San Diego Sewn-Sharing the experience

I designed Spring Has Sprung with fussy cutting in mind, so if you have a favorite print, now’s the time to let it shine!

March is here, and I’ve brewed up something fun just for you! ☕ The Hot Cup O’ Joe foundation paper piecing (FPP) pattern is my new 12” x 12” quilt block, and for the entire month of March, you can download it for FREE!

That’s right—just add it to your cart (You will see the future price of this block), check out, and the pattern will be free at checkout (no code needed!). After March, it will still be available for purchase, but why not grab it now while it’s hot? Pattern Here

About the Pattern:

The Hot Cup O’ Joe block is a simple, beginner-friendly FPP design featuring a steaming, to-go coffee cup. It’s quick, fun, and completely customizable! You can make your cup as cute, modern, or bold as you like—perfect for using up your fabric stash.

For my example, I went with a spring-inspired coffee cup using Art Gallery Fabrics. I love how fresh and cheerful it looks, but you can take it in any direction—maybe a cozy autumn cup, a Christmas cocoa, or even a rainbow latte! 🌈

Things to Know:

☕ The finished block size is 12” x 12”
☕ This is a foundation paper piecing (FPP) pattern – basic knowledge of FPP is required, as this pattern does not include FPP instructions
☕ The pattern is a PDF instant download

How to Get It for Free:

1️⃣ Add the Hot Cup O’ Joe pattern to your cart
2️⃣ Go through checkout—no payment required, and it will be FREE all March long!
3️⃣ Download, print, and start stitching!

I did a quick, sloppy test on this pattern and even with wrong fabrics and a section upside down, it all still works!😂

If you love coffee (or just love a quick and easy FPP project), this block is for you! Be sure to grab it before March ends, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @SanDiego.Sewn so I can see your fun fabric choices!

Enjoy, and happy quilting! ☕💕

Tropical Drink by Carolina Moore of Always Expect Moore
Pink Lemonade by Crafty Staci
Mardi Gras Hurricanes
Milkshake by Patchwork Breeze
On the Rocks by Patti's Patchwork
Coco Loco by QuiltFabrication
Hot Coffee To Go
Christmas Cocktail by Inquiring Quilter
Sip Happens by Robin Kinley Designs Etc.
Unicorn Lemonade by Memory Barn Studio
Friendly Mule by Patchwork River Quilting
Margarita by Emerald Falls Quilts
Bartending Nutcracker by Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts
Raspberry Lemonade
Mod Martini by A Piece of Quiet Quilts
Pina Colada by Appliques Quilts and More
Lemon Drop by Studio B

February’s Free Quilt Block & A Heartfelt Call to Support Our Community

Dear Quilting Friends,

As February unfolds, I'm excited to share my latest creation for Quilt Block Mania—a 12" foundation paper pieced (FPP) quilt block featuring a cozy house nestled among charming trees. This design offers delightful opportunities for fussy cutting, allowing you to infuse your personal touch into each block. 🏡🌳

How to Get Your Free Pattern

Throughout February, this pattern is completely free! Simply visit the San Diego Sewn shop, add the pattern to your cart, and proceed to checkout—it will be free during this month. Starting in March, the pattern will be available for purchase, so be sure to download it now!

Join Our Quilt Raffle to Aid Fire-Affected Communities

In early January 2025, devastating wildfires, including the Eaton and Palisades fires, swept through the Los Angeles area. The Eaton Fire, near Altadena and Pasadena, burned over 14,000 acres, resulting in the destruction of more than 9,400 structures and the tragic loss of 17 lives. The Palisades Fire consumed nearly 24,000 acres in Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu, causing significant damage and displacing thousands of residents. Source: CAL FIRE

In response to these tragedies, the Wrap LA in Love quilt drive was launched to provide comfort to those affected. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our quilting community, we've already collected over 500 quilts! 🎉 However, we still need funds to cover transportation, storage, and distribution to ensure these quilts reach those in need. Additionally, we aim to support local quilting initiatives, including a donation to Jennyth from Pasadena Quilt Studios, who has been instrumental in our efforts.

How You Can Help

• Create and Donate a Block: I invite you to mail me your finished house and trees block. I'll be assembling a collaborative quilt from these contributions and raffling it off to raise funds. Raffle tickets are $5 each, with all proceeds supporting the Wrap LA in Love initiative.

• Purchase Raffle Tickets: Even if you don't contribute a block, purchasing raffle tickets is a wonderful way to support the cause. Every ticket purchased helps us bring warmth and comfort to those rebuilding their lives.

• Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your friends, family, and fellow quilters. The more people involved, the greater our impact.

Wrap LA in Love Quilt Drive – Deadline Extended!

Great news! The deadline for quilt donations has been extended to the end of February, providing additional time for those who wish to contribute. For more details on how to participate, please refer to my previous post.

Let’s Sew & Give Back Together!

Our quilting community has always been a beacon of warmth and generosity. By coming together, we can provide comfort to those affected by these devastating fires. Whether you're creating a block, donating a quilt, purchasing a raffle ticket, or simply spreading the word, your support makes a profound difference. Let's wrap LA in love, one stitch at a time. 💖

With heartfelt gratitude,

Amanda

P.S. Don't forget to tag me on Instagram @SanDiego.Sewn so I can see your beautiful creations!

Grab all of this month's Quilt Block Mania patterns at these amazing designers websites: 

Dutch Row Houses by Carolina Moore
Modern House by Crafty Staci
Attic Windows by Scrapdash
Birdhouse by Patchwork Breeze
Home Sweet Home by Patti's Patchwork
Gnome Home by QuiltFabrication
House Around the Block
Santa's Candy Shop by Inquiring Quilter
Beacon by Robin Kinley Designs Etc
Castle by Memory Barn Studio
Outhouse by Patchwork River Quilting
School House Quilt Block by Quilting Room with Mel
Ranch House by Emerald Falls Quilts
Gingerbread House by Appliques Quilts and More
Carpenter Nutcracker by Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts
Hill House by A Piece of Quiet Quilts

Wrap LA in Love: Quilts for Wildfire Victims

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have left countless families displaced, heartbroken, and struggling to rebuild. As quilters, we know the power of a handmade quilt to bring warmth, comfort, and love to those in need. That’s why I’m reaching out to our incredible quilting community to join me in providing quilts for these families.

Why Quilts?
A quilt is more than just a blanket. It’s a symbol of care, hope, and resilience. For families who have lost their homes and belongings, receiving a handmade quilt is a reminder that they are not alone. This winter, as they begin the difficult journey of rebuilding, your quilt can offer them both physical and emotional warmth.

How You Can Help
I’m coordinating a quilt donation drive to get these quilts into the hands of those who need them most. Here’s how you can participate:

• Donate Crib-Size or Larger Quilts: We’re accepting new or gently used quilts that are baby-size or larger. These will provide the warmth and comfort families need.

• Ship or Drop off Your Quilts to:
  Debbie Harris
  c/o San Diego Sewn Quilt Drive
  17601 Santa Rosalia St.
  Fountain Valley, CA 92708

• Deadline: Please ensure your quilts arrive by March 1st.
  

• Want to drop off in the L.A. area? Stephanie can help. Click here for more
  
• Want to drop off in San Diego, email me Amanda@sandiegosewn.com and let's coordinate. 

Distribution
Once your quilts arrive, my mom, Debbie, has graciously offered her home as a sorting and collection point. Several quilt guilds are partnering with me to ensure that the quilts are distributed directly to families in need through trusted local organizations. This effort is personal to me, and I’m committed to ensuring your generosity reaches those who need it most.

Can't ship a quilt and want to help? Donate here

A Personal Connection
Jennyth of Pasadena Quilt Studio is at the heart of this devastation. Though she is safe, her community has been deeply affected. Jennyth and I started our fabric shops around the same time and have always supported each other. While she isn’t in a position to organize something like this right now, I want her and her community to know that we’ve got their back. Let’s show her the strength and love of our quilting community.

Spread the Word
If you can’t donate a quilt, you can still help by sharing this effort with others. Whether it’s your quilt guild, sewing friends, or social media followers, every bit of support makes a difference. Together, we can provide hope and warmth to families who have lost so much.

Thank You
Your kindness and generosity mean the world to me and to the families who will receive your beautiful quilts. Let’s come together and show that, even in the face of disaster, love and compassion prevail.

For updates on this effort, or to ask questions, feel free to contact me directly at amanda@sandiegosewn.com or ig @sandiego.sewn

Thank you for being part of this meaningful initiative. Let’s wrap LA in love, one quilt at a time.

Warmly,
Amanda
San Diego Sewn

 
How It Works **New- Please READ**

To get your FREE Quilt Block Mania Block each month, simply add the pattern to your cart and check out—no code needed! The pattern will be available for free from the first Tuesday of the month at 6am PST through the last day of the month. After that, it will be available for purchase in our shop, allowing us to continue offering these patterns even after the Quilt Block Mania has settled down. This way, you can always access your patterns without any delays.

📚✨ **Transform Your Quilts with the Retro Book Case Pattern!** ✨📚

Dive into the world of cozy creativity with our Retro Book Case foundation paper piecing pattern! This enchanting 12.5-inch block features a beautifully detailed bookcase filled with books, a steamy cup of coffee ☕, a charming lamp 🛋️, and a lively plant 🌿. Perfect for quilters of all skill levels, this pattern offers endless possibilities for personalization and creativity.

**Why You'll Love It:**
- **Size:** 12.5-inch block 📏
- **Features:** A bookcase bursting with character, featuring books, a warm coffee cup, a stylish lamp, and a vibrant plant 📚☕🛋️🌿
- **Skill Level:** Ideal for beginners and seasoned quilters alike 🧵
- **Fussy Cut Opportunities:** Customize the picture frame element and book spines with your favorite fabric motifs ✂️
- **Format:** Instant download PDF pattern 📄

Imagine the satisfaction of creating a little literary haven within your quilt. With the Retro Book Case pattern, you can bring your love for books and cozy spaces to life using your favorite fabrics. Whether you’re dreaming of a vintage library or a modern reading nook, this pattern is your canvas. 🎨

🛒 Download your PDF pattern now and start stitching your story today! Let your imagination run wild and turn your quilt into a masterpiece with the Retro Book Case pattern! ✨📚 #Quilting #Sewing #PaperPiecing #QuiltPattern #RetroBookCase #FussyCut #QuiltLove

I'm excited to share my latest creation with you: the Desert Cactus block for May's Quilt Block Mania.

Hi there! It's time for a FREE FPP block for April's QBM block pattern. I am keeping it cool and San Diego with this little Surf Shop! Growing up in Huntington each, CA, I was surrounded by local surf shops. The treasures one could find in a local surf shop was unbeatable. Ahh, the good ole days. Am I right?

There are 2 fussy cut opportunities here and I can't wait to see what you fill your shop with! Not a beach fan? Omit the top section and this little house can be anything you want it to be. Enjoy.

Click HERE for your Surf Shop FPP Pattern 

 You can also check out the other blocks from the Quilt Block Mania Family the first Tuesday of each month. See below for more. 

Become a San Diego Sewn Makers Member and get so much more. Check out the details here

Sun Block Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Beach Ball by Patchwork Breeze
Ocean Sunset
Beach Reading by Inquiring Quilter
Follow Me Fish
Sand Castle by Appliques Quilts and More
Beach Umbrella by Inflorescence Designs
Beach Hut by QuiltFabrication
Scooping Sand by Patti's Patchwork
Snowy Owl
Beach Bum Bear by Colette Belt Designs
Scrappy Starfish by Sewistry
Seashell by Slightly Biased Quilts
Crab by Tourmaline Thyme Quilts
Sea Lion by Emerald Falls Quilts
Seaside Horizon by Cristy Fincher
Sunshiny Days Block by Craftapalooza Designs
Buoy by Oh Kaye Quilting
Surf Shop FPP Pattern
Eyes on your Fries

Well, I hope it was worth a few days of wait! Here is my FREE FPP pattern this month, Juice Box. Now this one might be a little tricky. I don't write fabric requirements for FPP patterns, as I tend to make the with scraps, however, this pattern needs a lot of background fabric. I happened to have 1/4 yard of black Ruby Star Society "Acroma" fabric that was left over from another project that I used for the background here and it was plenty, so that is my recommendation for background fabric; 1/4 yard or a fat quarter. My second tip for this one is to use contrasting fabrics to "outline" your juice box giving it a more 3 dimensional look. Tip number 3, and you may not like this one....this pattern has a Y seam. I know, I know, but I couldn't get around it and this is a large enough FPP pattern to where it isn't scary. For your Y seam, I recommend tearing out some of your paper before joining those sections together to reduce the bulk. Finally, have fun with this one! There is a 4" 6" opportunity to have some fussy cut fun in the middle of this block. So if there is a bog 'ole fun print that you have been saving for, who knows what, here is your chance! Alternatively, shrink this down 75-50% and get crazy with this fussy cut pieces you've been saving. As always, tag me in your makes so I can share your awesome work!

Don't forget to grab all of this months Free blocks with these links below: 

Champagne Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Martini by Crafty Staci
You Shake Me Up
Scrappy Mug by Katie Mae Quilts
Pina Colada by Appliques Quilts and More
Cosmopolitan by Inquiring Quilter
Cups and Saucers
Bubble Tea by Inflorescence Designs
Beer Pong by Patti's Patchwork
Perfect Flying Geese
Bear Loves Cocoa by Colette Belt Designs
Coffee Bean by Sewistry
Sip & Stitch by Happy Hour Stitches
I'm a LIttle Teapot
Bit too Much by Epida Studio
Tupperware Pitcher by Cristy Fincher
Ice Cubes by Create with Claudia
Cherry by Slightly Biased Quilts
Tea for Me by Craftapalooza Designs
French Press by Oh Kaye Quilting
Sew Fresh FPP Block by San Diego Sewn
Cheerwine by Emerald Falls Quilts
Release the Kraken by Art Quilts by Design
But First Coffee by Paleofish Designs
Margarita by Sallys Sewing Circle
Iced Lemonade by Patchwork Breeze

Enjoy!

Amanda