Clue 7: The Case of the Kitty Ears (and Other Quilty Shenanigans)

This week’s installment of Lupine and Laughter, felt a little less “lupine” and a whole lot more “laughter”—specifically the slightly unhinged, quilter-on-hour-three-of-cutting kind.  I have started the clues each week Bonnie released them, but I am clearly working to my own rhythm on this project when it comes to finishing them. 😉

Clue 7 called to me today, with its cheerful instructions, and right there in the middle of them was the line that struck fear into the heart of every scrap-loving quilter: "trim the seam allowance"

“Trim off the kitty ears?”

Excuse me? Trim them off?
As in… throw them away?
As in… waste them?

Bonnie, Bonnie, Bonnie. You know us too well. You knew this would cause a stir.

Now, I’m a rule follower when it comes to mystery quilts (mostly—don’t ask about Clue 3). So I dutifully trimmed off those little triangles. 

But as they started piling up beside my machine like a tiny mountain of potential, I could hear the whispers:

“Don’t toss us.”
“We could be something.”
“Surely this quilt needs a coordinating mini-quilt? Or maybe a mug rug? A coaster? A small but mighty cat-sized cape?”

Who am I to ignore the pleas of triangles?

So instead of brushing them into the trash—because we all know that was never going to happen—I started chaining the little cat-ear half-square-triangle pairs together. One after another, like a parade of miniature possibilities, sewing themselves into… well… something.

What something?
Honestly, no idea.

Right now I have a growing chain of teeny tiny HSTs, absolutely adorable, completely unnecessary, and full of chaotic promise. Will they become a border? A pincushion? A tiny emotional-support quilt for when Clue 8 hits? I genuinely do not know.

But I’m sewing them anyway.

Because if quilting has taught me anything, it’s this:

Always save the scraps.  One quilt's scraps could provide another entire quilt (it at least a portion thereof).

So check back next week—or possibly in three months when I rediscover this pile and wonder what past-me was thinking—and we’ll find out together what these tiny triangles evolve into.

Until then, may your seams be straight, your triangles behave, and your scraps inspire only slightly unhinged decisions.

Happy stitching!

Lupine and Laughter: Trusting Bonnie, One Seam at a Time

I am currently working on Bonnie Hunter’s mystery quilt Lupine and Laughter, which means my sewing room looks like a fabric store had a minor emotional breakdown. There are stacks of units everywhere, scraps multiplying overnight, and at least one pile I’m pretending is organized.

Progress? Yes. Fast? Absolutely not.

This phase of the mystery is what I like to call “faith-based quilting.” You cut a lot. You sew a lot. You press until your iron questions your life choices. And at no point do you fully understand what’s happening—but you trust Bonnie. Because Bonnie always knows. (Even when I am quietly suspicious.)

I have, of course, been peeking at photos from people who’ve already finished. Just a tiny peek. For motivation. Purely scientific research. And WOW. Their finished quilts are gorgeous, dynamic, and proof that my current chaos will someday become something spectacular. Also proof that some people sew much faster than I do, but we won’t dwell on that.

My own progress is best described as “steady with frequent snack breaks.” A few units at a time, a lot of rearranging, and the occasional moment of panic followed by relief when everything lines up exactly as promised. Slowly but surely, the pile of finished pieces is growing—and that is deeply satisfying.

So for now, I’ll keep stitching, keep trusting, and keep laughing at the mystery (and sometimes at myself). Lupine and Laughter is already living up to its name, and I can’t wait to see how all these bits and pieces finally come together.

Now if you’ll excuse me, my sewing machine is calling—and I think my iron needs a break. 😉

🧵💜✂️

Welcome 2026: New Threads, Fresh Starts, and a Year of Making

As the final days of 2025 are behind us and slipping quietly into memory, it’s time to welcome a brand-new year here at Highland Stitches. There’s something especially fitting about a new year for quilters — a clean edge, a fresh layout, and endless possibilities waiting to be pieced together.

The start of 2026 feels like opening a neatly folded stack of fabric: full of potential, colour, and ideas just waiting for the first cut.

Looking Back with Gratitude (and Finished Quilts!)

2025 was a very good year in the sewing room. One of my main goals was to finish more projects than I started, and I’m happy to say that goal was met. More quilts were completed, bound, and enjoyed than were added to the ever-growing list of ideas — a satisfying achievement that brought both clarity and joy.

Each finished quilt tells a story, not just in its fabrics and patterns, but in the time spent piecing, quilting, and bringing it to life. 

Quilting Intentions for 2026

Rather than big resolutions, this year is about thoughtful, steady progress and enjoying the rhythm of quilting:

• More finishes — continuing the momentum from 2025

• Scrap and stash sewing — using what’s already on hand

• Slow stitching — enjoying some time with hand piecing and hand quilting

• Room to experiment — new blocks, layouts, and quilting ideas

The focus remains on finding pleasure in the process, even when seams don’t line up perfectly and plans evolve mid-project.

A Gentle Start to the New Year

Quilting has a way of grounding us — one piece at a time, one seam after another. In 2026, I hope this space continues to celebrate quilts that are made to be used, loved, and shared, not just finished.

Whether you’re quilting every day or stealing moments when you can, you’re always welcome here.

Here’s to 2026

May your seams be straight enough, your bobbin never run out at the worst moment, and your quilts bring warmth and comfort wherever they land. Thank you for beginning another year with Highland Stitches. I’m looking forward to all the quilts — finished and in-progress — that 2026 will bring.

Happy New Year and happy quilting ✨🧵

My First Quilt Show – Four Quilts, White Gloves, and a Runner-Up Ribbon!

This year, I did something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time—I entered my very first quilt show. Not just one quilt, but four of them. The show was hosted by the wonderful Almonte Quilters Guild, and while it wasn’t a juried show, it was filled with some of the most creative, skillful, and inspiring quilts I’ve ever seen.

Taking the Leap

Every year, other fairs or quilt shows come and go and I’d tell myself “Maybe next year I’ll enter something.” This year, I finally stopped saying maybe and said yes.

Choosing four quilts to enter felt both thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking. None of them were perfect (is any quilt ever?), but each one told part of my story—explorations of new techniques, experiments with bold colors, and those beloved “just-for-fun” pieces that somehow become favorites.

A Community Event

One of the things that makes the Almonte show so special is that it’s not juried—every quilt entered is welcomed and displayed with equal pride. That spirit of inclusion and encouragement made it the perfect place to show my work for the first time.

Throughout the weekend, hundreds of visitors passed through the show. I had the chance to be part of it not just as an exhibitor, but as a volunteer, helping out with white glove duty. For those who don’t know, that means standing ready—literally wearing white gloves—to help guests get a closer look at the quilts without touching them directly. It was a joy to chat with attendees, answer questions, and witness firsthand how much people appreciated the artistry and effort on display.

An Unexpected Honour

When the votes were tallied for the Viewers Choice Awards, I was stunned to hear that one of my quilts had been selected as Runner-Up. Knowing that visitors had taken the time to vote for my "Bears in the One-Block Wonder" —and that so many connected with my quilt—was a complete and joyful surprise!  It’s a feeling I’ll carry with me for a long time

The winner was a beautiful quilt by a wonderful woman I've known for years.

What I Took Away

This first quilt show experience gave me more than I expected:

💪 Confidence. Taking the leap to show my work taught me that you don’t have to be “perfect” to participate.

🤝 Connection. From fellow quilters to curious visitors, every interaction reminded me how meaningful this craft can be.

🧵 Community. Whether you’re exhibiting, volunteering, or just attending, quilt shows are a celebration of shared creativity and love for the art.

Looking Forward

I’m already dreaming up ideas for the next show. New patterns, new colors, maybe even a new technique or two. I’m so grateful to the Almonte Quilters Guild for hosting such a welcoming, inspiring show—and to everyone who came, voted, and supported local quilting.

To anyone who’s thinking about entering a show: do it. You don’t need to be a master. You just need to be willing to share what you’ve made. You never know who you might inspire—or how deeply you’ll be inspired in return.

Finding Time and Finding your Happy Place

 I have been struggling to find time to quilt.  With a full time job and a home that I share with my husband and two dogs to take care of, it's a challenge.

Making it even more difficult was sharing a space.  We originally wanted to have each of us, my husband and I, work on our hobbies together.  What we discovered is he loves to watch movies and play video games as a hobby, but he likes a darkened room for that.  Quilting does not exactly work well in the dark.  We agreed to divide and conquer, so I moved my sewing machine and main table to my daughter's former bedroom where the long arm is (the one withe the quilt on it that's been there for a year).  

Suddenly, I found myself in a room filled with light. I hung one of my quilts, I'm thinking of a design wall for the first time.  The room is taking on a warmth it did not have before.  Now, I find myself wanting to quilt everyday! 

The transition is incomplete as I need to move some of the last of my daughter's bedroom furniture out and I still need to bring my fabric stash over from the old location.  It is a work in progress and I still have ideas and thoughts about changes I would like to make.  For now, I want to focus on getting back to my new-to-me happy place.

Have you ever made changes or have ideas of what 

Happy New Year and what's next for this Blog

I seem to go it starts and stops when it comes to this blog.  The new year has given me the chance to see a time when I will have less volunteering and more time to focus on my own creative pursuits.  

Why Re-energize this Quilting blog Now?

I think many of us are craving something real. In a world where so much happens on a screen, quilting lets you slow down, work with your hands, and create something tangible. Plus, it’s sustainable. Using scraps and upcycling old fabric feels good when you’re trying to live a little greener.

Then there’s the community aspect. Social media has turned quilting into a global phenomenon. With hashtags like #Quilting and #QuiltLove, you can find inspiration and connect with other quilters from all over the world. It’s like being part of this big, colorful club where everyone’s cheering each other on.

My Quilting Journey

I didn’t set out to become a quilter. It kind of happened by accident. My first quilt? Let’s just say it wasn’t winning any awards—crooked seams and all. But I loved it. Each quilt I make tells its own little story: a baby blanket for my daughter, a photo memory quilt for my elders, a cozy throw for my couch on chilly nights. Quilting has become this beautiful way for me to express myself and connect with others.

One of the best parts? The people I’ve met along the way. Quilters are some of the kindest, most generous folks you’ll ever meet. Whether it’s at a local guild meeting, a quilt show, or just swapping tips online, there’s a real sense of community. It’s like we’re all part of this big, creative family.

The Future of My Quilting Blog

I’ve been thinking a lot about where to take this blog as quilting keeps growing and changing. There’s so much I want to share with you—not just about quilting techniques or patterns (though don’t worry, there will be plenty of that), but about the stories behind the quilts. Who made them? What inspired them? What do they mean to the people who use them?

I also want this space to be a hub for connection. Maybe that means hosting virtual quilt-alongs where we all work on the same pattern together or spotlighting quilters who are doing amazing things. I’m even toying with the idea of starting a podcast—imagine sitting down with a cup of tea and listening to quilters share their stories and tips.

And of course, I want to keep exploring how quilting fits into our modern lives. How can we use it to be more sustainable? How do we pass this craft on to the next generation? These are the kinds of conversations I’m excited to have with you.

Let’s Stitch This Together

Quilting has given me so much—a creative outlet, a way to connect with others, and a whole lot of joy. I hope this blog can be a place where you find all that and more. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or someone who’s just curious about giving it a try, there’s room for you here. Let’s keep stitching, sharing, and celebrating this amazing craft together. I can’t wait to see what we create.

A Change of Pace

Sometimes, when I get behind on a Mystery project, such as Bonnie Hunter's Indigo Way, I find myself getting discouraged.  I know it is not some kind of race, but I have a tendency to be hard on myself for not keeping up.  This year, we've had some health challenges in the family and we've had to support our family with our time much more so than usual.

I decided, rather than getting discouraged on Indigo Way, I would switch gears to one of my UFO's to make some progress on that front.  My first One Block Wonder allowed me time to sew with my Featherweight - always a fun experience - and the larger pieces allowed me to see progress much faster.  I was able to get all of the hexagons assembled and now I just need to applique it to the center panel

I do have a question about covering the bear's buttocks on the left side of the panel.  My quilting besties suggested I pin it and let it stay on the wall until I felt confident one way or the other.  I have made a decision, but I'll share more on that another day.

Do you know what else happened?

I got my mojo back for Indigo Way!  Sometimes a change of pace is exactly what we need to get our quilting juices flowing again.

What do you do to get yourself back on track with your quilting?