Episode 113: Overcoming the Dog Days of Summer with Fun and Productive Summer Sewing Ideas

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share and discuss ideas for overcoming the dog days of Summer with some ideas for Summer sewing projects and other things that can be done in your sewing space to help you feel productive and ready to create. This podcast also marks the 4th anniversary of the A Quilting Life Podcast! Thank you to all the loyal listeners and viewers who have supported us along the way. There would be no podcast without an audience!
Show Notes Blog Post: www.aquiltingl...
Cozy Earth 30% off with our link (or code AQUILTINGLIFE): cozyearth.com/...
New Podcast Email Address: [e-mail]
Hearts at Home (Quilt on the Wall): tidd.ly/3A3XCin
Magnolia (Quilt on the Table): tidd.ly/3M0M5oN
2023 Block of the Month PDF: tidd.ly/4e0jxKN
Pink Toolbox (available in other colors): www.lowes.com/...
Summer Sewing Ideas:
1. Clean up your space: purge unnecessary items, inventory rotary blades, and thread, clean off flat surfaces, etc.
2. Go over works in progress: choose one per month to work on.
3. Sort fabrics for keeping, donating, selling…
4. Work on scrap organization either weekly or monthly throughout the summer.
5. Change your sewing machine needle.
6. Attend a local guild meeting or activity.
7. Set aside 20 minutes to sew daily-see how long you can keep up the streak!
8. Try a new technique.
9. Prepare a handwork bag to take with you on trips and outings.
10. Label a quilt.
11. Start a scrap quilt.
12. Plan your Christmas sewing projects.
13. Attend a quilt show.
14. Buy a new quilting ruler or tool you’ve been wanting to get.
15. Clean up your room for 10 minutes after each time you sew for a month
Patchwork Garden Remix (Top Ladder Behind Chelsi): tidd.ly/42XntHk
Shine Remix (Bottom Ladder Behind Chelsi): tidd.ly/432zvPM
Happy Go Lucky 2 (Top Ladder Behind Sherri): tidd.ly/3IfpsNH
Tulip & Vine (Middle Ladder Behind Sherri): tidd.ly/3PPuF2R
Starry-Eyed (Bottom Ladder Behind Sherri): tidd.ly/49V0HSq
Flowers for Emma (Behind Billy): tidd.ly/48Z8tve
Garden Stars Sampler (On Far Wall Above Sewing Machine): tidd.ly/3qLszYh
NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.
Where to Find Us:
Facebook: A Quilting Life with Sherri & Chelsi: / 459389991531728
A Quilting Life Blog: www.aquiltingl...
Chelsi Stratton Blog: chelsistratton...
A Quilting Life Patreon: / aquiltinglife
A Quilting Life Instagram: / aquiltinglife
Chelsi Stratton Instagram: / chelsistratton
A Quilting Life Pattern Shop: www.etsy.com/s...
Chelsi Stratton Pattern Shop: www.etsy.com/s...
Music:
Lucidity By Kings • Video
Artist SoundCloud / onlyfeels
Music Promoted by goo.gl/5NfMV4

[@annlange7519]

My daughter decorated white & black Kobalt mini toolboxes in an adorable Singer featherweight/themed design for Mother’s Day. So darling & practical!

[@amberzona2517]

I have a suggestion for the labels…. I used to like premade labels or embroidery machine labels, but now I like to write them, even if on a cute fabric label. My mom was a quilter and passed away, so I treasure her handwritten quilt labels. For this same reason I love handwritten recipes from family members too! ❤

[@susanyearout1709]

My summer break begins after Friday. Since I am retiring, it won't feel real until the kids here return to school after Labor Day. For me, endless summer and lots of quilting time.

[@susann7]

I love that you asked your kids their favorite quilt & brought it! It would be neat to see some of the older patterns and family favorites show up occasionally.

[@sandikae7682]

I’ll echo the excitement of the return of Strawberry Lemonade. When I dropped off my Heart of the Home quilt to my longarm quilter, we draped the quilt over her table. She took one look and all she said was WOW! The colors and prints in that collection just spoke to me. I’m so happy I can pick up a little extra yardage of my favorite prints. So love those adorable ginghams on the bias. Thanks for designing that beautiful,collection.

[@debbiebrugman4543]

* Tip for Chelsi- when measuring lines on your cutting mat get crevices from overuse just move over one or 2 inches and use painters tape to help guide you so you don’t always have to be doing the math. To avoid over using one measurement if I know I will be cutting many strips of the same width I will use the painters tape method and move over a couple inches. This has helped me prolong the life of my cutting mats and as we all know are very expensive. And I never just toss my warn out mats. I will cut as many small sizes for taking to retreats and sit n sews to place next to my sewing machine for quick trimming. And, if you are into bag making they make the best sturdy bag bottoms. Thanks for another great show and timely subjects.

[@judyholasek-fritz7119]

I love the magnolia quilt. That’s next on my list to make!

[@melissariner131]

Just saw a glow ruler. It has a light in it. Expensive but really cool for those who have vision issues.

[@lauraswensen5898]

I am so happy that Moda is going to run Strawberry Lemonade fabric’s again!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tearose3763]

I have the large husky tool box in white, the table extends and is very sturdy. Its 48x50 has 10 wonderful drawers in various sizes including a long one 46 inches wide where I keep all my rulers…has 6 plug ins and usb…is on castors…drawers are rubber mat lined and it has a butcher block..im obsessed with it.

[@modalissaalexander]

Love you two!

[@judyh5052]

I cross stitch a label for family quilts and add to back😀

[@sabrinabuoniconti5008]

I use my used up mats for puzzles. It helps especially for using the measurements for the size of the puzzle and easily moved around.

[@lisagilbert8472]

I do the same thing with my cutting mats.

[@jamesguy9261]

Great episode! Love the summer sewing list. I always look forward to the podcasts. Speaking of quilt shows, there is the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and Quilter’s Affair in Sisters, Oregon in July. On another note, I have just finished the Magnolia quilt pattern and it’s waiting for me to quilt it. It’s a gift for my son and daughter-in-law . Really enjoyed making it. Thank you 😊(Patty)

[@candacefife6763]

lol I precut my blocks and have blocks sorted in baggies. I seem to just stroll in several times a day to sew a few minutes that turns into longer 😊

[@Cheryl-vz4yz]

I have the kobalt table for my sewing table. It is a tool box table that raises and lowers and I use it for my cutting table.

[@lisagilbert8472]

I love the I am bored list!! I live near the County fairgrounds where 4H is held every year as well as quilting showing. I am going to attempt attend at least one of these events. Plus some of the other items on the list.

[@gingerhart4755]

Love the podcast. Congratulations on 4 years. I found you during Covid and I am a faithful follower.

[@melaniekey-k4o]

My cousins and I have these toolboxes and we used our cricket and bit our names and “sew box”. Chelsea look on steal deals. They have a very nice one with a handle and tools in it it was 24.95

[@alisadanner5204]

I love podcasts vs blogs because I can sit and sew while I listen (and watch) the podcast. I can't read and sew at the same time so I don't feel like like I'm wasting time while I'm watching.

[@tracywilliams5779]

You guys didn't have to mention the KZbin plaque because I noticed and I am sure others did as well, and we can't see quilts we see the back of your head Billie it is a nice head LOL. I like your lists, it was a good idea to do those things. I found that when my kids were young, they are grown now and have kids of their own, but I used to say things like you could clean your room, pull weeds, ect. And that usually stopped them dead in their tracks for fear I would actually make them do some work. Ha HA. I have not used my sewing machine in sometime, I went through a divorce roughly 12 years ago, and I not been myself for all that time. I started out by watching a KZbin channel that is about making your own clothes, which I have done in the past, and from there it morphed into quilts, I spent a whole lot of money on fabric from a quilt store in Vegas. I have only ever made one quilt in my life and I was probably in my early thirties, and I don't do anything easy. So my first quilt was a queen sized quilt and it was a hand appliqued and hand quilted, Crazy I know. So I have never actually pieced a quilt, but it does not stop me from buying patterns that say intermediate or advanced, that stuff has never stopped me. I really don't like it when people say "oh I could never do that" I call bull puckey on that, if you don't try you have no idea if you can or can't do it. I believe you can do anything you set your mind to. OK I will get off the soap box now. Have a great trip, and Chelsie and Billy you have fun as well. Much love Tracy

[@brendawall7846]

I have one like the KOBALT that is Members Mark pink . Mine has a handle on top.

[@dalairem]

Happy Anniversary! 🎉 Oh gosh, I don't go a single project without a full cleanup of my space, machine(s), my fabrics (figuring out what scraps to keep and what goes into the barrel) and my stash. New needle, wipe down the cutting board, de-fuzz the ironing mat, check the throat plate for nicks, assess the rotary blades: I want a clean slate every time. It feels like a full refresh mentally and creatively! I literally chirped with joy when I found out that Strawberry Lemonade was having a second season! Fantastic for you, and fantastic for us who didn't get it or enough of the selections we loved. (I know two right off the bat that I want a bolt of. #readytopounce ) Oh, and now you've inspired me to do the Hearts at Home quilt! I have a Strawberry Lemonade medallion project with half-yards chosen and in the process of starch ironing. (Lots of bias cutting requires a LOT of starch--KJ would be so proud, LOL.) The Hearts at Home quilt is going to be meaningful in a very different way, and will use some Riley Blake Strength in Pink strips and white-on-white along with strips from Sincerely Yours (one of a couple collections I've been kind of hoarding for the right project). I'm so looking forward to it, now! 😃

[@heidiyazwa8315]

Great list. Exciting. Hey where’s Billy’s wedding ring? We want to see it! ☺️

[@michellestriegel7243]

I have 2 Christmas wall hangings I need to do - 1 from last year and a new Corey Yoder reindeer pattern. I am going to start them in July.

[@NitengaleQuiltCo]

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show- second Saturday in July!!!

[@suepeschke2256]

Congratulations on a great podcast. I look forward to seeing you each time. Thank you for your ideas and work for quilters

[@angeladraghici8080]

I am going to get a few of the storage bins today, One for paper piecing and one to keep near my sewing machine for the little tools that I use. Thanks for the suggestion, I love your podcasts and keep an eye out for them.

[@sharonspencer6486]

There is a wonderful quilt museum in Kentucky also!😊❤. In August there is AQS show in Grand Rapids Michigan!😊❤

[@10275248]

Garden of quilts in Utah. I met you there the first year Sherri

[@cathinuferrous2336]

When my kids (all grown now) used to say they were board… I’d say.. “You’re a board? I’ll get some nails and nail you to a tree and have a tree fort to relax in. I was silly 😅 Then I’d suggest they go write a letter to their grandmother! This was the 90’s ~ pre all the electronics 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@nhager]

I ordered those little tools boxes from Sam’s club.

[@dianneakroosh5430]

Very happy anniversary podcast. You have supported me so much in COVID and continue to let us into your lives. Y’all are truly a blessing.

[@nhager]

The Sisters outdoor quilt show on the second Saturday in July is a great quilt show.

[@genevarodriguez9049]

Just FYI- I purchased 3 pink toolboxes with no name on it so you can use your name with a circuit. I bought it at Sam’s this last fall and I gave them as Christmas gifts.

[@kathyworden3781]

Congratulations on your 4th anniversary! I’ve watched you from the beginning. Thanks for sharing so much information and inspiration.

[@cheriduman8122]

I have the Kobalt box. I leave it on my sewing table. The top drawer I store my bobbins. the bottom drawer I store the machine feet. The top lid I have sewing notions. I love it.

[@lisamonteleone5825]

My Lowe’s has pink ones!

[@pamelacasey1699]

There is Pacific International Quilt Show in Santa Clara, CA in July this year. Historically it has been in October. Road to California is in Ontario, CA in January. I have attended these shows many times and they are so inspirational as well as vendor shopping available.

[@pamelacasey1699]

Happy 4 year Podcast Anniversary! I have so enjoyed your podcasts!

[@gomezpnp]

Just ordered one off Amazon

[@collettehamilton5816]

Congratulations of 4 years of wonderful podcasts! 😀

[@CarmenHyde]

Great ideas! I was cleaning my craft room while watching! ❤️

[@katherinem7835]

I want a scrap bundle!!

[@rachelsummy4970]

Congratulations on four years!! Found you in 2020 and listened while on walks and then discovered you have live KZbins of the podcasts which adds visuals to your descriptions! Enjoy every episode!! Thank you!!

[@cherinamcfadden4232]

I found I wasn't really fond of my local guild but we have a church craft group that gets together. We work on whatever creative activity we want to. I love to see all the creativity.

[@jbrookes299]

First time watching I normally listen whilst driving to work so great to see you all and the actual quilts. I would like to add a summer quilt show to your list the festival of quilts in Birmingham England happens every August

[@tammyingle233]

Since I am retired & really don't feel I am bored, but their are certainly things I put off that I don't like to do. I reset my sewing spaces after each quilt. I use the stick vac every day I sew. Threads & "dust bunnies". Thanks for today's video.

[@sandrawhitman2930]

Congratulations on four years of wonderful podcasts! I haven’t missed an episode and watch them over several times. You have truly become a part of my quilting life!

[@martikline4522]

The museum in Winterset, Iowa is wonderful and definitely worth the trip!

[@hoovercj53]

I got a red, a white, and a blue Kobalt box.

[@jackiearagon1268]

Sew, I have the toolbox I actually have 3 colors and the black one I found the featherweight stickers and applied to the box and will keep all my featherweight stuff in that one, the pink sits next to my sewing machine and my white is next to my longarm. LOVE them

[@theresamiller7333]

Great podcast! Love y’all!! So glad I found y’all! Chelsi what rotary cutter and mats do you use?

[@cathlyndeutsch9209]

I am SO glad that the strawberry lemonade fabric line is getting a reprint! I would see a quilt and love it. Sure enough it was made with that line of fabric. I liked it from the start, but I was low on money and couldn't afford to buy it when it came out. When I had the money the collection was wiped out and hardly anyone had any left. Now I will be able to get it!!!!!!!!

[@donnaboyd5108]

Congratulations on your 4 year anniversary! I have so enjoyed your thoughtful content and especially the annual quilt alongs. I hope you all enjoy your summer.

[@helencowen135]

Hi from NZ, congrats on 4 years. I have watched every single one on replay due to time difference- & have enjoyed them all

[@donnahutchinson2464]

Thank you for this video! I literally stopped the video and moved into my sewing room so I could tidy up and clean off surfaces while I watch the rest of the video!! Thank you for the inspiration ❤

[@nevaannegrant453]

A tip for Chelsi. Do tackle those curves they are so muchfun.A video on KZbin by Elisa’s back porch, it is old but amazing. She illustrates cutting and sewing curves and they really are not difficult. The learning curve is not steep at all. No pun intended. But be careful you may become addicted. It will open a whole new world of design possibilities for you.

[@elizabethmurphy1978]

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, Sisters, OR 🎉

[@nicolejarvis9767]

What are the blocks sizes for the Heart at Home quilt? I just love that quilt. Gravitates to my soul for some reason. Thank you.

[@sharonspencer6486]

There is a wonderful quilt museum in Kentucky also!😊❤

[@quiltsforsurvivors3502]

Thanks for another great episode. Many great tips. Here are a few of my own. I try to do this throughout my home including my sewing room “ put things away not up”. This tips is great because when I need that notion, tool or something else it’s right where it should be and I’m not wasting valuable sewing time looking for things. My other tip is I make 8 bobbins at a time. I don’t often sew one project at a time I see many. I make 8 bobbins sew my projects and then when I don’t have any left I make more, clean my machine, even under it and change my needle. I have been doing this for over a year and it seems to work well.

[@katherinem7835]

Chelsea, i love hearts at home and plan to make it. I love that it is color coded. I can't wait to make it.

[@brendajackson294]

Chelsea I ordered a lime green tool box and it was out of stock but it came in pretty quick. I have two large tool boxes on wheels back to back and I put my cutting mat on top for a cutting station. So this tool box coordinates with it. Love seeing your quilts. I am waiting for you book of the family favorites. Love hearing your family stories.

[@elestehorn4290]

That is that lovely quilt on the wall.

[@annebettencourt9587]

Sisters Oregon outdoor quilt show is coming … it’s the 49th annual … Saturday, July 13 .. 9 am to 4 pm. 🧵

[@cathyc7069]

Garden quilt show recommendations? I’m considering the August Iowa Quilt Guild garden quilt show near Des Moines and the Riley Blake garden quilt show in Lehi, Utah in September.

[@kathyaschenbach8081]

Not hot here. We are in the upper 60's here. However loving it! Don't need the heat!

[@hmneill]

My mom would hand me a vacuum or windex if I ever said I was bored in the summer 😂 so I quickly learned to occupy myself haha Great list of ideas, I am excited for summer sewing!

[@tearose3763]

Yaaayyy for reaching 100,000 subscribers…love your videos, patterns, quilts and your family🫶🏽

[@deidrapowell8762]

Tell Chelsea Sams club has their brand that is same as Lowe’s in pink and teal!!!

[@marykauffman3686]

Thanks! Beautiful quilts and inspiring summer suggestions!

[@sandikae7682]

Chelsi, I love your Heart at Home quilt and the fabrics you used. I LOVE the dark purple, in the upper left corner, and the fabrics in the next two blocks down. So pretty! I also love that shade of green. Happy Anniversary for your podcast.

[@bonniebaim4347]

Ordered my tool box from Lowes in Mechanicsburg PA and it is in stock

[@17poppies]

Love the quilt on the wall ❤

[@Sylvia907]

Congratulations on reaching the fourth year

[@candacefife6763]

I love this video. I need to do these ALL.❤

[@marydevlin9559]

Enjoy your show. I put my scissors in the little pink tool box. Thank you.

[@nicolejarvis9767]

How would I get added to Sherri’s email list? I want to be in the know for tips and tricks to quilting. I love the colors on your Heart of Home quilt. Great choice picks by your kids. My two cents about being bored. Kids should have the fun of being able to play in the reservoir, go camping, be with friends but I think they also need some opportunities to learn how to help around the house with projects. Plus, we all need family time. The summer goes by so quickly and then they are back to school again. Looking back I would have spent more time doing fun things with my kids going on different adventures and just being together. Only recently found your podcast. I have enjoyed watching and learning new ideas.

[@lisastroble4743]

Congratulations on your anniversary! I often listen to your episodes while I work in the garden. It makes for lovely mornings, great tips, and lots of giggles.❤

[@elsafischer3247]

I attend one in France which is great

[@christinehl4310]

Sew excited to hear that Strawberry Lemonade is being reprinted!

[@kikasnook2472]

Great program! ❤

[@melaniekey-k4o]

I have the panel and some of the fabric!!!! I want to join yall. Texas girl❤❤❤qq

[@ashleyromae]

I'm so excited for you Sherri! I hope you love it :)

[@patriciaruppert201]

Great show. And I love the ideas. ❤ I am going to implement some of them. Thank you. ❤❤❤

[@BrendaBuckert]

aMAZON HAS the boxes.

[@vickypetry1049]

Great ideas!!

[@ELLENJOHNSON-lj6hq]

Bet you can stick needle minders to that toolbox

[@paml2642]

I clean my machine insides, change my needle, oil my Juki with every 5 bobbins I use so I don't forget

[@alisadanner5204]

The bolts that have a yard or less fold on the comic boards. Take up less space.

[@michellejaggard9657]

The one in Kentucky was last month or 2 ago I think.

[@LoveThyStitchesFamily]

Will the good vibes pattern be in your upcoming book?

[@giovannazahler4292]

What tools you are allowed to take on a plane when wanting to piece? What's your experience?

[@bonniebaim4347]

AQS show is in Lancaster PA this is a very large show.

[@TheBlierman15]

Will you do Grief Share again?

[@candacefife6763]

I love those little tool boxes but my sewing room is done with antiques. So that’s a no. 😢

[@alisadanner5204]

What cutter and mats do you use?

[@jillvanoeffelen6780]

Your needle should be changed every 6-10 hours of sewing time!😊

[@alisadanner5204]

What kind and size needles do you use.