August Musings

Maker: D. Hemphill - Arlington, TX

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Exciting News! Upcoming Classes, New Slow Stitching Kits & February Academy Announcement 🎨🧵

​Pumpkin spice, falling leaves, and crisp evenings, Autumn is finally here. As our kids head off to school and we ramp up for the coming holiday seasons I look forward to all the upcoming events I have in store for fellow quilters. It might not feel like fall where you are but that doesn't mean we can't look forward to when it does! We have a very busy season full of fun events and seminars all listed and ready for you to sign up!

New Pumpkins Pattern!

Pattern Description — Autumn Market PumpkinThis charming pumpkin design was inspired by a simple moment of seasonal magic. Its rich color, sculpted ridges, and perfectly balanced shape caught my eye during a visit to a local market, where it sat nestled among baskets of late‑summer produce. It was too beautiful to leave behind, so I brought it home to enjoy a little longer.
Once in my studio, I photographed it in soft natural light, letting its warm tones and gentle shadows shine. That single photo became the heart of this pattern — a celebration of autumn’s quiet beauty and the joy of discovering inspiration in everyday places.
Whether used as a feature block, a slow‑stitch accent, or part of a harvest‑themed quilt, this pumpkin brings a touch of rustic elegance and seasonal charm to any project.

Hello Quilting Friends!
I am so excited to share what’s been happening behind the scenes and what’s coming up on the calendar. Grab a glass of something cold and let’s dive in!

Quilting Business Academy – Coming February 2027  (Texas)
Do you have a creative idea you’re ready to turn into a thriving business—whether big or small? The Quilting Business Academy is coming to Texas this February! We are here to help you navigate the process, turn your vision into reality, and reach your business goals.
We are hosting two free informational webinars:   
Thursday- Sept. 17th @ 7:00PM & 
Saturday- Sept. 19th  @ 10 AM
Just visit our website to sign up for these free events!
 QuiltingBusinessAcademy.com 
(We need your email to send you the Zoom link to the webinar!)

New Slow Stitching Patterns &
Michigan Workshops
I’m excited to join my quilting friends in Michigan for the Wild Rivers Quilt Show where I will be teaching two classes, and I will also have a demo on thread.

• Friday, Oct. 9th – "Workshop: Sunny Sunflowers
  Sunny Sunflowers is a fan favorite, and this workshop is your chance to explore exciting multi-media techniques in a fun, supportive environment. Plus, I’ve been working on a tiny cloth-and-fiber bee to add to the bloom—I'll be showing you how to create one for your flower.

I’ve been hard at work designing a whole new collection of slow stitching patterns inspired by original photographs and fresh ideas brewing in my head.

• Saturday, Oct. 10th – Slow Stitching Workshop
  Join me at the Wild River Quilt Show in Michigan to dive into my new slow-stitching techniques!
• Kits, Materials & Cute, Small-Scale Projects
  ​Class participants will have access to specialized materials and curated mini kits on-site so you can start stitching immediately. Most of these projects range from 8" × 10" to 12" × 12"—perfect for quick, low-commitment creative joy!  My kits have a variety of cute fabric to add as embellishments!

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​Pattern Spotlight: Jackie’s Day Lilies (Stained-Glass Style)
If you haven't seen it yet, I want to highlight my Jackie’s Day Lilies pattern designed in a stained-glass style. It is a stunning, vibrant project that brings so much warmth to any room.  When I was visiting her last year, I saw her beautiful Daylilies, so I took some pictures .     This pattern is in my Etsy store if you are interested!  

Guild Program & Workshop Highlights (September events)

Johnson County Quilt Guild
Saturday- Sept. 26th - 9 AM - 4 PM
Workshop - Stained Glass Flowers
Location:  3309  Main, Cleburne, TX   (Near Joshua H.S.) 
Monday - Sept. 28th - 7:00 PM (Potluck at 6:30)
Program: Joy in the Journey

Check my schedule page for more upcoming events!

• ​Bring a Workshop to Your Guild or Shop: I love traveling to teach! If you'd like me to present this or another workshop at your local shop or quilt guild, let’s connect. I charge a standard teaching fee, and shop owners can set their own space/class pricing accordingly.

​Inspired Slow Stitch Fabric Kits
Inspired by a recent, delightful presentation on traditional Japanese quilting traditions and their love for all things "cute and little," I am assembling custom, mini slow-stitch fabric kits!  
I’ve gathered unique fabrics and trims into sweet little coordinated stacks. I’ll have these curated kits available at upcoming shows and workshops—if you see me at an event, be sure to ask to see them!
Thank you all for being part of this creative journey!

Featured Project:
​I’m also working on a larger hand-pieced 20×20 inch project titled "Oranges" - pattern by Beckie Goldsmith.  I started this when I was laid up from back surgery a couple years ago.  A presentation by Teresa Duryea Wong -on cute tiny Japanese quilts - all hand pieced and quilted inspired me to get it out and finish it up.   The picture is from the pattern which has a video instruction on Craftsy!   Very good online class!   Mine is of course not quite this done, but I'm determined to finish it!  ​

Thank you all for being part of this creative journey!
I love seeing your projects, and l would love to feature you on my student projects page.  Please let me know if you have anything you'd like to share on my website, or post it on my Facebook page!

Keep on Learning!   

Warmly,
Dorene
Dorene Joyce Designs