Surprise! This post does not contain any quilting! It does talk about batik fabric. And it’s still worth a read!
A good friend of mine is a very talented artist! She has an Exhibition “Gifts from the Garden” happening in Clearwater, BC. If you’re anywhere near Clearwater, it would be well worth the visit! (It’s on until the end of July!)
In the meantime, I’m VERY excited to show you her creation! A few years ago, Robin asked me to save all my scraps of Island Batik fabrics for her. The way I quilt, I don’t have much use for scraps smaller than a 2″ square. Everything that’s left over goes into my “Robin’s scrap bag.”
Oh, and yes, not only is she a fabulous painter, she’s also a great photographer! (Not to mention other talents, including mosaics … she has self-published a book of poems with illustrations that her mother did … visit her website to see more of her talent: HERE.)
These photos from her garden were her inspiration!
She painted white and black onto her board and used tweezers and glue to make the background (green) mosaic.
And here is the final piece!!! Isn’t it fantastic?
I love that I can pick out fabrics from various Island Batik collections that I have used over the years.
Well, this is ALMOST true!! I have no interest in having mice in my sewing space, nor a fox or a goat … but the rest is true!
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery
You can read more about this quilt HERE. It was a fun mystery quilt to make. Thank you Joanne (from Canuck Quilter Designs) for the fabulous directions and great mystery!
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’m using a 2 1/2” stack of Island Batik’s “Splish Splash.” It’s a recently release collection. I love the seahorses, fish, bubbles … well, I just love the whole line of these fabrics. I’m using a pattern from The Fat Quarter Shop called “Jelly Roll Twist” and you can get the free pattern HERE.
Disappearing 9 patch using “ORANGE” and Island Batik’s solid grey for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.
I need to pull fabrics for “Bloomers“
Quilting projects:
Swan. is sandwiched, needs quilting and binding
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!
No shopping … I used 7 yards for the Canuck Mystery.
Fabric used in the last week: 7 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 135.5 yards. {38.5 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 17 yards
Net Fabric used: 118 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Quilt it! √ DONE.
Make the backing and Sandwich Swan.√ DONE.
Work on Disappearing 9 patch: “ORANGE” Rainbow Scrap Challenge. √ DONE.
Work on getting scraps for placemats completed … there are at least 6! XX NOT DONE XX
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:
Quilt & Bind Swan.
Web Disappearing 9 patch: “ORANGE” Rainbow Scrap Challenge.
Web Jelly Roll Twist
Work on getting scraps for placemats completed … there are at least 6!
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Free Sew Along
This officially starts soon!!!
I have done several of Denise’s Sew Alongs and they are always AWESOME!!! I’m going to be doing this one!! Are you going to join me???? I promise, it’s a beauty!!
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.
Joanne Kerton from Canuck Quilter Designs offered a mystery quilt this spring. I’m a sucker for mystery quilts and couldn’t resist doing it! She called it a “Colour Value Mystery” and offered 2 options: Modern or Traditional. I opted for the Traditional. I’ve done a few of Canuck Quilter’s Designs and they are always well written!
Here’s a few of the progress pictures: Fabric cut out, blocks ready to assemble and on the design wall prior to sandwiching.
And the Finished Quiilt:
Close up of the Quilting: A little free motion, but mostly ruler quilting.
Thanks Joanne for the fantastic mystery sew-along!
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.
Last year, my sister and 2 cousins and I went to Lori’s Country Cottage for their longest day of the year sale. It was a lot of fun. We went for the 10 pm part of the sale, where everything was 40% off! Yup it was fun! One of the employees climbed up on a cutting table and took this picture. They posted it on their Facebook page to advertise this year’s sale. (I’m the one in the white at the front of the picture and my sister is towards the back of the line … my cousins had already left as they were finished shopping). Unfortunately, I wasn’t in Edmonton to go this year, but my sister went to on Friday night and got lots of goodies!
Glowing Hearts Quilt Along
I often join in MMM Quilts sew alongs each spring. She always has interesting patterns and ways of doing something. This year did not disappoint! See THIS POST for details on my Glowing Hearts Quilt.
This used 13 fat quarters from “Bluebird” by Editya Sitar. There is Hobbs Batting 80/20 inside, Aurifil Thread #2600 (Dove Grey) and Schmetz Needles were used. The project was pressed with my Oliso Iron m3Pro. I used Silly Moon‘s “Cupid” for the quilting on my domestic machine!
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’m using a 2 1/2” stack of Island Batik’s “Splish Splash.” It’s a recently release collection. I love the seahorses, fish, bubbles … well, I just love the whole line of these fabrics. I’m using a pattern from The Fat Quarter Shop called “Jelly Roll Twist” and you can get the free pattern HERE.
Disappearing 9 patch using “ORANGE” and Island Batik’s solid grey for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.
Quilting projects:
Swan. needs sandwiching
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery
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!
No buying this week … although my sister was going to be going to a fabulous sale at Lori’s Country Cottage and planned to buy me some Island Batik fabric …
I used 13 fat quarters (3 1/4 yards) for the front of Glowing Hearts and 2 3/8 yards for the backing … So, I’ll say that I used 5 1/2 yards.
Fabric used in the last week: 5.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 128.5 yards. {36 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 17 yards
Net Fabric used: 106 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Sandwich it and Quilt it! in progress
Make the backing and Sandwich Swan.XX NOT DONE XX
Plan something for “ORANGE” Rainbow Scrap Challenge. in progress
Quilt MMM’s Glowing Heart√ DONE.
Work on Island Batik’s August challenge√ 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:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Quilt it!
Make the backing and Sandwich Swan.
Work on Disappearing 9 patch: “ORANGE” Rainbow Scrap Challenge.
Work on getting scraps for placemats completed … there are at least 6!
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Free Sew Along
I have done several of Denise’s Sew Alongs and they are always AWESOME!!! I’m going to be doing this one!! Are you going to join me???? I promise, it’s a beauty!!
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 joined Sandra Walker’s (MMM Quilts) Glowing Heart Quilt-a-long this spring. I originally was going to make a baby quilt, then I changed my mind and made it bigger. I used 7 fat quarters from a bundle of “Bluebird” by Editya Sitar for the hearts. 3 for the background of the hearts and 3 for the sashing. My intention was to alternate the ‘backgrounds’ with light and dark, but I wasn’t paying attention when I cut the darks and all of a sudden, I had enough for all the backgrounds. The light fabrics then became the sashing. The extra pieces were used for the scrappy binding!
To quilt this quilt, I used Silly Moon’s 4″ Cupid ruler. I started off in the middle, doing half hearts in a vertical row. It was OK … but once I got back to the top, I decided ‘enough of that!’ Then I filled out the sides of the quilt with random hearts. I did a heart, back-tracked on the ruler and started the next heart. In a few spots, I used the 3″ Cupid to fill in.
I’m joining in the Glowing Hearts Parade! There are already several quilts posted … it’s quite the variety and well worth going to check it out. HERE. Thank you Sandra for the easy paced, wonderful sew-along!
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.
It is. If you take any pattern and change the colours, it’ll be a totally different look. I’ve been known to add more blocks or rows for a larger quilt, or take away blocks or columns for a smaller quilt. However, whenever I do this, I always credit the original designer because the basis of the quilt is their idea, not mine.
An Island Batik Challenge completed
I made two Funky Friend squirrels. You can read about their adventures HERE.
Another Left-over Finish
see THIS POST for details on these placemats:
This used fabric from Island Batik‘s (Lumin Fabrics) Tinsel Treasures and Midnight Blue (a foundation that is available all the time. There is Hobbs Batting fusible inside, Aurifil Thread #2600 (Dove Grey) and Schmetz Needles were used. The project was pressed with my Oliso Iron m3Pro.
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’m using a 2 1/2” stack of Island Batik’s “Splish Splash.” It’s a recently release collection. I love the seahorses, fish, bubbles … well, I just love the whole line of these fabrics. I’m using a pattern from The Fat Quarter Shop called “Jelly Roll Twist” and you can get the free pattern HERE. And, as I said earlier, “A Pattern is only a suggestion.” I’ll be making it a little bigger … it’ll be 7 blocks by 7 blocks.
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!
I did buy 2.5 yards of fabric at “The Chicken Coop” in Mundare, Alberta and 1 yard at Emmaline Bags in Spruce Grove, Alberta.
The placemats used 1 yard and the squirrels used 2.5 yards
Fabric used in the last week: 3.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 123 yards. {30.5 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 3.5 yards
Fabric Added this year: 17 yards
Net Fabric used: 106 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Sandwich it! XX NOT DONE XX
Sandwich SwanXX NOT DONE XX
Plan something for “Green” Rainbow Scrap Challenge. XX NOT DONE XX
Get MMM’s Glowing Heart’s quilt to flimsy stage √ 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:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Sandwich it and Quilt it!
Make the backing and Sandwich Swan
Plan something for “ORANGE” Rainbow Scrap Challenge. XX NOT DONE XX
Quilt MMM’s Glowing Heart
Work on Island Batik’s August challenge
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Free Sew Along
I have done several of Denise’s Sew Alongs and they are always AWESOME!!! I’m going to be doing this one!! Are you going to join me???? I promise, it’s a beauty!!
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 love using Left-over pieces and blocks from quilts. And the sooner they can be used, the better. When I made one of the quilts using Tinsel Treasures for my May Island Batik challenge, I had a design change that left me with lots of the longer Irish Chain pieces.
Where all the white sashing is, I originally had pieces from Tinsel Treasures. But, oh my! It was WAY too busy and did not look good at all! I swapped them out and used Island Batik’s solid white instead. It was much better, giving the eye places to rest!
I put all of the longer pieces together and joined in lots of the smaller blocks to make these 2 place mats. I had the extra smaller blocks because I had miscounted. Yup, I do that often!
These placemats will be donated to the guild for Meals on Wheels at Christmas time.
They were pieced and quilted with Aurifil Thread #2600 (Dove Grey). I used Hobbs fusible batting in the middle.
TGIFF
Here’s the link for you to add your Finished project for this week!
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.
June is a fun month!! Pauline McArthur from Funky Friends Factory has partnered with Island Batik and each ambassador is to make a Funky Friend. We could choose from a LOT of Funky Friend patterns. I have made several Funky Friends in the past. This year, I chose to make Sue the Squirrel. Squirrels are famous in the quilting world … all the distractions of new projects are called ‘squirrels,’ This BLOG POST talks more about squirrels. I figured I needed a ‘real’ squirrel in my sewing area!
Sue the Squirrel is an Instant Download and you could start making yours today! See HERE.
Funky Friends patterns come with very clear directions. Sue the Squirrel also has a photo tutorial to help if you find the directions confusing! The link is in the pattern.
After I received the pattern from Funky Friends. I pressed my fabric with my Oliso M3Pro Iron (which I LOVE). and then started cutting. I decided to make 2 squirrels, a brown and a purple one.
Lavender (part of the Playful Purples – always available)
unknown purple from my scraps
Brown Squirrel:
Earthly Stories – (2) 10″ squares from a 10″ stack (a collection released this year).
Weave – Brownie (a blender – always available)
It is super important to mark all of the edges, so when the directions say, “Sew from F to G,” you don’t have to go back to the original pattern to figure out where F and G are. I use a Frixion pen and make sure that I mark only within the seam allowance. Normally I highly dislike Frixion pens because they can leave small white lines on the fabric. However, they are perfect to use in the seam allowance!
With a Schmetz Needle and Aurifil Thread in my machine, I started sewing. Here are some progress pictures: (the ears // arms // and the face with safety eyes already inserted)
Once they were made and stuffed, Sue (purple) and Sam (brown) agreed to a photo shoot. The first one is in the sewing room with their Simply Stuffing from Hobbs Batting. It’s wonderful and they said they really liked it! They wanted to go outside. They were really good until they decided to hide in the maple tree.
Then we went into the backyard and they posed really nicely with Daphne (our grand dog). Then they scampered away and were climbing the tree. Daphne told them “Get down!”
That was enough of their misbehaving! ** Until ** we went on a trip and they snuck into the truck! They were good travellers! But they really liked the window seats best!
Sue and Sam were really good at my sister’s and enjoyed Brûlée (a real cutie!), until they started to climb around!
We went shopping at Emmaline Bags in Spruce Grove and Sam and Sue very politely asked if they could sit in the Adirondack chairs in their Canadian display. The chairs were a perfect fit, but they were not for sale. Sam was a bit grumpy that he couldn’t take a chair home, but Sue told him that he would be better off sitting on the couch than sitting in a wooden chair!
As we headed home, they asked if they could have their picture taken at the Jasper sign. As soon as the picture was taken, they scampered off and ran up the trail towards the town. I did manage to catch up and caught a few pictures of the 2 of them …
Sam sat on a rock, enjoying the scenery while Sue sat on the bench.
And their final portrait …
Here’s a peek at my previous Funky Friend projects: Randy the Rhino, Alice Alpaca, Ella Elephant, Gregory Gorilla, and Taylor the Tiger.
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.
This is the first time I’ve quilted a quilt for a friend. It has been an honour to quilt it. I typically refuse to quilt for my friends! I’m more than willing to help them learn to quilt … but I don’t want to quilt their quilts. However, Amy passed away last year. Her husband contacted me this spring, stating that she had started a quilt for their daughter. It’s a Jacqueline de Jonge quilt called “Catch Me.” I remember her showing us as she progressed along. I remember being amazed at the intricacy of the pattern and all the colours! Amy had quilted the flying geese and triangles around 2 of the stars. She had quilted in the ditch. That’s as far as she got. SIGH!!!
I knew I could quilt in the ditch … probably not with the skill that Amy had … but I could do it!! I brought the quilt home and it sat for a few weeks. I had a few ‘deadline’ quilts to finish. And to be honest, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed!
Although I wasn’t sure which threads Amy had used, a lady at Chitter Chatter Fabrics helped me select colours that had been used in the quilting. Part of the solution was easy as I knew that Amy loved using Glide thread.
Finally, I started! Using my domestic sewing machine: Janome M7 … First, I outlined all of the black areas by stitching in the ditch.
Then I started outlining all of the triangles and flying geese. But, I neglected to take any pictures. I started out by using Silly Moon’s “Rocket” ruler and then switched to “Charming” since it’s smaller, but still has the ‘guides’ for stitching in the ditch. For the ‘spokes’ of the stars, I used “Jelly.” All other areas were free motioned.
Here’s some pictures of the back of the quilt:
And close-ups of the front:
And the whole quilt:
The quilt has been given to Amy’s daughter, Danielle, and I received permission to post the quilt on my blog.
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.
When I made the Irish chain blog hop quilts, see HERE. I had some left-over squares. I finished this little zipper pouch … I had some more left-overs, but haven’t finished that project yet. Here’s a picture of the front and back of the zipper pouch.
This used fabric from Island Batik‘s (Lumin Fabrics) Tinsel Treasures and Midnight Blue (a foundation that is available all the time. There is Hobbs Batting 80/20 inside, Aurifil Thread #2600 (Dove Grey) and Schmetz Needles were used. The project was pressed with my Oliso Iron m3Pro.
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!
MMM’s Glowing Hearts I’m using a fat quarter bundle that I bought from Chitterchatter Fabrics called “Bluebird” by Editya Sitar. I used a total of 7 fat quarters for the hearts and 3 different fat quarters for the ‘darks.’ I’ll use a couple of the lighter fabrics for the sashing … and dark blue for the cornerstones.
Quilting projects:
Swan. needs sandwiching
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery, needs sandwiching
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 zipper pouch used 0.5 yards
Fabric used in the last week: 0.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 119.5 yards. {30 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 13.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 106 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Finish making the extra blocks to make the quilt bigger √ DONE
Sandwich Swan.XX NOT DONE XX
Plan something for “Green” Rainbow Scrap Challenge. XX NOT DONE XX
Get MMM’s Glowing Heart’s quilt to flimsy stage. In progess
Quilt Friend’s quilt √ DONE. (I’ll show you if I get permission!)
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:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Sandwich it!
Sandwich Swan
Plan something for “Green” Rainbow Scrap Challenge.
Get MMM’s Glowing Heart’s quilt to flimsy stage
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Free Sew Along
I have done several of Denise’s Sew Alongs and they are always AWESOME!!! I’m going to be doing this one!! Are you going to join me???? I promise, it’s a beauty!!
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.
You know you are a quilting addict when you take a break from a big quilting project and relax by working on a different quilting project.
This is so me!
A Double Finish for a blog hop
These are the 2 quilts I made for the Island Batik Irish Chain blog hop using the Accuquilt die. Read more about it HERE.
And the backs …
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 Colour Value Mystery. Putting the extra blocks together.
MMM’s Glowing Hearts I’m using a fat quarter bundle that I bought from Chitterchatter Fabrics called “Bluebird” by Editya Sitar. I used a total of 7 fat quarters for the hearts and 3 different fat quarters for the ‘darks.’
Quilting projects:
My priorities have shifted. I’m quilting (slowly) a beautiful quilt that a friend of mine made. I’ll show pictures when it’s done.
Swan
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 finished quilt (above) used 10 yards. I did buy the fireside backing.
Fabric used in the last week: 16 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 119 yards. {30 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 13.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 105.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Finish making the extra blocks to make the quilt bigger √ DONE
Sandwich Swan.XX NOT DONE XX
Plan something for “Green” Rainbow Scrap Challenge. XX NOT DONE XX
Get MMM’s Glowing Heart’s quilt to flimsy stage. In progess
Quilt Friend’s quilt In progess
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:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Web the quilt, get it to flimsy stage
Sandwich Swan
Plan something for “Green” Rainbow Scrap Challenge.
Get MMM’s Glowing Heart’s quilt to flimsy stage
Quilt Friend’s quilt
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Blog Hop
The Irish Chain Blog hop is complete. And WOW!!! There are some beautiful quilts!! Visit Island Batik’s Blog (Lumin Fabrics) to see all of the quilts HERE.
Also on Monday, May 26, visit Island Batik’s blog to vote for YOUR favourite Irish Chain quilt. It’s a Viewer’s choice … so take a look and vote for YOUR favourite!
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 received the blue wrapped “Surprise” package in my January box. I didn’t look at the label and was very pleasantly surprised when I saw what was in the bundle!!! It’s Tinsel Treasures, designed by Jerry Khiev. It is accompanied by 2 yards of Cornflower (blue) and 2 yards of Coconut. I was excited to get started on this quilt! Isn’t it a beautiful collection? (Tinsel Treasures is a signature collection designed by Jerry Khiev for Sarah Fabian of Quilt Basket)
Each ambassador received the 10″ Irish Chain BOB (Block on Board) Accuquilt die. (You can purchase it HERE)
After searching various Irish chain patterns, I decided on the “GO! Scrappy Irish Chain Throw.” It’s a free pattern from Accuquilt and it’s also on the die packaging. You can get it HERE.
I started by dividing the collection into light (with white background), medium blue and dark blue. I chose the “Pine Needles Long-Blu” to be the binding.
Using the die, I started cutting each of the pieces for the main blocks. Each of the rectangles and squares have the corners notched. This made sewing the pieces together so EASY!!!
A decision was made to use Island Batik’s solid white for the sashing and the Dark Blue fabrics for the cornerstones. Wanting the quilt to be a little bigger, I opted to put an extra row of sashing on the top, bottom and each side.
A close up of the quilting:
A picture of the back: I did the ‘magic’ sew a rectangle 4 blocks by 8 blocks, cut it and re-sew and you end up with the blocks on point.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 60″ square
Fabric: Island Batik: “Tinsel Treasures” by by Jerry Khiev for Sarah Fabian of Quilt Basket along with Island Batik’s solid white.
The Irish Cain Accuquilt die actually has a LOT of versatility!
For my second quilt using the Irish Chain Accuquilt die, I was inspired by a quilt on THIS VIDEO (around 39:30) and there is a free pattern HERE (designed by Barbara G Harper).
In the middle picture, you can see the back of a block … and if you look closely, you can see where the corners are trimmed at a slight angle. This made strip piecing a dream, lining up those corners! And it reduces a bit of the bulk.
The dark blue is ‘Midnight Blue’ from the Brilliant Blues collection and the sashing is Island Batik’s solid white. The binding is scraps from the medium and dark fabrics in the collection.
Here’s a picture of the quilting on the back. I didn’t have enough of the Midnight Blue, so I added a diagonal piece of solid black as well as on the top right & bottom left corners.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 60″ square
Fabric: Island Batik: “Tinsel Treasures” by by Jerry Khiev for Sarah Fabian of Quilt Basket
Hobbs Batting: Heirloom 80/20 Black. (I wanted to make the white solid less bright, but it didn’t work! Island Batik is such a great fabric that even black batting doesn’t dull the colours!)
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.
From the mess in my studio, you can bet there is a LOT of creativity happening!
A Special Finish!
This has been gifted – so I can show it off. It’s a bitter sweet quilt. The reason is bitter, the sweet is who it went to and the quilt itself! Read more 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!
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Putting the extra blocks together.
MMM’s Glowing Hearts I’m using a fat quarter bundle that I bought from Chitterchatter Fabrics called “Bluebird” by Editya Sitar. I used a total of 7 fat quarters for the hearts and 3 different fat quarters for the ‘darks.’
Quilting projects:
My priorities have shifted. I’m quilting (slowly) a beautiful quilt that a friend of mine made. I’ll show pictures when it’s done.
Swan
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 finished quilt (above) used 10 yards. I did buy the fireside backing.
Fabric used in the last week: 10 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 103 yards. {30 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 4 yards
Fabric Added this year: 13.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 89.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Make the extra blocks to make the quilt bigger in progress
Sandwich Swan.XX NOT DONE XX
Island Batik May finish quilting and do the photoshoot. √ DONE.
Plan something for “Green” Rainbow Scrap Challenge. XX NOT DONE XX
Get MMM’s Glowing Heart’s quilt to flimsy stage. XX NOT DONE XX
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:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Finish making the extra blocks to make the quilt bigger
Sandwich Swan
Plan something for “Green” Rainbow Scrap Challenge.
Get MMM’s Glowing Heart’s quilt to flimsy stage
Quilt Friend’s quilt
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
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.
Early in the spring, a dear relative was diagnosed with cancer. Oh … so young (in their 30s) … a heart-wrenching diagnosis. Of course, once I decided exactly what quilt I was going to make, I plowed ahead, putting almost all the other quilting projects aside. It’s called prioritizing. It’s not often I work on one quilt at a time, but other than a few enders and leaders, this one was worked on … quilted and bound.
My idea was to make a quilt that was cheerful and warm. I wanted it to provide LOVE and HUGS. I wanted it to be big enough to provide warmth during chemo, without toes peaking out.
The quilt has arrived at it’s destination so I can now post about it!
Hocus Pocus by Studio 180 Designs
Supply List: This Post [I did not use fat quarters. I used (1) 10″ Stack and 2 yards of neutral) I omitted the border]
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.
One finish this week … at least one I can show you!
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!
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 train used 4 yards (or more) of fabric! No shopping, so nothing added!
Fabric used in the last week: 4.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 93 yards. {26 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 9.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 83.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Finish catching up and complete the clue that comes out on Thursday. in progress
Get Swan to a flimsy stage √ DONE.
Island Batik May – quilt. in progress
Finish Island Batik June√ DONE.
Quilt Yellow – rectangles √ DONE.
A Secret project – get to flimsy stage. √ DONE.
Plan something for “Green” Rainbow Scrap Challenge. in progress
Cut out MMM’s Glowing Heart’s Quilt (see HERE). √ 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:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Make the extra blocks to make the quilt bigger
Sandwich Swan
Island Batik May finish quilting and do the photoshoot.
Plan something for “Green” Rainbow Scrap Challenge.
Get MMM’s Glowing Heart’s quilt to flimsy stage
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
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.
Rainbow Scrap Challenge for March was Yellow. I didn’t have a ton of Island Batik yellow scraps (not like my blue and green stash), but I made these rectangles and sashed them with Island Batik’s solid black.
As you can see in the picture, I did a double loop-d-loop quilting.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 38″ x 50″
Fabric: Island Batik: yellow scraps and solid black
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 finished these 2 ‘BLUE’ scrap quilts for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. Yes, I know that blue was February’s month, but they are finished now!
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 Colour Value Mystery. I got caught up, but decided that I want it bigger, so am making more blocks.
Swan – still piecing it
A Secret project
Quilting projects:
Yellow – rectangles
Island Batik May
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 train used 4 yards (or more) of fabric! No shopping, so nothing added!
Fabric used in the last week: 8 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 88.5 yards. {24 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 9.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 79 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Finish catching up and complete the clue that comes out on Thursday. XX NOT DONE!!
Get Swan to a flimsy stage in progress
Island Batik May – sandwich and quilt in progress
Finish Island Batik Junein progress
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:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Finish catching up and complete the clue that comes out on Thursday.
Get Swan to a flimsy stage
Island Batik May – quilt
Finish Island Batik June
Quilt Yellow – rectangles
A Secret project – get to flimsy stage
Plan something for “Green” Rainbow Scrap Challenge
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.
Visit Island Batik’s blog to WIN a fat quarter bundle of Bright Tidings or Earthy Enchantment! This Post
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.
The Rainbow Scrap Challenge for February was ‘blue.’ I made a few flimsies and finally have them quilted and bound. They will both be donation quilts for the guild. The first picture is them on the line together and the next is individual pictures.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 44″ square
Fabric: Island Batik: Blue scraps, Borders were from Stash Builder bundles, solid white.
Yvonne, from Quilting Jet Girl, has a link party each month where bloggers can share their favourite finish! Island Batik’s April Challenge was a Drunkard’s Path … I had a LOT of fun making this quilt. You can read more about it HERE.
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.
This was finished awhile ago, but this past week was the first time I posted about it on my blog. Check THIS POST for details. (photo credit: Jerry Khiev)
and maybe a 2nd …
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 Colour Value Mystery. Still need to work on this week’s clue: adding sashing and cornerstones.
Swan – still piecing it
A Secret project
Quilting projects:
Yellow – rectangles
Island Batik May
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 Petal Poetry quilts used a total of 8.5 yards.
Fabric used in the last week: 8.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 89 yards. {24 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 9.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 79.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Finish catching up and complete the clue that comes out on Thursday. XX NOT DONE!!
Get Swan to a flimsy stage in progress
Island Batik May – sandwich and quilt in progress
Finish Island Batik Junein progress
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:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Finish catching up and complete the clue that comes out on Thursday.
Get Swan to a flimsy stage
Island Batik May – quilt
Finish Island Batik June
Quilt Yellow – rectangles
A Secret project – get to flimsy stage
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.
Quilting Gail 