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 ✨🧵