I’ve begun another adventure! I’ve lived in several east coast states until seven years ago when I moved to Iowa. The Midwest is wonderful, and living there was an experience that I’ll always look back upon fondly, but now I’m back in my home state of Pennsylvania. Change is good.

Speaking of change, my newly married daughter and the new/old house she bought with her husband give me lots of reasons to make quilts! They’ll need bed quilts and throw quilts to fill their home. I can picture it now; a quilt like Denyse Schmidt’s will look beautiful in their guest room.

We’ve included lots of projects for the home in this issue of Simple Quilts and Sewing. Patterns for tablerunners and throws are requested most often, and there are several of each. Decorate your dining table with a formal black and white runner or one with a patriotic theme. Wrap up in a contemporary throw or a traditional one on chilly summer nights and through the fall months.

As usual, you’ll find bed quilts, quilts for kids, and gifts to make for your friends and family. I hope you find time to sew and celebrate the changes in your life, whether they’re small ones or big adventures!

Happy stitching!

Debra Finan

Editor-in-Chief

Maybe you would like a new quilt for your bedroom or a throw to wrap up in while watching television or reading in the family room. There are lots of great quilts to choose from. This issue is also stuffed full of quick-to-make gifts for the holidays, accessories for decorating, and fun projects to make for kids.

We know you have busy lives and creative time is scarce. Try this—give yourself ten minutes at a time to sew. Sit down at your sewing machine while dinner is cooking, or wake up early and take a few minutes for yourself in the morning before the rush begins. Remember, a little sewing at a time is better than none at all!

Happy stitching!

Debra Finan, Editor-in-Chief

Lisa Swenson Ruble, Managing Editor

At a quick glance, you’ll discover that there is something for everyone…friends and family alike, plus many projects for the home such as the “Game Night” quilt. Is a summer trip on your calendar? Try stitching some personalized luggage tags and a passport holder or even a set of cool striped beach towels.

Sit down with a refreshing drink and take some time to look through this issue of Simple Quilts & Sewing. All the projects have been photographed in beautiful settings, so we hope you’ll feel like you’ve had a mini vacation by just turning these pages.

We trust you’ll find that the joy of sewing will always be a special (and fun) part of your life.

Happy stitching!

Deborah Hearn, Editor-in-Chief

Lisa Swenson Ruble, Managing Editor

After a busy season of warmer weather activities, it’s nice to settle down and take some time to sew. If you are new to sewing, we have some wonderful projects that are perfect for beginners. BUT … if you are a more seasoned sewer that wants something quick and easy, you are going to love this
issue as well.

There are a total of 36 patterns! We have everything from simple quilts for baby to a full-size quilt for a guest bedroom. Our small sewing projects are so clever and useful too. They’re great to make for yourself, but also to give away to family and friends during the upcoming holiday season. If that’s not inspiration enough, each project is a visual treat, beautifully photographed, many from the Smoky Mountains in Cashiers, North Carolina.

So our best wishes to you as you look through this issue of  Simple Quilts & Sewing!

Regardless of your skills or years behind a sewing machine, we feel certain this issue is packed with projects that will catch your eye and end up on your “sewing list.” And speaking of sewing machines, see how you can win one from Singer.

You’ll be happy to see that the projects in this magazine are so easy that they can be completed in an hour, afternoon or even a long relaxing weekend. We hope you’ll find that the joy of sewing will always be a special (and fun) part of your life!