All of the Island Batik Ambassadors were invited to become partners with the Missouri Star Quilt Company. And I’m so excited to tell you that I’ve been accepted!
So what does this mean??? It means that when YOU order over $50 from Missouri Star Quilt and you use my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
I have not had affiliate links before, so this is all new to me!
Enjoy receiving 20% off all of your orders! You can use my link over and over and over!!! It’s permanently on the sidebar of my blog so you won’t need to always search for it!
Is this you? I know it’s me. Our guild is having a quilt show next weekend and I should go through my quilting books and magazines and donate them … someone else might want a pattern that is in something.
A Finish
Last week, on Monday, I posted about this quilt. You can read about it HERE.
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler. (also a secret)
St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).
Next in line for Piecing:
On the Road Again, blog hop
Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry
Quilting: to do
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Borders are on … need to pick a backing ….
Quilting “Gardenia“
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
The Dr. Seuss quilt used approximately 3 yards.
Fabric Used in the last week: 3yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 62.5 yards from non-IB: 29
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 20 yards
Net Fabric used: 42.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Make a decision on “On the Road Again” block hop project in progress. Decision made, but not started yet.
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done
Catch up on Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt√ DONE.
Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE. not done
Work on May IB project: Holiday Paper Piecing √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Work on “On the Road Again” block hop project
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
If you were to ask me what my LEAST favourite part of quilting is, it would be Hanging Sleeves. They are not something I enjoy doing! But sometimes, it is necessary.
I belong to the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild and we have a quilt show coming up next weekend (May 4 & 5). Of course, I entered several quilts and each of them needs to have a hanging sleeve.
Here’s a partial picture of the quilt show’s raffle quilt. It’s a beauty!! You can buy tickets at the show.
About Hanging Sleeves
If you’ve been following me for very long, you’ll know that I highly dislike hand sewing. In fact, after about 10 minutes, my hands are so sore, it’s ridiculous! So my hanging sleeves are put on by machine, or pins.
I know that many of my friends already have their sleeves on and the quilts bagged and ready to go. Not me!! Why do it ahead of time when I can feel under pressure and get them done without delay?
An online friend of mine, Kathleen McMusing had a tutorial YEARS ago for using a blind hem for putting on hanging sleeves. On the 22nd of each month she has a blog post called “Tips and Tutorials.” This past week, she reposted about the hanging sleeve technique using a blind hem. See HERE. She has a plethora of tips and tutorials … so while you’re there, you might want to grab a cup of coffee or tea and spend some time on her site!
The following picture shows me using the Blind Hem stitch to add the hanging sleeve. For the 2nd or bottom row of stitching, I switched to the navy thread so it wouldn’t show on the front. My Oliso iron is awesome for pressing!!! (I received it as part of being an Island Batik Ambassador!)
I used the lint roller to get all the excess lint off the quilt. We are to put a label with our names and phone numbers on the quilt. I’ve just written it on the hanging sleeve. A small piece of paper will have the name of the quilt attached, just below the sleeve.
I tend to be thrifty with fabric, so I re-use the hanging sleeves! Sometimes, they are too long and I just fold them up on the ends. The quilt is going to be hanging and only the people hanging the quilts will see that it’s folded over. Well, I guess you now know as well!
Two done, 4 to go!
All but one of the quilts was made with Island Batik fabrics. They all have Hobbs batting and use Aurifil thread for piecing and most of the quilting.
I will be at the show each day, all day … you can find me vending at Essem Textile’s booth. Stop by to say “hi.”
A Finish!
I did have a finish this week. I showed it on my April Showers Blog Hop post. You can read about it HERE.
Joan, from MooseStashQuilting is the host/organizer for this hop and here’s what she has to say about it:
Challenge: Late snow showers, rain showers, baby showers, wedding showers. What do you like to shower everyone with?
I thought of lots of things … a cute baby quilt with umbrellas, spring flowers, showering people with love … so many ideas. It was hard to decide. Then I took a peek into my ‘child’ or ‘baby’ quilt bin and I saw these Dr. Seuss fabrics. Perfect for a baby shower gift!
I pieced them together and thought “what in the world have I done?” So, instead of taking it apart and adding some sashing between all the main blocks, I decided to use black thread and make a bit of a ‘thread’ sashing to break it up. It was fun to use different stitches and it worked!
Here is the finished quilt:
Quilt Stats:
Size: 34″ x 39″
Fabric: from a Dr. Seuss panel and scraps of Dr. Seuss fabric
Batting: Hobbs 80/20
Quilting:
Black: Aurifil #2692
White: Aurifil #2024
I don’t have a baby shower to go to in the near future, so this quilt will. be donated to the quilt guild. Make sure to visit all of the other blog participants and see what they made!
I have NO finishes to show you this week … Several things are being worked on, 2 things are finished, but I can’t show you yet. You’ll see one of them on Monday! promise!
The first is Taylor the Tiger, a Funky Friend pattern. It was challenging, but fun to make! You can read all about him/her HERE.
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Visit Canuck Quilter HERE and shoot her an email if you want to join in the fun! I’m behind on the last clue … hopefully, I’ll catch up soon!
Quilting: to do
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
April Showers: blog hop
BBQG Baby Quilt Challenge: Sorry, no picture until after the show
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE)
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
When I go to a retreat at Over the Rainbow, I really, really struggle to NOT buy fabric. And this year’s retreat was no exception! Although, I did resist going on the first day! However, on the 2nd day it was another story … and then I needed to go back to check on things for next years’ retreat … and then I needed to go back to pick up some thread. The picture below shows what I bought. The 2 fabrics on the right are Island Batik fabrics: Ravine and solid white. The 2 fabrics on the left are flannel. A total of 12 yards.
Fabric Used in the last week: 2.5yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 59.5 yards from non-IB: 26
Fabric Added this week: 12 yards
Fabric Added this year: 20 yards
Net Fabric used: 39.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish quilting “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”.√ DONE. I’ll show you this after the BBQG quilt show.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Commitment
This year, I am committed to finishing all the projects that I start, plus finished the 6 UFOs that I started the year with. From my chart it appears that I do have several projects that are started that I need to finish!! At least I only have 4 UFOs left!
A week-long retreat keeps one very busy!! There’s the prep to get to the retreat … and then there’s all the fun and sewing that happens at the retreat! So much fun!!! Twelve of us went to “Over The Rainbow Lodge” on Camano Island in Washington State. With all that time sewing, a LOT was accomplished!
Here’s a Slide Show of some of what was accomplished. I know that I also missed a lot of pictures. Judy sent me some of her pictures and they are included here! She even got the peacock at the store strutting his stuff!
The Seam Ripper board got passed around the room from time to time!!! LOL!!!
I did complete a secret top … but I’ll show you that when the time is right. I also managed to finish a wallet that I had started before when I was helping to teach a class. It’s the Necessary Clutch from Emmaline Bags. The outside of the wallet is from an upholstery sample that I’ve had for YEARS and the inside is batik fabric.
And I did a few items for a craft sale: Some Kleenex holders and a jar opener. The fabrics are all Island Batik fabrics, along with the shelf liner.
Something NEW
I LOVE ♥️ Star ⭐️ quilts and I LOVE ♥️ Sandra’s Quilt A Longs! I’m going to join in with her Luminous Layers!
I know, I know, I have so many things on my plate, I don’t need to add another … but that’s besides the point! I’m going to do this anyways. It’s not a race and there are steps that will come out once a week until June 15. Nice and easy – right?
Click HERE to see the fabric requirements. AND she talks about the fabrics you need with suggestions. And … there are prizes … what’s not to like? Are you going to join me?
I chose to make Taylor the Tiger. It wasn’t until I was downloading the pattern that I read, “This is an advanced pattern.” Oops – what have I gotten myself into? I’ve made 4 previous Funky Friends patterns, but I’m not so sure that I’m ready for the “advanced” part of it. But, if it’s like any of the other patterns I’ve made, it’ll be well written and if I take it slow, I should be ok. Right?
I don’t have any striped Island Batik fabric, but as soon as I saw the Marble Aqua blender, I knew it would be perfect for Taylor the Tiger. I paired it with Dots-Blue Cornflower.
The pieces were all cut out. So far, this is fairly easy.
Included in the pattern is a link to a photo tutorial that comes with the pattern. I don’t think I could have figured it out without the tutorial. Thank YOU, Pauline for the photo tutorial!!!
I embroidered the nose with Aurifil floss and inserted the safety eyes.
One thing that Pauline HIGHLY suggests is that you transfer ALL of the letters and pattern markings onto pieces. I didn’t do this at the start and was always having to pull out the pattern pieces to check what letter was where. THEN I did it. It didn’t take long and ultimately it was a definite time saver!! I don’t like to use Friction Pencils on fabric, (they’re great on the pattern instructions), but I put the letters inside the seam allowance on the wrong side of the fabric! They will never be seen! Please, pay close attention to this!!! It’s a lot easier to mark your pieces prior to sewing … don’t ask me how I know this!!! LOL!!! Well, I guess I just told you!
A note about Frixion pencils: I know a LOT of quilters love these pencils. I am not a fan. Yes, I have 3: a green, purple and teal. That’s all I need. I sew with batik fabrics a LOT. Occasionally, the Frixion pen will leave a thin white line on the fabric. That makes me annoyed. When used on non-batik fabric, the marks are erased. But let the fabric get cold and it reappears. These pencils are fantastic for marking on paper. That’s what they were designed for! You can mark up your pattern, and when you’re finished, iron the paper and the marks disappear! Perfect.
Here is Taylor the Tiger, pre stuffing …
Once Taylor was stuffed, I attempted to give her a pedicure and do her front toes. She cooperated – to a point and then she refused to have her back paws done. This could be because I ran out of floss … she’ll have to wait to have her back paws done.
Now, Taylor is a bit mischievous! The first thing she did was climb up on the piano. She does NOT know how to play and it sounded terrible. Just like an unruly 2 year old smashing on the keys!
Then she ran outside! I caught her sniffing at the tulips in the front yard and jumping up onto the hose holder.
Then Taylor ran across the street to the neighbour’s rock garden! Thankfully there were no cars coming!
And she tried to hide!
I was able to catch her and put her inside. She thought she could hide by the bears or with our granddog, Daphne.
Then, Taylor made it into the sewing room and posed near her other Funky Friends.
All of the winners have been contacted and each accepted their prize!
And yes, we are planning another SAHRR in 2025! I hope you join us as you make a totally unique quilt following the weekly prompts.
This is my SAHRR for this year. You can see the parade of quilts on THIS POST. There are several right on the post, then visit the Link party and you will find the links to other participants.
Villa Rose Design Winners
I went through all the comments left on my blog during the Villa Rose Fast and More Fun blog hop. (See my post HERE). Winners were chosen randomly. I attempted to contact all of the winners. Most responded and their addresses were sent to Tricia. She will be contacting the ones I did not hear back from and distributing the prizes!
April’s colour is Blue. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for April. It’s free for the month, then there will be a small charge for it! Or you can purchase the whole set right away!
I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks.
This block was fun to make. It was fun because I was able to use my favourite colour! And it was fun because I LOVE 🩵 star blocks. And it was fun. because I don’t think I’ve ever made this star block before (but alas, I could be mistaken!)
Here’s the 4 blocks (January – April) on my design wall!
Quilting Gail 