2 Friday Finishes!

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That’s correct! I have 2 finished projects! Both of them were started and completed in less than a week! OK … they’re both easy projects – AND it was fun to make them!

This first one is a 36″ Christmas Tree Skirt. I used a 9 degree ruler! The fabrics were an assortment of Christmas fabrics from Essem Textiles. Hobbs 80/20 batting was used. I quilted a simple loop-d’-loop pattern. I neglected to stay-stitch the circle before adding the binding, so it stretched a bit and sort-of comes up a bit in the middle … but since it’s a tree skirt, it’ll be fine!

This one is a Quilt-as-you-go Table Runner. Although it doesn’t show in the picture, the fabric has lots of glimmering gold in it! Again, the fabrics came from Essem Textiles. I will be teaching this as a class in December.

Hope those who celebrate Thanksgiving had a great Turkey Day!

Playing with Rulers

A bunch of us got together at Essem and played with rulers. We all brought the rulers that we had and experimented with them! We had all levels of expertise: from “I’ve never done this before” to a gal that used to teach ruler quilting.

Talk about fun!

I was so busy, that I forgot to take a picture of what I did.

This is the back of a baby panel and I added some free motion loop-d-loops in to fill the gaps.

Yesterday, I was Zoom quilting with some of the guild members and mentioned that we had done this. Several people were interested … if you live in the lower mainland and are interested in driving to Cloverdale, let Essem Textiles. know and we’ll arrange a “Playing with Rulers” time!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

What’s Happening in the Studio?

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First, I need to show you a finish … not a quilty finish, but a finish. While I was at Essem Textiles, I spotted some super cute knit teddy bear fabric. I LOVE teddy bears! Years ago, in the last century, I made a cute nightshirt with teddybears on it. That nightshirt was loved for years and years. This summer, I noticed that it was pretty thread barren and it’s time was near! Well, I might have noticed it much longer than just this summer! When I saw the fabric at Essem, I just knew I had found the perfect fabric to replace the nightshirt with. And the old night shirt is re-purposed as cleaning cloths in the garage. However, I did rescue the button off the old one and put it on the new one!

I’m not going to model it, but here it is on my design wall:

It was fun to use my serger and complete a project in less than a day! That doesn’t happen when I’m quilting!

Island Batik’s Storm at Sea Blog Hop

Did you get to see all of the Storm at Sea quilts? They were all based on the Storm at Sea block. Some people used Paper Piecing (me), some used Studio 180 rules, and some used the Accuquilt Block on Board die. Andi (from True Blue Quilts) made a great youtube video that showcases all of the quilt. Watch it and Enjoy!

Design Wall

#1 Scrappy Improv Quilting …

Absolutely NO change from the last month! None at all!

#2.  A Christmas Tree Skirt

These are fabrics from Essem Textiles. I have started piecing the tree skirt … such pretty fabrics to work with!

Quilting: 

#1  The last Secret Island Batik project is being quilted

#2 Scrappy Improv Quilting This is from the pattern “Prismatic … just made bigger … lots bigger … (from Kelly Young’s book “Scrappy Improv Quilting.” This book is SEW much fun … make sure you order yours before it’s too late!

  • Fabric Used this week     0  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       100.25 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      50. 75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
  • Net Fabric used                  49.5 yards 
  • Husband’s purchases:  0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!

Stitchin’ Time

  • January – October –  292/ 303
  • Nov – 21 / 21
  • Total: 313 / 324
  • Percentage = 96 % 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.

The To Do list from 2 Weeks ago:

  1. Quilt Island Batik Secret #2 √   DONE 
  2. Quilt Island Batik Secret #4 in progress
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!  Got inspired to make a tree skirt  not done
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes   √   DONE  

This week’s list:

  1. Finish Quilting Island Batik Secret #4
  2. Finish Tree Skirt
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

I have finished enough UFOs for my PHD, but I still have a few “Starts in 2021” to finish …

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

******************

Linking to:

When the boss is away … and TGIFF

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If you’ve been following my blog, you’ve heard me mention Essem Textiles. Well, the lovely couple that own the store had their traditional Indian wedding last week. They’re already married, but had to keep it small because of Covid, but now with the restrictions lifted, they were able to celebrate in style! I got to run the store for them. I asked if I could have a Mini Retreat in the classroom … and they said “yes.”

There were 4 ladies that were able to come … and I heard lots of laughter and chatting coming from the back.

This is what the classroom looked like after everyone left on Day 1:

The machines all set up and projects in process. Unfortunately, I neglected to get a close up of some of the projects. Judy, (bottom left) is working on a beautiful Card Trick Quilt. Robin, (top left) made pillowcases for each of her grandkids. Nora, (bottom right) is working on a Postcard from Sweden quilt. She had everything labeled … talk about organization – oh my! Nora takes organization to an all new level! Amy, (top right) worked on a couple of different projects: binding a quilt and making a block for a new quilt or pillow …

Fun work for the store & TGIFF

TGIFF is Thank Goodness Its Finished Friday. There is a linky party every week.

I did work on a couple of quilts for Essem. I managed to piece the whale in between customers, but the quilting on both of these happened at home. They were fun to do!

The whale is from the book “Fat Quarter Baby.” It’s a very cute book. Each of the quilts is named after someone. The whale one is called “Andrew.” The directions were very clear and easy to follow. The book is available at Essem Textiles, if you want to purchase it.

Aren’t the whales adorable? And yes, the bubbles and eyes were appliqued on … and I survived the process! ( For those that don’t know me very well, I’ve been know to call applique CRAP-lique! )

Here is a super cute panel that Essem Textiles has in the store. It was fun to quilt! Mostly stippling, outlining the main portion and some snowflakes thrown in. See the part on the right hand side? The panel comes so that there is enough of those snowmen and snowflakes to have as the complete back.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

No Ring Blog Hop

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I bet you’re wondering what the No Ring Blog Hop is all about, right? It’s about Mug Rugs … so that you don’t leave a ring on your furniture from your drinks! Now, I bet it makes sense!

Last week, on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, I worked at Essem Textiles. The lovely couple that own the store were having a traditional Indian wedding. They had previously married, but because of Covid, there was no celebration. So, with restrictions lifted, it was time to have the formal ceremony.

I usually take a water bottle with ice in it and it sweats and leaves RINGS where ever it is placed. I needed to make a mug rug and this fit the bill! It’s a free embroidery design from Kreative Kiwi. Kreative Kiwi has a LOT of free patterns and the directions are easy to follow. I added “Essem” to personalize it for the store.

The fabrics were from my scrap pile, I used Hobbs batting and the thread was an assortment of Robison-Anton, Aurifil and Madeira.

Here is the Schedule:

Monday, November 15th

Tuesday, November 16th

Wednesday, November 17th

Thursday, November 18th

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Week 3: Island Batik Storm at Sea Blog Hop

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Here is the line-up of fabrics and links to the ambassador’s blogs for Week 2! Again, I’ve seen a sneak peak of some of them and we’re in for some wonderful eye candy!

November 15:

Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio

Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts

November 16:

Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky

Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde

November 17:

Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist

Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights

Suzy Webster, Websterquilt 

You could win!

Click on the rafflecopter link for your opportunity to win some beautiful fabric! 10″ Stack of Sail Away or a 2.5″ Strip Pack of Twilight Glow!

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

A Review of Last Week’s Quilts!

Island Batik’s Blog has the full line-up of quilts from last week. Visit it HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

November … and the first week is over?

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Oh dear … time seems to be flying by this month!

But it’s OK … I’m busy and having fun!!!

Design Wall

#1 Scrappy Improv Quilting …

Absolutely NO change from last week! None at all!

#2.  Scrappy Improv Quilting …

This is from the pattern “Prismatic.” This has gone from the first photo to the 2nd. So it is ready for sandwiching. I just need to choose a backing.

#4, #5, & #6 Secret Sewing: Island Batik

I’m happy to report that all of the patterns have been written. And one is still being tested. All of the tops are complete!

Quilting: 

#2  Secret Island Batik project is being quilted

#1 Secret Island Batik is quilted. I can only show you the back … the fabric is a beautiful “Moonstone,” one of the fabrics that is available all the time! It is quilted with Aurifil 2600 – Dove. Hobbs 80/20 batting and a Schmetz Microtex needle was used.

Stash Report

I got “paid” in fabric for the class that I taught. Even though I didn’t “buy” it, it still adds to my stash. I added 11 yards of flannel … all for backing baby quilts. And I did use 1.25 yards on the back of the mystery quilt (see the purple above?)

  • Fabric Used this week     0  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       100.25 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      50. 75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
  • Net Fabric used                  49.5 yards 
  • Husband’s purchases:  0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!

Stitchin’ Time

I have been sewing for at LEAST 3-4 hours each day … deadlines add pressure, you know! So my stitchin’ time is good!

  • January – October –  292/ 272
  • Nov – 7 / 7
  • Total: 299 / 310
  • Percentage = 96 % 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.

The To Do list from Last Week:

  1. Sandwich BBQG Guild Mystery #2 & #3 #2 Done, #3 not done
  2. Sandwich Island Batik Secret #4 √   DONE 
  3. Sew top together  Prismatic from Scrappy Improv √   DONE 
  4. Work on Island Batik’s December project in progress
  5. Finish Island Batik Secret #2 top √   DONE 
  6. Finish Quilting Island Batik Secret #3 not done
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   DONE 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes   √   DONE  

This week’s list:

Is fairly light … priorities only … as I won’t be home for a few days. (I’ll tell you about it later).

  1. Quilt Island Batik Secret #2
  2. Quilt Island Batik Secret #4
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Island Batik Blog Hop

Island Batik’s Storm at Sea Blog Hop is into it’s 2nd week! Check out THIS POST to follow each of the ambassadors and their creative and awesome quilts!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

******************

Linking to:

Week 2 of Island Batik’s Blog Hop

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Here is the line-up of fabrics and links to the ambassador’s blogs for Week 2! (I’ve seen a sneak peak of some of them and we’re in for some wonderful eye candy!

November 8:

Mania Hatzioannidi, Mania for Quilts

Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter

November 9:

Joanne Hart, Unicorn Harts

Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs

Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting

November 10:

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations

Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore

November 11:

Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood

Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine

November 12:

You could win!

Click on the rafflecopter link for your opportunity to win some beautiful fabric!

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

A Review of Last Week’s Quilts!

Island Batik’s Blog has the full line-up of quilts from last week. Visit it HERE.

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Friday’s summary!

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My finishes this week include the quilts I shared on Monday for the Island Batik Storm at Sea Blog Hop. My surprise fabric was the fabulous Bellingham Bay collection by Kathy Engle. Two very different quilts, both using a 12″ Storm at Sea paper piecing block (From EQ). You can read more about these quilts HERE.

Island Batik Blog Hop

To see all of the quilts in this week’s collection, check them out at the Island Batik blog HERE. There is also an opportunity for YOU to win either a strip pack or a stack of beautiful Bellingham Bay fabric!

October’s Island Batik Challenge

A fellow Island Batik Ambassador, Andi, from True Blue Quilts, put together this great video that showcases most of the completed challenges. We were all given 3 spools of 40 weight Aurifil thread and told to create a wall hanging that is inspired by the endangered species. It is well worth the look!

Mine was the Pangolin and you can read about my creation HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! Gail

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Linking to:

Storm at Sea Blog Hop!

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This month, the Island Batik challenge was to make a Storm at Sea quilt with the following guidelines:

  • Project Type: Quilt
  • Size: Lap size or larger
  • Must use the Summer 2021 bundle, wrapped and labeled “Surprise”
  • Any technique

My Surprise package in Box #2 was Bellingham Bay. I was in LOVE immediately!!!! I LOVE the colours … the rich greens paired with a few deep purple … just wonderful!!! These should be available in stores soon!

I searched for a Storm at Sea that was a bit different. I found several quilts with diagonal waves and I really liked them. I went to my EQ program and came up with this:

I know that I would easily become confused with which piece of fabric went where … so I printed out the quilt outline and numbered the main fabrics. I was hoping that if I took my time, I’d be able to paper piece the quilt with the correct fabrics in the correct spots.

In order to keep all of the fabrics in the correct wave, that’s how it was pieced … one wave at a time. I knew that I would get it all mixed up if I did it by blocks …

Each element is paper pieced – without sewing on the paper. I really dislike removing the papers after I’ve sewn on them.

Here’s a picture of my piecing without sewing on the paper.

The quilting was done on my domestic sewing machine, with a walking foot and a Schmetz quilting needle.

I used Aurifil #2600 (Dove) for the quilting and the scrappy binding was attached with Aurifil #5012.

This quilt is 57″ square. And, I LOVE it!!!

For some reason, I didn’t use all of the fabrics in the main quilt. I have no idea why. So, I made a 2nd quilt using Coconut as the background and 4 of the lightest coloured prints from Bellingham Bay.

You could win …

That’s correct, you have an opportunity to win some wonderful Bellingham Bay fabric … Click on the Rafflecopter link and follow the instructions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

The Photo Shoot

Bellingham Bay is just a short drive from my house. However, since the USA border is closed to Canadians driving down, I had to content myself with going to a local beach to take pictures. It was a blustery windy day … very windy … but I did manage to get some shots!

The Blog Hop

Pretti, from Sew Preeti Quilts also made a Storm at Sea quilt using the Bellingham Bay fabric collection. Make sure you visit her blog!

Here is a list of all the ambassadors participating in the Storm at Sea Blog Hop. I’ve already had a sneak peek of some of them – they are all pretty awesome! Make sure you follow along!!!

November 1:

Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail 

Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts

November 2:

Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts

Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting

November 3:

Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese

Megan Best, Bestquilter

November 4:

Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia

November 8:

Mania Hatzioannidi, Mania for Quilts

Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter

November 9:

Joanne Hart, Unicorn Harts

Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs

Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting

November 10:

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations

Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore

November 11:

Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood

Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine

November 15:

Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio

Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts

November 16:

Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky

Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde

November 17:

Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist

Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights

Suzy Webster, Websterquilt 

Thank you!

The making of my Storm at Sea quilts would not be possible without the generosity of Island Batik, Hobbs Batting, Aurifil Thread, and Schmetz Needles!!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

PHD in 2021: November Report

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is phd-in-2021.png

How are you doing with your PHD in 2021?

Are you slugging away at a project that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight? We’ve all been there. Did you know that as you’re slugging away, it’s OK to switch to something else for a short time, or take a break. If you know me at all, squaring up HST or blocks is NOT my favourite thing. I know it gives good results, but taking those slivers off of a HST is just plain boring. So, one of my tactics is to do 10 and then do something else. Then do another 10. Pretty soon, all 2000 (an exaggeration) are done! And it feels good to have that task completed.

Here’s my tally for the year so far. I have completed 12 UFOs and I just need to finish all of the projects that I started and I’ll have achieved my Phd in 2021! I’ve got 2 months left, so I’m hoping it’s a good 2 months of sewing!

Linky Party



Link up and show us your PHD in 2021 Progress.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

Blog Hop

Island Batik’s November Blog Hop starts tomorrow!!! Come back tomorrow to see my beautiful quilts made with the Bellingham Bay Fabric collection!

In the meantime, you have an opportunity to win either a strip pack or a stack of Bellingham Bay fabric!

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

I have a Finish!

I did finish one of the guild baby mystery quilts … I used it when I took a “Beanie” ruler class from Silly Moon. Nope, I’m not going to show you the front, but here is the back. There is NO way you can tell what the front is! (chuckle) But I learned how to easily make concentric circles, clam shells, circles, and baptist fans. And I played with the ruler in the in the border.

My Favourite Quilt this month!

My favourite quilt has got to be the Pangolin that I made for October’s Island Batik challenge. I absolutely loved doing all the zen-doodling in the scales! This piece is 20″ square and you can read about it HERE. I will be linking to Meadow Mist Designs.

Design Wall

#1 Scrappy Improv Quilting …

I’m still working on a Hot Air Balloon quilt from Kelly Young’s “Scrappy Improv Quilting” Book. I decided that I would use different techniques for making slabs and have 4 balloons … I haven’t gotten too far … Obviously my balloons need baskets and the sky around them … And my Island Batik scraps isn’t much smaller!

#2.  Scrappy Improv Quilting …

This is from the pattern “Prismatic.” I had some scrappy Island Batik log cabin blocks that were languishing in a pile. What to do with them? I sewed them all randomly together and made a large slab. Then I cut it up. The log cabin blocks were 3/4″ finished … so there are a LOT of tiny pieces in these blocks. They will be sewn together with white fabric surrounding them.

#4, #5, & #6 Secret Sewing: Island Batik

I’m happy to report that all of the patterns have been written. 2 of them are tested and ready to roll. And 2 of them are still being tested.

Quilting: 

#1 Secret Island Batik project is being quilted

Stash Report

I got “paid” in fabric for the class that I taught. Even though I didn’t “buy” it, it still adds to my stash. I added 11 yards of flannel … all for backing baby quilts. And I did use 1.25 yards on the back of the mystery quilt (see the purple above?)

  • Fabric Used this week     1.25 yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       100.25 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:  11  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      50. 75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
  • Net Fabric used                  49.5 yards 
  • Husband’s purchases:  0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!

Stitchin’ Time

I have been sewing for at LEAST 3-4 hours each day … deadlines add pressure, you know! So my stitchin’ time is good!

  • January – October –  292/ 272
  • Total: 292 / 303
  • Percentage = 96 % 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.

The last To Do list: (from AGES ago)

OK … even though I had a LOT of time to complete everything, pattern writing and making the secret quilts took a LOT of time!

  1. Continue working on Island Batik’s November project DONE!!!
  2. Work on 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv Nope … in progress
  3. Work on Island Batik’s December project ... in progress
  4. Complete top for Secret Sewing BBQG mystery quilt #2 All 3 quilt tops are done, one is quilted.
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   DONE 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes       I need to start doing this daily!  

This week’s list:

  1. Sandwich BBQG Guild Mystery #2 & #3
  2. Sandwich Island Batik Secret #4
  3. Sew top together  Prismatic from Scrappy Improv
  4. Work on Island Batik’s December project
  5. Finish Island Batik Secret #2 top
  6. Finish Quilting Island Batik Secret #3
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

******************

Linking to:

Teaching fun!

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For the last 2 Thursdays, I was teaching at Essem Textiles. We were using the book, “Scrappy Improv Quilting” by Kelly Young.

The first week we made slabs … Kelly discusses one method in the book, but we covered about 6 different methods of making slabs.

Everyone got busy making their slabs … there were all sorts of slabs happening … blue, teal, purple, pink, and a whole mixture of fabrics …

Making slabs can be very freeing when you haven’t done it before! I “caught” one lady using her seam ripper and told her to put it away and just cut off the offending piece of fabric … so she did! There is NO place for a seam ripper when making slabs!

Here’s a few pictures from the first week ….

The “homework” was to finish the slabs and cut them to size as per the instructions in the book. Some of the slabs were easy to cut, and others had a LOT of cutting … but everyone came back ready to roll.

Karen was going to make a large version of the hot air balloon, but didn’t like the way her slab was going, so she decided on making 4 hot air balloons and putting them in one quilt! I like all the polka dots and the blue grunge she choose for the sky!

Prismatic was a popular mini that Robin, Judy, Sue and Joan worked on. Purple, blues and teals were the popular colours for this mini!

Sue managed to get her top completed by the end of the 2nd day! Isn’t it great? I like how she mixed up her colours in her slabs and just went with it!

Robin was also working on the ornament quilt in traditional Christmas colours … red & green. She had completed 2 ornaments before class and worked on the 3rd ornament, using Tri Rec ruler, in class. It’s going to be a beauty!

Cathy, was super keen, and made the hot air balloon before the first class, worked on the Heartstruck quilt during the first class and finished it at home. When making Heartstruck, she used a variety of neutrals – so it made it super scrappy! Which looks great! At the 2nd class, she worked on the Churn, Churn, Churn mini. It was fascinating to have a glance at her book. She had followed along with the blog hop (see HERE) and wrote down how different quilters made the different mini quilts. Oh, and she’s also started on the houses for Funky Town. (hmmm, I think she LOVES this fantastic book!)

Here’s some pictures of her work!!! Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture of the houses she’s started.

Yes, I worked on a couple of mini quilts as well, but didn’t make much progress on them! It was too much fun visiting and seeing what everyone else was making!

Oh ya, and the venue! Essem has a cosy spot at the back of the store. It is absolutely lovely!

But here are the 2 quilts I made prior to the class! You can read more about them HERE and HERE.

I was Featured

Jennifer, from Inquiring Quilter featured the 2 birds I was given at the retreat. You can read about it HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Island Batik … what you want to know

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Island Batik Ambassadors

For those of you that have been following my blog for awhile, you’ve heard me talk about being an Island Batik Ambassador. Twice a year we get fabulous Island Batik fabric and lots of goodies from Industry Partners (Aurifil, Hobbs batting, Schmetz needles, Accuquilt, Studio 180, byAnnie). Then, once a month, we are given a specific challenge to complete using the fabric and/or tools that we have received. It is a lot of fun to create and make items to address the challenges. An added bonus this year was that a few of us organized a few Zoom sewing days! Talk about a lot of fun! And a great way to get to know each other!

Here are the main challenges that I’ve completed so far this year: (I have also made many other projects using Island Batik fabric, but that’s for another post!

You could become an Island Batik Ambassador!

If you would like to become an Island Batik ambassador, click HERE.

Island Batik Fabric

But, what is Island Batik? It is a company in California that distributes the fabulous fabric around the world.

This is from their website: Island Batik is a manufacturer, importer and distributor of cotton batik, rayon batik and hand-printed cotton from Indonesia. Originally established in 1997, Island Batik’s mission is to share the ancient cultural art of batik and hand-dyed fabric with our many valued customers around the world. You can read more about it HERE.

Here is a video that explains the process of how the fabric is dyed:

Island Batik Designer

I am one of several designers. I don’t design any of the fabric, but I do get a sneak peak of the upcoming fabrics for the next catalogue. Then I design quilts using the new fabric collections. The Island Batik design team chooses which quilt designs will be in their next catalogue and then the fabric is shipped to the designers. We usually have a short time frame to make the quilts and send them to California for their professional photography shoot.

These 3 quilts were in the Spring / Summer 2021 catalogue. You can see it HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Retreat Fun!

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Oh yes, the retreat was a LOT of fun! It was great to get together with like-minded people and sew, sew, sew. And eat and laugh and play games!

I managed to finish one quilt – but I can’t show you until Nov. 1. Yes, it is for an Island Batik Blog Hop, featuring all the new fabrics that will be in stores SOON!

But here’s a sneak peak:

And here’s a bunch of pictures of some of the creativity that happened!

As you can see, there were a few card trick quilts happening … So fun to see the how different colours make the quilts look so different! That never ceases to amaze me!

This one got a laugh out of me! It’s called a “Toilet Topper.” You guessed it – it’s for the top of a toilet back!

I’m not sure how I missed getting a picture of all the birds that Laura had made. There was a wall of Sue Spargo birds … absolutely lovely!!! Laura said she didn’t know what she was going to do with them … someone jokingly said she could give them to us! And she did!!! I plan to frame mine and put them up in my sewing room. They are not something I would ever do, but I LOVE admiring the work that goes into them! I’m sure that each one takes a zillion hours with all the details! Thank you very much, Laura!

And, when it wasn’t raining, there were walks through the woods. Judy managed to get these awesome pictures of the fungi …

I was Featured

Both Kelly, from My Quilt Infatuation, and Jennifer, from Inquiring Quilter, featured this quilt. You can see my original post HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

A Private Personal Quilt Show

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In September, when I was in Edmonton, I had the great pleasure of visiting the home of Elizabeth Penttinen. She is an art quilter extraordinaire! I was blown over by her talent and the variety of quilts that I saw. And, I know that there were many more that I didn’t see.

The photos were taken with my Iphone and at night, indoors, so the photo quality is not the best.

Obviously, this one is ready for quilting … but look at all the greens, the curves, the straight lines …

This one has an organic wavy binding … and if I remember correctly, it is not cut on the bias.

And a close up of the quilting … all hand guided …

All different leaves in this one …

I see the wind blowing in this one … great movement!

Look at the beautiful thread painting! And beads, buttons and shells … (I think!)

Fun collage quilts … made from t-shirts, sheets, and other fabric things.

Elizabeth has spent a lot of time in Africa … I can’t help but think that this definitely influenced this collage quilt.

Cows anyone?

Sons of Anarchy

I absolutely LOVE giraffes and I think this is my favourite by far!!! She was going to be teaching this at her guild … how I would have loved to have taken this class!

Beautiful flowers!

Fall still life …

Mixed media … from Disney!

Thank you, Elizabeth, for the privilege of seeing your beautiful quilts!

Many of these quilts are for sale, if you are interested, contact Elizabeth e_penttinen@hotmail.com and she can give you more information.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

A Busy Thursday and Friday

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Do you know what it’s like to get ready for a retreat? Oh ya! On Thursday, I managed to get borders on 2 quilts and they are sandwiched and hopefully will be quilted at the retreat … bobbins are wound.

And then there is the last minute gathering of STUFF … yup, all sorts of STUFF. When you’re one of the co-organizers, there is a LOT of details to attend to. Last minute emails to send out …

I haven’t been on a retreat for almost 2 years. That’s a LONG time for a retreat junkie!

It’s all good!!! I will get it done. Well, most of it anyhow. And of course, I doubt that I’ll finish all 5 or 6 projects that I’m taking with me … but it’s always good to have a variety to choose from! I’ll tell you all about it next week!

A Friday Finish

I made this quilt earlier this year, thinking it would be good for a fat-quarter quilt and a mystery quilt … and then I changed my mind and went in a bit of a different direction for the Summer Mystery. I still like this quilt … and perhaps one day, I’ll write up the directions for it … but not now … not yet … But it did use 7 fat quarters … with little fabric to spare …

I Was Featured

Photo credit: Jerry Khiev, Island Batik

I was featured on the following blogs … Check them out!

My Quilt Infatuation

For the Love of Geese

This quilt is in the Spring Summer 2021 Island Batik Catalogue. It uses the fabric line “Flutter Fly.” And You can order the pattern from me!

For more information on this quilt, click HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:


Midweek Makers @  QuiltFabrication
Wednesday Wait Loss @  Inquiring Quilter
Off the Wall Friday @ Creations – Quilts, Art, Whatever
Happy Needle  and Thread @  My Quilt Infatuation
Andrée / Free Motion Mavericks @ Quilting & Learning – What a combo!
Put your Foot Down @ For the Love of Geese

Sherry @  Powered by Quilting
Can I get a Whoop Whoop? @  Confessions of a Fabric Addict

TGIFF @ Devoted Quilter
Finished or Not Friday  @ Alycia Quilts
Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty
Peacock Party @ Wendy’s Quilts and More
 

Scrappy Improv Quilting Blog Hop

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In July, Kelly, of My Quilt Infatuation, emailed me and asked if I would be willing to participate in a blog hop promoting her new book. I felt honoured and of course, I said, “YES.”

She asked me to make an improve ornament mini quilt! This is the quilt she asked me to make! Isn’t it cute?

Sew … I gathered a bunch of blue and purple Island Batik scraps.

Then I sewed them together sort-of following the directions in the book. A lot of my scraps had weird angles in them … so mine aren’t totally square … more improv!

I followed the directions for making the ornaments. They were very clear and easy to follow. As directed, I did use my Tri-Recs rulers for making the purple ornament.

I used Island Batik solid “Turquoise” on the purple ornament and “Amethyst” on the blue ornaments. The strings were made with “Dark Grey.” And the background is “Rice.” I absolutely LOVE Rice!!!

This mini quilt is quilted the same as in the book … stippling in the background and organic straight(ish) lines on the ornaments. I used Aurifil 2600 – Dove to quilt it. And yes, I did stitch in the ditch around the strings and the ornaments.

This was such a fun quilt to make! I’m sure I will be making more mini quilts from this blog!

I have already made “Up, Up and Away,” using Kelly’s instructions on enlarging the quilt. I made it baby sized. I posted about it, and your can read about it HERE.

To me, Kelly’s “Scrappy Improv Quilting” book is one that EVERYONE should have in their book collection! There is a HUGE variety of mini quilts and you can make them bigger as well! I know I already said this, but the book is very well written. The directions are clear and easy to follow!

I actually have 2 more quilts from this book in progress … and I will show you them when they are completed!

If you want to buy the book, I know that Essem Textiles has a few in stock. As well, I will be teaching several quilts from this book at Essem later this month. Contact them to sign up for the class.

Blog Hop

Here is the Schedule for the Blog Hop: (All links up to Oct 11 are direct links to the original post, so you won’t have to hunt through the blogs! … you’re welcome!)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

What’s Happening?

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What’s happening?

I’ve been madly sewing on things I can’t show you and writing patterns to go with the quilts I’m making. But, this post is about what I CAN show you!
Design Wall

Design Wall

Piecing:

#1 Scrappy Improv Quilting …

I’m working on another quilt from Kelly Young’s book “Scrappy Improv Quilting”. I’m doing it as a leader and ender with all the Secret Sewing I’m doing

#2. Secret Sewing: Island Batik

#3. Meadow Mist’s Macaroon Mystery.

I’m a bit behind on this mystery. I have the pieces all cut. Yes, it’s all reproduction blues with an off white for the background. If you LOVE mystery quilts … Cheryl’s quilts are a dream to make! You can see all the clues HERE.

Quilting: 

#1 November Island Batik project is being quilted

Stash Report

No shopping, no finishes that used stash!

  • Fabric Used this week     0 yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       99 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week: 0  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      39.75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
  • Net Fabric used                  58.25 yards 
  • Husband’s purchases:  0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!

Stitchin’ Time

While away, I managed to sew for 5 days … and for 6 days, I did not sew.

  • January – August –  261 / 272
  • Oct –  10 / 10
  • Total: 265 / 278
  • Percentage = 95 % 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

TO DO 

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.

The last To Do list: (from weeks ago)

OK … so I had over 2 weeks to accomplish my To Do list – a little bit of everything got done!

  1. Finish quilting Island Batik’s November project sort-of done
  2. Work on 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv in progress
  3. Work on Island Batik’s December project in progress
  4. Quilt Secret Sewing BBQG mystery quilt #1  Sandwiched
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   done 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes      √   done  

This week’s list:

  1. Continue working on Island Batik’s November project
  2. Work on 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv
  3. Work on Island Batik’s December project
  4. Complete top for Secret Sewing BBQG mystery quilt #2
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Even though I’ve been working like a mad woman in the sewing room, there is no change to my UFO list.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Announcing Flutterfly Stars: for Island Batik

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Photo credit: Jerry Khiev, Island Batik

Please contact me if you would like to purchase the pattern. This quilt uses a Tri-Recs or a Deb Tucker V-block ruler. There is an option of using a pre-cut Stack (10″ squares) to make this quilt.

Flutterfly Stars appeared in Island Batik’s Spring/Summer catalogue. You can see it HERE. Check out page 9 for a close-up and page 56 for the whole quilt. And there are tons of other beautiful quilts in the catalogue … lots of quilty eye candy!

This quilt used the awesome collection, Flutter Fly, by Kathy Engle and is available at select stores now.

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 65” x 83”
  • Hobbs 80/20 batting
  • Pieced and Quilted with Aurifil thread

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

  • Midweek Makers @  QuiltFabrication

  • TGIFF @ Rebecca Grace Quilting

  • Wednesday Wait Loss @  Inquiring Quilter

  • Happy Needle  and Thread @  My Quilt Infatuation

  • Andrée / Free Motion Mavericks @ Quilting & Learning – What a combo!

  • Put your Foot Down @ For the Love of Geese

  • Can I get a Whoop Whoop? @  Confessions of a Fabric Addict

  • Finished or Not Friday  @ Alycia Quilts

  • Sherry @  Powered by Quilting

  • Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty

  • Peacock Party @ Wendy’s Quilts and More 

    • Island Batik: Endangered Species

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    This year, Aurifil Thread has a Color Builder program. It is a total of 12 different mini-collections that, for 2021, are based on Endangered Animals. Aurifil’s goal is to “Increase sustainability and positive environmental impact.” (source: Island Batik).

    For the October challenge, Aurifil is asking you to create a piece inspired by the endangered animal featured on your assigned Color Builder box. Use each one of the 3 provided colors somewhere in the challenge piece, how the thread is used is up to you! (source: Island Batik)

    I received the Pangolin bundle. The 3 threads in this collection are: #2312 – Ermine, #6010 – Toast, #2360 – Chocolate. They are all 40 weight.

    I had to look it up …

    Photo “Borrowed” from Aurifil: https://www.aurifil.com/pangolin

    The Pangolin is sometimes used for it’s meat, but mostly the scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine. There is a huge amount of illegal trafficking and the pangolin is considered Critically Endangered. Source.

    I literally spent a few months thinking about what I would do.

    I finally decided that I would go to the Internet and search for royalty free colouring book pages and pangolin. Bingo! I found one at THIS SITE.

    Below is the pangolin print out and fabric (Buttermilk) on my light board. My light board happens to be a window. You can see where the pages are overlapping and taped together. The Buttermilk fabric is taped on top.Then a picture of me tracing it out with a brown sharpie. (Inspired by Helen Godden and the Flower Power Quilt-a-long)

    I used Hobbs Polydown batting and Odif 505 temporary adhesive spray and got to work. First I stitched over the brown sharpie lines with #2360 – Chocolate.

    I quickly realized that I needed to have a fabric on the back: the polydown was catching on the lowered feed dogs. Previously, when I used this technique, I was able to use Hobbs 80/20 with no difficulty.

    Then, I was not pleased with how it was stitching out! So, I cleaned my machine (it needed it) and changed to a Schmetz needle. That helped a bit, but then I took off my ruler quilting foot and put on the regular free-motion quilting foot. I’m not sure why, but my quilting was WAY better.

    The pangolin is outlined with Aurifil #2360 – ChocolateI. The Zendoodling is Aurifil #2312 – Ermine. Aurifil #6010 – Toast, was used for the organic echoing around the pangolin. It took 3 full days of zendoodling to get to this point. Then I needed a break!

    For the spikes around the border, I used several pieces from the Autumn Wings collection, along with Large Netting-Sand (a blender) and Citrine (Marvelous Multis). The spikes were all fused with steam-a-seam light. And appliqued in place with #6010 – Toast. Then the feet were “coloured” in using Aurifil #2360 Chocolate. It is bound with Wavy Dots – Cappuccino.

    Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies:

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    PHD in 2021: September Report

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    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is phd-in-2021.png

    How are you doing with your PHD in 2021?

    I was reading a post from Bustle: “Ways To Get Things Done When You Don’t Wanna” The title certainly caught my eye! There were lots of tips on “How To.”

    Here’s my comments on some of the points as it relates to me and quilting

    • Think of the end goal. Remember that wonderful feeling when a quilt project is finished? It feels pretty good, right?
    • Focus on what you can control. OK … so you might not be able to finish your project today, but you can sew a few seams, cut out some of the fabric … That’s doable, right?
    • Start With The Most Loathed Bits First. You might as well get it out of the way and then the rest will be easy. (Well, this won’t work if binding is what you loath, but I’m sure you can find something!
    • Work Out What You’re Afraid Of. Cut out the excuses and just get started.
    • Bribe Yourself Shamelessly. I’m on a serious fabric diet, but maybe I could go shopping. At least I need thread, right?
    • Do It For Just 10 Minutes. We can all work on a project for 10 minutes … set your timer if you need to!

    Here’s my tally sheet. You’ll notice that I have 3 Island Batik Secret projects to work on. I actually had 4, but one is completed. These include writing patterns, organizing pattern testers and making the quilts. I’m going to be busy for the next while!

    Linky Party

    Link up and show us your PHD in 2021 Progress.

    You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

    Click here to enter
    https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

    My Favourite Quilt this month!

    Meadow Mist Designs hosts a link up for a Favourite Quilt each month. My favourite is from a new book “Scrappy Improv Quilting” by Kelly Young. You can read about it HERE. I will be teaching this quilt (and others) at Essem Textiles later this month. Contact Simina at Essem to book your spot!

    This quilt used Island Batik fabrics, Aurifil thread and Hobbs batting!

    So Scrappy

    My Scrappy Table Topper for September was 2 – both featuring orange … you can read about them HERE. October’s colour is Lime Green. Hmmm … wonder what I’ll make?

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    ******************

    Linking to:

    Favourite Quilt of the Month @  Meadow Mist Designs

    So Scrappy @ Scrap Happy

    Sunday Stash @  quiltpaintcreate

    Oh Scrap @  Quilting is More Fun than Housework

    15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces

    Frédérique  @ Quilting Patchwork Applique

    Monday Making @  Love, Laugh, Quilt

    Design Wall Monday @  Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

    To-Do Tuesday @ Texas Quilt Gal