There’s something about May that feels like the world is exhaling. The last of the frost melts into soft puddles, daffodils tilt their golden heads toward the sun, and the air carries a certain sweetness—the promise of long days and gardens yet to bloom. Thunderstorms roll through with their drama and downpours, leaving everything washed and ready for new life. It’s the month of awakening and gentle growth, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a new 9 patch star pattern to stitch and savor.
This month in our Patchwork Stitches stitch-along, we welcome the 9 Patch Star Quilt Block into our growing sampler. This charming block brings warmth, tradition, and a touch of sparkle to your needlework, embodying everything we love about this hopeful season.
A Classic Quilt Star, Reimagined: 9 Patch Star Quilt Block
The 9 Patch Star is one of quilting’s most beloved and enduring patterns. Its beauty lies in its simplicity—a nine-patch center framed by star points, giving it both structure and a hint of sparkle. This traditional motif has adorned quilts for centuries, often sewn from scrap fabrics and stitched with care at kitchen tables and in quiet corners.
Our version of the 9 Patch Star holds onto that nostalgic charm but brings it into the present with the rich tones shared with the other quilt blocks in the pattern, and a layout that feels fresh and light. Stitching this block feels like honoring the generations of makers before us while adding your own story into the fabric of time. It’s the kind of design that feels both grounding and inspiring—perfect for a season of renewal.
Stormy Skies and Cozy Stitches
As I write this, thunderstorms are rumbling through Eastern Ontario. The wind is wild, the sky is silver, and the rain is tapping a steady rhythm on the windows. Days like this are tailor-made for stitching, aren’t they? There’s nothing quite like cozying up with your hoop and thread while the world outside dances in stormlight.
This month’s newsletter captures that spirit of coziness and spring surprise. Alongside the 9 Patch Star pattern, you’ll find:
- A Slice of Sunshine Bars recipe – these zesty lemon treats are a family favorite, perfect for sharing on a sunny afternoon or savoring with tea on a rainy day.
- A peaceful, classical spring playlist – think blooming violins, gentle piano, and the kind of music that makes your stitches flow effortlessly.
- Our May Stitching Challenge: Hopscotch Edition – a playful challenge that brings a bit of childhood whimsy into your stitching practice.
- A printable Daffodil Stitch Tracker to color as your stitches bloom throughout the month.
Something New is Blooming: Lavender Whispers Stitch-Along
We also have something very special just beginning to unfurl—a brand-new, mystery-style stitch-along called Lavender Whispers. With soft shades of lavender, sage, and terracotta, this sampler evokes a dreamy field of blooming lavender and a distant farmhouse nestled in the hills.
The design unfolds slowly in bi-weekly parts and will be released in my Etsy shop soon. While I don’t want to spoil all the surprises, I will say this: if you close your eyes, you just might smell the lavender on the breeze and hear the flutter of butterfly wings. It’s a gentle, meditative project designed to bring calm and connection to your days.
Books, Blooms, and the Beauty of Slow Moments
Reading and stitching go hand in hand, and this month’s book list is filled with stories of growth, discovery, and quiet joy. Whether you listen as you stitch or curl up with a cup of tea and a good read, these titles are chosen to reflect May’s gentle unfolding.
From tales of countryside awakenings to lyrical meditations on nature and renewal, this month’s list is an invitation to slow down and savor the season’s beauty.
The Colour of May: DMC 726 – Light Yellow Topaz
This month, our featured color is DMC 726 – a bright and hopeful light yellow that mirrors the cheerful glow of spring sunshine. Like a daffodil in bloom or a patch of sunlight on the kitchen table, this color radiates happiness. It fits perfectly with our theme of awakening, and it adds a sunny, welcoming note to any piece you’re stitching this month.
As the world around us shifts and softens, I hope your days are filled with joyful puddle-jumping, cozy corners for stitching, and small, beautiful signs of growth. Thank you for stitching along with me—I’m so glad you’re here.
Happy May, and happy stitching!
Jeannie
Thyme for Stitching
