There it was.
A spot.
Right in the middle of a white square.
Of course it was on the white. This is why I don’t wear white.
Our brand-new 3YD Oscar sample went with us to the recent quilt show looking all handsome and freshly quilted—and apparently came home with a little souvenir. Chocolate? Marker? Something else entirely? Your guess is as good as mine.
I don’t know what it is. I just know it doesn’t belong there.
Out, Darn Spot!
Quilts are meant to be used, loved, displayed, hauled to quilt shows, cuddled under, eaten near when we know better, and occasionally subjected to life’s little mishaps.
And stains happen.
Over the years, we’ve collected tips for removing all kinds of spots from quilts and fabric—from blood and grease to ball point pens and even permanent marker. I’ve put them together in a handy Quilting disasters handout for you.
Since the culprit on 3YD Oscar is currently unidentified, I started with the most typical stain on quilts, blood. I dripped the smallest amount of hydrogen peroxide on the spot. Nope. It didn’t bubble. It is not blood. I honestly think it looks like make-up, dark lip-stick, or chocolate. I’m going to start with Fels-Naptha and see if I can persuade it to leave quietly.
I’ll let you know who wins: me or The Spot.
Meet 3YD Oscar
Fortunately, one little spot can’t take away from how much we love this quilt.
3YD Oscar is our newest FREE pattern download, and this one is wonderfully beginner-friendly. Oscar is made with just three yards of fabric:
- 1 yard Light
- 1 yard Medium
- 1 yard Dark
That’s it!
We made our sample using coordinating prints, giving 3YD Oscar a cozy, classic look. The simple piecing makes it a great choice for newer quilters, but it’s also one of those satisfyingly quick projects experienced quilters can cut, sew, and finish without adding another long-term resident to the UFO pile.
The fabrics we used are from a lovely Riley Blake collection. Get your 3-yard kit here. Our 3-yard kits are on sale! Each 3-yard kit includes an additional 1/2 yard for binding. Regularly $45.99 on sale for $39.99. Receive $6 off! Sale ends Sept. 1, 2026.
Download your copy today! This free pattern download will expire September 1, 2026.
And because changing the fabrics can completely change Oscar’s personality, I can already imagine this one in Christmas prints, fall colors, baby fabrics, patriotic prints—or three fabrics you’ve been wondering what to do with.
Three yards. Three fabrics. One very doable quilt.
And, preferably, no chocolate.
Come Cruise with us to Alaska!
Sail with us to Alaska, August 16-23, 2027 through Stitchin’ Heaven! We have a year to save and Stitchin’ Heaven has monthly payment plans. We’ll start and end in Seattle, WA.
This will be our third time teaching a quilting cruise for Stitchin’ Heaven. We love it! The team is amazing. They provide EVERYTHING – sewing machines, irons, and kits available. You just bring your notions. I hope you can come. Bring a quilting bestie or your honey. Lora and I are bringing our arm candy. 😉
A First Look at Easter Morning
We’re also excited to share a peek at one of our newest designs, Easter Morning. This sampler-style quilt combines traditional piecing with a sweet appliqué scene of an Easter bunny at the foot of the cross. But look a little closer—there’s more to the design than bunnies, baskets, and spring flowers. Each element was thoughtfully chosen to tell the story of Easter and the hope, love, and promise of that first Easter morning. Easter Morning is a quilt with a story and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Patterns arrive August 20. I filled the online inventory, however, patterns and kits won’t ship until August 21. The kits include high-quality batiks from Hoffman fabrics (as shown below on the pattern cover) and include the pattern, all fabrics for the quilt top, and binding. The kits do not include backing and batting. Appliqué pieces are not die-cut. I used raw-edge fusible appliqué but you can create the appliqué in your favorite method.
The Spot Light
Fels Naptha for the win! I used an old toothbrush, a little water and Fels Naptha to create a bit of suds. Dabbed it with a clean wet cloth. It looks really good for just one treatment! I did it again and it is soaking a few minutes while I type this report (I knew you’d want to know). I think this will be as good as new when it air dries!
Well, we’ve covered a lot today—mystery stains, a free 3YD Oscar, an Alaskan quilting adventure, and a new Easter quilt! Whether you’re scrubbing chocolate out of a white square, starting a new project, or dreaming about quilting your way to Alaska with us, we hope there’s a little something here to inspire you. Quilting is rarely spotless, sometimes a little unpredictable, and always an adventure—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Until next time, keep sewing, keep exploring, and for goodness’ sake… keep the chocolate away from the white fabric!
Happy Sewing,
Lisa W. Norton & Lora W. Zmak
We accidentally dress alike. LOL! Thought I’d share our ‘twin’ pic.
