In 2008, the Doan kids asked Jenny to film her first-ever quilt tutorial. Her response? “What’s a tutorial??”
12 years later, Jenny’s videos have been viewed 200 million times and the Missouri Star community has spread across the globe! And you know what? It’s all because of you!
From Iran to Australia to small-town America, we are “Sew Inspired” by your creativity and love!
And so, on our 12th birthday, we are stitching up the sweetest little sewing machine blocks out of jelly roll strips. It’s a quick and easy project to celebrate us all!! Click HERE to watch the video!
One of the benefits of being made of paper is that Jenny can travel comfortably around the world or around your neighborhood. Print, decorate, and take your very own Jenny along on your daily adventures! You can also mail her to your quilt-y friends near and far. Ask them to take Jenny to their favorite landmarks and take pictures to share with us so we can see all of the fun Jenny had. Share your Jenny photos at #flatjennyontheroad. Thanks for playing!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner… talking about gratitude… I want to talk about the other side of giving, which is receiving. It is often easy to give of ourselves, but it can be difficult to accept help when we need it. I love this quote by Maya Angelou, “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” It reminds me that in every situation where there is a giver, there is also a receiver…
It’s wonderful to be on the giving end, as we so often are, but what about those times when we are the ones in need? I hope you know that it is important to ask for help when you need it and that you are worthy of the help when it arrives.
So often, as quilters, we find ourselves in the role of the giver. Thank you for giving so freely of your talents and sharing your gifts with so many. Thank you for being there when others need you and quite literally wrapping them with love. The need for sincere acts of kindness is only increasing in this world. And when the moment arrives when you are in need of some kindness, smile and simply say, “Thank you.” You don’t need to justify your need or excuse yourself. It’s okay to accept help. I am learning more and more to ask for help when I need it and express gratitude instead of trying to explain the need away. Thank you for being there for me with all your support and love. This time of year and always, I am grateful for you!
Love, Jenny
When we first opened our doors back in 2008, we never would have dreamed we would begin our very own magazine just six years later! Now, in 2020, we’re celebrating our 12th company birthday and seven years of BLOCK!
Although this year is a little different than our previous annual Birthday Bash Extravaganzas – you can still celebrate with us ONLINE! You’re invited to our second ever BLOCK Party to kick-off our Birthday Bash Online starting this Thursday! Put on your comfy pants, grab some snacks, and tune in HERE on Wednesday, September 23 at 6 PM CT for a sneak peek into our October Issue with Jenny & Natalie!
Here’s an extra little sneak peek of what’s coming in Volume 7, Issue!
Better Bindings for Beautiful Results
Circle Magic Casserole Dish Holder
Jenny’s Journal (Sewing Bird Baby Quilts)
And sew much more...
A look behind the scenes with photo-stylist, Jennifer Dowling
“Every time a story comes along in BLOCK that calls for food I have so much fun trying out new recipes and creating foodie art! I wanted to share with you how I made this cake (found on the cover of the next issue) so you can enjoy it from home during our online birthday celebration this week!
Your favorite cake mix will do, I prefer Duncan Hines, but the real secret to an incredibly moist cake is two tablespoons of yogurt! If you haven’t tried it – I promise you’ll be delighted with the results. The super simple buttercream frosting is so simple and a family pleaser! You’ll need:
– 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), softened – 3 oz cream cheese – 4 cups confectioners sugar, sifted – 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – 3-5 tablespoons of heavy cream
Cream the butter, cream cheese and vanilla then add your sugar slowly, could be more or less sugar just look for the consistency you like. I use a serrated knife to cut completely cooled cake into layers, The frosting is fluffy enough to fix any mishaps along the way.”
– Jennifer Dowling, Photo Stylist
Subscribe to BLOCK Magazineby Sunday, September 27 in order to receive this issue at your mailbox in October! (Pst, subscribe now and receive an extra FREE digital issue your account today!)
Are you ready to celebrate? Birthday Bash comes to you live from the comfort of your own home this year on September 24th and 25th! We’ve got SEW many great projects planned to share this year and special virtual guests that we didn’t want you to miss a thing. Check out this video below for our complete Birthday Bash schedule and be sure to mark your calendars for all the quilting fun!
Be sure to share your quilting creations using #msqcshowandtell and let us know your favorite Birthday Bash memory!
