Hi ,

 

It's been a few weeks since our last newsletter and yes, Josh and James and I have been very busy! We rushed through the last weeks of July to finish the basement repairs and finally laid the last carpet tile this week.

 

My favorite day was bringing my sewing table back downstairs and setting it up in its new home. Yep, we wired this spot specifically for sewing with a dimmable LED light on the ceiling AND the wall:

Unfortunately, my studio room quickly became the messiest room in the house as we emptied the POD and all my quilting supplies and cabinets returned. I'm still working on organizing and finding new homes for everything.

 

But I am very happy to take off my construction hat and finally get back to quilting! This week I shared a tutorial on a Monkey Wrench quilt block.

 

Now many quilters have commented on YouTube that this is a Snail Trail block, but the first time I saw this block in a quilt, the quilter called it a Monkey Wrench, so that's what I call it.

 

I checked my Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns by Jinny Beyer and this design was originally published as Snail Trail in 1928, but then published again as Monkey Wrench in 1929. Oh, and this block has also been published as 5 other names at least as far as Jinny Beyer researched: Indiana Puzzle, Journey to California, Road to Oklahoma, Virginia Reel, and Whirligig. 

 

It just goes to show - a popular quilt block design can have many names and there isn't a single "right" one. Have fun piecing this one with me and call it... whatever you like!

Do you know what helps me the most? Sharing the video! Please share this video with your quilting friends, or even consider including the photos in your guild newsletter. I would LOVE that!

 

Here’s a snapshot of the patchwork pieces to get you started:

Grace Company is running some great sales this August with a huge discount on the Q-Zone Hoop Frame. Pick up this little frame, which at 4 1/2 feet wide can fit into very small spaces, and can work with your home sewing machine for only $889.99!

 

The Qnique 21 PRO is also on sale this month for over $1000 off its usual price! I've put together an Ultimate Quilting System that includes this excellent longarm, a Continuum Frame, and our computerized quilting system - Quilter's Creative Touch 5.

 

All Qnique 21 longarms will come with a bonus accessory kit with everything you need to begin ruler quilting as well as extra bobbins, needles, and a light bar. Click Here to learn more about this Ultimate Quilting System.

In between painting walls and laying carpet tile, I've been having a blast free motion quilting on my Janome 1600. This high speed machine has incredible stitch quality and the speed is absolutely out of sight.

 

See how I set up my 1600 for free motion quilting in this video and check out the awesome Convertible Darning Foot which is truly one of the best feet I've ever used for free motion quilting:

During the month of August, we're including a bonus Accessory Kit with all Janome 1600 machines with everything you need to begin ruler quilting! You'll get a ruler foot, Ditcher Ruler, and 10 metal bobbins for free when you pick up this machine from LeahDay.com.

 

 

So that's it for this week, . Thank you very much for being patient with us for the last few weeks as we've wrapped up our house repairs. It has been a long road and a very difficult 6 months.

 

All I can say is I'm happy to be putting my tools away, happy to not hear hammer drills or the miter saw all day and very much looking forward to getting back to my normal quilting routine.

 

Let's go quilt,

 

Leah Day