There are a few changes happening in the Studio Barn at the moment — including the rather exciting addition of a bathroom! But I've also been puzzling over another improvement. I would really like a permanent way to hang my quilts for photography, so I'm currently plotting a pulley system that would let me raise and lower them easily. In my head it works beautifully… whether the ropes and pulleys agree remains to be seen! So here's my question for you: How do you hang your quilts when you want to photograph them? Have you devised something clever, or is there usually a willing helper standing just out of shot with aching arms? 😂 I'd love to see your solutions — photos are very welcome!

Not everything happening around here involves fabric and thread! I've been trying to make a few things around the barn look a little better, and this cupboard is currently a work in progress. As you can see, I'm very much at the halfway painting the inside stage! 😄 It did get me thinking though — sometimes it's quite satisfying to stop sewing for a while and tackle one of those jobs you've been meaning to do forever. So that's a little glimpse of what's happening here today. So I'm curious — are you a one-project-at-a-time person, or do you have several things on the go at once?

My friend Barbara turned 90 on September 7th. She was given a quilt top by her sister that was hand-pieced by her grandmother, ca 1910. She allowed me the privilege and honor of quilting it. I added a small border of tiny blue gingham then added the other border which is the same as the backing. I gave it to her at a surprise birthday party. Pictures are attached.

I recently came across a few dull seam rippers. If you're like me, you hate to throw away worn-out tools because who knows? you might be able to use them again. Recently I found a use for them. They are still sharp enough to break box tape and open pesky cellophane bags. I write on the handle so I know what they are for. I'm curious. What uses do you have for new or worn-out sewing tools other than sewing?

Would it be Japan? The USA? France? New Zealand? 😉 Or somewhere you've always dreamed of visiting? Tell us where—and why!