gifts to those you care about, even if you didn’t make them yourself.

After all, the holidays should be about spending time with the people we love, not spending every waking moment at our sewing machines trying to meet impossible deadlines.

What About the Fall 6 Quilts in 6 Weeks?

Some of you might be wondering about our Fall 6 Quilts in 6 Weeks Challenge. Well, I’ve been thinking about that, too!

Normally, we’d be gearing up for another round of quilt-making fun, but with the holidays approaching so quickly, I’ve decided we’re going to hold off this time around.

After all, it wouldn’t make much sense for me to encourage you to slow down and enjoy the holidays, then turn around and challenge you to finish six quilts in six weeks, would it? LOL!

So instead of squeezing another challenge into an already busy season, we’re going to move our next 6 Quilts in 6 Weeks Challenge to this winter, when the holiday hustle and bustle is behind us.

I think it’ll be a wonderful way to kick off a new year of sewing, tackle some of those UFOs, and enjoy a little creative motivation together. And remember, the challenge is about having fun and encouraging each other, not adding more stress to our lives.

Stay tuned for more information about our winter challenge. In the meantime, give yourself permission to slow down, work on whatever makes you happy, and enjoy the season!

Makers Gotta Make

I get it. I really do. We can say “Nope, not making anything for anyone this year” then suddenly we’re adding new projects to the bottom of our already-too-long to-do list.

A cheerful woman with curly hair and glasses standing in a vibrant crafting studio filled with colorful fabrics and sewing supplies, showcasing her love for quilting and crafting. — *Image created by moi with AI tools*

Is it guilt?

Or is it simply because we are happiest when we are making things.

I think it’s the latter. I know I am happiest when I’m creating because making things is such a part of my soul. Like oxygen.

So, how do we find the middle ground between making everything and making nothing?

Villa Rosa Designs, of course!

Are you surprised I would say that? Probably not. But I am being serious. You already know that VRD patterns go together fast, they are fun, and they use fabric really well whether it’s your stash or a trip to the quilt shop for more fat quarters.

So maybe instead of trying to make everyone a quilt for Christmas, you make some smaller projects like table runners, snack mats, place mats, quilted pillows, or some of our fun accessory patterns. Smaller VRD projects are big on handmade but small on their toll to the maker. Less stress = more fun. And isn’t that what we’re really after? Not necessarily less making, but definitely less stress.

And remember, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with deciding not to make anything at all this holiday season. Sometimes the best project is the one you give yourself permission to skip.

You can check out some great VRD patterns below:

Table Runners

Snack Mats and Place Mats

Quilted Pillows

Scarves, Tote Bags, and Other Accessories

I hope you’ll give yourself a little room to breathe this holiday season. Don’t be afraid to slow down a little so you can enjoy the holidays, too.

Well, that’s it for me today.

Take a little time to just breathe this week. Me, I’ll still be wearing my capri pants. Right into November.

See you right here next time!