I’m back with a fresh & updated website!

It’s been a minute since my last blog post, but I’m back with a fresh and updated website! You’ll find the navigation is easier, there’s a new contact page, and the look is more current/modern (but still “me”). If you’re reading this in an email, click here to check out the new look and tell me what you think!

Updated website at The Crafty Quilter

I’ve been busy re-categorizing ten years worth of blog posts and making things easier to find. I’m still using WordPress, but I have a new theme that is very user-friendly and full of the same great content. I’m glad to have that part of blogging behind me so I can focus on new projects and fresh information for you guys.

I also have a separate newsletter that is dedicated to keeping you up-to-date with all the things happening in the online quilting world. It’s similar to my old “Sew Thankful Sunday” blog posts but with more variety; I send it out once a month (I don’t want to clutter your inbox). If you would like to subscribe to my email newsletter, just fill out the form below.

Current projects

I made two Nantucket Mini-Charm Bag samples for the quilt shop (also available as a kit.) I LOVE this Nantucket Summer fabric line by Camille Roskelly for Moda Fabrics. It’s a beautiful collection of cool blues and greens that is just so charming! The pouch pattern is available as a free download from Moda Fabrics. These pouches were easy to make (now that I’m not so freaked out by zippers anymore). And who doesn’t need another cute pouch to store things in?

I’m staying caught up with my Halloween Figs Sampler BOM that I’m co-teaching at The Granary. Below are the past two months worth of blocks. I love the addition of the applique blocks. I made mine with a turned edge. One is stitched by machine and the other is stitched by hand. I bet you can’t tell which is which! (The bottom-left is by machine). Check out my Round Up of Turned Edge Applique Techniques for more information about these methods.

Halloween Figs Sampler blocks made by Julie Cefalu.  Pattern by Fig Tree Quilts.

Another BOM that I’m participating in is a sampler-style quilt from the Quilter’s Candy Membership. I finished the “Star of Bethlehem” block which I always thought would be a challenge. I took my time, and it turned out perfect (much to my surprise). This block is made with strip piecing and then cutting segments into diamond shapes. That was easy, but all of those diamonds had to match up at the seam intersections. And then I crossed my fingers and hoped the whole thing would measure 26 1/2″ square. And it did!

Here are two more blocks from the Quilter’s Candy Membership Sampler BOM that I completed last month. All of the fabric I’m using is from various collections of Art Gallery Fabrics. I love the soft, modern color palette.

Quilt blocks for Quilter's Candy Sampler BOM made by Julie Cefalu

I’ve started teaching in-person classes again at my local quilt shop, The Granary. So far I’ve taught two machine applique classes and one free motion quilting class. We have a new classroom space so we can accommodate more students. It’s so nice to teach in person again!

Coming up

Enough of the current stuff – let me tell you about what’s coming up! I’m doing a comparison of “stitch & flip” techniques using two (maybe three) different rulers. Stitch & flip is often used to make snowball blocks or any time you want to stitch a diagonal corner onto a square or rectangle. You don’t actually need a ruler for this technique. I have never used one until recently (after hearing how amazing they are). I’ll give you all of the details early next week.

Example of Stitch & Flip Corners

After the “stitch & flip” corners blog post, I have something really exciting for you! I’ve been working on a Christmas in July tutorial, and since my July days are numbered, I’m working fast. I’ve designed this fabulous quilt block that can be made into a table topper, table runner, lap quilt or larger. There are so many options that I don’t know where to start or end! Below is a peak at the block. It’s very easy and it contains some “stitch & flip” corners (so that blog post will come in very handy).

Sneak peak of Christmas project for The Crafty Quilter

Thanks for being patient with me as I redesigned my website. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a month away from blogging, so it feels nice to be back. I hope you’re all enjoying your summer, and I’ll see you next week!


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36 Comments

  1. Julie,
    I love your new website, tutorials, quilting tips and patterns. Glad to took the time to redo your site — it’s just full of great information for all skill levels in sewing and quilting. Great JOB! and I’m glad I’m already subscribed to your newsletters and site.

  2. The new web site looks great. Saw a picture for a small zippered pouch as a face for gifts in the tutorial section. That pouch is not in the tutorials. Is it available as a pattern/tutorial somewhere?

  3. Love the new look…. Your photography is always so clear and cheerful.
    That pouch is really cute too. Hope you’re enjoying summer so far……

  4. It is so nice to see you in my email again! Your website is really nice, and you did a fantastic job on your “Star of Bethlehem”!

  5. Your new website look is great! Those red polka dotted scissors, in the last photo, are too cute. I’ve not seen those before. I’m sure they make you smile every time you cut.

  6. Hi Julie, Congratulations on the new website and thanks for all the tips and info, I always learn so much from you. Thanks for your generosity and the time you dedicate to put all this together. Take care

  7. Great job Julie. Both your blog and your website are beautifully done. “Sew” much info, and “sew” well organized. Thank you for your efforts. I’ve missed you, glad to have you back. A job well done!! ❤️

  8. Loving your fresh new blog look. Loved seeing all of your projects and I’ve bookmarked the little pouch pattern. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  9. I have followed you for years and have bookmarked sew much of your tutorials…….
    still haven’t checked out the new site, but I will soon. Love your detailed tutorials, I do hope they will continue.
    clara

  10. Love the new website. Can’t wait to see your Christmas in July block. I’ve been looking for something to fit in between a couple of other projects I’m working on. Thanks for all your tips, and quilting advice!! I’ve referred to them several times!!

  11. Julie, I always enjoy reading your blog post, chock full of inspiring and beautifully photographed projects. Thanks for the link to download the cute pouch. I would like to receive your monthly newsletter but did not see a link for the subscription form. Stay cool and beat the summer heat!

  12. The new website is fantastic with it’s fresh new look! I love it! So easy to see and access what you may be interested in. Your newsletter has always been one of my favorites so this is very exciting. Congratulations!

  13. It all is very nice!! I always enjoy hearing about what creative things you’re doing… and the Christmas in July tutorial sounds great… especially with the peek we were able to see!!

  14. Congratulations on the new website! It looks good! Was so wonderful to hear from you today. Thanks for your hard work.

  15. Julie, you continue to be my favorite blogger! I love the improvements to your site – thanks for doing this for us. Very interested in seeing the blog on the flippy corner methods. I flip back in forth between methods and can’t wait to hear your opinion.

  16. Julie,
    Your updated new website is marvelous! It’s clean and modern, and everything is so easy to find! Thank you!
    -Jean ❤️

  17. You stated: “If you would like to subscribe to my email newsletter, just fill out the form below.”
    Where is the form? Can’t find it in your post.

    1. Hi Dolores,
      The form doesn’t show up if you’re reading in this in an email. You need to open it in a browser – just click on the link in the first paragraph that says “click here”. Thank you.

    1. Dear Julie, good luck and a lot of joy with the new fresh look! It is always a great pleasure to see your projects, to read and learn from you.

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