Hey everyone! Is it hot enough out there for ya? According to the calendar we’re only three short days away from the 2024 summer solstice, and with a current temp of 90° outside, I believe it! As much as I love the heat, 90 and humid is starting to push it even for me, so I’m not overly upset that I’ll be on retreat and inside teaching and stitching for most of the week. How did they ever do it in the old days… Can you imagine trying to stitch on a big heavy quilt in these kind of temps, with no relief from the swelter??? Yikes!

For those of you who don’t know, today was the official kickoff of my annual Red, White, & Blue Summer Retreat. If the heat isn’t enough to get us into the summer spirit, this year’s lineup of patriotic retreat projects certainly will be. We’ll be working on a full-size quilt and three pillow projects over the next several days – each of course, will be red, white, and blue-themed. “What do the projects look like!?!?” I hear you cry, however they’ll stay top secret until after the retreat is over – usually for about a month or so, give or take – before they will be released to the general public. In other words, you can expect to see them debut later next month.

In the meantime, if you’ve got the hankering for a red, white, and blue project to get you into the summer swing of things, I have a few options that might be just what you’re looking for. First up, we have “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.” Designed by the beautiful and talented Jess, this quilt is the perfect combination of stars, stripes, and red, white, and blue. Featuring large red lettering that proudly displays our country’s slogan around the border, “Land of the Free… Home of the Brave“ is an excellent gift idea for that special soldier in your life. It measures 76″ x 88″ when finished, making it a nice size for a bed, couch, or hanging wall décor.

Next on my list of red, white, and blue recommendations is the “FREEDOM Quilt.” Originally done as a cross stitch pattern by Rosewood Manor X Stitch, I took one look at it and thought, now THIS needs to be made into a quilt! They were gracious enough to allow me to do just that, so Moda and I worked our magic and made it happen! This convenient box kit contains everything you need to complete your quilt top, including:

• All American Gatherings II fabric needed for the quilt top (10.75 yards)!

• Binding Fabric (Moda 49247-12)!

• The FREEDOM Quilt Pattern by Primitive Gatherings!

• Super cute custom-designed box from Moda!

Please keep in mind you will need 6 yds of backing fabric to complete this quilt in addition to the box kit.

If you’re looking for a red, white, and blue project that’s also Fat Quarter friendly, give “Our Flag Stands for Freedom” a try! Originally done in my American Gatherings fabric line, this popular patriotic quilt is great for both beginners and master quilters alike. The simple square pieces go together easily, and the star units provide an opportunity to get some practice working with everybody’s favorite – half-square triangles! The best part about “Our Flag Stands for Freedom” is that you can make it either as a mini quilt measuring at 27″ x 36″, or full-size quilt at 54″ x 72″. The mini quilt makes a great gift or weekend project if you need something fast. The full-size version is on the quick and easy side as well, but still produces stunning results. Plus, all you need is a Fat Quarter tower to make both projects (binding and backing are separate). Instructions for both the mini and full-size quilt are included in the pattern!

Looking for something a bit on the smaller side to do? Check out my “Liberty Pin Cushions“ collection! These fun designs can either be done as a series of pin cushions or as patriotic mug rugs! The “Liberty Pin Cushions“ collection includes simple patterns with beginner level wool appliqué. These little gems make the perfect scrap busters, so if you have a stash of red, white, and blue to use up, here’s your solution! Patterns include instructions for four separate projects including: “Flag Measure Tape” – 3″ x 10 1/2″, “Wool Star” – 3″ x 7″, “Button Flag” – 3 1/2″ x 6″, and Star Flag – 4″ x 4″. Great as gifts or keep them all for yourself!

If table runners are more your preference for holiday décor, you’ll love the, “I Pledge Allegiance!“ Simple and fast, this project can easily be done in a weekend with a little determination! A little bit of crazy stitching on the wool appliqué star gives this design a little extra pizzazz, all while reminding of us of the allegiance our flag deserves every day of the year! Finished, the “I Pledge Allegiance“ table runner measures 7 1/2″ x 30″.

Last but certainly not least on my list of red, white, and blue to-do’s is “Home of the Brave.” You know how I love my little sheepies so obviously I had to do something with them in red, white, and blue! As you can see, this adorable piece is graced by three lovely ewes, each adorned with red, white, and blue swirls in their precious wool. “Home of the Brave“ wouldn’t be complete without some stars and stripes, so each one of the gals is doing her part to spread the message that we are in fact, the “Home of the Brave!” All said and done, “Home of the Brave” is 8 1/2″ x 20″.

See anything that trips your patriotic trigger? The fourth of July is less than three short weeks away, but red, white, and blue season lasts all year! Whether you’re stitching with holiday décor in mind or simply to show off your love and devotion for the good ol’ U.S.A., these projects can stay out on display until you’re ready to switch it up. And when you do decide to move on to a new theme, I’ll have more awesome projects for you to tackle. LOL!

Alright stitchers, that’s all for now! Please remember that there will be NO STITCH Brothers show tomorrow because the guys will be in class at BERNINA U. There will also be NO CommentSold tomorrow due to some temporary scheduling conflicts, but we will be back at our usual time this Thursday, June 20th, 2024 directly following my LIVE show on STITCH with Lisa Bongean (appx 2:15 p.m. CST). Set your reminders now and I will see you soon! ~Lisa