Another week of creativity, connection, and inspiration is happening at Hen & Chicks Studio! From patriotic fat quarter bundles and Lori Holt quilt kits to beginner-friendly projects from The Whole Country Caboodle, our customers have been busy creating beautiful things.
Top Download: Be Merry Free Downloadable Pattern
Be Merry Free Downloadable Pattern
The Be Merry Challenge is truly striking a chord with our quilting community. Customers from coast to coast are downloading the free quilt pattern, choosing fabrics from their stash, and jumping into the challenge together. Best of all, they are sharing their quilt tops, fabric pulls, and progress photos inside our Creative Community, creating inspiration for everyone involved.
This cheerful quilt by Jina Barney for My Mind’s Eye finishes at 69" x 82" and is a wonderful stash-busting project thanks to the large 10" squares that allow favorite fabrics to shine without cutting them too small. It is easy to piece, visually striking, and approachable for quilters of many skill levels.
The challenge runs through June 1, giving quilters plenty of time to finish their quilt top and be part of the fun. Projects like this remind us that quilting is even better when creativity and community come together.
Top Fat Quarter Bundle: Liberty Island Patriotic Fat Quarter Bundle
Liberty Island Patriotic Fat Quarter Bundle (12) | Marcus Fabrics
Classic red, cream, and blue never go out of style, especially when patriotic quilting season arrives. The Liberty Island Patriotic Fat Quarter Bundle from Marcus Fabrics includes 12 coordinating fat quarters filled with timeless Americana style and rich traditional prints.
This collection is perfect for summer sewing projects, Quilts of Valor, table runners, wall hangings, picnic quilts, and holiday decorating. The balanced mix of warm reds, creamy neutrals, and deep blues makes it easy to combine with stash fabrics or use alongside your favorite patriotic quilt patterns.
Fat quarter bundles continue to be one of our customers’ favorite ways to start a project because the fabrics are already beautifully coordinated and ready to inspire creativity.
Top Quilt Kit: Lori Holt Prairie Wind Fabric Kit
Lori Holt Prairie Wind Fabric Kit
Lori Holt fans are loving the Prairie Wind Fabric Kit, and it is easy to see why. This charming prairie-inspired table topper combines nostalgic style with fresh color and classic piecing. Designed by Lori Holt, the finished project measures 34½" x 34½", making it a wonderful size for tables, walls, or seasonal decorating.
The kit includes all of the Lori Holt fabrics needed to complete the quilt top and binding using premium 100% quilting cotton fabrics carefully coordinated for a cohesive vintage-inspired look.
Quilters will need the Prairie Wind pattern found in the book Prairie Home by Lori Holt, sold separately, along with 1¼ yards of backing fabric. With a confident beginner skill level, this project is approachable while still offering the polished look Lori Holt quilts are known for.
Top Product from The Whole Country Caboodle: Cat’s Prayer Panel & Pattern
The Whole Country Caboodle Cat’s Prayer Panel and Pattern
Whimsical, heartfelt, and beginner friendly, the Cat’s Prayer Panel & Pattern from The Whole Country Caboodle continues to be a favorite with cat lovers and appliqué fans alike.
This creative project includes a screen-printed panel measuring 9½" x 14½" on natural unbleached muslin featuring the sweet phrase “A House is Not a Home Without A Cat” surrounded by playful cat illustrations. The included pattern creates a finished wall hanging approximately 13" x 28".
To complete the project, quilters will also need the Cat Precut Fused Appliqué Kit and background fabrics, allowing plenty of opportunity to personalize the finished piece with favorite fabrics and colors. Projects like this are a wonderful reminder that quilting and stitching often tell the stories of the things we love most.
Top Video: Quilter’s May Events Guide
This week’s top video was packed with exciting updates for quilters, retreaters, travelers, and creative makers. From quilt challenges and shop hops to cooking events and the upcoming Heidi Alice subscription launch, there is so much happening at Hen & Chicks Studio this season.
In the video, Heidi shares details about:
- The May 11 launch of daily devotions and doodles at HeidiAlice.com
- The Fast & Fresh Pampered Chef tasting event on May 18
- The Be Merry Quilt Challenge running through June 1
- The upcoming All Iowa Shop Hop beginning June 1
- The 15th Anniversary Celebration coming October 3, 2026
Videos like this help connect our quilting community beyond fabric and projects. They create excitement, build friendships, and inspire quilters to keep creating all season long. Whether you visit us in Conrad, Iowa, shop online, attend retreats, or simply sew from home, we love helping creativity flourish coast-to-coast.