This is a baby quilt that went to a special little girl. She’s very special to our family!!! Her dad was born on the day my father passed away … and little June was born on my mother’s birthday … coincidence? I don’t believe in coincidences.
and the label with lots of details scrubbed out. Just FYI: I included the baby’s full name, date of birth, weight & height.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 40″ x 48″
Fabric: Island Batik: unknown collection and Porcelain Fireside for the bunnies and backing
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
I need to focus on the projects that are currently ongoing … NO new squirrels! I’m joining Devoted Quilter’s WIPs B Gone 2026. If you sign up, Leanne will send you an email with a link to a folder with several different trackers you can use. How fun is that? Plus, each Monday, she will send motivational emails to help you get those projects done!
This year I have chosen the “Button” tracker.
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!
I sew when I can, but it definitely isn’t every day!
Meadow Mist- Marigold Mystery. Need to finish September blocks and start on October’s blocks
A Quiltery:Garden Song – the 1st section is printed … I need to pick out the fabrics, cut the design pieces and appliqué them!
Quilting Projects:
2 Guild Quilts
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 little fabric store that I occasionally work at is closing. 😟 I am sad about it! However, it did not stop me from buying 5 meters of porcelain fireside. I love fireside for backing! I also bought some fabric for my sister, but since it’s for her, it doesn’t count.
Fabric used this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used in 2026: 103yards (69.5 yards from non-Island Batik)
Fabric Added in the last week: 5.5 yards
Fabric Added this year: 18 yards
Net Fabric used: 84.5 yards
Rainbow Scrap Challenge
Rainbow Scrap Challenge: I have the perfect number of blocks made for a donation quilt. I need to sash the blocks …
A New Squirrel
For those of you that do not know, a squirrel is any project that distracts from what you are already working on. They are the tempting projects that you do not need … but are too tempting to resist!
This Squirrel started on September 28. Each block will be available for free for 2 weeks and if you miss a block, you will need to pay for it! You can access the info about the quilt HERE. I have made several of Denise’s designs and have loved each and every one!
Are you going to join me?
Maybe a 2nd Squirrel
I’m considering it … but I’m not positive I’m going to do it …
It’s Allison Glass’s Color Study … The information is HERE. It’s free … It’s 1 block a week, studying colour … I think I would learn a LOT!
Monthly Colour Challenge
I have participated in the monthly colour challenge with Patterns by Jen in past years. There was a break last year, but Jen is back with the monthly blocks this year. The theme is frogs … here is what Jen says about the theme: This year our color inspiration is coming from the amazing frog. I was a little concerned as I started researching frog colors that there wouldn’t be enough colors for the year, I mean, they are all green, right? 😉 Imagine my delight when I found frogs of (almost) every color of the rainbow, as well as a black frog that makes me want to take him home and love him.
Each month, the patterns are free, but when the month is over, there is a $1 fee to pay for the pattern. I am using scraps of Island Batik (Lumin Fabrics).
October’s block is not done. Here are the blocks so far this year:
This is a Sew-a-long by Red Boot Quilt Company. I’m using scraps of Island Batik (Lumin Fabrics). Each of the blocks have trapunto and the appliqué is adhered with a small zig-zag stitch.
Block #12 is done …
All of the blocks to date:
Marigold Mystery
You can access the clues HERE. And if you’re not a ‘mystery’ person, you can actually take a sneak peek at what the quilt will look like.
August’s blocks are all done: September’s blocks are in progress!
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from last week ago:
Meadow Mist Designs Marigold Mystery Quilt: Make September blocks. In progress.
Finish the purple 9 patches for Rainbow Scrap Challenge. √ DONE
Make the latest Toni’s Garden blocks. In progress
Sandwich and Quilt & Bind 2 guild quilts. not done
Sandwich and Quilt & Bind “Pot O’Luck” table runner. not done
Make Background Blocks for Garden Song not done
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for this week:
Meadow Mist Designs Marigold Mystery Quilt: Make September and October blocks.
Sash the Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks
Make the last Toni’s Garden block.
Sandwich and Quilt & Bind 2 guild quilts.
Sandwich and Quilt & Bind “Pot O’Luck” table runner.
Make Background Blocks for Garden Song
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Don’t Forget
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
I’ve called Appliqué CR-APpliqué for quite a while. It’s pronounced CRAP -liqué – with the emphasis on the CRAP!
I LOVE the look of appliqué! I LOVE the variety that you can achieve … But I do not LOVE doing it. I find it painful when I can’t sew at 100 miles an hour! Hmmm … I USED to feel the same way about curves, but that changed when I got it into my head that I can do it if I slow down!!
Sure, when I use my embroidery machine – it’s super easy … like these coasters I made a few years ago: They were easy peasy!
In 2022, I made a few projects that involved appliqué …
And this year, for the 2023 Stay at Home Round Robin, I made this quilt with lots of appliqué pieces … the birds, hearts and flowers.
But, I’m still not in Love with appliqué!
YOGA
When I complain about a certain yoga pose that I highly dislike … my yoga instructor, Sheryl, very firmly and gently tells me that I need to do that pose more often. I do not like that … but I concede that she is probably correct … Actually, I know that she is right!! But, nothing says I have to like it. Right?
Sew … what does yoga have to do with CR-APpliqué? Perhaps, I need to take Sheryl’s advice and do it more often. Not the easy, watch the embroidery machine do it … but actually do the appliqué on my domestic sewing machine. Can I challenge myself to make at least one project a month that involves CR-APpliqué ?
No … that didn’t happen … but read on …
Starting to fall in Love 🩷
In love with what? Appliqué?
Well, um yes. I’m not about to do the turn under, sew by hand way … that is literally too painful for my hands … SEW …
Raw edge appliqué! This has some appeal. Especially since I discovered that I don’t have to do the perfect satin stitch around each piece. I can use a zigzag or a decorative stitch … the sky’s the limit.
Last fall, I designed and made this tree skirt for my niece and her hubby. And you know what? I enjoyed the whole process!!! It was a LOT of fun to make! (bet you never thought you’d hear me say that!). You can read the story behind this tree skirt HERE.
Then, this summer, I made “Tessa’s Turkey.” This POST has all the details.
Then, in September, Island Batik challenged us to use a ‘funky’ stitching technique … it was so much fun!!! (Read about it HERE).
October, brought the Dresden Plate challenge, then I was hooked on Floral Fusion. The 2 small quilts the bow/poinsettia table topper and the mini Dresden were also appliquéd!
And then there were 3 baby quilts that involved appliqué!
That’s 9 projects that involved appliqué!!!
WOW!!! That’s quite a change for me … I’m no longer grumbling and complaining and protesting and squawking and whining and gripping and fussing and procrastinating and dragging my feet when it comes to appliqué!
Fast Forward to Today
I’m LOVING appliqué!!! I’ve been working on the blocks for Toni’s Garden and am about to start the blocks for Garden Song!
I’ve done a total about face!
Here’s my Toni’s Garden, to date and the first block for Garden Song (it’s Denise’s layout, with 2 different choices).
