QUILTFEST Day 11

My cutting station!!

We have to cut it to start it, right?!?! (EKKK! I get cutting anxiety, anyone else?! 🫣) Here’s my cutting counter, made by the BEST husband!! It’s not fancy and it’s always quite messy, BUT it’s where the magic begins!! Every piece I trim brings me one step closer to something special!! (Something I have to remind myself of when I feel like it’s taking forever🤪) Cheers to blaring the 80’s tunes and making those crisp cuts!!❤️✂️

#igquiltfest2025 #igquiltfestday11 #cutstation #quiltersofinstagram #makesomething #onepeiceatatime #trimtable #discodanceparty ...

QUILTFEST Day 10

Studio Pals!! I have so many little visitors while I stitch, but this one loves being in my studio the most!!! This is sweet Merryweather! This darling girl is always happy to assist, keeps the best company and is always available for mid-stitch snuggles!! My girl! 💙

#igquiltfest2025 #igquiltfestday10 #merryweather #studiopals #quiltersofinstagram ...

QUILTFEST Day 9

Fabric storage!! Organized chaos! In color order-ish, of course!! 🌈😉

#igquiltfest2025 #igquiltfestday9 #eyespybingbong #quiltersofinstagram #quilt #catsthatsew #sidekicks ...

QUILTFEST Day 8

I don’t have a scrappy finish but I do have a scrappy WIP! And this is the perfect pattern for one!! This is the Boardwalk Quilt from @treehousetextiles! I’ve just recently found Emma’s patterns and they are all so lovely!! ❤️🌈

#igquiltfest2025 #igquiltfest2025day8 #boardwalkquilt #quiltersofinstagram #theduskysparrow #quiltergonnaquilt ...

QUILTFEST Day 6

Quilty Fashion!! Well, I have a large list of quilted clothing items I’d LIKE to make, but I haven’t actually made them yet! I’ve made lots of different clothing items, but none from patchwork! I hope to make a jacket this year, but the pile of WIPS and more importantly…the new projects - well, they always draw me in! I will say, quilting is what started garment sewing for me. It happened when I fell in love with a fabric I was using in a quilt and thought…this would make a cute dress! So, I ordered a pattern and gave it a try! This was my very first dress I ever made from a Carolyn Friedlander print that I just LOVED! I think back to this project and giggle a bit because the back of the dress gathered unevenly and was noticeable off, but I wore it anyway! I still think about it anytime I have to gather and ruffle fabric. Ohhh the lessons we learn! But we have to start somewhere, right?! Practice makes progress!! 🫣❤️🪡 #igquiltfest2025 #igquiltfest2025day6 #theduskysparrow #makersofinstagram #quiltersofinstagram #garmentsewing #carolynfriedlander #practicemakesprogress ...

QUILTFEST Day 5

Why do I quilt?

Many years ago I was a yoga teacher and I taught meditation classes. I’d tell my students that different people connect to meditation in different ways and on different levels. Some of us prefer a mantra or an imagine, while others prefer a motion. For me, quilting is my meditation in motion. With every stitch, my mind quiets, letting go of the endless thoughts running wild in my head. Finally, I’m able to clearly and crisply focus on just one thing, the project in front of me. It’s the break my mind needs - more than I often realize. ❤️

I also quilt because it anchors my memories in place. Each piece I create holds moments, emotions, and the stories of the time in which it was made. A fabric diary, stitched together with love. That fact often brings tears to my eyes when I look back on a project. It’s more special than I can describe. ❤️

Most especially, I quilt as a gift—a tangible piece of me for those I love. A way to be remembered, long after the last stitch is sewn. ❤️🪡

#igquiltfest2025 #igquiltfest2025day5 #quilt #meditationinmotion #quiltersgonnaquilt #theduskysparrow ...

QUILTFEST Day 4:

My sewing space!! 😍 Ohhhhh, this is my happy place!! It’s hard to believe that an old, classic car repair garage could be transformed into this colorful little studio!! A place that makes my heart purr like a kitten!! My sewing space is more than just a room - it’s where my creativity comes to life, in whatever form I’m feeling at that moment! It’s a dedicated color zone that also happens to be home to my little shop, The Dusky Sparrow! I haven’t always had my own space, so not only do I feel so lucky to have it, I also never take it for granted. The moment I step inside, I feel happiness! It’s an instant mood upgrader, joy booster, vibe-lifter and most importantly, MAGIC MAKER!! It’s where I’m surrounded by endless inspiration, happy stitches and all the creative chaos I could ever hope for!! Did I mention how lucky I feel to have this space?! I have my husband to thank, for letting me take it over and helping me make it what it is today! My MOST favorite room in this world!! 🌈❤️🪡🧵

#igquiltfest2025 #igquiltfest2025day4 #mysewingspace #quiltersoninstagram #quiltersgonnaquilt #makersofinstagram #theduskysparrow ...

QUILTFEST Day 3:

My dearly beloved, Bernina! 🥰 She’s practically perfect in every way! 🪡

#igquiltfest2025 #igquiltfestday3 #bernina #quiltersofinstagram #ilovemysewingmachine ...

QUILTFEST DAY 1:

Hi, I’m Ashley!! I’m so excited (and nervous) to jump into this challenge and introduce myself! 💃🏼

By day, I’m the maker behind The Dusky Sparrow, my new little corner of the internet where I hope to share my love of quilting and beautiful fabrics with fellow makers!! By night, my husband and I are restaurateurs, making sure people are well-fed and happy!! 🪡🍝

Sewing is my creative outlet, my meditation in motion and what calms my inner storms!! I’ve been quilting for about 8 years and I love exploring all different styles.

Aside from that, I’m a bird nerd, a (proud) crazy cat lady, a serial crafter, a huge Disney fan and a lover of hot tea! 🐦🐱🏰🫖

Most importantly, I love my family!! My sweet husband is always my biggest fan and my son, who may be an adult now, well…he’ll always be my baby to me! ❤️

#IGQUILTFEST2025 #theduskysparrow #igquiltfest2025day1 #quilterofinstagram #quiltersgonnaquilt #quiltfestday1 ...