When our family moved from the United States to The Netherlands a year and a half ago, we moved to a country we had never visited and to a culture we only knew secondhand. Here’s what we miss and what we don’t!
Read More
Wow, what a journey it’s been! From my first stitches a year ago to sewing the final zigzag binding over last weekend - the Penny Sampler quilt has punctuated my year 2020 with many bright spots of creativity.
Read More
Have you ever sewn a bunting? It’s a whimsical, yet simple project and packs a big punch. For Aria’s 16th birthday I made this swallowtail bunting. Stop in for fun fabrics, vibrant colors and a happy surprise!
Read More
Hello, friends! Ok are you ready to see the whole quilt? Today is big finish day. Yippee! I’m so glad to bring you my completed Seafarers quilt and the pattern too.
Read More
Today I want to share what life has been like in The Netherland in the time of coronavirus. I have been struck with gratitude again and again to live in such a stable country during this troubling time. I hope you’ll find this interesting and, perhaps, a bit hopeful.
Read More
A vivid orange King’s Day Tunic for a spring outing. Also, how to rescue a garment project when you forget to prewash!
Read More
Springtime is a good time to pay homage to the bicycle. It’s one Dutch hobby that doesn’t need to be suspended in these times. This Bicycle foundation paper piecing pattern is coming to Penny Sampler Club Members in April!
Read More
Greetings from our holiday, which began in the city of Maastricht and is winding down in the Mosel River Valley. It has been such a treat!. Our trip has involved bus, train and automobile. What a good time, I thought, to share with you the realities of getting around without a family car.
Read More
Thanks so much for your interest in the Penny Sampler Pattern Club for 2020! It’s always a little magical to discover that an idea I’ve dreamed up is also inspiring to you. Today I’m sharing a quintessential Dutch block - the windmill.
Read More
We knew it would be different. We knew they would be smaller, with petite back yard “gardens” and neighbors close at hand. Coming from the US to The Netherlands, we expected to make compromises as we searched for a new home. But we didn’t know the half of it.
Read More