2018 New Quilter’s Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail

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

Screen Shot 2018-04-14 at 7.59.59 AM

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

IMG_1125

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.”
Image result for clipart smile

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!

Screen Shot 2018-04-11 at 8.38.59 PM

IMG_1320

 

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!

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.

Happy Quilting!
Gail

 

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

113 thoughts on “2018 New Quilter’s Blog Hop”

  2. I am sure I will never get my quilting PHD, I start way more than I finish and can’t see that ever changing!!! I love the binding tip, and this is what keeps me visiting blogs — tips that are helpful and work that inspires me. Same reason I follow in most cases too!!! Glad we are In Stitches together 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Pingback: Week 1 – 2018 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop & Giveaway |

  8. Great post Gail – I could learn a lot about blogging just from yours. To answer your question – what I look for is tips, tricks, but mostly watching the progress. Sometimes someone’s project will catch my interest and then I get interested in seeing the progress.

    Enjoy the hop, coz
    Cheers
    Terry

    Like

    • Thanks for your tip, Terry. I sometimes wonder if I post too much or too little about the process … and I know I post a lot about my groaning during some of it! 🙂 Thanks, Cuz!

      Like

  9. Hi Gail,

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful quilts! I always think that a bit of strong color “jazzes” up a quilt top. My go-to color is usually purple or black, and most of my quilts have one (or both!) of these colors.

    I enjoy seeing pictures of quilts, finished or in progress, when I go hopping around to look at other quilter’s blogs. It is inspiring!

    Happy quilting,
    Sharon

    Like

    • Thanks, Sharon! Yes, sometimes a strong colour is just what the quilt needs! I’ve never thought about using purple or black … but perhaps one day, I’ll venture out of my comfort zone & use one instead of using red or burgundy!
      Sew … you’re tip about what you enjoy on blogs will encourage me to post more “in Progress” pictures. Thank you! Happy Quilting! 🙂
      And I look forward to your Blog hop post next week!

      Like

  10. I look for new tutorials and information on techniques. I also am attracted to sites with a variety of projects. Nice logos always catch my eye.

    Like

    • Thank you Kathleen! Sew … your advise it for new tutorials, techniques, variety and logos … hmmm … those things will happen, just slowly over time. 🙂 Happy Quilting!

      Like

  11. I like seeing so many of your Bonnie Hunter mystery quilts all together! Glad to know the PhD challenge will continue a second year!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. The thing that says “I’ve got to follow this blog” to me is not just a pretty quilt, but as a beginner quilter, I am drawn to the quilting! I always want to make every pretty quilt I see & part of that reason is the way it was quilted! Giveaways are always nice to get involved with too! Thank you for the tip- those are always welcome, Susan

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Your Bonnie Hunter quilts are so pretty – I’m impressed that you’ve completed so many of them! When I visit a blog I will follow if the style of the quilts is something I like, or if there is information I find useful (tutorials, etc.) Thanks for being part of the blog hop this year!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. I too like Bonnie Hunter’s designs. I just took a workshop from her yesterday in Napa, Ca in fact…such fun. I like blogs with tutorials and creative ideas. Thanks for sharing your lovely quilts!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Oh how wonderful! I had a workshop with Bonnie a few years ago. Isn’t she just great? However, I still need to finish the quilt that I started in her workshop! Happy Quilting!

      Like

  17. I love blogs that inspire and motivate me. I start each day with a quilt show by visiting my favourite blogs. I am a sucker for quiltalongs and I return most frequently when I feel like I truly like the blogger as a friend.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. I like when a blogger gives us a glimpse of real life quilting adventures – it’s not all rainbows and unicorns of course, but, only as much as you are comfortable sharing. Tutorials are great – I’ve made several quilts from blog tutorials.

    Like

  21. I love finding new quilting bloggers. I feel that we can all learn new things everyday. I look for tutorials, tips, new fabrics, new books, quilt-a-longs, etc. You might want to add an Instagram button to your website and post more of your beautiful quilts on IG. Thanks for sharing

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hi Linda! LOL Adding an Instagram button would mean that I’d have to post more than the 3 pictures that are already on my Instagram account! LOL! Yes – you are right, I should venture into IG more! Happy Quilting! 🙂

      Like

  25. Thanks for participating in the blog hop; it is a great way to be introduced new quilt bloggers that I might not come across because I don’t go searching. you asked what does one look for in a blog: inspiration and tips

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Thank you for the tip on getting corners to look better in binding. I’ve sometimes snipped a little of the batting out of the way but have been hesitant to cut out too much. I don’t want to spend a lot of time reading blogs that have no value. I may skip a post if I’m not finding anything of value in the first couple of paragraphs. I want to be inspired to try new things.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Hi, I tend to revisit and/or follow blogs that have tips, hints or tutorials. I struggle with an accurate seam allowance, and am resigned to just dealing with it. I like to see the original creativity of different quilters. Seeing designs through a different lens is inspiring, and causes me to challenge myself. Welcome!

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Those are good questions. I love to see the wonderful creations, and sometimes it may be that they share some of their lives. I also love Bonnie Hunter quilts. I haven’t made any yet, but after I get some other projects done, I plan to. I love all her scrappiness!

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Thanks for sharing your journey! I’m impressed that you’re keeping yourself accountable when it comes to fabric purchase. I wish I could be so disciplined! As far as what keeps me interested in coming back to the blog, I’d say if the blogger’s quilting style matches mine and I want to be inspired by their pictures, OR if I’ve become friends with the blogger and want to read about what she is up to.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hi Sandra,
      Yes, Terry & I are cousins! Don’t see each other very often with BC and Ontario being a fair distance apart!
      The Labyrinth is a wonderful pattern for beginners … it’s actually a pretty stunning quilt and easy to make.

      Like

  38. I am a fairly new blogger as well. I really like your quilts. What I look for in bloggers are new quilting ideas: color combinations, blocks, and real people with problems just like me. I have found that I am not in the minority; that we all have stops and starts, tons of projects, and as creative people, not always the neatest sewing rooms. Yeah, just like me.

    Liked by 1 person

  39. I think all that red means you are a warm, inviting fun quilter! My hat off to you, Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilts require lots of patience and lots of piecing. I can’t believe you’ve done 8 of them 🙂 I love your PhD program, I think it was a fabulous way to motivate others to work on lingering projects. I love when I read a blog and personalities really shine through. It’s always a please to hop over and read your posts.

    Liked by 1 person

  42. Gail, I had to laugh at your stash busting plan—that’s BRILLIANT! I’d be so ashamed of my new:stash fabric ratio this year…maybe I need to start doing this!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Well, Rachel … it wasn’t my idea. It first originated with Judy L @ Patchwork Times and Donna @ quiltpaintcreate has had the latest linky parties for stash reporting. It’s never to late to join in! (wink wink) … and, if you notice – I do not mention anywhere HOW much stash I actually have … now … that would be embarrassing! But reporting every week has certainly helped to decrease the spontaneous, “Oh, isn’t this pretty?” buying! Happy Quilting! 🙂

      Like

  43. Pingback: New Quilters Blog Hop | Week 1 | Rachel Rossi

  44. Hi Gail,
    Hmm, until you shared pictures of your finished quilts today I never noticed you lean toward the red side of the color wheel! I look for a connection with the person when I read blogs. When they share a bit about themselves and not just talk about the quilting or a sales pitch, that draws me in to their blog and makes me want to follow them. Thanks for sharing your introduction with us today! I’m off to read all the others. Happy Monday! ~smile~ Roseanne

    Liked by 1 person

  45. Gail, you pieced many, many little tiny pieces together with all the lovely BH quilts you have made! Nice photos of whatever your are making, in progress or finished, are on the top of my list for things I like to see. Great intro post!

    Liked by 1 person

  49. Sounds exciting and I love those scrappy quilts, lots of work in them. I am just putting on binding on a quilt and had come to the conclusion I needed to cut out some of the corner bits to make it sit better so happy to see confirmation from you.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. What do I look for in a blog? The look of the blog has to appeal to me, and also the writing. There are so many great blogs out there, and yours is one that I enjoy! Those Bonnie Hunter quilts are amazing, as are all your others!

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.