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.
I sent this design into Island Batik in February 2024 and it was accepted for the Fall/Winter ’24 Catalogue. The quilt was made last spring and then sent to Island Batik in California for it’s special photo shoot! (Thank you, Jerry Khiev). If you recognize the pattern, it’s because it was the Fall ’23 Mystery quilt on my blog. (Pattern is now removed).
For this quilt, I used a BEAUTIFUL collection called Petal Poetry (by Jerry Khiev for Megan Best of Best Quilter) and the additional dark fabric is “Raven.”
Petal Poetry fabric should be in stores now. (see the store list below)
Here is the quilt:
And, some close ups of the free motion flower quilting:
I was asked to use left-over fabric from the above quilt to make a 12″ square quilt for Hobbs Batting to display in the International Quilt Show in Houston. I made this mini and sent it to Hobbs. When the Quilt Show was over, Hobbs sent it back to me. By the time it arrived at my door, UPS said that I owed $175 for customs and duty. I refused!!! The quilt was eventually returned to Hobbs and they sent it to a friend of mine. She took it to the retreat that I attended at the beginning of the month. Hobbs Batting graciously sent a crib size wool batt with the mini! (Thanks, Steph!)
Here’s a list of stores that will have Petal Poetry:
This was my only finish this past week!! It was a super fun quilt to make. 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!
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 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 80.5 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: 67 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. Catch up on the clues in progress
Get Swan to a flimsy stage in progress
Island Batik May – get to a flimsy stage √ DONE.
Island Batik June – get ready to stuff. in progress
Sandwich and Quilt Train√ DONE.
Sandwich and Quilt Yellow Rectanglesin 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
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Leaving Comments on my Blog
I appreciate each of you that leaves comments on my blog!! It’s fun to read about YOU!!
However, I know that many of you have difficulty leaving comments and I honestly do not know what to do about it. I moderate each of the comments (that’s why they don’t show up right away) so that you don’t have to read about the ugly stuff / junk that some try to slip in!
Anyhow, I notice that the vast majority of comments are “anonymous” and I have no idea who you are. If you could simply put your name after the comment, I’d appreciate it! Thank you! And Thank you to those that leave your name!
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 first saw this book, it intrigued me! I knew that the guild library was looking for new book suggestions, so I suggested it.
Wowza! Within a week our wonderful librarian (Margaret) notified me that she had it! I was able to pick it up at our next guild meeting.
This book has all the basic beginner quilting information (which, honestly, I skipped over). It also explains how to take simple cross-stitch patterns and change them into a quilt pattern. Then she has Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced quilt patterns. All of the patterns involve either rectangles or squares, with the occasional half-square triangle. There is even a complete alphabet, if one wanted to put a specific letter on a quilt!
Personally, I believe that a beginner quilter could easily complete the advanced designs. They have smaller pieces and more of them, but easily do-able.
Before I left for my retreat, I cut out 3 quilts from the book: The swan, the train and the butterfly. The swan I cut into smaller pieces than the book suggested. The train was cut into larger pieces than instructed and the butterfly was cut as directed. Here’s pictures of the kits.
The train was pieced at a quilt retreat. The background is Island Batik’s ‘Fondant’, the black is an Island Batik solid and the prints are left over from an older line called “Midnight Dazzle.”
And then it was sandwiched and quilted once I got home. And the monkey was from a quilt that was being quilted at the retreat and the block was cut wrong … he fit into the conductor’s window perfectly!
Quilt Stats:
Fabric: Island Batik: The background is ‘Fondant’, the black solid and the prints are left over from an older line called “Midnight Dazzle.”
The swan was partially pieced at the retreat and I’ve finished piecing the top. These are all from Island Batik blue, teal and neutral scraps, along with solid red and black.
And the butterfly is waiting for it’s turn. It hasn’t progressed out of the bag. It’s time will come!
My opinion on this Picture Patchwork should be obvious since I’ve plunged into doing 3 quilts from the book. I think it’s a great book, with many easy patterns in it!
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.
Eleven of us attended at retreat at Over the Rainbow Lodge on Camano Island. It was a ton of fun: Full of laughter, lots of food, a plethora of creativity and lots of yummy food. We had ultra gourmet meals every night and 2 ‘left-over’ nights … Did I mention the yummy food?
I’m always amazed at the creativity and productivity that happens at retreats. Everyone worked on their own projects. There were quilts started from scratch, partially done quilts and quilts finished, complete with binding!! There were bags and placemats and rope bowls and the list goes on. Lots of talent, clever ideas, inspiration and sharing!!! And of course, chatting and laughter abound!
When the weather was good, many of us went for walks. And of course, there was always some shopping at the Over the Rainbow Quilt store.
Here’s a video of some of the finished projects. I know that I missed getting pictures of many projects!! But it at least gives you an idea!
EDIT: I’m not sure what’s happening, but apparently the video isn’t working on Ipads or phones … here’s a link to the actual youtube video: https://youtu.be/1EKIzObyajs
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 my Island Batik challenge for April. I used Drunkard’s Path blocks to make all the animals. See this POST for more details … and for a link to the original pattern. And yes, some of my birds and animals were my design … and the quilting on the animals was also my own designs. I used the 7″ finished Drunkard’s Path Accuquilt die to cut these blocks.
and then I made a mini quilt using the smaller (3 1/2“) Drunkard’s Path blocks (cut with an Accuquilt die).
Retreat!
These are the projects that I took to the retreat … I didn’t touch the Butterfly one, The Swan got partially done, the misc projects weren’t touched, the train got done to flimsy stage, and the Island Batik May and June projects got partially done. I will show a video of the projects (but not mine) that were worked on at the retreat on Tuesday.
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. The first clue is sewn.
Swan – still piecing it
Island Batik May
Island Batik June
Quilting projects:
Train
Yellow – rectangles
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!
Well, I made it 3 months without buying fabric!!! The wagon broke and I fell off!! I knew that when I went to the retreat at Over the Rainbow, I’d likely buy fabric … and I did. The top 2 fabrics are flannel and the bottom fabrics will back the yellow rectangles and the train. A total of 9 1/2 yards.
The following quilts used a total of 12 1/2, 8, and 3 yards, for a combined total of 23 1/2 yards.
Fabric used in the last week: 23.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 76.5 yards. {22.5 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 9.5 yards
Fabric Added this year: 9.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 67 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Pack. √ DONE. (and the unpacking is done!)
Work on projects at the retreat. in 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. Catch up on the clues
Get Swan to a flimsy stage
Island Batik May – get to a flimsy stage
Island Batik June – get ready to stuff (It’s a Funky Friends Pattern)
Sandwich and Quilt Train
Sandwich and Quilt Yellow Rectangles
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Leaving Comments on my Blog
I appreciate each of you that leaves comments on my blog!! It’s fun to read about YOU!!
However, I know that many of you have difficulty leaving comments and I honestly do not know what to do about it. I moderate each of the comments (that’s why they don’t show up right away) so that you don’t have to read about the ugly stuff / junk that some try to slip in!
Anyhow, I notice that the vast majority of comments are “anonymous” and I have no idea who you are. If you could simply put your name after the comment, I’d appreciate it! Thank you! And Thank you to those that leave your name!
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.
We were given lots of links for inspiration and of course, Pinterest has a plethora of whatever you might be wanting to look at! A Drunkard’s Path block is typically a quarter circle with an inner circle and the outer portion.
When I saw this “Wee Animal Quilt Tutorial” I just KNEW that this would be my inspiration for what to make!
Once I had my inspiration, I arranged to borrow the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild’s “Drunkard’s Path” Accuquilt dies. The large die cuts blocks that are 7″ finished and the small die cuts blocks that are 3 1/2” finished.
Using my Accuquilt and the guild’s dies, I got to work cutting some Drunkard’s Path with the Island Batik solids. I used the Solid White for the background and the following solids for the animals & birds.
Black
Green
Pink
Colbalt
Grey
Red
Dark Grey
Lime Green
Turquoise
Fushia
0range
Yellow
Somewhere, either on our Island Batik Facebook group or when we were zooming, someone mentioned gluing the blocks. I tried gluing the centre notches and it worked like a charm. Gluing more than the centre did not work for me. And, as usual when sewing curves, I had to take my time. Lots of time!!! I certainly can’t sew at 100 miles an hour when sewing these blocks. LOL!!!
Here’s the blocks as I was preparing to assemble the various animals and birds.
I had to fill in a lot of the gaps with white blocks and strips.
It was a fun quilt to quilt. The background was loops within loops and the quilting of each one was different. There was a LOT of quilting. I used at least 7 bobbins!
And here’s a closeup of all the individual animals/birds:
There was talk about how the little Accuquilt Drunkard’s Path blocks were way too hard to piece. Of course, knowing me, I took that as a challenge!! Here’s a picture of an unfinished 4″ and 7 1/2” block. They will finish at 3 1/2” and 7.”
Although, I did not want to make a lap sized quilt with small Drunkard’s Path blocks, I did make a small wall hanging.
I did not find that the smaller blocks were any harder to piece than the larger ones. As with any curved piecing, you just have to take your time. Again, I put a tiny dab of glue on the notches and sewed the blocks.
Of course the quilting was simpler with the smaller blocks and only used 2 bobbins.
You will notice that the smaller quilt is a bit different than the bigger quilt.
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.
Just before Christmas, my friend, and fellow Island Batik Ambassador Brenda Alburl (Songbird Designs) asked if I could do a pattern test for her! She always has unique quilts and I didn’t hesitate in saying “yes.”
This was the quilt she asked me to test:
It’s a very Patriotic quilt, for Americans. I’m Canadian, so I immediately knew that I would not be making it in red, white and blue.
I’m wanting to use up my stash … so here’s Block #1 using Kansas Troubles fabric:
When I got the first 12 blocks done, I thought, “this looks great, maybe I should stop now!” However, I had Block #2 cut out and started … so I carried on!
Here’s a picture of the Block #2s and then the quilt layout.
I used Silly Moon Rulers to quilt: Rocket and Beanie … and of course, Dude for accurate measurements!
A close-up of some of the quilting:
And the finished quilt:
I know that my quilt looks quite different than Brenda’s, but that’s what you get when you use totally different fabrics.
If you like this quilt, be sure to get the pattern from Brenda at Songbird Designs! Her patterns are very well written, lots of colour pictures, and easy to follow directions!! Thank you, Brenda, for having me test this pattern for you!
Quilt Stats:
Size: 54″ x 68″
Fabric: Various Kansas Troubles prints from my stash.
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.
Here are my Blue Blocks … all quilted and finished. It’s been raining so much, that I haven’t taken a picture outside, so all you get is a picture of it on my design wall. It’s made totally of 2 1/2” squares of Island Batik blue scraps … including aqua, light & dark blue and any scrap IB fabric with blue in it. Along with Island Batik solid white. Quilted on my domestic sewing machine (Janome M7) using a rounded swirl motif (that’s my name for the motif).
I’m off to a retreat tomorrow at Over the Rainbow Lodge. It’s an excellent place to retreat and I’m really looking forward to spending time with my quilting friends!! Of course, I’m taking more projects than I can possibly finish in a week, but I’m OK with that! The last 2 black & white photos are my May and June Island Batik challenges. I hope to get the May one pieced and we’ll see about June’s!
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!
Yellow – The sashing has been added and I’ve started to web the top!
Yellow – I’m making some Dresden flowers … no picture yet.
Canuck Quilter Colour Value Mystery. I’m loving the colours I’ve chosen. It’s all cut out! I’m doing the traditional one.
Quilting projects:
2 Blue Charm Star quilts – the borders are from Stash Builder rolls! No yardage cut for either of these quilts … well, except for the solid white background fabric!
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!
Nope, I still haven’t bought any fabric yet this year!!! However, since I’m going to a retreat at Over the Rainbow, that might change in the next week!
I used about 6 yards of fabric in this quilt.
Fabric used in the last week: 6 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 53 yards. {10 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used: 53 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Finish Binding IB April Project.√ DONE. I’ll be posting about this after I return from the retreat.
Sandwich & Quilt 2nd Blue charm star quilt. in progress
Quilt Blue 2 1/2” squares. √ DONE
Finish webbing Yellow rectangle squares. in progress
Start to get projects ready to take to a retreat: (no pictures yet)
Swan – cut all the squares. √ DONE
Train – cut all the pieces. √ 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:
Pack for the retreat!
Work on projects at the retreat
Butterfly
Swan
Train
misc. projects
Island Batik: May
Island Batik: June
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Leaving Comments on my Blog
I appreciate each of you that leaves comments on my blog!! It’s fun to read about YOU!!
However, I know that many of you have difficulty leaving comments and I honestly do not know what to do about it. I moderate each of the comments (that’s why they don’t show up right away) so that you don’t have to read about the ugly stuff / junk that some try to slip in!
Anyhow, I notice that the vast majority of comments are “anonymous” and I have no idea who you are. If you could simply put your name after the comment, I’d appreciate it! Thank you! And Thank you to those that leave your name!
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.
March 24: Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
For my SAHRR 2025, I used the Island Batik fabric collection “Poetic Bouquet,” designed by Kathy Engle for Heidi Pridemore of The Whimsical Workshop and Island Batik’s solid white. (I ran out of blues from Poetic Bouquet for the final round of kites, so I added some similar coloured fabrics from other collections).
Here is my finished quilt:
And Close-up of the quilting!
Link Party
Here is the Link for the finished quilts Parade. If you have your top done, you can add the link. It doesn’t need to be quilted! But Koodos to you if you get it quilted for the parade!
Here’s pictures and comments from the non-bloggers:
Rosie said, “I put 5 & 6 in the same round and added more strips to bring it up to QOV size.”
Carolyn said, “All material from my stash, some better quality than others. An odd conglomerate of patterns, but I got each week in there. Used 2 C blocks….Cardinal rather than crown block and checker board rather than the last one. Machine quilted on my 40 year old Kenmore. I have never done a sewn on border before and it turned out fairly well. No hand sewing saved my fingers some work.”
Jacomina said, “It is likely going to the guild’s charity destination: a shelter for women and Children fleeing domestic violence. The star block just did not fit in. Maybe on the back.”
Robin’s is so pretty! It’s all ready for quilting!
Judy had hoped to have her’s quilted, but instead, she spent time sewing with grandkids over spring break!
We have Sponsors!
We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2025!!! We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win! If you don’t have a blog or Instagram account, contact me, or one of the other co-hosts and we will post your SAHRR on our blog. This way you still have an opportunity to win!
The SAHRR team will be meeting via Zoom in the 2nd week of April to pick the winners. We have a data base with numbers assigned to each entry that each person has provided. Using a random number generator, we choose each of the winners. It is done while we are on Zoom. Winners will be notified by email. Once all winners accept, we will announce the winners on our blogs!
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.
Even though I’m sewing Every. Single. Day. This seems like the flow chart that’s appropriate for my life at the moment!
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!
Yellow – The sashing has been added and I’ve started to web the top!
Yellow – I’m making some Dresden flowers … no picture yet.
Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt. Oh, yes, I’m a sucker for mystery quilts and I’ve done at least one, if not more from Canuck Quilter. Her designs are always fun to make! This mystery started on March 13, so obviously, I’m a bit behind. I’ve settled on 3 of the 4 fabrics needed. Once I’ve made the final choice, I’ll begin cutting. You can access the free pattern HERE.
Quilting projects:
IB April Project: I’m having fun quilting this one!
2 Blue Charm Star quilts – the borders are from Stash Builder rolls! No yardage cut for either of these quilts … well, except for the solid white background fabric!
Blue Blocks: sandwiched …
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!
Nope, I still haven’t bought any fabric yet this year!!! I’m not sure, but this might be a new record for me!
I finished this little zipper pouch using Island Batik fabric, Hobbs 80/20 batting, Aurifil thread and Schmetz needles. The project used just over 1/2 yard of fabric.
Fabric used in the last week: 0.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 47 yards. {7.5 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used: 47 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Finish Quilting IB April Projectin progress
Sandwich & Quilt 2nd Blue charm star quilt. in progress
Quilt Blue 2 1/2” squares XX NOT DONE XX
Add sashing to Yellow rectangle squares. in progress
Start to get projects ready to take to a retreat: (no pictures yet)
May IB project – cut it out in progress
June IB project – cut out the pieces in progress
Swan – cut all the squares XX NOT DONE XX
Train – cut all the pieces 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 next week:
Finish Binding IB April Project
Sandwich & Quilt 2nd Blue charm star quilt.
Quilt Blue 2 1/2” squares
Finish webbing Yellow rectangle squares.
Cut and start sewing Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt.
Start to get projects ready to take to a retreat: (no pictures yet)
Swan – cut all the squares
Train – cut all the pieces
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
SAHRR Parade!
Make sure you come back to the blog tomorrow for the final wrap-up and start of the Parade!
Leaving Comments on my Blog
I appreciate each of you that leaves comments on my blog!! It’s fun to read about YOU!!
However, I know that many of you have difficulty leaving comments and I honestly do not know what to do about it. I moderate each of the comments (that’s why they don’t show up right away) so that you don’t have to read about the ugly stuff / junk that some try to slip in!
Anyhow, I notice that the vast majority of comments are “anonymous” and I have no idea who you are. If you could simply put your name after the comment, I’d appreciate it! Thank you!
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 thought I needed a small gift … so I made this zipper pouch. No pattern, but I loved the fabric and felt that the zipper was a perfect match. The fabric was from my Island Batik stash and it was from an older collection. I quilted some feathers on the front and back, but you can’t really see them very well.
Thanks, Irene, for taking pictures!! My husband says it’s a typical picture – I’ve got my eyes closed! LOL
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.
Yesterday was Worldwide Quilting Day, and for the first time in many years, I did not participate. The weather was very uncooperative … raining very hard … and I didn’t want to get soaked, nor did I want my quilts to get soaked and heavy and risk breaking the line. I will participate next year – providing the weather is half-decent!
Recent Finish
Did you see my most recent finish?
My Island Batik March challenge was a LOT of fun to make and running out of fabric made for an excellent chance to alter my plan. You can read about it HERE.
Another Finish. The quilt top was made by various members of the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild. I brought the top home and found backing and batting (Hobbs Batting: 80/20), then quilted it on my domestic sewing machine using Aurifil Thread (#2600, Dove Grey). It is quilted all over with various flower motifs. And bound with a striped fabric from my stash!
The blue floral border print was perfect for the backing!
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!
Yellow – Here’s a picture of my 4 1/2” 10 1/2” rectangles. I need to sash them and sew them into a top
Yellow – I’m making some Dresden flowers … no picture yet.
Quilting projects:
IB April Project: I’m having fun quilting this one!
2 Blue Charm Star quilts – the borders are from Stash Builder rolls! No yardage cut for either of these quilts … well, except for the solid white background fabric!
Blue Blocks: sandwiched …
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!
Nope, I still haven’t bought any fabric yet this year!!! I’m not sure, but this might be a new record for me!
2 finishes to add to my done list! The bear claw used 10 1/2 yards of fabric and the guild quilt used 3 1/2 yards for backing and 1/2 yard of binding from my stash.
Fabric used in the last week: 14.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 46.5 yards. {7.5 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used: 46.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Sandwich & Quilt 2nd Blue charm star quilt. XX NOT DONE XX
Quilt Blue 2 1/2” squares XX NOT DONE XX
Finish Quilting & Bind Guild Hospice Quilt.√ DONE
IB April Project: sandwich and quilt in progress it’s SLOW going … so far I’ve used 5 bobbins and I still have just over 1/4 of the quilt to quilt.
Cut up Yellow scraps. √ 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 IB April Project
Sandwich & Quilt 2nd Blue charm star quilt.
Quilt Blue 2 1/2” squares
Add sashing to Yellow rectangle squares.
Start to get projects ready to take to a retreat: (no pictures yet)
May IB project – cut it out
June IB project – cut out the pieces
Swan – cut all the squares
Train – cut all the pieces
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Leaving Comments on my Blog
I appreciate each of you that leaves comments on my blog!! It’s fun to read about YOU!!
However, I know that many of you have difficulty leaving comments and I honestly do not know what to do about it. I moderate each of the comments (that’s why they don’t show up right away) so that you don’t have to read about the ugly stuff / junk that some try to slip in!
Anyhow, I notice that the vast majority of comments are “anonymous” and I have no idea who you are. If you could simply put your name after the comment, I’d appreciate it! Thank you!
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.
Here’s what Island Batik had to say about our March project:
March brings a free month for you to determine your own project of any size, using any theme and any technique!! This is an opportunity for you to express your creativity without guidelines. Have fun!
Almost the minute I saw this 10″ stack, I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to make!
It’s called, “Earthly Stories” by Jean Wells of The Stitchin’ Post and was paired with 2 yards of Weave-Brownie (Blenders) and 2 yards of Cornsilk (Neutral) [Both are available year round]. Pre-cuts and yardage of Earthly Stories is available in stores now. Here’s a picture of all of the fabrics in Earthly Stories:
I wanted to make a “Bear Paw” block (with a difference) … I’d use the Cornsilk for the background and sashing. The Weave-Brownie would be used for some of the cornerstones and the binding. Unfortunately, I did not put my ideas in EQ and my plan turned out different than I thought. However, I do like the end result!!
First, I cut 6 1/2” squares from 24 of the darkest 10″ squares. From the remnants of the squares I cut, I used the Accuquilt, Qube 8″, die #5, to make 2 1/2” unfinished half-square triangles (HST), pairing them with the Cornsilk fabric. Then 3 HST were sewn together and added to one side of the 6 1/2” squares. 3 more HST were sewn, along with a cornerstone and added to the adjoining side. Throughout the process, I used my Oliso M3 ProLight Iron. (I LOVE ❤️ this little iron!!!)
Once I had the 24 blocks done, I arranged them on my design wall. If you look closely, you will be able to se that some of the blocks were not square and needed to be trimmed by about 1/4” on the 2 sides without the HSTs. I wanted to add some “Brownie” cornerstones, but only in select areas.
While I was working on the sashing, I had this niggling feeling that I might not have enough of the Cornsilk fabric for the cornerstones… groan …
And yes, the niggling feeling was correct! What to do? Make the quilt smaller? I didn’t like that idea … use the left-over 10″ squares as cornerstones? I neglected to take a picture, but it looked way too busy! I auditioned the Weave-Brownie and immediately thought, “YES!!!” So, that’s what I used!!
The quilting: I used Silly Moon‘s Rocket to outline the bear claws (stitch in the ditch) and Beanie 2/6 to make the flowers in the brown cornerstones and the main squares in the bear claw.
And yes, there is a flange binding:
Here’s a picture of the finished quilt:
Quilt Stats:
Size: 60″ square
Fabric: Island Batik: “Earthly Stories” by Jean Wells of The Stitchin’ Post and with Weave-Brownie (Blenders) and Cornsilk (Neutral)
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.
Yup … I probably have a few “WHIMM” and have forgotten what it was, it was so very hidden!
Leaving Comments on my Blog
I appreciate each of you that leaves comments on my blog!! It’s fun to read about YOU!!
However, I know that many of you have difficulty leaving comments and I honestly do not know what to do about it. I moderate each of the comments (that’s why they don’t show up right away) so that you don’t have to read about the ugly stuff / junk that some try to slip in!
Anyhow, I notice that the vast majority of comments are “anonymous” and I have no idea who you are. If you could simply put your name after the comment, I’d appreciate it! Thank 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!
Blue Blocks: Making blocks with 2 1/2” squares … Picture below … still have several 16 patch blocks to make and then add sashing around the 4 patch blocks … this will make a decent sized comfort quilt. (All the squares are from my Island Batik stash!)
IB April Project: as leaders & enders … and no picture!
Yellow – I’ll be cutting up my scraps for something … I don’t know what, yet!
Quilting projects:
2 Blue Charm Star quilts – the borders are from Stash Builder rolls! No yardage cut for either of these quilts … well, except for the solid white background fabric!
Blue Blocks: sandwiched …
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!
I was able to show you 2 finishes this week. I was very thrilled with each of them. They used signature collections from Island Batik. The first one is Meadow Hues, designed by Jerry Khiev for Claudia Porter of Create with Claudia and the 2nd one is Sunlit Garden, also designed by Jerry Khiev for Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations. You can read about them HERE and HERE. The fabrics should be in stores now.
Fabric used in the last week: 20.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 31yards. {3 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used: 31 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
Sandwich & Quilt Blue charm star quilts. in progress. Partially done. One is sandwiched
Get Blue 2 1/2” squares to flimsy stage. √ DONE
Quilt Guild Hospice Quilt.in progress.
IB April Project: get to flimsy stage in progress.
Cut up Yellow scraps and decide what to make … in progress. decision made … now to cut!
Sandwich and Quilt Guild Hospice Quiltin progress. Quilt sandwiched
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:
Sandwich & Quilt 2nd Blue charm star quilt.
Sandwich & Quilt Blue 2 1/2” squares
Finish Quilting & Bind Guild Hospice Quilt
IB April Project: sandwich and quilt
Cut up Yellow scraps
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Don’t Forget
I am 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.
Way back in early December, Jennifer asked if I’d be interested in participating in a blog hop in early March. One look at this BEAUTIFUL fabric collection and I knew I HAD to say “YES!”
I went to EQ8 and started designing … all these pretty fabrics will make a very pretty quilt!
Unfortunately, I enjoyed sewing this quilt together so much that I forgot to take many progress pictures! Here are the blocks on my design wall:
A Close-up of the quilting:
The finished quilt:
Quilt Stats:
Size: 44″ x 58″
Fabric: Island Batik: “Sunlit Garden” by Jerry Khiev for Jennifer Thomas, paired with Eggwhite (an Island Batik neutral that is available all the time)
When Claudia asked if I would make something with her signature fabric, I could not resist the opportunity to work with gorgeous fabric collection, and immediately said “yes.” I downloaded the fabric images into EQ8 and played with the fabrics and several different blocks. I used “Almond” for the background. This was the result:
Here’s a close-up of one of the quilted blocks and the back of one block in the sunshine! The backing is “Lavender” (part of the Island Batik “Playful Purples” collection). I used Silly Moon‘s “Rocket” to outline the chain and star blocks and the 3″ Beanie in the centre of the stars. The background was filled in with swirls.
And a picture of the finished quilt:
Quilt Stats:
Size: 60″ x 60″
Fabric: Island Batik: Meadow Hues (by Jerry Khiev, signature collection for Claudia Porter) with Almond and Lavender
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 