Welcoming a New Quilt block and July with Open Arms
Here in Eastern Ontario, July always feels like a deep, exhaling breath. School has let out, the kids are home, and suddenly the rhythm of the day softens. This year feels especially tender — we have a fresh graduate in the house, stepping bravely into the new adventure of high school in the fall. For now, though, we’re lingering in this moment between what was and what will be — a season of slow mornings, messy bedrooms, and hearts wide open to possibility. It’s the kind of in-between time that feels stitched together like a quilt block — simple pieces joined into something meaningful and full of quiet beauty.
It’s a time of year that invites us to lean in — to sunshine, to stillness, to the sound of flip-flops on porches and humming fans in the window. And for our family, it’s the start of something we look forward to all year long: summer camping in Algonquin Park.
Canoes, Loons, and the Quiet Magic of Nature
If you’ve ever woken up in a tent to the golden hush of early morning light and the call of a loon drifting across the lake, you know what kind of magic Algonquin holds. There’s something about paddling a canoe through still water, watching the mist rise off the trees, that settles your soul in the most gentle way.
Evenings bring crackling fires and sticky s’mores, the scent of woodsmoke clinging to your sweater, and laughter echoing beneath a quilt of stars. These are the moments where time slows — where conversation flows like the river, and where stories, like fireflies, linger just beyond the edges of light.
These camping trips are more than just getaways for us. They are sacred resets. They’re when we reconnect — with each other, with the land, and with ourselves.
And yes — I always tuck a stitching project into my backpack. There’s nothing quite like stitching under a pine canopy, warm tea in hand, with the forest as your soundtrack.
July’s Quilt Block: The Rolling Wheel
This month’s Patchwork Stitches design is inspired by the Rolling Wheel quilt block — a classic motif that’s all about movement, energy, and the quiet momentum of journeying forward. Much like a paddle slicing gently through the water or the steady rhythm of footsteps on a forest trail, the Rolling Wheel reminds us that life is always turning, always flowing.
This pattern echoes the wheels of old wagons, the cycles of the seasons, and even the smooth turning of a beloved stitching hoop. In many traditional quilts, it symbolized progress and resilience — the onward motion of families carving out new beginnings.
In that spirit, this block feels especially fitting for July — a month of new rhythms, family adventures, and the joy of turning inward while looking ahead.
Your Invitation to Slow Down & Stitch Quilt Blocks With Us
If you’re reading along here and haven’t yet joined my monthly Patchwork Stitches Stitch-Along, I’d love to invite you to come along! Each month brings a beautiful new block, inspired by traditional quilting patterns, stitched in rich seasonal DMC colors, and accompanied by stories, recipes, playlists, and printable goodies.
💌 My monthly newsletter is where I tuck all the extras — from cross-stitch bingo and project trackers to seasonal reflections and cozy bonuses. July’s edition is filled with sunshine and stitching love, and signing up is the best way to get everything sent directly to your inbox.
Fresh From the Shop: Patterns & Printables for Summer
Over in my Etsy shop, you’ll find more than just patterns — I’ve been adding all kinds of printable tools to support your stitching life. From Cross Stitch Journals and Stitch Trackers, to Project Planners, Reflection Pages, and even a sweet little Reading Journal, there’s something for every creative heart.
This is the season to dream, to rest, and to make time for what brings you joy. If that joy includes counting stitches by the lake, curling up with a book on the porch, or planning your next project with a cup of tea nearby, you’ll find something to love in the shop.
Sending Summer Joy Your Way
Whether your July includes campfires and canoes or simply a slower pace and sunny afternoons, I hope you find a little pocket of peace for yourself. Let your stitching be a meditation, your moments be sweet, and your heart stay open to the beauty that July brings.
Until next time —
Happy stitching and happy summer!
Jeannie
Thyme for Stitching
