This is my 2nd year participating in the “New Quilter’s Blog Hop.” I’ve learned LOTS about blogging, making changes and adding things.
There are 32 participants in the Blog Hop and we are divided into 4 different weeks for presenting out blogs. Each person in the group suggested names and logos for the group. The name “In Stitches” was chosen and the logo is

The logo is Carrie, the designer’s quilt. I love the bright colours and the simplicity.
This week, it’s my turn to participate in the blog hop. If you visit each of the blogs (listed below) – you’ll see LOTs of eye candy. And BONUS: there are giveaways. There are wonderful sponsors – so be sure to enter the giveaways! Now, to enter the give-aways, you have to comment. Then you go to the co-host’s blogs to enter.
Now, before you go visiting other blogs – let me tell you a bit about myself.
Me & My Favourite Quilts
My favourite scrappy designer is Bonnie Hunter from Quiltville.com. I have done her yearly mystery quilts for the past 8 years.
Hmmm, as soon as this picture was on the blog … I realized that each of these quilts have a shade of red in them … from pink to burgundy. I wonder what that says about me?
So, just to prove that I do make quilts with other colours here’s a few of my other quilts:
OK … so top right one has a bit of pink and the bottom right has some dark red … but at least the other 2 are mostly green.
If you want to know more about my quilting journey – you can read about it HERE.
My Blog

A clothesline full of small quilts
I attempt to post 2 or 3 times a week, telling you about the projects I’m working on and some of the ups (finishing!) and downs (struggles) of the projects. Occasionally, I post pictures of my friend’s quilts, especially when I’ve been at a retreat or sewing with friends. There have been a few tutorials.
This year I offered a challenge PHD in 2018. The challenge is to complete ½ of your UFOs or PHDs (Projects Half Done in quilt-speak) AND to complete all projects started in 2018. There are 9 of us participating. Most are making great progress on getting the PHDs Done, done, done! I plan to offer the challenge again next year … so think about it and consider it! It might help you get some of your unfinished projects done! And, if you have a zillion PHDs, you can limit the number that you need to complete in 2019. To see more details about this year’s challenge, check out “PHD in 2018.”
Stash Busting: One of my weekly posts includes a report on my stash: How much fabric I’ve used this year and how much I’ve bought. So far, I’ve used about 7 times more fabric than I’ve bought. YEAH!!! And, knowing that I need to be totally honest in reporting all my bought fabric – it actually helps to restrain my previously out-of-control stash building habits!
One of my favourite tips is to do with binding. To get rid of bulk in the corners – clip out the quilt and batting.
There is a binding tutorial on the blog. You can check it out HERE.
There are other tutorials available – click on the “Tutorial” tab at the top of the blog.
A Few Questions for You
When you visit quilting blogs, what do you look for? or what do you like?
What makes you want to “follow” a blog or return to the blog?
The BLOG HOP
Now, click on each of the following blogs and be prepared for lots of eye-candy, quilting tips and who knows what else? Enjoy!
- Terry, my cousin! @ Quilting a Legacy
- Rachel @ Rachel Rossi Blog
- Tracie @ Riceford Streams
- Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts
- Jan @ Cocoa Quilts
- Michelle @ Creative Blonde
- April @ Janda Bend Quilts
The Blog Hop CO-HOSTS
Yes, I know I mentioned at the beginning of this post that there are give-aways available. You will get an entry for each blog comment you leave. The hosts use a tool called a “Rafflecopter” for choosing the winners of the give-aways. So visit one of the following co-host’s blogs and enter to WIN!!! The sponsors are in the picture below the list of blogs.
- Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts
- Jennifer @ Dizzy Quilter
- Sandra @ mmm! Quilts
- Tish @ Tish in Wonderland
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Pingback: Week 4 of 2018 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop
I like to visit bloggers with lots of photos that inspire me as well as human interest stories. Real quilts, real life. Tips and tutorials are a bonus. I enjoyed your introduction and will return ~ looking forward to getting to know you
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Thanks Karen! I look forward to getting to know you as well! Happy Quilting! 🙂
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Pingback: 2018 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop, week the first | Handwrought Quilts
I love your quilts! They are really beautiful! For Blogs that I follow and really keep up with… typically it’s someone that I know and have a personal vested interest in what they are working on. I wish I could keep up with everyone, but it’s more difficult with my current state in life.
I do however love watching all your quilts come together 😀
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Hi Sherry!
Thank you for your kind comments!
I know it’s hard to keep up … but this quilting world is NOT a race … and each quilt comes together one stitch at a time.
Happy Quilting! 🙂
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I enjoy reading blogs that have personality, lots of clear photos, tips, tricks and fun new ideas!
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Thank you Heather! Happy Quilting! 🙂
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Gail, it’s nice to meet you here and I read your post from last year. I’m amazed by how many quilts you’ve made! The Bonnie Hunter quilts are wonderful. I read a little bit on her blog, and I’m convinced that I should learn more. I usually follow blogs for quilt eye candy and tutorials, but I usually follow bloggers on Instagram and then read a blog post if I have time.
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Thank you, Traci!
Bonnie’s quilts are awesome! Her yearly mystery quilt is like taking a weekly class with her. I usually make the full size version – but a friend of mine makes them about 1/2 the size – and she ends up with a nice sized lap quilt.
You’re not the first person that’s suggested I do more in Instagram … I’m still thinking that one through!
Happy Quilting! 🙂
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I am pretty random with the blogs I choose to follow. I tend to be pretty picky now, as there are so many I follow, and I feel bad when I can’t keep up.
I like blogs that teach me something. I enjoy tutorials with nice clear photos, and good information about blogging always catches my eye.
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Thanks, Jennifer.
This blog hop has definitely increased the number of blogs to follow! Each of them has something to offer! Thanks for commenting! Happy Quilting! 🙂
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Pingback: 2018 NQB Blog Hop - Week 1 – Home Sewn By Us
Your quilts are amazing! I look for warmth, a story, personality, and quilting inspiration in a blog. That’s what keeps me coming back to read them. Great intro post.
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Thanks, Karen! It’s hard to believe that we “met” a year ago during the 2017 Blog Hop! Happy Quilting! 🙂
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Time sure flies, doesn’t it?
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Gail,
I love all your Bonnie Hunter quilts and other too.
I like to visit blogs to look at their quilts of course but I often also learn something new – a tip, a new tool, a cool pattern, a new fabric line or a color combo that I’ve never tried.
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Thanks Vashudha! I took a visit over to your blog … I liked how you find math & quilting interlink! Happy Quilting! 🙂
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Great to get a chance to read about you and your quilts Gail! You’re making far better progress in using your stash than I am! In a blog I like a friendly voice and good photos.
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Your Bonnie Hunter quilts are so pretty! I like your tip on binding; thanks!
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Those Bonnie Hunter quilts are amazing, Gail. Is there a better colour than red? I don’t think so. And thanks again for the PHD program; it’s certainly keeping me on track this year.
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I like visiting blogs to see all the beautiful quilts and projects and to get inspired. Have a great day! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom
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I mostly visit blogs for ideas or patterns. I will follow a blog if 1) they are currently active, 2) lots of eye candy, 3) they have tutorials, 4) they have free/low cost patterns, and/or 5) they have quilt alongs or something of that nature.
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I love following blogs that have lots of color and also do step by step tutorials for difficult sewing projects, like bags. I really like to see tips on appliqué, quilting, bags that the blog person experienced that might be a short cut. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
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Wow! You are a busy quilter! My thoughts are that when a quilter leans toward using red or pink a lot, it shows that they are passionate! I like blogs that offer tutorials and tips, even though I don’t have a tab for that myself on my blog. Oh well, maybe someday!
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Thank you Kathy! Don’t worry about having a tab for tutorials / tips … you’ll add it when you’re ready. I’ve learned that blogs, like Rome, are not build in a day! Happy Quilting! 🙂
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Hi Gail, you have a lovely blog, and I enjoyed going back to read your new bloggers hop post from last year as well as this new post. I guess I tend to return to blogs that made me feel good to be there. The adage “people will not remember what you said, but how you made them feel” is all too true. All the best in growing your audience. 🙂
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Thanks, Dione! I’m glad I discovered your blog as well!
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what do I like when I blog and read blogs? I really enjoy the personal interaction. I like to see what others are up to , are they thinking along the same lines as me in their quilt choices, can I relate to their quilts. I frequently leave comments, but never go revisit to check replies. Life is too short for that.
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I agree about re-visiting to check replies. I visit / comment on too many blogs to even remember. In the prep for the blog hop, they discussed replying to comments via email. So, unless it’s a simple, “Thank you,” I’m trying to do that. However, the sheer number of comments at the moment has me very overwhelmed! Anyhow, thanks for commenting! Happy Quilting! 🙂
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Great eye candy. A lot of really like Bonnie’s quilts, too.
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Your quilts are absolutely beautiful! My favorite part of a blog are the pictures and yours are inspirational!
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Nice job completing so many Bonnie Hunters! I’ve completed one and have one in many pieces but need to finish it! A 2018 goal for me is to finish at least 1 UFO for before I start a new quilt…chipping away at it!
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I follow a blog to see that person’s style of quilting and selection of fabrics and patterns. Also like to see if they have any tips that might be helpful to me.
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I’m a new quilter and I love to see what everyone else is doing. I also love purple so I keep a special eye out for purple creations. Thanks for sharing about your process.
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Hi, Gail! Great post. I’m finding your question really hard to answer for some reason. I guess I like bloggers who have a distinct voice, who aren’t afraid to show their mistakes (and how they fixed/recovered from them), and who post great pictures. That feels like an oversimplification…but it’s a start!
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I love Bonnie Hunter, too. Still working on my first mystery quilt!
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Hi Gail! I am fairly new to blogging as well, and learning from all of you! I do enjoy seeing tips and tricks and watching the progress of projects. Learning new quilty things is so much fun!
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You have some really beautiful quilts Gail. I am often drawn to colour in the pics when deciding whether to go to a post and I do like a good story.
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This is my first time on your Blog. I like the variations on Blogs. I like seeing the quilts they are working on, tips on how tos, and some of their personal life. I also have done some Bonnie Hunter quilts and have taken a couple of her classes.
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Hi Sandi,
Thank you for your comment and welcome to my blog!
Aren’t classes with Bonnie Hunter great? I learned SEW much from her during the time in her workshop!
Happy Quilting! 🙂
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Usually when I come across a new blog, I like to look and see pictures of what projects they are working on so I can get ideas. I have a long list of blogs in my favorites and sometimes in my downtime I just click through to see what new stuff they have posted. If it seems like they don’t post anything for weeks or even months at a time, it gets removed from the list.
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Thank you for sponsoring the hop. I always love looking at quilt pictures on blogs. If the blogger has fun content or a humorous twist, those are entertaining too!
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Gail, it was great getting to know you a bit more today. I use your corner clipping advise all the time. I enjoy your blog you always have great photos, which makes we want to come back for more.
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I’ve been following you since late last year, early this year and didn’t realize that you were a relatively new blogger. Since my quilting community is pretty much limited to the on-line world, many of the blogs I follow are ones that respond to my comments on their blogs and comment on my blog. The comments back and forth lead to other email conversations about quilting, life,etc. So it’s not so much following a quilting blog as checking on how a friend is doing.
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Thanks for your comment, Kate. Sew, we’re friends, now? Very nice!! 🙂 Happy Quilting! 🙂
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Wonderful quilts. PhD’s are a lot of fun and do require willpower to finish. So rewarding.
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