Sentimental Stitches

It’s time to begin sharing Sentimental Stitche’s new venue. I’ve been quilting for over 20 years.
I adore antique quilts, pieced, appliquéd and embroidered but I have great fun with contemporary designs too. The fabrics from Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler, Valori Wells and other designers just overload my mind with new quilt ideas. Reproduction fabrics from the 1930s and Civil War are special favorites for me too. I have a special affection for the Jane Stickle Civil War Sampler quilt featured in the book Dear Jane by Brenda Papadakis. I’ve made many wonderful friends because of the Dear Jane book. Be sure to look in the Links area for more information on the Dear Jane phenomenon.

I have been working in the quilting industry in one way or another since 1978 and as a past quilt shop owner, I still enjoy
scoping out the latest and greatest techniques or products. I plan to post every couple of days to let you know what’s new, unique and where to find it. I design and publish my own quilting patterns which you’ll find along with other wonderful products in the Online Store.

I don’t think I’ll ever live long enough to publish every pattern I dream of, so I’ve decided to share as many of them as I can with you in the Free Stuff section. There you’ll find quilts in sizes from wall quilts to bed quilts, Block of the Month quilts, tote bags, purses, doll quilts, antique reproductions and lots of redwork and embroidery designs from my huge collection of antique designs that have been in my family since the early 1900s. You’ll love them and best of all they are FREE. I’ll probably add new things once a week.

I’m always adding to the Links area where you can contact groups that interest you and find some fantastic free quilt patterns from other designers who make them available on the web. If you come across a site or pattern you think everyone should know about please email me to I can include it in the links page. I’m always looking for those special up and coming designers. Check that Links area often. Right now. check out All These Blessings for an awe inspiring quilt book, Shipshewana Blessings. It was designed by Edith Shanholt and Janis Nelson. There’s more great things coming from these talented ladies. Rosemary Youngs, author of Amish Circle Letter Quilt and The Civil War Diary quilt has some special patterns you can only order directly from her. Her designs always include something extra.

I’ve included some basic quilting instructions and tips I’ve learned over the years under Tips & Techniques. There are reference charts for yardages and triangles. Bookmark them so you can jump back there even in the middle of a project. I’ve also tried to answer some of the most asked questions during my classes. The only thing I ask is that you remember that the information I’m giving you is what has worked for me. There may be a better way I haven’t tried or a different technique which works fine for you. In short, there is no wrong way and my way isn’t the only way. .I’ve been teaching quilting for 15 years. If you’re having difficulty with a project, email me, I’ll do my best to help you find a solution. If you think of something you’d like added to this section, please let me know that too.

I hope you find joy in whatever project you’re working on!