Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Quilt Pattern (Firefly Beginner Friendly) is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

I’m so excited to introduce my newest quilt pattern! This quilt is a fun patriotic design featuring classic churn dash blocks with a playful surprise inside — double pinwheels spinning right in the center.

This design mixes timeless tradition with a little extra movement and charm. The churn dash blocks create a strong, classic framework, while the double pinwheels bring energy and whimsy to the quilt.

This quilt is perfect for summer picnics and BBQs! I chose patriotic colors, but you can make this quilt in any color way you like! Here are a few ideas of how you can use this quilt in your home:

• Summer decorating
• Independence Day celebrations
• Picnics and porch sitting
• Or simply adding a cheerful pop of color to your home

Quilt Size

This quilt finishes at 68″ x 82″, making it a wonderful size for:

• A cozy throw
• A bed topper
• A seasonal quilt to brighten up your home

Fabric Requirements:

• Background: 2-1/4 yards
• Low Vol: 5 FQs (18″ x 21″)
• Pink: 3 FQs
• Red: 5 FQs
• Blue: 5 FQs
• Aqua: 3 FQs
• Pink Block Borders: 5/8 Yard
• Aqua Block Borders: 5/8 yard
• Binding + Cornerstones (Red): 3/4 yard
• Backing/Batting: 5 yards

A Fresh Take on Patriotic Colors

The sample is made using a mix of prints from my various fabric collections including Heartland, Bloom, and Sew Quilty! The backing is a large floral print from my Homespun line.

Instead of sticking to the traditional red, white, and blue palette alone, I decided to add soft pinks to the mix. The pink gives the quilt a sweeter, more summery feel while still keeping that patriotic spirit.

One of my favorite details in this quilt is the low volume sashing. Rather than using plain background fabric, the sashing adds subtle texture and movement between the blocks.

Those quiet prints help frame each churn dash block while still letting the pinwheels shine. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in the overall look of the quilt.

Classic Blocks, Fresh Style

If you love traditional quilt blocks but enjoy a little creative twist, this pattern is such a fun one to make. The churn dash blocks give it that classic quilt feel, while the double pinwheels add motion and personality to every block.

I absolutely loved watching this quilt come together, and I can’t wait to see the versions you create!

I’ve made it in patriotic colors, but you can make it in any color way you like. Here are a few samples to get you started.

Backing Details

I used a creamy large floral print from my Homespun line. It’s filled beautiful larger florals including blue, aqua, red, pink, and a little green.

I used a blue gingham for the binding to tie it all together. And don’t forget to add a little label to your projects as well! This cute personalized label is from Everemblem. They have great personalized label options, I’ve chosen the foldable labels which are perfect for adding to your binding.

The post Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Quilt Pattern (Firefly Beginner Friendly) appeared first on Confessions of a Homeschooler.

Nana’s Hometown Parade Quilt and NEW Fabric Line! is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

SHOP the Nana’s Hometown Parade quilt and fabric here!

The Homespun fabric collection is perfect for your summer sewing! I used it in my Nana’s Hometown Parade quilt that features sweet house blocks, vintage trucks, and double pinwheels — perfect for summer picnics and BBQs!

Nana’s Hometown Parade finishes at 75″ x 75″ so it’s the perfect size for cuddling up on the couch, taking out for a picnic, or displaying on a quilt ladder. Start sewing the Nana’s Hometown Parade  quilt pattern now and have it finished just in time to celebrate the USA!

To complete Nana’s Hometown Parade you will need:

• Nana’s Hometown Parade Pattern
• Pink: 4 FQs (18″ x 21)
• Red: 2 FQs
• Aqua: 5 FQs
• Blue: 3 FQs
• Brown: 2 FQs
• Low Vol: 1 FQs
• Background: 3 yards
• Border 2 (Red): 3/8 yard
• Border 3 (Low Vol): 1-1/4 yards
• Binding: 5/8 yard Red
• Backing/Batting: 4-5/8 yards

Get the Homespun Collection here!

LIMITED EDITION FQ Bundle Includes:

• 30 Beautiful FQs of the EXCLUSIVE Homespun Fabric Collection

The Homespun fabric is available in FQ Bundles and Nana’s Hometown Parade quilt kits. The FQ Bundle includes 30 beautiful prints tied with a sweet ribbon! The quilt kits includes the 30-piece FQ Bundle along with the Background, Borders, Binding, and Backing fabrics. The kit includes everything you need to complete this beautiful quilt, except the batting!

LIMITED EDITION QUILT KIT Includes:

• Nana’s Hometown Parade Print PATTERN
• EXCLUSIVE Nana’s Stickers
• 30 Beautiful FQs of the EXCLUSIVE Homespun Fabric Collection
• Low Vol. Background
• Aqua Floral Backing
• Red Gingham Border
• Low Vol Floral Border

The sample quilt is made using my NEW Homespun fabric collection! This is a LIMITED collection and will NOT be restocked, so once it’s gone, it’s gone!

The fabrics feature beautiful creamy low-volume florals, cozy pinks, warm browns, and of course pops of red, aqua, and denim. The prints include florals, geometric designs, a fun stripe, and everyone’s favorite—gingham!

The quilt itself shows off its USA pride with vintage trucks flying the flag and charming cottages all decorated for the 4th of July. In honor of fireworks, double pinwheels are scattered throughout the design. The whole quilt is framed with a lovely floral border, and the corners are topped off with double pinwheels for an extra touch of flair.

Join me in sharing our patriotism by sewing this darling red, white, and blue (with a little pink!) summer quilt!

And don’t forget to label your quilts for future generations! This label is from The Sweetwater Co Tagged Subscription. I’ve been a member for several years, and each month they send a darling personalized label that you can use for your quilty projects!

The post Nana’s Hometown Parade Quilt and NEW Fabric Line! appeared first on Confessions of a Homeschooler.

Groovy Crochet Granny Square Pillow Pattern is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

Learn to crochet with this beginner-friendly colorful granny square pillow! It’s great for using up your yarn scraps and making your space colorful!

Finished Size: Approx. 16″ x 16″

Finished size may vary depending on your yarn and hook size.

Watch the Groovy Crochet Granny Square Pillow tutorial here!

Supplies:

• Clover Amour Crochet Hook US E
• 200g Size 2 yarn (I used Lori Holt Chunky Thread in a variety of colors)
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors
• 18″ Pillow Insert (May vary, I recommend finishing your panels then choosing your pillow insert size)

NOTE: Using another yarn weight is fine, just note that it will change your finished crochet panels, and increase or decrease the size of your finished pillow.

The post Groovy Crochet Granny Square Pillow Pattern appeared first on Confessions of a Homeschooler.

Stitch-To-Go Case! is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

The Stitch-To-Go Case is perfect for organizing and taking your cross stitch projects on the go! The Stitch To Go Case was inspired by my original Craft-To-Go Case, but specifically designed for your cross stitch projects!

It features 12 clear vinyl slots for floss, and a handy floss scrap keeper! It also has a large vinyl pocket to keep your stitched piece clean and safe, along with a large pocket behind the floss for your pattern! I also added in a needle keeper, scissor pocket, and a handy pen pocket. And the whole thing is held together with a cute little snap closure to keep everything safe and secure inside!

And if you’ll notice they fold like a binder, so you can store them vertically on your shelf like a book for easy access!

Get the Stitch To-Go case here!

The PDF pattern includes step-by-step written instructions along with graphic illustrations to help make this cute pattern a breeze!

This project finishes at 9″ x 12″, so it’s the perfect size for taking your stitching on the go! While intended for cross stitch projects, this fun little case would be perfect for any type of stitching crafts!

The PDF pattern includes step-by-step written instructions along with graphic illustrations to help make this cute pattern a breeze! It also comes with a video tutorial to make assembly even easier!

Grab your pattern and follow along with my YouTube tutorial and get started sewing today!

Watch the Stitch To-Go video tutorial here!

Supplies:

• Outside Fabric: 1 FQ (18″ x 21″)
• Lining Fabric: 1 FQ
• Binding Fabric: 1 F8 (9″ x 21″)
• Accent Fabric: 1 F8
• Light Weight Vinyl: 3/4 yd (By Annie’s Vinyl is great for bags!)
• Batting: 1/2 yd
• Velcro or Snap (I used this Metal Snap Set, see my video tutorial for a demo!)
• Optional: 505 Basting Spray

Product Features:

• Finished size approximately: 9″ x 12″
• 12 Floss Slots
• Large Pocket for Stitched Piece
• Needle Keeper
• Floss Scrap Keeper
• Pocket for Pattern
• Scissor and Pen Pockets
• Clasp to hold everything secure!

The post Stitch-To-Go Case! appeared first on Confessions of a Homeschooler.

2026 Clean With Me Sewing Room Declutter & Organization Series is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

Welcome to My 10-Day FREE Sewing Room Declutter & Organization Series!

Each day at 10am MT, I’ll be releasing a short video on YouTube sharing my tips for keeping your sewing and crafting area clean, clutter free, and organized! By the end of 10 Days, you’ll have a beautiful, functional, and inviting space to sew in!

If your sewing room is feeling cluttered, overwhelming, or just not as inspiring as it used to be, you’re in the right place. Over the next 10 days, I’m sharing a brand-new daily YouTube video where I walk you through exactly how I declutter and organize my sewing space—one manageable category at a time.

This series is designed to feel doable, not exhausting. You don’t need a full weekend, fancy storage solutions, or perfection. Just a little time each day and a willingness to reset your space so it supports your creativity (instead of stressing you out).

Whether you sew every day or just squeeze it in when you can, I hope this series helps you reclaim your sewing room and fall back in love with it.

So let’s dive right in!

• Download the FREE 10 Day Sewing Room Declutter PDF here.
• Stop by my YouTube Channel to watch each day’s video!
• Make three areas to use as we go: Donate, Keep, and Trash (cardboard boxes are great for donations and I usually keep a trash bag handy for anything I know I’ll toss!)

Watch the 2026 Clean With Me YouTube series here!

Donation Ideas: Local Quilt Guilds, 4-H Groups, Craft Thrift Stores, and Local Libraries are great places to donate your unwanted items!

Motivation Tips: Set a timer to help you stay motivated. Small actions each day will add up! Don’t forget to take Before and After photos to help keep you motivated to keep your space clean! And keep in mind, this series is just a guide to get you going!

How the 10-Day Declutter Works

Each day focuses on one specific area of the sewing room. I recommend watching the daily video, then spending a short, focused block of time tackling that day’s task. Stop when the time is up—you can always come back tomorrow.

Here’s what we’ll be working through together:

Day 1: Take Out the Trash

We’re starting easy and fast. Broken tools, empty packaging, old notes, random papers—this is all about removing what clearly doesn’t belong in your sewing room anymore.

Day 2: Sort Fabric Yardage

Pull out your fabric yardage and decide what you truly love, what you’ll realistically use, and what might be better off donated or passed along.

Day 3: Sort Fabric Small Cuts (FQs, Pre-Cuts, etc.)

Fat quarters, half yards, layer cakes, charm packs—today is about grouping like items together so you actually know what you have.

Day 4: Sort Fabric Scraps

Scraps can quickly take over a sewing room. We’ll talk about keeping scraps that serve you and letting go of the rest.

Day 5: WIPs, UFOs, and Future Projects

This is a big one. We’ll go through works in progress, unfinished projects, and plans for the future—deciding what still excites you and what can be released.

Day 6: Patterns, Books, and Magazines

From quilt patterns to sewing books and magazines, today is all about organizing your inspiration and reference materials so they’re easy to find and enjoyable to use.

Day 7: Notions, Tools, and Thread

Scissors, rotary cutters, rulers, pins, and thread—this day focuses on corralling the small but mighty tools that make sewing possible.

Day 8: Batting and Interfacing

Batting and interfacing can be bulky and awkward to store. We’ll sort what you have and create a system that actually works.

Day 9: Sewing Machines, Irons, and Cutting Mats

Today is about your larger tools—cleaning, checking what you use most, and setting them up in a way that supports your workflow.

Day 10: Reset Your Space and Rest

We’ll finish by resetting the room, putting everything back intentionally, and—most importantly—taking a moment to rest and enjoy what you’ve accomplished.

Organizational Videos:

• How to Organize your Fabric Yardage Video
• How to Sort and Organize your Scraps Video
• Sewing Room Tour (including links for everything in my sewing room)

Join Me on YouTube

I’m releasing a new video goes each day for the next 10 days, walking you through that day’s declutter step with practical tips, encouragement, and real-life sewing room honesty.

Subscribe on YouTube so you don’t miss a day Declutter alongside me at your own pace Celebrate progress—not perfection!

I’m so excited to do this with you. Let’s make our sewing rooms spaces that support creativity, calm, and joy.

Happy sewing!

The post 2026 Clean With Me Sewing Room Declutter & Organization Series appeared first on Confessions of a Homeschooler.

2026 Sewing Room Tour is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

With the new year upon us, I decided to reorganize and rearrange my sewing room, so that means it’s time for an updated sewing room tour! I love the new layout and don’t worry, everything in my room is linked below!

I’ve added a few new storage things this year to help make my room more functional, organized, and pretty!

Watch the 2026 Sewing Room Tour video here!

Furniture Links

• Kallax shelving unit (I have a 2×4 unit, a 2×2 unit, and a 5×5 unit. 
• Linnmon Table Top (78 3/4” x 23 5/8” mat white table tops – I put two table tops together as shown in the video.)
• Adils table Legs (I purchased 8 of the white legs. Three on each end and two in the center for stability.)
• Micke Desk (My main work desk)
• Mittback Trestle Legs (I use these to help give my desk support and hold a few extra things too!)
• Moppe Mini Storage Chest (For my smaller fiber stash)
• White Sewing Chair
• Monitor Stand
• Felt Right Quilting Star (Use Coupon Code: ERICA10)
• Pink Sherpa Chair

Products Shown

• Juki TL2000 Qi
• Wooden Scrap Baskets
• Ikea Wooden Box Organizer
• Wooden Thread organizer
• Floss ‘N Store & Binders
• Jelly Roll Rug
• White Fabric Baskets
• Oliso Pro-Smart Iron
• Magnetic Pin Bowl
• It’s Sew Emma Stash ‘n Store
• Creative Grid Ruler
• Aurifil Thread (I use 50 wt 2021)
• Riley Blake Tailor’s Clapper
• Modern American Vintage Clapper
• Olfa Splash 45mm Rotary Cutter
• Bit Mat Rotary Cutting Surface
• Clover Wonder Clips
• Little House Pins
• Alphabitties
• 505 Fabric Adhesive
• Comic Book Boards (Used to store yardage)

Pattern Links

• You can find all of my patterns here! 
• 2021-2022 Sew With Me
• Just Keep Sewing Mini
• Vintage QUILTY Truck of the Month
• Vintage STITCHY Truck of the Month
• Spools

Video Links

• DIY Design Wall
• DIY Ironing Board
• Thread Catcher
• Jelly Roll Rug
• How to Organize Scraps
• Fabric Storage Organization

I hope you enjoyed my sewing room tour!

If you just started quilting or sewing, check out my How to Quilt Series!

The post 2026 Sewing Room Tour appeared first on Confessions of a Homeschooler.

2026 Sew and Stitch with Me Series | Beginner-Friendly Quilt and Cross Stitch is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

Happy 2026 friends! With the new year, comes a NEW Quilt-A-Long! The 2026 Sew With Me series is a beginner-friendly sampler quilt and cross stitch series. Each month, I will teach you how to make another beautiful quilt block for our sampler quilt. At the end of our sew-a-long I’ll show you how to put them all together and finish your quilt!

Join me here and on YouTube on the 2nd Thursday of each month, as I teach you how to make this adorable quilt and cross stitch piece! And don’t forget to join our Sew With Me Facebook group where you can share your progress pics and see what others are making as well!

Throughout this series, I hope to teach you some new skills, tips, and tricks, and at the end of the series, we will have a fun selection of blocks to sew together into a sampler quilt! I have a special layout for this year’s sew-a-long, and I hope you love it as much as I do!

The blocks will release on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Each block will have a video tutorial and free PDF download. I will be adding the PDF downloads to this blog post (see below for downloads) as they are released, so make sure to come back here each month to get the new download!

In the Sew With Me Kickoff Video, I will be covering supplies, the Block #1 video tutorial, as well as sewing the sashing and corner stones. I love making the sashing, borders, and cornerstones first. It’s nice to have it all done when we are ready to assemble our quilt! I’ll also be sharing my stitchy progress as well.

YouTube Video Tutorials:

• Watch the 2026 Sew and Stitch With Me video tutorials here each month!

2026 Sew With Me

This year’s quilty blocks are the 12″ version of the stars in my Candy Cane Lane Quilt and Candy Cane Lane Ornaments. Since it’s not a surprise, I’m going to release the full pattern right now! The paid version always includes bonus patterns (table runner and pillow) and this year it also includes a second finishing option too! And you can always sew along with the FREE version as they release each month if you prefer.

Don’t want to wait?

Get the full year of 2026 Sew and Stitch With Me patterns here!

The 2026 Sew With Me paid pattern includes:

• Full Color Pattern with graphic illustrations and written instructions
• Patterns for Blocks 1-12
• Medallion Finishing Instructions (Finished Size: 63″ x 63″)
• Medallion Large Center Star Pattern
• Basic Layout Finishing (Finished Size: 48″ x 63″)
• Bonus Pillow Pattern
• Bonus Table Topper/Mini-Wall Hanging Pattern

The Medallion layout, BONUS Center Star, Basic Layout, Pillow, and Table Topper/Mini-Quilt patterns are only available in the paid pattern. But keep in mind that you don’t have to purchase anything, you can always sew along with the Basic layout which is offered FREE here on my blog along with video tutorials each month on YouTube. You’ll want to visit this blog post each month to download the PDF patterns as they release.

Download the Free Quilty Patterns Below:

• 2026 Sew With Me Block 1, Sashing, and cornerstones
• 2026 Sew With Me Block 2
• 2026 Sew With Me Block 3
• 2026 Sew With Me Block 4
• 2026 Sew With Me Block 5
• 2026 Sew With Me Block 6 
• 2026 Sew With Me Block 7
• 2026 Sew With Me Block 8 
• 2026 Sew With Me Block 9
• 2026 Sew With Me Block 10
• 2026 Sew With Me Block 11
• 2026 Sew With Me Block 12

2026 Sew With Me Quilt Details 

• Finished Block Size: 12″ x 12″
• Finished Quilt Size: 48″ x 63″ (Basic Free Layout)
• Videos release on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 10am MST
• Free PDF downloads will be released for each block (Block #1 pattern includes basic finishing option for this year’s quilt.)
• I suggest prepping your fabric with Acorn Spray Starch or Mary Ellen’s Best Press prior to cutting your pieces.

Fabric Requirements (FQ=18″ x 21″, feel free to use any colors you like!) 

• Background: 4 yards (3-1/2 yards Basic Finishing)
• Blocks: (12) FQs for variety – I’m using:
  • Red: (3) FQs
  • Denim: (3) FQs
  • Aqua: (3) FQs
  • Green: (3) FQs
• Aqua Sashing: 1/2 yard
• Denim Cornerstones: 1/8 yard
• Binding (Red): 1/2 yard
• Backing/Batting: 4 yards

My favorite Supplies:

• Juki TL2000 Qi
• Laurastar Lift Xtra (Titan) use code: Erica23 for 10% off!
• Self Healing Mat or Kimberly’s Cutting Mat
• DIY Pressing/Ironing Mat
• Olfa 45mm Splash Rotary Cutter
• 1/4″ Diagonal Seam Tape
• Creative Grids Ruler
• Aurifil 50wt Thread 2021
• Frixion Erasable Pens
• Pink Flower Magnetic Pin Bowl
• Scissors
• Alphabitties
• Modern American Vintage Tailor’s Clapper
• Little House Pins
• Mary Ellen’s Best Press 
• Acorn Spray Starch
• Felt Right Tile Wall Coupon Code: ERICA10
• Sta-Flo Liquid Starch
• Warm N White 100% Cotton Batting

2026 Stitch With Me

Get the 2026 Stitch With Me Cross Stitch pattern here!

The full pattern includes charts for the individual Blocks 1-12, Whole Cloth Medallion Chart, Basic Chart, and Individual Chart finishing as well.

We’re doing a cute cross stitch to go along with our Sew With Me series this year too! I’m going to do a SAL format, so we will be releasing the blocks in the same order as the quilty version. Today, I am releasing the Border, finishing information and chart for Block #1. The Stitchy blocks will release on the 2nd Thursday of the month as well!

Like the quilt version, you can get the entire chart now in my store plus the bonus medallion finishing! Or you can come back here each month and download the FREE version as they release each month.

Supplies:

• 14-Count Aida Whichelt Beautiful Beige
• DMC Floss (see chart on pattern)
• Double-Sided Craft Tape 
• Sticky Mounting Board

Download the 2026 Sew With Me Free Stitchy Patterns:

• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 1 (includes borders and finishing info)
• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 2
• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 3
• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 4
• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 5
• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 6
• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 7
• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 8
• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 9
• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 10
• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 11
• 2026 Stitch With Me Block 12

The post 2026 Sew and Stitch with Me Series | Beginner-Friendly Quilt and Cross Stitch appeared first on Confessions of a Homeschooler.

2026 Candy Cane Lane Sew/Stitch Along! is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

Hi everyone! It’s prep-week for the Candy Cane Lane SAL! We’re going to be sewing together this year, so in December you have an adorable quilt ready for the holidays.

Below you’ll find a basic schedule for you to follow along with! Video tutorials for each quilty star block will release on YouTube every 2nd Thursday of the month. The SAL schedule below is just a suggestion, you’ll have a month between each star block release on YouTube, so take your time and enjoy it!

For the SAL, you can make anything from the Candy Cane line! That includes the full sized quilt, stitchy ornaments (or whole cloth version), and the CCL Ornaments too! Make sure to post your progress pics in our Sew With Me Facebook Group ! And that’s it! Have fun sewing and stitching along!

Here’s how to participate:

• Get the Candy Cane Lane Pattern (You can use any CCL product, ornaments, stitchy, and quilty versions count!)
• Join our Sew With Me Facebook Group (post your progress pics there!)
• Watch the YT Video Tutorials Here! (The star block tutorials release the 2nd Thurs. of each month)
• Have fun!

Quilt-a-Long and Stitch-a-long Schedule:

I have a lot packed into the first month, so feel free to take your time! That said, I do like to get my borders and sashing sewn/stitched early on. If you’re sewing along, it’s a great way to get ahead. Use January to get the borders, and houses sewn and stitched. Then as we progress through the SAL you can work on one star each month.

When we get to December, which can be a busy time, you’ll already be all set to assemble your quilt! If you’re stitching along, having the stitchy borders, houses, and shelves done helps give you a frame of reference as you’re adding each motif!

You an always sew ahead too, the schedule below coordinates with the YouTube video tutorial releases. You’re welcome to join me on YT to watch the tutorials for a visual guide and a few tips for each block.

• January 9: Prep Week! (Sew or Stitch Borders, Sashing Rows, & Holly Blocks)
• January 15: Sew/Stitch House: Chimney, roof, body, and Star #1
• January 22: Sew/Stitch Candy Cane Blocks
• January 29: Sew/Stitch Tree Blocks
• February 12: Sew/Stitch Star #2
• March 12: Sew/Stitch Star #3
• April 9: Sew/Stitch Star #4
• May 14: Sew/Stitch Star #5
• June 11: Sew/Stitch Star #6
• July 9: Sew/Stitch Star #7
• August 13: Sew/Stitch Star #8
• September 10: Sew/Stitch Star #9
• October 8: Sew/Stitch Star #10
• November 12: Sew/Stitch Star #11
• December 10: Sew/Stitch Star #12
• December 17: Quilty Peeps – Baste, Quilt, Bind, and Stitchy Peeps – Finish your piece for display!

And that’s it friends! Make sure to post your progress pics in our Facebook Group and have fun sewing and stitching along with me!

The post 2026 Candy Cane Lane Sew/Stitch Along! appeared first on Confessions of a Homeschooler.

2026 Mug of the Month Series: Quilt and Cross-Stitch Patterns is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

Happy 2026 friends! I’m excited to announce that our new year brings with it a new monthly pattern series! Introducing the 2026 Quilty and Stitchy Mugs of the Month! These monthly patterns are perfect for adding a little seasonal fun to your snack time and a little handmade touch to your home as well!

Each month I will release a video sharing tips and tricks for that month’s pattern. The January Video also includes a tutorial on how to finish the Quilty Mug Rug along with several alternate side panel options. It also includes a tutorial on how to finish the Stitchy Ornaments as well!

Get the 2026 Mug of the Month patterns here!

Watch the YouTube Mug of the Month videos here!

2026 Mug of the Month Details:

• Individual Patterns will be released on the 1st Thursday of the month
• Individual monthly patterns are available in PDF format only
• The full 12-Month Stitchy and Quilty Bundles are available now if you don’t want to wait!

The Mug of the Month patterns will be available individually and will release the 1st Thursday of the month.

Don’t want to wait? You can get the entire 12-Month Jan-Dec bundles in the store now! Then, join me on YouTube every month to sew and stitch along with us as the year goes by! And don’t forget to join me in our Sew With Me group on Facebook to share your progress pics and join in the fun!

2026 Quilty Mug of the Month Pattern includes:

• Individual Mug Rugs (10″ x 6″)
• Mini-Quilt Version (27″ x 32″)
• Monthly Letters for the side panels
• Eight additional patchwork side panel finishing options

Don’t want to wait? Get the entire 2026 Quilty Mug Series here!

2026 Stitchy Mug of the Month Pattern Includes

• Stitchy Mugs Individual patterns finish at 2-1/4″ x 2-1/2″
• Whole Chart option finishes at 5-1/2″ x 9-1/2″
• Full-Color Individual Chart & Finishing Instructions
• Full-Color Whole Chart (with individual month’s placement) & Finishing Option Included
• Large Format Charts (Easy to read!)

Don’t want to wait? You can get the entire 2026 Stitchy Mug Series here!

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Easy Knit Mitten Ornaments Tutorial (Beginner-friendly Knitting) is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

I’m so excited to share my newest quick-and-cozy holiday make: Easy Knit Mitten Ornaments! These tiny mittens are beginner-friendly, work up so fast, and add the sweetest handmade touch to any holiday décor. Whether you’re decorating your tree, topping gifts, or making a batch for friends and family, these little cuties are as fun as they are simple.

Click here to watch the Knit Mitten Ornament Tutorial here!

The Details

Each stocking finishes at approximately 1½” x 3½” making them the perfect mini-size for your tree this year! I used Sport Weight yarn, but since they don’t have to fit anyone, you can use any yarn you like, just follow the yarn recommendations for needle size. And know that the yarn you choose may change your finished size. They’re small enough for beginners to finish confidently—and for experienced knitters to whip up a dozen in no time.

The ornaments only take about 2-1/2 grams of yarn each, so they’re perfect for using up any scraps of yarn you have as well!

For the samples, I used Scheepjes sport-weight yarn in the Jade and Natural colorways. I love how the colors pop and how crisp the stitches look in sport weight yarn. You can make your stockings in any color combo you like—stripes, dots, two-tone, or solid! It’s such a great scrap-buster project.

Supplies I used:

• 3.5 mm Knitter’s Pride Dreamz DPN needles
• 3.5 mm Clover crochet hook (for finishing touches)
• Sheepjes Stonewash Sport Weight Yarn (Jade, Natural)
• Yarn Needle

And yes—they’re very beginner friendly! If you can knit, purl, and increase, you’re good to go.

Video Tutorial

 Click here to watch the Knit Mitten Ornament Tutorial!

If you’re more of a visual learner, I’ve got you! I filmed a full step-by-step YouTube tutorial, where I walk you through the entire process from cast-on to hanging loop.

Written Pattern:

 Click here to get the Knit Mitten Ornament Pattern!

I also offer a step by step written instructions along with photo illustrations for these stockings for those who prefer it! The pattern includes instructions for:

• Plain Mitten
• Dotted Mitten
• Stripe Mitten

Make sure to check out my other Knit Ornaments as well! They all coordinate to create a super cozy homemade Christmas!

The post Easy Knit Mitten Ornaments Tutorial (Beginner-friendly Knitting) appeared first on Confessions of a Homeschooler.