Hello, friends, and happy Saturday! It really feels like fall here now (from the late afternoons to early mornings at least) and I’m trying to soak up every bit of it. I’m excited to be home this weekend to get some things finished up around here and also get some holiday preparations underway. I hope you’ll enjoy today’s Saturday Seven 206: Lifestyle + Inspiration for Quilters post with good ideas to get your weekend and week off to a terrific beginning.
Saturday Seven 206: Lifestyle + Inspiration for Quilters
1. Self-Care
This list of Healthy Habits for the Holidays is a good reminder of some simple ways we can care for ourselves during this busy season. And this “Everything is a Practice” article was probably one of the most inspirational pieces I read this week–it’s a must read if you need some self compassion right now.
2. Cook
I’m going to be trying this One-Pot Easy Chicken Lasagna soon. And, while I’m not on Tik-Tok, I did find that this Tik-Tok Ramen looks like a delicious quick fix. And this Fall Bliss Salad looks incredible. This Cheesy Crispy Cauliflower Gratin promises to be a new Thanksgiving side dish. Finally, find 80+ Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas here.
3. Quilt + Sew
First…the 2021 Fat Quarter Shop Jolly Boxes will certainly sell out quickly–find them here. And Melissa’s Reading Pillow is adorable. It’s a perfect gift for your favorite young readers. (You can make it with or without the lettered applique). Find some darling Christmas Ornaments or Tags to make here. And get the details for week 5 of my friend Lissa’s Surrounded Sew Along. If you’re looking for a fast and fun quilt to piece: this one is super cute. Finally, it’s not too late to make these cute Thanksgiving Name Tags or Place Holders.
4. Christmas…
I know, I know…it’s not even Thanksgiving. But I truly believe that preparing now for Christmas can make December much more joyful. So…just a few things including this fun list of Holiday Traditions. If you’re looking for Christmas decor inspiration now, you can visit my 2020 Christmas Decor Home Tour here (I’ll be sharing a new one this year, too). And you might also enjoy my Best Tips for Storing and Organizing Christmas Decor (specially for quilters).
5. Around the Home
I know everyone always talks about “spring cleaning.” But I’ve always found fall to be the very best time to declutter and do deep cleaning. This post has some great questions to ask yourself for help in decluttering. Also, these ideas on creating a space for everything that matters are helpful for home keeping. Finally, here are 13 (helpful) steps to getting organized.
6. Bookshelf
I had some really fun books arrive this recently and this week that I’m enjoying so much. Not only are they great reads, but each of them would also make terrific gifts. I’ll link each of them with a short description below:
- MInimalista: Your Step by Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life by Shira Gill- I am loving this book. The author begins with a terrific tool kit of ideas and then goes on to walk you through each room of your house. It’s easy to read and feels like you’re visiting with a friend. In addition, the photography is inspiring.
- My Reading Life: A Book Journal – This one is from the Modern Mrs. Darcy and is so much more than a traditional book journal. She has included traditional book journal pages along with helpful hints for every area of your reading life. My only wish with this one is that it had been available sooner. I want to go back and enter so many books I’ve read earlier.
- How to Stitch an American Dream: A Story of Family, Faith, & the Power of Giving – Jenny Doan, founder of Missouri Star Quilt Company shares her story in this oh-so-positive and uplifting memoir. It’s a quick and inspirational read.
- Feels Like Home: Transforming Your Space from Uninspiring to Uniquely Yours – Another lovely book which offers instruction, inspiration, motivation and encouragement from the author as she guides you to be able to create the home and spaces you love. There are beautiful photos, project tutorials, and solid advice for home decorating.
- Cultivate What Matters 2021 PowerSheets – I’ve used these insightful pages for planning goals for the past few years. This isn’t a planner in the traditional sense, but a book to help you look at your life and plan for the future year ahead.
- I’ve also added these books to my Amazon Book Recommendation page here with more of my favorites.
7. Last Week on the Blog
- Stitch Pink Sew Along Part 3
- A Quilting Life Favorites October 2021
- Stitch Pink Sew Along Part 4 (find the wall hanging version PDF link on this post)
- Stitch Pink Sew Along Part 5
Thanks so much for stopping by to read the Saturday Seven 206: Lifestyle + Inspiration for Quilters post. If you are looking for more similar inspiration, you can find all of the previous posts in this series here.
Happy quilting!
Jan Weicksel says
Thank you! I enjoy beginning my weekends reading the Saturday Seven!
Debbie MArtin says
Sherry – I have been following your Summer Fun Block quilt and missed the November notice for this month’s block. Could you steer me in the right direction to find it? Thanks as always. You are a very positive influence on so many lives and I enjoy all your posts. Keep safe and healthy during the holidays and next year too. Debbie
sherri McConnell says
The November Block of the Month will be released on Thursday, November 11th. We had to delay because of the Stitch Pink schedule this week.
December’s block and the finishing will be on time on the first Thursday of December.
Thanks so much for your patience!
Mary W says
What happened to the block of the month?
sherri McConnell says
The November Block of the Month will be released on Thursday, November 11th. We had to delay because of the Stitch Pink schedule this week.
December’s block and the finishing will be on time on the first Thursday of December.
Thanks so much for your patience!