Hi Reader,

When was the last time you had the opportunity to break out of your routine and do something unexpected?

A recent road trip from Pennsylvania to my home in San Antonio opened up the opportunity to do two spontaneous things.

My aunt, who lives in northwestern Pennsylvania, turned 80 in September. She’s the matriarch of our family and the last of her generation. Her kids, my cousins, planned a surprise party and invited all of the nieces and nephews. Most were able to attend, and it was a family reunion in addition to a birthday celebration.

My husband, sister, and I drove from San Antonio to Warren, PA. It’s 24 hours of driving that we spread out over 3 days. We stopped only for gas and to sleep. This is our usual routine for road trips when we go to see family.

After the celebration and a day of sightseeing in the small town where my grandparents had lived, my sister flew back home, and my husband and I hopped in the truck and headed to Farmington, Missouri, to see his Dad and celebrate his birthday with him.

Looking for the most direct route, I saw that we were going to be pretty close to Paducah, Kentucky. I looked at my husband and asked if we could take a day and stop there to see the National Quilt Museum. When he agreed, I did a quick search for other quilting and sewing things to do there. I also asked my friend Jen what I needed to do there since she has visited several times.

In addition to the National Quilt Museum, we had a list of several things to see while in Paducah, including the world’s largest quilting needle, Muppin’s Sewing Emporium, and Hancock’s of Paducah.

You don't need a road trip or vacation to do something out of the ordinary. Just look for opportunities that take you out of your routine. Who knows what sewing and quilting inspiration will find you!

Ric rac

Before I tell you about a couple of stops in Paducah, let me share the other unexpected opportunity we made that sparked some ric rac inspiration.

On the last leg of our journey, we were driving from Wichita Falls, TX (where we had stopped on Oct. 3 for my 40th high school reunion) to our home in San Antonio.

We were driving through downtown Mineral Wells and stopped at a light. I looked to my right and saw a boutique with some colorful clothing on display in the window.

I pointed out a color-blocked dress to my husband, and he asked if I wanted to go in and see it.

I hesitated, and he said, “Tell me now because there are a couple of places I can park right in front.” Practical me wanted to get home, but fabric-loving me wanted to see that dress. We pulled over and went inside.

There were a lot of clothes with details like pleats, ruffles, piping, and topstitching. These are the types of ideas I save for the clothes future me is going to make. One shirt caught my attention because of its unique use of ric rac.

I don’t know about you, but there is something whimsical and flirty about this curvy trim. I just love it!

Even though I have amassed quite a ric rac collection over the years, I don’t really have anything specific planned for it, and like to keep an eye out for ideas.

This shirt got my creative juices going.

They didn't have a shirt in my size, but I took a picture so I could remember the use of the ric-rac.

The polka dot pants were another unexpected find. They fit really well, but the zipper was broken, and there wasn't another pair in my size.

I pointed out the broken zipper to the shop owner, and she offered to sell them at 50% off. I took her up on it because I know someone who can fix it. :)

Have you used ric-rac? I would love to see some pictures of any of your sewing and quilting projects featuring this braided notion.

EPP

In Paducah, I wanted to see the world’s largest quilting needle.

We parked in a central location so we could walk to several places we wanted to go, and the quilting needle was our first stop.

After he took photos of me standing beside it, we noticed the Paper Pieces® Shop that was in the building beside the needle. We went inside, and I was immediately enthralled. It’s a colorful environment dedicated to English Paper Piecing (EPP).

My only experience with EPP is a hexagon UFO of my mom’s that I work on when I need a mindless project to keep my hands busy. Mom made a kit with everything needed to make the hexi quilt, from the fabric to the thread, plus printing off the hexagons.

A very friendly employee was working, and we talked about the benefits of using Paper Pieces® that are laser-cut for precise point-to-point measurements for EPP vs. using hand-cut templates. Mainly, projects and quilt tops will be pieced with accuracy and perfection. (from the Paper Pieces® website)​

Working on my mom’s hexi quilt, there have been times when the edges don’t quite fit, but I’ve been able to make it work so far.

I did end up buying a few items, but what caught my eye for a future project is a complete set of Dear Jane EPP templates.

Many years ago, my mom started a Dear Jane quilt in the traditional colors and made many of the blocks following the directions in Brenda Manges Papadakis book.

I kept the book with all of Mom's handwritten notes, but I sold the blocks she had made, thinking that someone could use them instead of me keeping them in a box never to see the light of day.

I prefer to work with bright colors and was thrilled to see a very colorful Dear Jane quilt hanging on the wall in the shop. It was gorgeous.

Making a colorful Dear Jane is now a “maybe” project for me. I'm going to use some of the templates Mom printed and stuck in the book to do some practice blocks first. I need to make sure it’s something I want to do before making a commitment to purchase the set.

Whether you are experienced with EPP or want to learn how to do it, I highly recommend checking out the Paper Pieces® Shop online and visiting them if you’re in Paducah.

Fabric manipulation

Walking toward Muppin's Sewing Emporium, it was easy to spot because of the sidewalk sign just outside the door.

It was not a large retail space but a quaint and quirky shop filled with lots of unique project ideas and the owner’s personal collection of vintage irons.

Cheryl Sleboda is the owner, and we were fortunate to be able to talk to her as we perused the variety of displays she had showcasing fabric manipulation techniques, also called Canadian or heirloom smocking.

She has written a book called Smock It to Me: The History and Technique of Canadian Smocking, where she shows you the marking methods and simple stitches that give you 3-D effects with fabric. It’s very cool-looking and not just for quilting. This technique can also be used for clothing, fabric art, and cosplay.

You can read more about Cheryl HERE.

In addition to the retail shop in Paducah, she has an online shop and website where she has a link to her blog and her YouTube channel.

If you're looking for some different ways to work with fabric, it is worth your time to take a look at her website and video series.​

Upcoming events

Scrap Summit

I'm hosting the 3rd Conquer Your Fabric Scraps Summit, and it will be here before you know it.

It’s the only online event focused on helping you turn your fabric scraps into quilts, projects, and possibilities you'll love.

It’ll be happening November 9-13, and it's free to attend.

Put the dates on your calendar and add your name to the waitlist so you’ll be notified as soon as registration opens.

If you have questions, reply to this email, and I'll be happy to answer them.

Sewing Rhythm™

Are you looking to make sewing a regular part of your everyday life? If so, you may be interested in the Sewing Rhythm™.

This is something I've been working on as I've been trying different ways to sew more consistently myself.

I'm in the last stage of testing and have been sharing behind-the-scenes looks at this one-of-a-kind course that will be ready by mid-November.

If you're interested in learning more, you can take a look at emails previously sent:

• ​Choose - the 1st module of the Sewing Rhythm™
• ​Cultivate - the 2nd module of the Sewing Rhythm™

You can also add yourself to the special email list so you don't miss the last two peeks behind-the-scenes. The next one is coming later this week.

That’s all for now. Until next time…

Snappy ✂️ Summary

Intro section - Doing something spontaneous or out of the ordinary can spark inspiration or put you in the path of someone who understands your love of sewing and quilting.

Ric rac - See a photo for inspiration on what you can do with ric rac. Have you used ric-rac in projects and quilts? Please send me a photo. I would love to see what you've done.

EPP - Go to the Paper Pieces® Shop for education and products for English Paper Piecing. They have resources for new and experienced EPPers. Visit them online or at their brick-and-mortar shop in Paducah, KY.

Fabric manipulation - Muppin’s Sewing Emporium owner Cheryl Sleboda teaches how to do the technique of Canadian Smocking to manipulate fabric that results in 3-D effects. She can be found online and in her store in Paducah, KY

Upcoming events

• ​Get on the waitlist for the free Scrap Summit that is happening November 9-13. Registration opens soon.
• Sewing Rhythm™ will be ready mid-November. Get on the special email list to get a behind-the-scenes look at this one-of-a-kind course.