Threads of June 2025
Hey There, Quilting Friend!
Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025? As I look back on everything May brought, it’s hard not to smile. It was a full month—of finishes, celebrations, and some exciting announcements—and I wanted to catch you up on all the goodness.
One of the biggest pieces of news from May was the official announcement of our 2026 Alaska Quilt Cruise—and I am so excited about it! This has been in the works for a while, and I can finally shout it from the rooftops: we’re going to Alaska, y’all!
We’ll be quilting at sea, soaking up breathtaking views, and spending time with a community of makers who just get it. The itinerary is packed with beauty and inspiration—from glaciers and wildlife to quilting workshops and creative time with like-minded folks. It’s going to be the perfect blend of adventure and cozy creativity.
Spots are already selling fast (which is both thrilling and a little nerve-wracking if you haven’t booked yet), so if this trip is even kind of on your radar, I really encourage you to lock in your spot sooner rather than later. I’d hate for anyone to miss out!
You can find all the details and registration info right here: www.sewbecca.com/alaska2026
Whether you’re coming solo, with a friend, or bringing your whole guild along, I truly hope you’ll join us. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable experience—and I would love to share it with you.
First up, I finally finished Mufasa! This quilt has been in the works for a while, and if you’ve been following along, you’ve probably seen glimpses of it in progress. He’s the bold, majestic lion made with the “Legit Lion” kit from Legit Kits—with a few custom tweaks, of course, because I can never resist adding my own touch.
This was one of the most detailed quilts I’ve tackled, with tons of precise piecing, and it really felt like building a puzzle with fabric. There were definitely some challenging sections, but I loved the process—and I’m so glad I stuck with it. Once I added the binding and finally got him hung on the wall, it was such a proud moment.
There’s something special about seeing a finished quilt displayed in your space. Mufasa brings such a powerful presence to the room—every time I look at him, I feel inspired and just a little bit in awe.
On the sewing front, one of my favorite finishes in May was not a quilt—but a pair of duffle bags! I used the Duffle Bag pattern from Center Street Quilts, and let me just say: I’m completely in love with how they turned out. If you’ve ever wanted to make your own travel bag, this is an excellent pattern to try—it’s clear, approachable, and surprisingly beginner-friendly, even if you’re new to bag-making.
I made two versions, each with its own personality. The first one used a charming whale print I’d been hoarding in my stash from Timeless Treasures—I’d been saving it for just the right project, and this bag was it! The second one featured the bold, colorful energy of Tula Pink’s Untamed collection, which gave it a totally different, vibrant vibe. It’s amazing how fabric choices can completely transform a project.
Duffle Bag featuring ‘Untamed’ from Tula Pink'
Duffle Bag featuring ‘Whales’ in Thomas - Blue by Timeless Treasures
The pattern walks you through each step in a really straightforward way, but fair warning—you’ll need plenty of table space when it comes time to assemble everything. Wrestling all those layers of fabric, foam, and zippers takes a bit of patience, but it’s 100% worth it once you’re holding the finished bag in your hands. I kept standing back and thinking, “Wait…I made that!”
If you’re looking for a satisfying, practical make, I can’t recommend this pattern enough. You can check it out here: Center Street Quilts Duffle Bag Pattern. Whether you're sewing one for yourself, a gift, or your next retreat, it’s a project that’s as fun to make as it is to use.
Looking Forward…
First, I’m planning to finish the Charm Slice quilt I’ve been working on during my recent livestreams. Once the video drops, I’ll also be sharing a free project worksheet over on the blog so you can join in and make one, too.
I’m also heading to Michigan from June 5–8 to celebrate my nephew Jake’s high school graduation (how is he that old already?!). While I’m there, I’ll be hopping in on the Michigan Shop Hop, which I’ll be sharing on social media—so if you’re not already following me on Facebook or Instagram, now’s a good time!
Later in the month, I’ll be driving up to Pennsylvania to spend a few days with some quilting friends at The Nut House (yes, that’s really what it’s called—and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds). I may even make a pit stop in Lancaster on the way there, because… fabric.
And while my work schedule has me commuting into DC more often this month (hello, long train rides), I’m trying to embrace the silver lining. More time on the train means more time to listen to music, catch up on podcasts, and do some peaceful hand embroidery. I’ll take it.
In Case You Missed It…
If you haven’t seen it yet, the full video tutorial and free pattern for the “Layer Cake Tango” quilt is now live! This is the pattern I used to make Parker’s “Roar” quilt, and I walk you through the entire process. You can watch it right here.
We also tackled the City Lights pattern from 3-Yard Quilts on a livestream, which was a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying project, that’s a great one to check out. You can find the replay here.
And of course, Ian’s birthday livestream was full of laughs, good vibes, and so many dad jokes by the end that I had to clip some for future outtakes. If you need a laugh, I highly recommend watching the last 30 minutes especially. You can catch that one here.
That’s the update for now! Thank you, as always, for being part of this community—it means so much to me to be able to share these little pieces of my life and quilting journey with you.
Here’s to a joyful, colorful, and creative June.
With love and thread,