How’s everyone’s summer going so far? I thought I’d do a catch-all post today, letting you know what’s been going on around here in real time. I feel like I’ve finally got a good work-life balance going that’s allowing me to keep up with consistent online content, too.

Resting, Relaxing, and Getting Healthy!

Last week, my family and I took our annual beach vacation in Hermosa Beach, California. This was the first time in a long time I’ve gone on vacation and not done any work. It was a very nice break and now I’m geared up and ready to for for a busy fall season coming up later this year. I’m currently working on my next fabric and book deadlines, but unlike in previous years, I’m not ignoring the blog or social media.

While I was on vacation, I kick-started my determination to get healthy again. I worked out every day and chose healthier food options. Over the past 5 years, I’ve let my healthy habits slip and am excited to get back into shape. I’m not doing anything too crazy – just tracking what I eat and how much I work out. Somehow that magically transforms into small but consistent weekly weight loss! I’ll be posting a few of my adventures on my instagram stories so be sure to follow my @christaquilts instagram account if you’re interested in that.

Gearing up for Travel Season

Although I travel year round about once a month, I’m gearing up for a busy travel season over the next couple of months. In fact, I’m excited to be hanging out with the gang from QUILT of Northwest Arkansas this weekend, and then I’ll be traveling from coast to coast. You can catch me at Dave’s BERNINA in Utah in August, and then a couple of stops in New York in September and October. I’ll also be debuting my next line of fabric at fall quilt market and am excited to be part of the inaugural Threads of Success event at Houston Quilt Market.

Click here to keep up with my current travel schedule and let me know if you’ll be attending one of my events. I look forward to seeing you!

Updated Website Navigation

I have a LOT of content here on my blog, which also functions as my website. I’ve made it easier to find my free patterns, tutorials, quilt alongs, online classes and other content. Simply check out the menus at the top of your screen, and explore all of the content I have to offer. My #1 goal with quilting is to be your cheerleader, so you can have as much fun making quilts as I do!

Upcoming Quilt Along

Here’s a sneak peek of the quilt along my friend Heather Black and I are hosting in September, featuring my Geo Pop fabric line. More details will be coming soon, but save the date. I have a few Infrastructure kits available for a limited time.

With this upcoming quilt along, I’m hoping to venture more into video. The plan this summer is to film while I’m making the quilt so I can offer a comprehensive tutorial on all aspects of quilt-making from cutting to binding! The quilt along itself is free; all you need to purchase is a copy of the Infrastructure quilt pattern to participate.

Quilting Podcast Series

I was happy to be a returning guest on a relatively new podcast called “Make and Decorate” with Stephanie Socha. She’s currently running a series on how to quilt your quilts and she’s interviewed several well known quilters in the industry. I had a great time sharing some of my favorite tips and tricks. Be sure to check out her website for other inspiring interviews from some of your favorite designers and teachers. I love Stephanie’s voice and her enthusiasm for the craft is very infectious!

Click here to listen to my podcast interview.

Shipping Update – Flat Rate of $5 to the US

Although I love supporting independent quilt shops, I also keep a stock of my fabrics, patterns, books, and threads on hand for those who simply can’t find them at their favorite shop or don’t have a LQS nearby. To make it easier on the wallet for online purchases, I’ve updated my shipping across the board to be a flat $5 per order, no matter how much you buy. Hopefully that gives you incentive to stock up on your favorites without breaking the bank! I ship internationally, too based on the current flat rates for each country.

Click here to shop all of my Christa Quilts branded products.

That about wraps it up for this week! I’m trying to consistently post 2-3 times per week and I always appreciate the comments, questions, and feedback I receive. You all make my full-time quilting career so much fun!!!