I've had the idea for a while to post mini mix tapes once a month on my blog, and my conversation on the Crafty Planner podcast was the perfect motivation to get one ready! From now on, I'll post a few songs that are in heavy rotation while I'm quilting so you can get a little glimpse into what I'm sewing to in my quilt room, singing along with on my commute, or blasting in my headphones at work. The August mix is full of high energy songs that are helping me while I'm doing the physical work of installing an exhibit at work and keeping up with lots of deadlines in my professional and personal lives. Enjoy! I hope you'll find a new musician you like! 

This quilt is about harmonies, collaborations, and the incredible things that can happen when talented women work together and learn from one another. Inspired by the Americana/bluegrass group I'm With Her and what their harmonies look like in my mind, this quilt delves deep into collaboration, women's work, and why I love making quilts. 

I listen to a LOT of podcasts. My work commute is 45 minutes each way and I sometimes listen to podcasts while I'm quilting. I love podcasts ABOUT quilting (they are usually the ones I listen to immediately when they are released), but I subscribe to dozens more. Read about my favorite podcasts that keep me company while I quilt and share your favorite podcasts with me!

Before last week, I thought that straight line quilting was all I could do with my walking foot. Was I wrong? YES. I took a workshop with Jacquie Gering, author of "WALK" Master Machine Quilting with Your Walking Foot" and I feel more excited and energized than I ever have to practice my quilting. Read more to learn about the workshop, lecture, and my post-workshop plans for improving my walking foot quilting! 

I'm thrilled to announce that I am a BERNINA Ambassador! Becoming a part of the BERNINA family is an honor. Their machines are synonymous with quality and are designed specifically with quilters in mind. To celebrate my new BERNINA 570 QE, read more to take a tour of my sewing studio and see how I organize my tools, fabric and more!

I pattern tested Whole Circle Studio's new mini pattern "Sew Many Colors" which was made to celebrate the anniversary of Aurifil in the US! This little quilt is a great addition to any sewing room. See some pictures of how it looks in my room, and learn about the "Sew Many Colors" contest you can enter!

Very exciting news about my day job as a museum curator and my quilting life coming together! I'm proud to announce that "Quilts and Human Rights" will be the next exhibit at the Pick Museum of Anthropology at Northern Illinois University. Learn more about the museum and some of the quilts featured in the exhibit!

Today it's my turn on the Geogram Blog Hop that celebrates Samarra Khaja's new line from Lecien Fabrics! Her fabrics inspired me to make a new quilt, named Get Happy!! after the title of my favorite Elvis Costello album. Warning: This blog post contains spontaneous dance parties!

Welcome to the first Quilt Photography Tips guest post written by my quilt photographer/husband Mitch Hopper! Ever since I joined Instagram a couple of years ago, people have been asking me about my quilt photography. Some of you might not know that almost all of my quilting photos are taken by Mitch! Because he also loves quilts and quilters, Mitch has decided to share tips about how he photographs my work. Check back in March for his post that's all about lighting!