April 18, 2024

The Signature Quilt acts as an elegant DIY guest book. Friends and family add their names with permanent fabric markers, creating a memory-filled keepsake that can be used and enjoyed throughout the years.

Vintage Hearts is all-nostalgia with big, patchwork hearts and fabric reproductions of antique valentines. (Fun fact: Those valentines once belonged to the grandmother-in-law of our retreat manager, Susan Brown.)

The happiest of quilts is the picnic quilt. Spread it out—right on the ground—and whip out a lunch for two. Don’t worry about crumbs; don’t fret over spills. This quilt is made for adventure.

Jenny’s go-to wedding gift is a picnic quilt in a pretty basket with a note attached: Never stop dating.

Jenny’s Hopscotch Quilt is all color and fun, with easy 9-patches and snowballed sashing. And when you put it all together, a secondary block appears like magic!

Summer Stars was created by Jenny for a special grandson and his beautiful bride. It’s a cute picnic quilt made with jelly roll strips and two of our favorite quilt blocks: Summer in the Park and Wonky Stars.

The Tic-Tac-Toe Picnic Blanket is made with easy 16-patches, scrappy “eye spy” layer cake squares, and a bold tic-tac-toe sashing. Add a set of beanbags, and this quilt doubles as a beanbag-toss yard game.

As the couple begins their life together, a few homemade touches will add warmth and character to their living space. Stick with classic styles and neutral colors; your gift will help that house become a home.

With a bit of fabric by the yard and a jewel template from Daisy & Grace, you can stitch up a gift that’ll send hearts aflutter. Misty’s quilt-as-you-go Heart Mug Rugs can be sewn by hand or machine, and they’re such a treat to make.

“Honey, I’m home!” Misty’s Hello Wall Hanging features tiny Dresden houses and a cheerful applique greeting. It’s made with precut charm squares and a pretty, pieced border.

Misty's Main Squeeze Pillow features Orange Peel applique blossoms. It’s made with a traditional square-in-a-square block and precut fat quarters. This pattern is timeless and sweet—a perfect choice for a pair of love birds.

Nothing brings warmth to a room as quickly as custom curtains. Our Wide Striped Curtains come together easily with 108ʺ backing fabric and sleek, metal grommets for a two-color look that is classic and elegant.

Jenny’s Jelly Roll Race is such a delight; it’s among our most popular quilt tutorials. But if you chop it into pieces and sew it up just so…it becomes a cute n’ cushy ottoman!

Find more decor gift ideas in the Pick Your Porch section of the Spring catalog. We’ve got something for every personality.  

Something borrowed, something blue, something cute for toting supplies. A wedding day is made special with dozens of tiny details. You can add a sweet, personal touch to even the simplest of accessories.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So how do you choose fabric for a wedding gift?

Ask about favorite colors. (Neutrals and solids are a safe bet.) Try to match their home decor. Take a peek at the wedding registry to get a feel for their style and preferences. And remember, when you sew with precuts, all the mixing and matching is done for you.

Jenny and Ron on their wedding day, April 18, 1980

 Jenny and Ron Doan are celebrating their 44th anniversary this week. Of course, we had to ask about their love story:

How did you meet?

Jenny: Ron and I met at a church dance.

What was your first impression of your spouse?

Jenny: I thought he was shy and a pretty snazzy dresser!

Ron: I thought she was really cute with a nice smile.

Do you have any advice for the newlyweds out there?

Ron: Never be selfish. Always put your spouse first.

Jenny: It’s hard work to stay married. Give it your all! People become what you believe they are, so make sure to tell your spouse how wonderful, kind, and handsome he is and he will become it. Words have great power.  

Published by Danae M.