AccuQuilt

Queen of Gadgets Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 73 Comments

Oh me, oh my! What a blog hop this promises to be!!! Gadgets, gadgets, gadgets … I have a few! Do I need to pick just one??? Carol, from Just Let me Quilt, organized this blog hop and I signed up right away!!!

But before I started, I decided that I needed to actually define what a “gadget” is. According to Mirriam-Webster a gadget is “an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty.”

Hmmm, to me, I have always considered a gadget something that makes my quilting easier. Sometimes the “gadget” is electronical, sometimes mechanical, but always is practical and useful. Hence, I’m going with my own definition of “gadget.”

I will show you the gadgets that I used for this project. I doubt this will make me the Queen of Gadgets, but even I was surprised at how many I actually used!

Gadget #1

EQ8

I used EQ8 to design this quilt using Island Batik’s “Pumpkin Spice,” a signature collection for Sarah Fabian, designed by Kathy Engle. I had received a 10″ stack, along with a 2 yard cut of “Celery” (which I used for the background) and a 2 yard cut of “Bluegrass” which I used for the binding.

And yes, just in case you were wondering, I recently upgraded from EQ7 to 8. A tiny learning curve, but lots of features I really really like! Well worth upgrading! Wish I’d done it sooner!

Gadget #2

Prairie Spirit Pressing Mat

Initially, I used the  Prairie Spirit Alpacas alpaca/wool mat to press the 10″ squares prior to cutting them. The mat worked like a charm. The creases came out easily without the use of water. I continued to use the mat for all pressing as I assembled the quilt.

Gadget #3

Accuquilt Cutter

My Accuquilt Cutter was given to me as an Island Batik Ambassador. When I received the cutter, I was given the 8″ Go Qube dies. Of the Qube 8 dies, I used #3 for the larger half square triangles (shown); #1 for the 4.5″ squares, #6 for the centre of the square in a square and #5 for the outside of the square in a square. The 2.5″ strip cutter was used for 2 of the borders.

Gadget #4

Shape-Cut Ruler

I use this ruler to cut the 3.5″ and 5″ strip sizes of “Celery” (background) I needed for using in the Accuquilt.

Gadget #5

Cutting Gizmo

This is used to quickly separate units when I chain piece. I chain piece a LOT, so this is used LOTS!!!

Gadget #6

Magnetic Pin Cushion

Picks up the pins when they are lying near the machine, or fall on the floor. It also keeps the pins from spilling onto the floor!

Gadget #7

I received these Klips for a project that is due in October. They are WONDERFUL!!! When webbing a quilt together, I find that you have to “anchor” one end or it gets twisted around. (Picture on the right). The Klips are a great width and hold the pieces together very well! I also use them when holding the binding in place. (picture on the left.)

Gadget #8

Hera Marker

I used this marker to mark the center of the block. It leaves a crease or small groove in the fabric. It’s quick and easy and the marks are usually gone by the time I’ve finished quilting it!

Gadget #9

Quilting Rulers

I used a variety of Silly Moon rulers. Mostly 3 different sizes of Beanie (curves) and Rocket (straight lines).

Gadget #10

Tweezers

I use tweezers to pull up my bottom thread when I’m quilting.

Gadget #11

Seam Ripper

I was really really hoping that I wouldn’t have to use this gadget! But alas, I don’t think there’s been a single quilt in my quilting life that the seam ripper hasn’t been used at least once! Those curves were suppose to meet in the middle! It’s extremely obvious that they didn’t!

Gadget #12, #13 & #14

Rotary Cutter, Cutting Mat and the Gipsy Gripper

The first picture is trimming the quilt. I absolutely LOVE the extra stability that the Gripper provides. The 2nd picture is cutting the binding. I cut my binding at 2.25″, so the shape cutter doesn’t work for that.

The Finished Quilt

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 48″ x 48″
  • Fabrics: Island Batik “Pumpkin Spice”, Celery (background), and Bluegrass (binding)
  • Backing: Flannel from my stash
  • Thread: Piecing Aurifil #2000, Quilting Glide “linen”, and Binding Aurifil #4129
  • Batting: Hobbs 80/20

Visit the Blogs that are Gadget Hopping!

September 19

September 20

September 21

September 22

September 23

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Friday Finishes

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

I don’t have anything new that is finished … but I have had a couple of finishes in the last week or so.

The first finish was my July Island Batik project that used the Accuquilt Tree of Life Block on Board. The 73 pieces of the block can be cut in one run through of the die. But of course, I had to do it differently and make it scrappy. You can read more about the quilt at this BLOG POST.

I must admit that I am very pleased with how this quilt turned out.

Yes, this quilt used Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs batting and Aurifil thread for the quilting.

Oh, and Cheryl at Meadow Mist Designs hosts a favourite quilt of the month linky party, and this happens to be mine!

My 2nd finish is my post for the UFO blog hop. This kit had been languishing in my “To Do” box and was on my UFO list both last year and this! You can read about it HERE. Here’s a picture:

Monthly Colour Challenge

Jen, of Patterns by Jen holds a monthly colour challenge. This month’s challenge is purple.

Here is my purple block, made with the rich colours of Island Batik fabrics!

And all of my 7 blocks so far for this year … I think it will be a very pretty quilt when it’s finished!

I don’t have a lot of purple quilts … but these are a few that I’ve done in the past couple of years.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

A Road Trip

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

Last month my husband and I made a quick trip to Edmonton to visit my sister. Of course, it included going to a few stores. We went to Lori’s Country Cottage where my sister picked out what she wanted to buy at their longest day of the year sale. And she also picked out fabric for the Flower Window Hanging Class that we did together. (The class was by Epida Studio and I highly recommend it!)

Then we went to Winfield, a small town SW of Edmonton. The quilting store is Country Stitches Quilting and Fabrics. They had a LOT of Island Batik fabrics and I bought the “flower” and “background” fabric that you see in my Flower Window Hanging. My sister fell in love with a panel and bought enough fabric to make a decent sized quilt. (See picture below!) I resisted and only bought the 2 Island Batik fabrics! And, since it’s IB fabric and already used, I’m not adding it to the stash report.

Here’s some pictures of the store! It’s packed with lots of fabrics, IB fabrics, panels and more! They also sell online.

Lots of panels

Stitching Time

‘

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!

This week I’ve been doing more “unsewing” than sewing … but it still counts, right? And, I’ve been gallivanting around with my cousin, so that has cut into sewing time.

  • January – June:  149 / 180
  • July 1 – 5:  5 / 5
  • Total: 154 / 185
  • Percentage = 83% 

Stash Report

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, no fabric added, no finishes …

  • Fabric Used since the last report      0  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       53.5 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    11.75 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                 41.75 yards 

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is hosting “To Do” every week.

The To Do list from last week:

  1. Mail Island Batik Catalogue quilts to California. √   DONE
  2. Work on 3 Yard Quilt √   DONE
  3. Quilt Squirrel Quilt not done
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Finish  Island Batik Christmas in July quilt.
  2. Work on 3 Yard Quilt
  3. Quilt Squirrel Quilt
  4. Tidy up and organize my Island Batik fabric
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

Donna, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, host a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week.

Piecing:

  1. 3 Yard Quilt. My cousin, Connie, kept talking about 3 yard quilts that her guild did. I looked at one of her patterns, cut it out and started sewing … Here are the fabrics I’m using (from my stash)

2. Summer Mystery Quilt: I will be hosting a mystery quilt here on the blog … I’m in the process of writing the pattern and sewing it. When it’s almost ready, I’ll announce the dates and all the details.

3. Island Batik Christmas in July quilt … I’m using an Accuquilt die and am loving how all of the pieces are cut perfectly!

Quilting:

  1. Squirrel is sandwiched and I have a plan for the quilting!

Upcoming Blog Hops

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Triangle Tricks

/ quiltinggail / 23 Comments

Here’s what we were told, “The Triangle Tricks Challenge is designed to take you out of your comfort zone with square or rectangle blocks and have you work with triangles. Have fun!”

I’ve done oodles of triangle quilts, half-square triangles, tri-recs triangles, flying geese is all about triangles … Lots of different quilts … and I have a current leader and ender project that is also all about triangles, but I wanted something a bit different.

I spied Triangle Stars in our guild library … it looked great … it said “Deceptively Easy.” Time to try it out!

I chose to use the precut “Starry Night” that I received last year. Isn’t it a beautiful collection??? And with my favourite blues …

Here’s the first triangle I made …

Lots and lots of triangles … They are paired with Island Batik black solid with either white solid or rice. The black, white and rice are basics and available all the time.

Sew, I put all these triangles together and was thinking, “yeah, I’ve almost got this top done.” THEN, I went to iron it … oh my … I told a friend that it was a mess with multiple Double E sized bra cups all over it. Groan … I tried to press it into submission, but nothing worked … and I forgot to take a picture.

But, lots and lots of unstitching …

Then I realized that the triangles were off! They were SUPPOSED to be 60 degree triangles … so they all got squared (triangled?) up to be 60 degrees. I’m not sure that you can see much difference in the picture, but the one on the right is a 60 degree triangle and I have no idea what the one on the left is …

but there was a LOT of trimming! Depending on the triangle, there was anywhere from 1/2″ to 1/16″. That in my book is way to much variation. I checked my templates … yup – they were correct. I checked my seam allowance … yup – they were all the same 1/4″ … I have NO idea what happened! But I do know that IF I EVER make this quilt again, I will draw out a paper piecing pattern and there will be no templates used!

Here is the finished quilt! I must admit that it went together much easier once I made the triangles all the same size. And there were no Double E bra sized lumps … there was one “A” sized one, but that was easily quilted out!

I used Hobbs Batting BLACK 80/20 batting … it was perfect for this quilt! The stars and the shadow stars were quilted with Aurifil Thread #4644 (Smoke Blue) and the rest of the black was swirled with #2692 (Black). I used a microtex from Schmetz Needles.

Wait, there’s more!

As I was cutting up the left-over fabric to use for my leader and ender project, I thought “why not use it right away?” I do need 2 small table toppers for the newly painted and carpeted guest room – so I should make them now!

I used my 8″ Cube  Accuquilt #4 & #5 dies to cut out triangles with the left-over Starry Night fabrics. Then I cut tons of triangles with #5 die using Chevron – Iceberg … my plan was to make something cool with HST and flying geese. I made lots of HST and flying geese, but my plan did not come to be. That was OK … I decided I’d make one topper with HST turned into pinwheels and another with the flying geese.

To finish these, I used scraps of Hobbs Batting 80/20, a Schmetz Needle microtex and Aurifil Thread #2600 (Dove).

Thank you!

Disclosure: The fabrics, batting, thread and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: Thank you, Island Batik  Aurifil Thread  Hobbs Batting Accuquilt & Schmetz Needles !!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Monday’s Manifesto

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

Garage Sale

I believe the guild Garage Sale was a success. I got rid of a LOT of stuff! It was great! I was very happy to only bring a small amount home!

I also was able to donate about 10 quilts to the baby quilt and comfort quilt guild charities! That also freed up a bunch of space!

As my dear hubby was helping to load the car, he gently told me that perhaps I might not want to bring home as much stuff as I took! I had to laugh, as I had absolutely NO intention of shopping at the garage sale …

However, when things are staring you in the face, you HAVE to shop! The blue fleece was at the table next to me and after an hour, I broke down and bought it. It will back 2 baby donation quilts. And the ruler handle … oh yes, the ruler handle. Whenever I’m at a retreat with Patti, she always has a long ruler with a fantastic handle on it. I gravitate to that ruler and absolutely LOVE the extra stability the handle adds. So, of course, I HAD to have it!!!

Now … to get things back in order in my sewing studio!

Overhauling the Craft Room

For awhile this past week, my studio looked WAY worse than it did when I first posted pictures … but that’s OK … sometimes, you have to make a mess to clean up, right? Anyhow … here is the progress this week:

Here’s Before and After pictures of the same spaces!

It looks a little cluttered behind the sewing machine on the right … but that’s my leader & ender project … and it’s allowed to stay there – ready for sewing! Yes, several rulers hang behind this machine.

Another area … The bags on the floor were emptied and things put away. The sandwiched quilts and various other things are in appropriate spots. Finally, there is a permanent home for my Accuquilt … with the Island Batik scraps ready for cutting … much better than putting it away all the time!

My quilting area … the SAD light stays and the laptop gets moved so I can view whatever as I’m quilting or zoom quilting or ??? Another leader and ender project ready when I piece on this machine and the area is clear for quilting. So, hopefully, I won’t quilt spare pieces of fabric into the back of whatever I quilt!

All that is left is my ironing board, cutting table and computer desk! GROAN …. but I will work on them …

Stitching Time

‘

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 missed 3 days of sewing this week. Two because I was getting ready for the garage sale and one on the day of the garage sale …

  • January – Mar:  90 / 90
  • Apr 1 – 24: 21/24
  • Total: 111 / 114
  • Percentage =97% 

Stash Report

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!

Finishing this baby quilt used 2.5 yards of fabric.

  • Fabric Used this week      2.5  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       32.25 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   2 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    6.25 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                 26 yards 

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is hosting “To Do” every week.

The To Do list a week ago:

  1. Quilt & Bind at least 2 more Baby Quilt Panels only 1 done
  2. Work on Foodie Blog Hop project not done
  3. Finish going through the Fabric and Project containers. √   DONE
  4. Work on May Island Batik challenge. not done
  5. Clear at least one more surface in the sewing studio. √   DONE
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!  not done
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

Here’s the UFO Baby Quilt I finished.

This week’s list:

  1. Quilt & Bind at least 2 more Baby Quilt Panels
  2. Work on Foodie Blog Hop project
  3. Clear Cutting Table and Ironing Board for Craft Room Overhaul
  4. Work on May Island Batik challenge.
  5. Work on Pop Star Quilt
  6. Work on Squirrel Attack Quilt (see below).
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

Donna, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week.

Piecing:

1. Foodie Blog Hop: These fabrics are from my stash. You’ll just have to wait until May 24th to see what is happening with this fabric!

2. A Squirrel Attack: As I was going through my containers … I found left-over strips from a jelly roll quilt … well, they spoke very loudly to me and said, “USE ME NOW.” Well, I have learned that it’s usually worth listening to fabric when it speaks to you. This is one half of them and there will be sashing added between the rows.

3. I have started Sandra Walker’s Pop Star Quilt … Sandra is a fabulous designer and I absolutely LOVE making her quilts. This one is a sew-a-long … Each week, there are directions on what to do. I have chosen some Island Batik fabrics and they are cut out and waiting. The first sewing directions are available … so I need to work on it. You can access the steps at MMM Quilts HERE.

Quilting:

I still have several baby quilts left to quilt!

Since I have several baby panels to quilt and last week I counted 2 as 1 UFO. I’m going to continue that. It’ll be at least another week or 2 before I get another one finished! So the only change is that I’ve added my new starts.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

SAHRR 2022: The Finale … the Parade

/ quiltinggail / 28 Comments

You may be new here and wondering about it … you can read more about it at the following links:

My Quilt

This quilt was made with Island Batik fabrics (Flutterfly collection & solid white), Hobbs white 80/20 batting, and Aurifil thread.

And here’s some close-ups of the quilting!

Friend’s Quilts

When she sent me the picture, she said, “This is where I’m leaving it Gail. Thanks, it was fun.” I think it looks great!

Kathleen said, “This is my finished project, it was definitely a learning experience. Because I started with such a small center block, some of the other blocks, size wise, were a bit of a challenge. Thank you for facilitating this project.” I think you did a fantastic job, Kathy!

 Here’s Mary’s. She was running low on fabrics so she got very creative. I love the final result. 

Donna also ran low on fabrics but made it! Shadowed quilted stars and diamonds and elephant footprints in negative spaces. Great fun!

Here’s Dawn’s: I love all the greens she used!

Jacomina wrote: I have no blog and I participated on a lark in the SAHRR2022. I put on a last round of borders and it is a disaster so they will have to come off again. It was fun in a way, as I like improv sewing, but it is not a very good quilt. I enjoyed the challenge even though that was not in my programming for this year. It just happened because I was in the Netherlands and all quilters were asked to make heart blocks for the victims of the flooding this summer when the rivers broke in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. I made one following the directions and later a second heart thinking that I knew the dimensions and it turned out to be much too small. So here I was with this orphan block. Well, I totally disagree with Jacomina! I think this is a beautiful quilt! I love the hearts in the outside corners … it’s Lovely!

Edited: 2 more, sent in a little late

1. Charlene

Except for the background Charlene used her scraps of batiks for this quilt. She still has the last 2 sides of sho fly blocks to make. She had to go buy more background fabric! WOW!!! This looks fantastic!

2. Chere says: Well round 6 is done . I’ve got shoofly blocks, and some spacers in between. This quilt is  far bigger than I thought it was going to get. But it’s OK. Hope to get it sandwich together next week and quilted. It will have purple binding.
Have a few scraps left, have to see what I can do with them. Overall it was fun . I ended up learning new block names and blocks ,along with new techniques. Look forward to the next one.

I’m glad you had fun, Chere! Your quilt is beautiful!! And I agree that the purple binding will be perfect!

Now, it’s your turn to show us!

Show us your completed SAHRR or the one in progress!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

Visit the other co-hosts to see their Quilts!

1st Round: Anja @ Anja Quilts

2nd Round: Emily @ The Darling Dogwood

3rd Round: Roseanne & Sue @ Home Sewn by Us

4th Round: Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life

5th Round ME!!! @ Quilting Gail 

6th Round: Chris @ Chrisknitssews

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Time in a Bottle Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 66 Comments

Carol, of Just Let Me Quilt is hosting this blog hop.

Here is the challenge:

  • Create something with an hourglass block in it. 
  • It can be one block or 100 blocks…totally up to you.
  • You can make a quilt, a bag, a potholder, or whatever.
  • Just have an hourglass block in it somewhere.

Here is my first Hourglass block:

I had a few 60 degree triangles left over from the Island Batik “gradations” project that I made in January. You can read about it HERE.

But, I needed 45 degree and 90 angles to make the hourglass block. Accuquilt to the rescue! I paired all of these triangles with Island Batik’s solid grey material. 50 blocks later, the quilt was put together, the border added and the quilt was finished.

And, for the most part, my gradations are all gone! It’s bitter sweet. I was able to have fun using them and I actually got 3 quilts out of the fat quarter bundle they sent!

This quilt was sandwiched with Hobbs 80/20 and I use Aurifil #2600 (Dove) to quilt it. I started with my walking foot and a small serpentine stitch to outline all of the triangles, then I free motioned a swirly flower “thingy” in the grey areas. The binding is a scrappy binding and it is used with the same serpentine stitch that I quilted with.

This quilt will be donated to the Boundary Bay baby quilt committee.

Here is the list of Time in A Bottle Bloggers

Visit each of them to see their interpretations of the theme!

March 14

March 15

March 16

March 17

March 18

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

So Scrappy @ Scrap Happy
Oh Scrap @  Quilting is More Fun than Housework
Frédérique  @ Quilting Patchwork Applique
Monday Making @  Love, Laugh, Quilt
Design Wall Monday @  Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

PHD in 2022: February Report

/ quiltinggail / 19 Comments

I was walking by a fitness studio and saw this sign in the window … I pondered it for awhile and then thought, “This makes a lot of sense.”

When you think about working on a UFO, that’s what you’re doing. Thinking. However, if you take the UFO out of the box and start working on it … that’s Action. How many times have you been working on something and all of a sudden, it’s “Let’s get this done!” That’s Motivation. I find that often happens to me. So I Need to take some Action and work on a UFO … who knows – maybe in March, I can show you a finish!

So how are you doing with your PHD in 2022 February progress?

My Tally Sheet

No UFO finishes this month, but two, Macaron Mystery and the SAHRR are seeing some progress.

The first chart shows my overall PHD standing and New Starts … the 2nd more colourful chart shows all the tasks, or steps I need to take to complete my UFOs.

The Linky Party

Show us your PHD in 2022 February progress!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

My Finishes this Month

This first one is my February, Island Batik project “Row by Row.” I had a beautiful fabric collection called Vintage Lace by Kathy Engle. You can read about this quilt HERE. I used Hobbs 80/20 batting, Aurifil thread and Schmetz needles. As well, I used the Accuquilt Qube 8″ die set to cut all the blocks.

This is my favourite finish in February. I’m linking to Meadow Mist Designs.

I’ve already talked about this little basket. You can read about it HERE.

DrEAMI

Then there is the DrEAMI I made. DrEAMI stands for Drop Everything And Make It. You know about those projects! Sandra, of MMM Quilts has a linky party each month for us to show our DrEAMIs. They are also known as Squirrels …

Here’s how my DrEAMI came about: On the guild Facebook page, one of the members posted a cute Thread-catcher … my comment at the time was “No! No! No! I’ve got NO time to make these!!! But why oh why did I bookmark the page????????? And I’m thinking about what fabrics to use ….” It was bugging me … I just HAD to make it!

The pattern / tutorial can be found at The Sewing Chick, HERE.

I used Island Batik Fabrics. The main fabric is Buildings-Peon, the lining is Chevron-Gaze and the binding is Columns-Olive … all from the Deco Revival collection. The small pieces are scraps from the same collection. Along with the canvas, Hobbs 80/20 batting was used and it was quilted with Aurifil thread.

This basket didn’t take long at all. Less than 3 hours, and that included the hunt for the canvas (it wasn’t in my sewing room), writing down the fabrics used and re-cutting the lining because I goofed when cutting out the corners (my own fault). The pattern is easy to follow!

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!

  • January 1-30 – 31 / 31
  • February 1-27 – 27 / 27
  • Total: 58 / 58
  • Percentage =100% 

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. 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! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!

This week … the Wagon Broke … and I bought fabric!

I can easily justify it. (Can’t we all?) It’s Island Batik fabric!!! And I found it at a store within about 3 miles of my house! Castle’s Sewing Center. They don’t have a lot, but they have 8 bolts!!! That’s a start! Especially since I haven’t been able to find it anywhere else in the lower mainland! (I’m talking at least 100 miles or more). Yes, Over the Rainbow in Washington carries Island Batik fabric, but it’s a huge hassle to cross the border right now and return to Canada – so I’ll be staying put!

I bought 3 m of the neutral … It’s a chevron with hints of blue … of course I fell in love right away. And, I DO have a plan for it!

The fabric basket used 1/2 yard of fabric and my DrEAMI used 3/4 yard.

  • Fabric Used this week      1.25   yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        7.75 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   3 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     3 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                  4.75 yards 

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is hosting “To Do” every week.

I had 2 weeks to work on my previous To Do list … let’s see how I did …

The To Do list 2 weeks ago:

  1. Finish Round 5 of SAHRR √   DONE
  2. Finish Catalogue Quilt √   DONE
  3. Work on Macaron Mystery √   DONE
  4. Work on Time in a Bottle √   DONE
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! Not Done
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Finish IB March project
  2. Work on Macaron Mystery: Sandwich
  3. Work on Time in a Bottle: Quilt, prepare binding
  4. Complete April’s Colour Challenge
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

Nothing is being pieced at the moment … 3 Projects are waiting to be quilted.

#1: SAHRR: Round 6 is on

#2. Time in a Bottle is Ready to be Sandwiched and Quilted.

#3 Macaron Mystery.  Top is together … Sorry, I forgot to take a picture … It’s upstairs ready to be sandwiched

Quilting:

  1. Currently working on IB March Challenge

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Saturday 

Teaching a Fabric Basket class and More

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Baskets using Batting!

So, last week, after having a root canal, I taught a Basket class at Essem. There was only one participant in the class, Wendy. She was super speedy and was able to finish up her basket very quickly! She’s used a variety and Kafe fabrics and her basket is stunning! Don’t you agree?

Here is my basket. I used fabric from my stash. I used 2 fabrics and like the effect! If you’d like to learn how to make this basket – let Simina or Rajan at Essem know and they’ll start a wait list.

Machine Binding Class

On March 10, I will be teaching a binding class at Essem. You will learn how to attach binding totally by machine! There will be lots of time-saving tricks and the results will be amazing! I’ll be demonstrating regular binding, scrappy binding, and flange binding. Bring projects ready for binding and you will leave with the binding completed! Contact Essem Textiles to sign up for the class. There are only a few spots left!

Did you see my Row by Row Quilt?

This week, it was my day to share my February Row by Row quilt on Island Batik’s Blog Hop! It was such a fun quilt to make, with beautiful fabrics from a collection called “Vintage Lace” by Kathy Engle. You can read more about it HERE.

This quilt is 50″ x 60″. I used Accuquilt dies to cut the whole quilt. It’s quilted with a Schmetz needle, Aurifil thread, using Silly Moon’s “Beanie” rulers, and has Hobbs 80/20 batting.

Same Quilt, Different Fabric

Last week I showed my finish “In the Woods” featuring Evergreen and Pine by Kathy Engle that is in the Island Batik Catalogue. You can read about it HERE.

This week, my pattern tester, Carol, posted a picture of her quilt … it has a totally different look using different fabrics! I love it. You can read what Carol has to say about the quilt pattern HERE. Thank you for testing the pattern, Carol!

I am always fascinated by how different quilts look when you use different fabrics!

Let me know if you would like to purchase the “In the Woods” pattern!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Saturday 

SAHRR 2022: Round 6

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You may be new here and wondering about it … you can read more about it at the following links:

My SAHRR

Chris from Chrisknitssews has chosen Shoo-fly blocks. These blocks were cut with my Accuquilt, using 2 Qube 8 dies. As I was making these blocks – they looked too busy side by side, but putting a plain white sash between them worked. It also helped with the measurement! So all is good!

This is the last round – I may or may not add a small white border … and then it’s going to be sandwiched and quilted. I will be doing my own quilting on my Janome M7.

My SAHRR has used “Flutterfly,” a beautiful Island Batik collection, paired with their solid white. It makes a very ‘crisp’ quilt! I did add a 2 1/2″ border … and it’s now ready to be sandwiched and quilted.

Be sure to link to Chris’s blog … and then return on March 21 for the final parade!!!

Friend’s Progress

I just found this picture from Dawn W on my phone … she sent it awhile ago and I missed it! I LOVE all the shades of green and how each side of the quilt is different, with the tops the same! Awesome, job, Dawn!

Here is Stella’s … she says, “I have almost caught up again- just have to applique my hearts on…this afternoons project….I have run out of a few of my fabrics – the stash only goes so far! But I am happy that I’ve made it this far without needing to shop! Hahaha Depending on Monday’s round- this may be  my finished project….I like this size as I can handle the quilting here in my own space. And I may even have a backing sitting on the shelf already. This is SEW pretty! I Love how the black really accents the fabrics!

Chere says: Actually like the rails.  Probably because I also like piano keys ☺️ Hope the purple got toned down a bit but not lost. Thought I’d bring back in the flower appliqué. Hummm , what is that final round? I’m happy so far , for a first time SAHRR. It’s looking great, Chere! Well now you know what the final round is!

Charlene says: Yeah…another round complete…loving my picket fence…53 x 66…will be a good size throw once I do round 6! Charlene, I love your take on “rail fence” blocks … the picket fence looks great!

Visit the other co-hosts to see their blocks!

Here’s a list of the other co-hosts. Make sure that you go to their blogs and follow them so that you don’t miss a single post!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Island Batik: February Row by Row Blog Hop

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I received “Vintage Lace” collection, designed by Kathy Engle. It should be in the stores in February.

The top and bottom rows have 4 colours each, the other 4 rows have 3 … which means that I used all 20 fabrics in the blocks. The sashing is a basics called “Snow” and the cornerstones and binding are “Hunter.” (All of the fabrics are pictured below.)

The name of the collection made me think of traditional blocks and I pulled out my Accuquilt cutter and this wonderful book “GO! QUBE” by Quilt in a Day / Eleanor Burns.

I drew out many of the blocks in EQ and used the program to colour in the blocks.

Using the Accuquilt ensures perfect size quilt pieces … in this case the 2 1/2″ half-square triangles. Once sewn together, there will be no dog ears to cut off and, as long as my 1/4″ seam is accurate, the block will finish at 2″ square.

As I was piecing many of the blocks, the colour combinations made me think of my grandma. I didn’t get to visit her often, but the fabrics reminded me of her sofa and doilies … I know she had a rocking chair that was similar in colour to the lighter green fabric … perhaps that’s where the memories come from!

There was nothing in my Island Batik stash that was large enough for the backing, so I cut large squares from the left-over fabric and used the following fabrics:

  • Cheerios-Jungle Water
  • Medallion Lace-Amazon
  • Medallion Lace-Raspb
  • Medallion Lace-Fall F
  • Floral Swirl Lace-Butter
  • Floral Swirl Lace – Corn
  • Floral Swirl Lace – Spin
  • Floral Swirl Lace – Cha
  • Dots – Pineneedles
  • Dot – Vine opal
  • Dot Floral-Opal
  • Dot Floral- Plum
  • Paisley Lace Beaujois
  • Paisley Lace – Peony
  • Mini Floral Vine-Fall F
  • Mini Floral Vine-Corn

I used Hobbs 80/20 batting, a Schmetz needle and Aurifil # 2375 Antique Blush.

Here is a picture of me just starting the quilting. I used Silly Moon “Beanie” rulers and quilted a Baptist fan over the entire quilt. And, just in case you’re wondering, I did take out that stitching (see the skipped stitches?) and changed the needle (the previous one had pieced this quilt and probably 2 others!) … much better results!

Here are pictures of the individual blocks.

Make sure that you visit The Inquiring Quilter, Jennifer also received “Vintage Lace” and I’m dying to see what she made with this great collection!

Visit the other Ambassadors!

The other Island Batik Ambassadors . make sure you visit each one … they all have beautiful quilts!

Thank you!

Disclosure: The fabrics, batting, thread and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: Thank you, Island Batik  Aurifil Thread  Hobbs Batting & Schmetz Needles !!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

TGIFF & a Friday Finish featuring Evergreen and Pine

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TGIFF stands for Thank Goodness It’s Finished Friday and I’m hosting the linky party this week.

Here is my finish

This was a “secret” quilt that I was working on in the fall. It’s for the Island Batik catalogue. It was a fun quilt to make and I loved fussy cutting the animals … they are SEW cute! The Fabric collection is Evergreen and Pine by Kathy Engle. It should be in stores this month! And yes, I used Aurifil thread for piecing and quilting and Hobbs 80/20 batting. Let me know if you would like to purchase the pattern!

And here’s a picture of each of the fabrics that is in the quilt! I used all of them … can you find them in the quilt?

Linky Party

Show us your Finished Project for this week!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

My other Finishes this week!

This was a super fun quilt to make. It’s made with Island Batik scraps. You can read more about it HERE. The pattern is from a great book that I highly recommend! “Scrappy Improv Quilting” written by Kelly, of My Quilt Infatuation.

I was Featured

Both Jennifer, from the Inquiring Quilter, and Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation featured the quilt I showed last Friday, 3 D Pinwheels. Please contact me if you would like to purchase the pattern.

Happy Quilting

Linking to:

2021 Island Batik Projects

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As an Island Batik Ambassador, I am to make 12 projects, one a month using ONLY Island Batik fabrics. This is my 3rd year as an Ambassador and I have a bit of an Island Batik stash. The projects below are either the monthly challenge or ones I have done on my own. As you might guess, I LOVE Island Batik fabrics!

January

Between Christmas and New Years 2020, I hosted a Holiday Seclusion Mystery here on the blog. You can see a summary of it HERE.

These are the 2 quilts I made to test the mystery. The first one uses an older Island Batik that I bought, but neglected to keep record of the name of the fabric. It is paired with solid white. Although it was started in 2020, it was not finished until 2021.

This one was made with Scrapbuilder bundles in blue, teal and green, along with a solid grey. I love the overall graffiti or wild quilting on it!

January’s Island Batik challenge was to make placemats. I LOVE blue and LOVED making these placemats! You can read about them HERE.

I joined in the monthly Scrap Happy Table Runner challenge hosted by So Scrappy. January’s colour was PINK. Here is the mug rug I made.

February

These 2 baskets were a free byAnnie pattern and you can read more about them HERE.

This quilt was provided as a mystery quilt for the guild. The Designer is Sue Pontifex, from Piece Arch Quilters in White Rock. This is a variation of the original design. You can read more about the quilt HERE.

February’s Island Batik challenge was “Create for a Cause.” Each ambassador was to create a quilt to give to a charity of our choice. The guild I belong to gives “comfort” quilts to a local cancer agency. This quilt is destined to go there when they start receiving quilts (after Covid). You can read more about this quilt HERE.

This quilt used the beautiful “Mystery” collection of fabric designed by Claudia Pfeil.

This month’s colour for the Scrap Happy Table Runner challenge hosted by So Scrappy. was yellow. You can read more about this mug rug HERE.

March

Scrapbusting ws Island Batik’s challenge for March. What a fun fun challenge. My 2 quilts are shown below …

  1. The Scrappy Irish chain with the star was a LOT of fun. Lots of 2″ scraps from every collection that I have had as an ambassador!
  2. Is a quilt that started out small and became bigger as I really liked the colours. It initially started as a sample for a ruler quilting class.

You can read more about these quilts HERE.

This was my SAHRR 2021 quilt. You can read more about it HERE. As well as find the links to all of the steps.

I made this pouch for the Salt & Sand Blog Hop. Read more about it HERE.

Green was this months Scrap Happy Table Runner challenge hosted by So Scrappy. You can read about it HERE.

April

The Island Batik challenge was “It’s All Up to You.” We could make our own project / design, the choice was ours.

First, I made this quilt … More details are available HERE.

And, I made these fun little baskets … SEW fun!!!

This was my monthly table topper for the colour Blue. Details are available HERE. Scrap Happy Table Runner challenge is hosted by So Scrappy.

May

Quilt Modern. You can read the details HERE.

June

This is a quilt, designed by an Island Batik alumni, Sandra Walker, you can read more about this quilt HERE and Here and HERE.

The Island Batik challenge for this month was “Spread Love & Joy with Accuquilt.” Boy, did I have fun! I love using the Accuquilt cutter and the precision cutting. You can read about my 2 quilts HERE.

In March, I took a course “Speed Dating with Improv” by Krista from PoppyPrints. It took me a while to get the facing done, but it was finally finished in June! I used Island Batik solids for this piece.

I finally put the facing on my Story-less Improv and you can read more about it here, here and HERE. This was from a by Krista’s classes @ Poppyprint. It has the super fun title of “Speed Dating.”

Purple is June’s Scrap Happy Table Runner challenge hosted by So Scrappy. You can read more about this coaster HERE.

July

July’s Island Batik challenge was “Never Too Early.” I made a mini quilt and a basket. You can read about them HERE.

August

Try a Tool was Island Batik’s August challenge! Oh! Did I have fun with this one! Check out the details HERE.

Another quilt designed by Island Batik alumni, Sandra Walker. This is “Let your Star Shine.” You can read about it HERE and HERE.

This quilt was created for the “Orange you Glad” Blog Hop. You can read about it HERE.

This month’s scrappy table runner challenge was “aqua.” I wanted to try paper piecing a “Storm at Sea” block and ended up with this 14″ x 14″ square table topper. You can read about it HERE.

September

Island Batik’s September challenge was to make a byAnnie bag. I made this wonderful “Round Trip Duffle.” Read about it HERE.

This table runner was made for the Table Scraps monthly challenge (orange) and the Falling For You blog hop … you can read more about it HERE.

Kelly Young launched her newest book “Scrappy Improv Quilting” and I couldn’t help but enlarge this quilt and make a baby sized hot air balloon. You can read about it HERE.

October

October’s Island Batik challenge was to use Aurifil thread related to our assigned Endangered Species. I was given the Pangolin … it was fun zen-doodling the scales … you can find out more details HERE.

Then, I was involved in a blog hop, featuring Kelly Young’s book, “Scrappy Improv Quilting.” I made this ornament wall hanging for the blog hop. See details HERE.

November

The challenge for Island Batik, for November was the “Storm at Sea” block. I made 2 totally different quilts using the same block. You can read about them HERE.

I finished another quilt – with inspiration from Kelly Young’s book “Scrappy Improv Quilting.” This quilt used a lot of orphan log cabin blocks … For more details see HERE.

December

English Paper Piecing was the challenge for December. It was a HUGE challenge for me, but I got it done! And I’m happy with the result! See more details HERE.

This is another hot air balloon from Kelly Young’s book, “Scrappy Improv Quilting.” You can read about it HERE.

Catalogue Quilts

There were 3 quilts that were published in the Island Batik Spring/Summer 2021 Catalogue. You can access the Catalogue HERE.

Left to right: Modern Squares, Feather Chain & Flutterfly Stars.

Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies:

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Catching up …

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I was away on holidays … did a bit of sewing then, but most of it is secret sewing … so no pictures.

Design Wall

Piecing:

#1. Secret Sewing: Island Batik

#2 Secret Sewing: BBQG mystery quilt

#2. Scrappy Improv … another variation of the hot air balloon quilt

Quilting: 

#1 November Island Batik project is being quilted

Stash Report

I was in Edmonton while I was away … Lori’s Country Cottage had a 40% sale on selected fabrics … I did not behave myself … It was fun to be in a fabric store … it was fun to shop … here’s a picture of the damage ….

I could justify each purchase … the fabrics on the left were for one of the guild’s mystery quilts and the fabrics on the right were all flannels … necessary for backings …

  • Fabric Used this week     0 yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       99 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:  12  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      39.75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
  • Net Fabric used                  58.25 yards 
  • Husband’s purchases:  0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!

Stitchin’ Time

While away, I managed to sew for 5 days … and for 6 days, I did not sew.

  • January – August –  235 / 242
  • Sept –  20 / 26
  • Total: 255 / 268
  • Percentage = 95 % 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

TO DO 

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.

The last To Do list: (from weeks ago)

OK … so I had over 2 weeks to accomplish my To Do list – a little bit of everything got done!

  1. Finish quilting Island Batik’s November project Partially done!
  2. Finish 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv Partially done!
  3. Work on Island Batik’s December  project Partially done! 
  4. Write the directions for the guild’s Fall Mystery quilt √   done
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   done 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes      √   done  

This week’s list:

  1. Finish quilting Island Batik’s November project
  2. Work on 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv
  3. Work on Island Batik’s December project
  4. Quilt Secret Sewing BBQG mystery quilt #1
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

PHD in 2021

Table Scraps

I have 2 Table Scraps for this month … First is my table runner and 2nd is the coaster.

This Table runner was made with scraps of Island Batik fabric … mostly from the Autumn Wings collection. Quilted with Aurifil thread, Hobbs Batting and Schmetz needles.

This coaster was made with a free pattern from Kreative Kiwi … Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs Batting and made in the hoop on my embroidery machine.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

  • So Scrappy @ Scrap Happy

  • Sunday Stash @  quiltpaintcreate

  • Oh Scrap @  Quilting is More Fun than Housework

  • 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces

  • Frédérique  @ Quilting Patchwork Applique

  • Monday Making @  Love, Laugh, Quilt

  • Design Wall Monday @  Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

  • To-Do Tuesday @ Texas Quilt Gal

  • Table Scraps @ Joyful Quilter

    • I’m Falling for You Blog Hop

    / quiltinggail / 52 Comments

    This blog hop is organized by Calico Joan of Moose Stash Quilting!

    In January, my Island Batik box contained this fantastic maple leaf die from Accuquilt. I made 2 different quilts with it.

    And now, I’m using it again to make a table runner for the I’m Falling For You blog hop. What is more FALL than Fall leaves??? As well, the scrap table runner challenge for this month is Orange … so I’m making a 2-fer.

    We’ve been away for almost 2 weeks. I took this with me to finish while we were travelling. (Yes, I take my featherweight and sew when I can and when we have power.) Well, I definitely was NOT meant to finish this on our trip! I didn’t take enough of the background fabric AND … once I finished the top, earlier today, I realized that I did not take enough batting or backing … groan … Anyhow, thankfully I was able to find everything I needed and get this table runner done! I stippled the background and did straight lines on the coloured portions of the leaves.

    Table runner stats:

    • Fabric: Island Batik – from the Autumn Wings collection, background is Custard
    • Batting: Hobbs fusible
    • Quilting & Piecing: Aurifil thread
    • Size: 19″ x 37″
    • Accuquilt die: Maple Leaf

    Here is the Full Schedule for the blog hop:

    Be sure to visit all of the bloggers and be inspired by their “I’m Falling for You” creations!

    Monday September 20

    Creatin’ in the Sticks

    Samelias Mum

    Quilting Gail

    Vroomans Quilts

    Quilt Schmilt

    Tuesday September 21

    Just Let Me Quilt

    Just Sew Quilter

    Days filled with Joy

    Kathy’s Kwilts and More

    The Morning Latte

    Wednesday September 22

    Elizabeth Coughlin Designs

    Beaquilter

    Inflorescence

    Selina Quilts

    Sew Many Yarns

    Thursday September 23

    Karrins Crazy World

    Words and Stitches

    Patchouli Moon Studio

    Karen’s Korner

    That Fabric Feeling

    Scrapdash

    Friday September 24

    QuiltFabrication

    Mrs P Designs USA

    Lianne Makes Stuff

    Quilted Delights

    MooseStashQuilting

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    Orange You Glad: Blog Hop

    / quiltinggail / 64 Comments

    Carla, from Creatin in the Sticks is hosting this ORANGE Blog Hop! How fun!

    I had these very pretty orange Island Batik fabrics that were sitting in my stash, calling for me to use them. Actually, they were shouting. What to do? What to make?

    EQ to the rescue … along with Accuquilt Cube 8 dies.

    Now, according to EQ, I did not have enough fabric … so I hit the stash builder rolls and pulled out some orange strips. I used them for the half-square triangles. SO EASY to cut with the Accuquilt!

    This is actually one of the first patterns that I wrote … it was for a class I taught using the Easy Angle ruler … but it is actually more accurate to use the Accuquilt dies!

    There’s a drizzly rain outside – not great for taking photos … and since I just finished quilting and binding this, I had to make do with a photo on my design wall.

    Quilt Stats:

    Enjoy the other Blog Hoppers

    Monday, August 16th

    Tuesday, August 17th

    Wednesday, August 18th

    Thursday, August 19th

    Thank you for stopping by my blog! I hope you enjoy the rest of the Orange you Glad blog hop!

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    ******************

    Linking to:

    PHD in 2021: June Report

    / quiltinggail / 19 Comments
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is phd-in-2021.png

    How are you doing with your PHD in 2021?

    A couple of blog followers have commented on part of my weekly “To Do” list where I say “Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS.” And most of the time, I am not distracted by them!

    Squirrels are those enticing projects that just want to be done NOW. You can read a blog post about them HERE.

    So … how do I manage to (mostly) avoid squirrels? Well, as I wander through many different blogs, I get several new ideas, see new patterns, see cute quilts, and see tons of things I just want to do. I know that you all feel the same way!!! Right? The temptation is there!

    I will take a screen shot, download the pattern, or something so I can remember the fantastic idea I saw. Then, I say to myself, “If I still am really wanting to do this in a few days (or a week), then I give myself permission to do so.” Well, usually it works. Usually. As you can see in my tally sheet, there is a LOT more “Starts in 2021” than my monthly Island Batik projects … but for the most part … they get done!

    Another UFO was finished the other day! The town Table Topper. Once I fixed the mistake (see HERE) and finished quilting, it didn’t take long at all.

    Linky Party

    Link up and show us your PHD in 2021 progress:

    You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

    Click here to enter
    https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

    My Favourite Quilt this month!

    Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs hosts a Favourite Finish Monthly Link up.

    Oh, it’s HARD to choose my favourite quilt for this month? Is it one of the two quilts I made as an Island Batik ambassador using Accuquilt dies? Or the Follow Your Own Path quilt?

    It was hard to choose! I put all 3 into the “tiled” image and it made the one with red maple leafs the biggest … so I thought I’d let the program choose! But then I had 2nd thoughts … and decided that I’d go with the Follow Your Path Quilt … I wasn’t sure how it would turn out with the background and I was super pleased with the result … so that’s going to be my choice for this month! (You can read more about the quilts HERE and HERE.)

    Mystery Quilt

    The Summer 2021 Mystery Quilt has started! Fabric Requirements were posted on Saturday. (See HERE)

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    ******************

    Linking to:

    Moving Along with Projects

    / quiltinggail / 20 Comments

    Design Wall

    Piecing

    #1 Amish panels: 

    I think I have the top pieced … just deciding if I need to add another border … The centre square, the star block is what I bought extra fabric for. I’m sort of wishing I hadn’t bordered the rest of the small blocks and I could have done all of them like the star. But, since I’m not a fan of taking a lot of things apart … it’s not going to happen.

    #2 July Island Batik project … it’s a secret for now!

    Quilting: 

    #1 Mystery Quilt … coming soon! I finished quilting it and am quite happy with the result!

    #2 Essem Panel: Essem Textiles (the new store close to where I live) got a huge bunch of kids prints in. SEW cute!!! The owner is not a quilter (yet!!!) and I offered to quilt a panel for her. I’m having a LOT of fun … here’s a sneak peak! I hope she likes it when it’s completed.

    Stash Report

    The backing on the 2 maple leaf quilts used 9 yards of fabric. On the purchasing end of things, I bought some grunge fabric to use for the UFO, Amish Panels (see the star above!)

    • Fabric Used this week      9   yards
    • Fabric Used this year:       69 yards
    • Fabric Bought this week:  0.75  yards
    • Fabric Added this year:      24.75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
    • Net Fabric used                  44.25 yards 
    • Husband’s purchases:  0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!

    Here’s the 2 maple leaf quilts I finished … you can read more about them HERE. Yes, the tops were were made with Island Batik fabric, using an Accuquilt cutter and dies. Hobbs batting, Aurifil thread and Schmetz needles were also used.

    Stitchin’ Time

    I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.

    I have stitched for over 30 minutes each day

    • January – May–  150 / 150
    • June – 13 / 13
    • Percentage = 100 % 

    For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

    TO DO 

    Chris from ChrisKnits is hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.

    Last week:

    1. Summer Mystery Quilt: Quilt & Finish writing pattern √   done
    2. Amish Panels: Finish cutting out and maybe get it assembled √   done
    3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   done
    4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes   √   done    

    This week’s list:

    1.  Summer Mystery Quilt: waiting for the testing to be completed and double check fabric amounts
    2. Amish Panels: sandwich and prepare for quilting
    3. Essem Panel: finish quilting and deliver it
    4. July IB project: work on it
    5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
    6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

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    Linking to:

    New Finishes?

    / quiltinggail / 25 Comments

    No, not for me … well, at least not a new finish that you haven’t seen before. I posted these 2 quilts earlier this week for my June Island Batik Challenge “Spread Love & Joy with Accuquilt.”

    UFO progress

    I’ve been working on my UFO … these panels … attempting to put it into a quilt … lots of decisions … do I leave them like this? Separate them … what to do?

    I decided that I wanted to highlight the small block with the horse and buggy … but, would you believe that I did NOT have any red fabric that was ‘right’ for this? All of my reds were too bright, too orange, too patterned, or too dark …

    SEW … what’s a gal to do? Go shopping of course!! I went to Essem Textiles and bought the red and beige-brown grunge fabric. (The fabric in the corners of the star were from cutting the larger block panel.)

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting!    
    Gail