Projects and Patterns for the New Year

I have so many quilty things happening this month. I started writing them down just to stay organized, and the list managed to make me feel both super excited and super overwhelmed. Part of me thinks I should space things out so I don’t overwhelm all of you, too. But honestly? The excited part is winning right now, so here we go!

Hope Is the Thing with Feathers

Release date: Thursday, January 8

I just received final feedback and photos from my pattern testers for Hope Is the Thing with Feathers, and their finished tops are absolutely stunning. I’m putting the finishing touches on the pattern now, and it will be ready for release this Thursday, January 8!

This pattern is especially close to my heart. I designed it in response to the heaviness and fear I felt every time I read the news last year. Creating it became my way of intentionally and consistently choosing hope. I cannot wait to send this little spark out into the world and see what all of you make with it.

In Protest Sew Along

Starting January 6

Back in October, I designed a pattern of a hand holding a protest sign as part of a Good Trouble quilt swap. I loved making it so much that I knew I needed one for myself. And then I realized I wanted to sew it with all of you!

One of my favorite things about this block is how customizable it is. The protest sign can feature any 12" block, or you can skip piecing entirely and use fabric paint, collage, appliqué, embroidery, or whatever else feels right to help you express yourself.

The sew along is very casual, with optional check-ins and prizes (!). My dream is to flood Instagram with images of protest quilts over the next few weeks.

More information and sign-up details are available here: https://www.quiltbynight.com/inprotestsewalong

Hate Has No Home Here

This design came out of brainstorming ideas for my own protest sign for the sew-along. I’m making a 12" × 12" version for my sign, but I also put together patterns for a 24" × 24" wall hanging and a 54" × 54" throw (with an option to expand it to 72" × 81").

I have a feeling some of you might want to use this design for your protest sign as well, so I’ll have these patterns ready to go this weekend.

WIPs

I also have a couple of works in progress that I really want to finish this month.

First up is my Book Wyrm quilt. I finished piecing it over nine months ago, and it’s been sitting in my UFO pile ever since. Sometimes I psych myself out, worried I’ll ruin a piece I love with quilting I don’t love. This quilt has definitely fallen victim to that mindset. However, my daughter has been begging to have it hung in her room, so it’s time to suck it up and quilt it. I keep reminding myself that seam rippers exist and quilting stitches can, in fact, be removed.

I also want to finish my Loch Ness Monster quilt. This one is fully quilted and just needs binding (which is much less anxiety-inducing), so I’m confident it’ll be ready for snuggles soon.

Forward Thinking

Looking ahead to 2026, I have a few project ideas that aren’t quite ready to share yet. Some will be gifts, some will be for our home. I can tell you that I'm planning on making more throw-sized quilts. I’ve been really enjoying that scale lately. Big enough to snuggle under, small enough to quilt on my domestic machine.

I also have an idea for a wall hanging for our living room that I finally feel skilled enough to pull off. I’m excited to see what this new year brings!