Are you determined to finish a bunch of UFOs and to NOT increase the number of quilts or projects on your UFO list???
Congratulations on making that choice!!!
Did you?
Last month, I talked about getting at least ONE UFO done before the end of May! How did you do??? Did you get started on one?? Did you even pull one out to start on it? Did you work on it for at least 15 minutes? Hmmm … so many “Did you” questions!
I did … but I can’t show you because I’m keeping it a secret until the “When Pigs Fly” blog hop! The project is done and the blog post is almost all written!! Woohoo!!
Shall we try for another UFO for June?
My Tally Sheets
I finished 3 New Starts this month. You can read about them here: Wedge Star, Retreat Bag, and Hugs & Kisses #1. The Wedge Star and Hugs & Kisses #1 were made with Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs 80/20 batting in the middle and pieced and quilted with Aurifil thread.
If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.
Cheryl, from Meadow Mist Designs hosts a monthly linky party where you post your favourite quilt of the month. This Wedge Star, using Studio 180 designs is my favourite for May!
This month’s gift is Soup Bowl Cozies. You can go to Days Filled With Joy for information and links to several different on-line tutorials.
So far for the One Gift a Month, I have made January’s, February’s, and April’s gifts.
Yes, I will be making Soup Bowl Cozies … soon. But I need to warn you, somewhere – a while ago, I read that one lady made a Soup Bowl Cozy and her biggest complaint was that it leaked! Yes, you read correctly! She was complaining that the bowl leaked! I guess she didn’t understand that the Cozy was intended for the bowl to be placed in the cozy, not for the soup to be placed in it! I know that none of my readers will make that mistake! Right?
Classic Cars: Monthly Colour Challenge
May’s Classic Car colour is Baby Blue …. ooohhhh … a favourite colour of mine! Visit Patterns by Jen HERE for your free download of this month’s block …
Here’s my May block and the January, February, March, April and May blocks … all made with Island Batik scraps …
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 – April: 117 /120
May: 21 / 21
Total: 138 / 141
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!
When I was at the retreat a few weeks ago, a group of us went to Overseas Fabrics. As we left the retreat room, I insisted that I was NOT going to buy any fabric!!! Well, that lasted until I saw the following fabric. Really, how could I resist? I purchased 2 yards of each.
The past 2 week’s finishes include:
Studio 180 Island Batik challenge (May) 7 yards
Baby Stars 6 yards
Retreat Bag 1 yard
Yearly Tally:
Fabric Used the past 2 weeks: 14 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 101 yards from non-IB: 43.5
Fabric Bought this week: 4 yards
Fabric Added this year: 12.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 88.5 yards
Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.
To Do Tuesday
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
The To Do list from last week:I didn’t get a lot ticked off on my list … maybe this next week!
Pack for the retreat: Wallets, test quilt for Brenda, June IB challenge, Retreat bag. All was packed!!! Partially done: The only thing finished was the Retreat bag … Test Quilt is still in progress, as is the June IB challenge. Wallets were not touched.
X’s & O’s#1 & #2: quilt and bind Partially done: Both are quilted, neither are bound
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE
This week’s list:
Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing).
Finish June IB challenge
X’s & O’s#1 & #2: bind
Quilt for Kelly Young’s new book
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Are you going??? This Quilt Show is known to be one of the best!!! It’s in Red Deer. On Friday, May 12 & Saturday, May 13.
Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park
4847 – 19 St. Red Deer Alberta T4R 2N7
I’m super excited about this show. My friend, Carmen, who owns Prairie Spirit Alpacas, will be there with her Alpaca/wool pressing mats …. If you see her … say “hi” and tell her that you “know” me! 😀.
PLUS: she will be selling a lot of my patterns!
PLUS: she will have this quilt there … It’s made with the Baby Stars pattern in Island Batik fabrics and the batting is Alpaca fleece. It will be a super super warm quilt!!! It was quilted on my domestic Janome M7. The Alpaca fleece certainly gives the quilting great texture! The fleece was doubled for this quilt, but I think it would have been just as good, if not better, with a single layer!
And this is my Friday Finish!
This is the original Baby Stars, it’s the picture you’ll see on my pattern … photo credit: Jerry Khiev, Island Batik.
Let me know if you buy a pattern, a mat, or some wool … buy some alpaca batting if you want to try it!
Retreat
I just came back from a 4 day retreat! LOTS of fun!!! I’ll tell you all about it on Sunday!
At the beginning of the year, when I got my first 2 Island Batik boxes for 2023, I had a “Surprise” package:
I didn’t know what fabric collection was hidden inside the wrapping!
This is what I found when I opened it: and yes, I ohhh and ahhh’d over it! I LOVE these beautiful fall colours!
The collection is “Sandalwood” designed by Kathy Engle for Kari Nichols of Quilting Renditions. And the collection is paired with 2 yards of Dijon (from Opulent Oranges) and 2 yards of Mocha (from Neutrals).
I also received the Wedge Star tool from Studio 180. So many options to play with!
And as an ambassador, I was also able to get the extra Technic Sheets that accompany the tool. Studio 180 also has a plethora of videos that go with all of the tools and several of the Technic Sheets! So, if you have a Studio 180 tool and are not sure how to proceed, visit the videos for clear instructions. HERE.
I followed the directions and started making the stars … sewing and trimming …
My first 3 blocks and then the start of the “Twisted Wedge Star” on my Prairie Spirit Alpaca/wool pressing mat.
One thing that I was totally amazed at was how, after all the sewing and trimming most of the blocks had PERFECT centres. If you know me at all … this is totally amazing! I was SOOOOOO excited!! It’s no wonder that I LOVE Studio 180 tools!
It was SEW much fun to make all these blocks that I didn’t take the time to photograph many progress pictues!
All in all, I made 6 Wedge Stars and 6 Twisted Wedge Stars. I used all 20 of the fabric skews in the top! The back used 3 of the skews and the Dijon yardage that was paired with the collection.
When the top was pieced together, I pulled out a batt of Hobbs Batting 80/20 (I buy this by the roll and I receive lots of Hobbs batting as an ambassador I LOVE Hobbs batting! and sandwiched the quilt using 505 spray baste!
And the quilting began … NOTE: many people think I have a long arm … I don’t !! I quilt on my Janome M7. I had my husband take pictures fo there is some proof! (grin)
Schmetz Needles, Microtex Chrome 70/10, was used for the quilting. I know that a LOT of people think that you need a larger needle when quilting batiks, but you don’t. These needles work great!
You can see the Aurifil Thread 2370 (Sandstone) that I used to quilt this quilt.
Here is the final quilt:
And with the fall colours, the only place to take a ‘fall-ish” picture was pinning the quilt to the wood pile. I didn’t think the rose coloured tulips or the ornamental cherry blossoms would look great with this quilt! This wood pile will be cut and split in the near future … all ready for next winter!
The back and close-up of the quilting:
Quilt Stats:
Size: 43″ x 57″
Fabric: Sandalwood Collection, with Moocha (sashing & borders) and Dijon (in some blocks & backing)
Backing fabrics: Dijon, Berries Gold Oc re, Pine Leaves Cone Gr, & Rock Yellow Amber
Binding: Various greens from the Sandalwood Collection for a scrappy binding.
If you are interested in the Sandalwood fabric line, it can be found at the following stores. Many many other stores carry Island Batik and specifically Sandalwood fabrics, but I’ve kept my list to Washington State and Oregon – stores within my driving distance! The fabrics should be shipping soon!
Creative Union Fabric, Port Townsend, WA
Creekside Quilts, Gales, OR
Will-n-Bee’z, Salem, OR
To find stores that carry Island Batik fabrics, check the store locator HERE.
One Canadian Store that carries many of the collections seen in this blog hop is Lori’s Country Cottage. I visit it almost every time I visit my sister!
Lori’s Country Cottage, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA
Are you determined to finish a bunch of UFOs and to NOT increase the number of quilts or projects on your UFO list???
Congratulations on making that choice!!!
Let’s Get ‘er Done!
So, we’ve all got this list of UFOs to do. And we have the list of “NEW Starts in ’23” … Are you feeling overwhelmed?
We’re a third of the way through the year! Do you have a third of your UFOs done? It’s OK if you don’t, this isn’t a challenge where you have to get one done each month, but it does help.
So, let’s take one of your UFOs. It won’t get done sitting in it’s box, or stashed under the bed, or in the back of the closet. Get it out!
Decide what do you need to do? Can you start where you left off? Do you need to figure out where you left off? Whatever it is, DO IT!!!
Your UFO will get finished the same as everything else … one stitch at a time. Take the time to do at least 15 minutes of stitching today … if you can stitch for 30 minutes, then that’s even better!
Let’s get at least ONE UFO done before the end of May! Sound good?
My Brother in Law, Dale, LOVES puffy quilts! He Loves bright and cheerful quilts. I gifted him the puff quilt that I made for the February Island Batik challenge. Obviously, their little dog, Brûlée, loves it as well! You can read more about this Puff quilt 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!
I missed 1 days this week because I was travelling, so that was a total of 3 days missed so far this year!
January – March: 90 / 90
April: 27 / 30
Total: 117 / 120
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!
May IB challenge : Sandelwood and the Wedge Star tool
June IB challenge (The luscious teal and green 10″ stack)
Xs & Os.#1 & #2. – cut with Accuquilt dies
Quilting: These are all sandwiched and ready to quilt …
IB Catalogue Quilt (not shown)
Nutcracker
Bird Panel
Current Blog Hop
Island Batik Blog Hop: Tool Craze: This Blog Hop starts TOMORROW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My day is May 9
Each Ambassador was given a 1/2 yard of each fabric in a collection, along with coordinating fabric, as well as a Studio 180 tool … It’s going to be fun to see what each person creates!
If you visit Island Batik’s blog, HERE, you have an opportunity to win some awesome fabric. These fat quarter bundles are soooooo beautiful!!!
Here’s the list of who’s participating in the blog hop this week:
This is my finished Bonnie Hunter Mystery: Chilhowie. I used scraps of Island Batik to make this. Interestingly, I still have a LOT of scraps left!!!
Quilt Stats:
size: 78″ x 78″
fabrics: Island Batik scraps from many collections
batting: Hobbs 80/20
Quilted and Pieced with Aurifil thread #2600: Dove Grey
Wild Quilting: anything goes.
When you make a quilt as busy as this one, it’s a great quilt to do wild or graffiti quilting. It was a LOT of fun to quilt!!! I demonstrated wild quilting at a guild function … it was fun to have different people tell me what to quilt next. And yes, I did have a page full of motifs that are appropriate for wild quilting!
We were challenged to make a Crazy Quilt using the Colour Builder thread set that Aurifil provided us with! The project could be any size and anything! We were to use decorative stitches to highlight the thread.
I was given “Golden Shrimp Plant.” This plant is from Peru and is “also known as the Golden Candle Plant ... It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and is resistant to deer… it is a popular houseplant.” This information and the pictures below are from Aurifil: https://www.aurifil.com/golden-shrimp-plant
I decided to use a 10″ stack of Island Batik‘s Opulent Orange. Aren’t they absolutely gorgeous? I paired it with “Marble Frog.” I originally was thinking grey or black, but I really liked Marble Frog much better!
First, I cut (20) 10″ squares of Hobbs Batting, 80/20 batting.
20 squares of Opulent Orange were divided into groups of 4.
I pressed all of the squares on my Prairie Spirit Alpacas mat. Then I chose a group of 4 squares and placed them on the cutting mat.
Then I randomly cut the stack of 4 squares. Then I arranged the fabrics so that each one was in a different location. The top left segment had the top fabric placed to the bottom of the pile. The top right segment had the top 2 fabrics placed to the bottom of the pile. The bottom right segment had the top 3 fabrics placed to the bottom of the pile. Each set of blocks (there are 4) was pinned to a 10″ square of batting
Then the Quilt-as-you-go started.
the first 2 pieces were sewn with right sides together
the seam was pressed
A decorative stitch was sewn from end to end
The next pieces were sewn into place. First the gold fabric, then the orange fabric
The block was then squared to 9 1/2” square. A 1/2” line was drawn around the cut block. The picture shows both the 3/4” line and the 1/2” line. You only need to mark the 1/2” line. Cut the sashing strip at 2″ wide. The sashing was lined up against this line and sewn on with a 1/4” seam. The last picture shows the sashing pressed into place.
I used my Stitch in the Ditch foot to guide the stitches and Schmetz Needles for the stitching.
A KID IN A CANDY SHOP!!!
I had a blast picking different decorative stitches to use! I used over 100 different stitches. I remember when I bought my Janome M7, they were emphasizing how many decorative stitches it had. I laughed! When would I ever use them?? Well, now the laugh is on me. I used almost every one!
I was telling my husband how much fun it was to use all the different stitches. He said I was behaving like a Kid in a Candy Shop! So that’s name of the quilt!
The picture below shows the variations of the different threads.
A photo shoot on the rocks in my neighbours front yard.
Judy sent me her pictures from the retreat! The first ones are the view from the house, the house, and a garden down the road. The next is an example of the yummy food we had … and of course, pictures of quilts in the making!
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 – February: 59/ 59
March: 31 /31
April: 9 / 9
Percentage: 100%
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!
Well, I was at a retreat at Over the Rainbow last week and that’s just plain dangerous as far as fabric purchases go. I bought 5 yards of Island Batik fabric … a solid white and that yummy fan fabric. Plus I bought a panel that I’ll quilt in the near future (you’ve got a peek view of it at the top of the picture).
Nothing was finished this week, but LOTS of things in progress!
Fabric Used the past week: 0 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 51.5 yards from non-IB: 20
Fabric Bought this week: 5.5 yards
Fabric Added this year: 8.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 43 yards
Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.
To Do Tuesday
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
The To Do list from last week: I didn’t get a lot ticked off on my list … maybe this next week!
Quilt Melodic Mystery.Not Done partially done. Binding is ready
Quilt Gardenia.Not Done partially done
Bind ChilhowieNot Done binding is cut
Quilt Bird Panels.Not Done
Quilt NutcrackerNot Done
Finish April IB project.√ DONE. If it ever quits raining, I’ll take some pictures!!!!
Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing). Not Done
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE
This week’s list:
Sandwich, Quilt & Bind: IB Catalogue Quilt
Quilt Melodic Mystery. finish quilting and bind
Quilt Gardenia. This will be finished after I teach the class. It’s now hanging at Essem.
Bind Chilhowie
Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing).
X’s & O’s: Add Border, Quilt & Bind
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Are you determined to finish a bunch of UFOs and to NOT increase the number of quilts or projects on your UFO list???
Congratulations on making that choice!!!
Let’s re-visit Procrastination!
OK … this is me … today
This week I’ve been SEW busy, I honestly can’t believe where the time has gone!
First, it was working with the hosts of the SAHRR to choose the winners, contact the sponsors and just get everything organized. Finally, on Wednesday, the last piece was put into place. (see the list of winners below).
Then, I was attempting to finish 2 quilts before I leave for the retreat. Neither will get totally finished.
Next, I need to gather all the junk wonderful fabric and supplies that I want to take.
Project #1: cutting fabric, counting blocks, making sure that I have enough pieces (baby stars #2)
Same for Project #2. (X & Os)
Project #3 is ready. (haven’t touched it since I went to the last retreat!) (UFO – wallet)
Project #4 I need to figure out what thread I’m going to use for quilting … (Melodic Mystery)
Project #5. …. Really Gail, do you NEED to take 5 projects? But I will take the Island Batik catalogue quilt … just in case I run out of things to do!
This retreat has us doing our own cooking … so there was baking involved … and gathering food items.
I need clean clothes to take to the retreat – so there’s laundry to do …
So … what do I do now?
First, I need to take a deep breath and realize that I can’t do everything!!!
Prioritize what NEEDS to be done.
First, I can’t possibly finish the 2 quilts before I go. So they will have to wait.
My laundry must be done. I can’t take dirty clothes to a retreat when I’m surrounded by other people!
Do I really need to do the baking? Can I buy what I was going to bake? Of course I can!
Do I need to gather food items? Yes.
Do I need to prepare projects for the retreat? Absolutely!!!
My Tally Sheets
I finished 1 UFOs this month. It’s my SAHRR ’23!!! I’m in LOVE with this quilt! (it used Island Batik fabrics, Aurifil thread and Hobbs batting). You can read more about it HERE.
4 NEW starts were finished this month. The Little Green Apple Clam-Up bags, the bags for the guild, the Ruler Quilting Quilt and the Bargello Quilt. All used Island Batik fabrics, except for the bags for the guild.
If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.
Here’s a list of the winners! Congratulations to each one! And a special “Thank YOU” to all of the sponsors! We couldn’t have done it without your generous gifts!
Island Batik fat quarter bundle: Mari @ Academic Quilter
Island Batik fat quarter bundle: Julie Ann @ Quilts and Costumes
Island Batik fat quarter bundle: Janice @ Sing Read Sew.com
Hobbs Wool Batt: Bernie @ Needle & Foot
Aurfil Thread: Heather F
Oliso Mini Iron : Laura Kate @ Daily Fiber Fun
Pattern from For the Love of Geese (Denise): Dawn at Quilting by Dawn
Prairie Spirit Alpaca Pressing Mat: Diann at Little Penguin Quilts
Gift Certificate of choice from Chris: Carol @ Quilt Schmidt
Fat Quarter Shop Gift Certificate: Gretchen from Gretchen’s Little Quilts
MSQ Gift Certificate from Roseanne: Joy at The Joyful Quilter
And again, the picture of Roseanne, Anja, Gail & Emily doing the draw! We had the list, a random number generator and a fun time!
Roseanne (top left), Anja (bottom left), me (top right) and Emily (bottom right) got together by zoom to choose the winners. We had the list of participants, the linky parties they joined, the list of prizes and a random number generator! It was fast, fun and great to “meet” each other!
Not all winners have responded to me (I contacted them either in their email, blog comments or IG accounts) and they have until Monday evening to do so. If we haven’t heard from them by then, then we will be drawing for more winners. Here is who I’m waiting to hear from: (please email me at quiltinggail@yahoo.ca). Thank you! All other winners have been notified.
Janice from Sing Read Sew.com
Laura Kate – Daily Fiber Fun
Diann at Little Penguin Quilts
If you know Janice, Laura Kate or Diann, please tell them to contact me! Thank you!
One Gift a Month Challenge
Days Filled with Joy is hosting this challenge. March’s gift is a Round Quilted Pot Holders. See HERE for the tutorial. And no, I haven’t started to think about what fabric I’m going to use!
Now that March is almost over … I’m sort-of wondering if I’ll make this gift? I made 2 in February – so does that count? LOL!!!
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 – February: 59/ 59
March: 26 /26
Percentage: 100%
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!
In the last 2 weeks, I’ve used 6 yards for the bargello quilt, 12.5 yards for the free motion ruler quilting quilt. and 2 yards for the “Little Green Apples”
No further fabric purchases since my last report;
Fabric Used the past 2 weeks: 20.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 51.5 yards from non-IB: 20
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 3 yards
Net Fabric used: 48.5 yards
Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.
To Do Tuesday
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
The To Do list from last week: I didn’t get a lot ticked off on my list … maybe this next week!
Quilt Melodic Mystery.Not Done
Quilt Gardenia.Not Done
Quilt ChilhowieNot Done I started this – did a short demo of wild quilting at a guild function.
Quilt Bird Panels.Not Done
Quilt NutcrackerNot Done
Start April IB project.√ DONE
Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing). Not Done
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
This week’s list:
The purple text items are my priority. If I get beyond those, I’ll be extremely happy!
Pack for the upcoming retreat!
Quilt Melodic Mystery.
Quilt Gardenia.
Quilt Chilhowie
Quilt Bird Panels.
Quilt Nutcracker
Finish April IB project.
Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing).
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
The May/June issue of McCalls Quilting is now on the magazine racks!
The quilt arrived at my house the same day that I found the magazine in the grocery store!! This is a picture of the quilt that I took in mid-October, the day before it was sent to Colorado for it’s photo shoot.
Island Batik fabrics are used for this quilt! Wild Blooms is the colourful fabrics and will be available in stores in May. The rich dark blue is “Ravine” and is perfect for setting off the star!
If you want the pattern for this quilt, it is included in the magazine!
Quilt Stats:
68″ x 68″
Hobbs 80/20 is in the middle
Quilted with Aurifil Thread
The back is “Ravine,” an Island Batik basic.
I was Featured!
Jennifer, from Inquiring Quilter featured my SAHRR quilt! I was thrilled to see that 4 other SAHRR quilts were also featured! See THIS POST for more details
This month’s challenge is to make something of our own choosing. I had SEW many ideas! The hardest part was choosing exactly what I wanted to do! I often do at least one extra Island Batik project each month, but this is a little different. I didn’t want the project to be suggested for a blog hop, but I wanted it to be something I’ve been wanting to do! SEW, I decided to do 2 different projects.
#1 Bargello Quilt
I was given a 2 1/2” strip set of Prairie Dreams. Isn’t it beautiful???? Island Batik also included 2 yards of Chalk and 2 yards of Slate.
I had recently seen a number of different bargello quilts. I wanted it to have a random, scrappy look, so I arranged the strips in a manner that I thought was fun. I added (2) 2 1/2” strips of Chalk and a 6 1/2” strip of Slate. Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of all the strips sewn together.
Here’s a picture of some of the strips at the beginning.
The strips were sewn into a loop. Then, I cut strips of various widths from 3″ to 1.” Then I arranged them on the design board, and “unstitched” one portion of each loop. Amazingly, I only had to re-sew one strip where I “unstitched” the wrong one!
Here’s a close-up of the walking foot quilting. I just did a ‘straight-ish’ line through each block.
If I was to make this quilt again, I would make the smallest cut 1 1/2” or 2″. The 1″ cuts were a bit small (for me!)
Binding: Island Batik “Slate”, Thread: Aurifil 2785
#2 Ruler Quilting
I’ve been wanting to improve my ruler quilting and have had the Jewel Quilt book for quite some time with good intentions to follow the book’ ‘s directions and make this quilt.
Prepping the fabric: I started out by cutting all of the fabric, using Island Batik solids with a different colour-way for each side of the quilt. Ghost is the only ‘non-solid’ that I used, but it reads as a solid. Then I sandwiched them with Hobbs Batting 80/20.
Side #1
Side # 2
grey
ghost
turquoise
green
pink
red
cobalt
dark grey
fuchsia
orange
After sandwiching each of the segments, I pressed them on both sides using my Prairie Spirit Alpacas pressing mat. It made them super smooth!
Marking the blocks: I tested a water soluble marker and then marked the blocks.
Here’s a picture of some of the first individual blocks in progress:
This project used a LOT of thread. No, not a full cone, but I use this thread a LOT … it’s my favourite go-to and it goes with just about every single fabric!
I used Aurifil Thread #2600, Dove Grey for all of the quilting. Schmetz Needles: 2 Microtex 80/12 were used for the quilting and binding. Why 2, you ask? Because about 3/4 of the way through, I could hear that ‘thud’ that indicates you need a new needle.
It was actually pretty easy to use the rulers on the small pieces. Sort of like your sample sandwiches when you’re learning to quilt. HOWEVER, once the blocks were quilted, they needed to be assembled in a quilt-as-you-go manner. This involved HAND sewing. UGGG!!!! My hands can only handle hand sewing for about 15 minutes – so sewing the blocks together took a LONG time.
Here is a picture of the scrappy binding being sewn on … only one Schmetz Needles Microtex Chrome 80/12 left … guess I might need to go shopping! (grin)
Here is the finish on one side … If you look closely at the grey segments, you’ll notice that the upper and lower segments are slightly different than the right and left segments. I had to add some variety!
And the finish on the opposite side. It’s totally reversible!
And some close up pictures!
I must admit, that I’m totally amazed that I quilted this quilt!!! It was certainly easier to do once I marked the fabrics. Generally, I’m a “no Mark” person and a “just go for it” person. But, it was certainly worth it!!
Yesterday was World Wide Quilting day … or International Quilting Day … or if you’re in the USA it was National Quilting Day. Whatever … a day to celebrate quilting.
The SAHRR ’23 has come to an end. For those that want to link to the Parade, the linky closes Monday at midnight. See THIS POST to link up. Later in the week the co-hosts and I will be meeting to randomly choose the winners of the generous gifts provided by our sponsors. We will all announce them afterwards.
One Gift a Month Challenge
Days Filled with Joy is hosting this challenge. March’s gift is a Round Quilted Pot Holders. See HERE for the tutorial. And no, I haven’t started to think about what fabric I’m going to use!
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 – February: 59/ 59
March: 19 / 19
Percentage: 100%
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!
In the last 2 weeks, I’ve used 6.5 yards for the SAHRR and the same for Baby Stars … for a total of 13 yards.
No further fabric purchases since my last report;
Fabric Used the past 2 weeks: 13 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 31.5 yards from non-IB: 17
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 3 yards
Net Fabric used: 28.5 yards
Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.
To Do Tuesday
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
The To Do list from last week:
Sandwhich Gardenia√ DONE
Melodic Mystery: Sandwhich √ DONE
Chilhowie: start quilting. √ DONE
Quilt Bird Panels.Not Done
Quilt Nutcracker.Not Done
Finish March Island Batik Challenge.√ DONE
Work on Little Green Apples blog hop project. √ DONE
Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing) Not Done
Bind SAHRR ’23√ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
This week’s list:
The purple text items are my priority. If I get beyond those, I’ll be extremely happy!
Quilt Melodic Mystery
Quilt Gardenia
Quilt Chilhowie
Quilt Bird Panels.
Quilt Nutcracker
Start April IB project
Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing)
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
TGIFF is Thank Goodness Its Finished Friday. There is a linky party every week.
You can link up your FINISHED project here. The link opens at 2 PM (PST) and will remain until midnight (PST) on Saturday, March 18. I can’t wait to see your finishes!!
Earlier this week, I showed you a picture of my finished SAHRR ’23!
I’m in LOVE with this quilt! It was so fun to host the SAHRR with 5 blogging friends! I couldn’t have done it without them!
My blog post with the Parade of all of the finished (or almost finished) SAHRR can be found HERE. I started this quilt in the fall, and with the recent finish, it counts as one of my completed UFOs! YAY!!!
Quilt Stats
Size: 48″ x 58″
Pieced and Quilted with Aurifil Thread #2311 – Muslin
Hobbs 80/20 batting inside
All pieced blocks and appliques were cut with Accuquilt dies
Go! Birds (BBQG guild)
Rose of Sharon. (BBQG guild)
Qube 8″ dies (my collection)
Fabric used: Baby Bloomers collection (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton) along with solid white
I used the Island Batik fabrics from the Baby Bloomers collection (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton) along with solid white.
When I had the guild’s Accuquilt, I originally cut out the birds and flowers for the centre block. I then proceeded to cut out more shapes. When I put in the coping strips, I purposely made them wide enough for the small appliqued shapes. Once the shapes were added, I then quilted the quilt, ensuring that the appliqued shapes were quilted into place. It was actually fun to do!
Here’s a close up of some of the quilting! It was so fun to quilt!!!
Now, you Need to go to the co-hosts blogs and see their quilts! Their links are in the schedule below.
March 13: Parade – showing all of your finished SAHRRs! HERE!!!
Linky Party
Here’s the Linky party so you can see everyone’s Finished Quilts … or partially finished quilts! The Link party is open until midnight on March 20. A few days following, the SAHRR hosts are zoom meeting to choose the winners of the wonderful prizes provided by our sponsors.
This is what Jacomina had to say (she didn’t make it in time for the Round 6 blog post): “The squares within squares are made. The round is not yet fully ready. I used up the braid from the scrap bags first to add some filler rounds.Now I am very curious what you will make us do this week as that scrap bag has lots of strips already sewn together and it would be fun to use them too. By now it has become a triple challenge: the assigned blocks; the retirement ladies scrap bags; and my own green orange improv crumb blocks“
Here’s what she said when she sent in the final picture: “Top done. Almost all from donated fabric or cuttings on my table so I will pass it on for donation. Hopefully someone will enjoy this mix of fabrics, blocks and focus on finding little gems in the scrappy blocks or the Thanksgiving border. I will also use donated fabric for the back and binding. Thanks for a fun challenge.”
And then she sent a picture of her back! So fun!
Ioleen’s has definitely a ‘heart-felt’ theme! She says “I will be adding a small border.” And the 2nd picture has the borders added!
Charlene is loving hers! (Can you blame her? LOL)
Here’s what Kathy P has to say, “have attached my row of pinwheels for this week. It is always a fun block to do, versatile and has a lot of movement, just digging thru my “grab” bag contents to find more colorful fabrics to put in my baby quilt top. Now to tie them all together by next week.“
Enclosed is a near final photo of my baby quilt that becoming a very large “baby” quilt. Need to get the upper section larger so it goes with the center panel. I had set the hourglass block before the square in a square row info came out so that row works for both weeks. I substituted the “attic window” for a challenge instead, now to get the upper portion to fit the center panel. Note to self: “Chasing fabric when working from the grab bags makes the project a lot harder.“
Here’s what Heather has to say, “Thanks for a fun round Robin. Top is finished. Hope to quilt it in the next week or so “
Here’s Chere’s! She says “Just enough fabric to finish!”
Sarah says, “It’s a flimsy. I really like how this came together. The hourglass blocks have been exiled to the parts department, and I skipped the pinwheels. This is supposed to be for my daughter for Christmas, but we’ll see.”
Quilt Stats
Size: 48″ x 58″
Pieced and Quilted with Aurifil Thread #2311 – Muslin
Hobbs 80/20 batting inside
All pieced blocks and appliques were cut with Accuquilt dies
Go! Birds (BBQG guild)
Rose of Sharon. (BBQG guild)
Qube 8″ dies
Fabric used: Baby Bloomers collection (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton) along with solid white
Our Wonderful Sponsors
Here’s a list of the sponsors and their generous gifts!
The Linky party for the 2023 SAHRR is open until March 20. Following that, the co-hosts and I will zoom together, use a number generator and choose who wins the wonderful gifts from our sponsors. We will announce the winners on our blogs.
This quilt was finished quite a while ago for Island Batik’s catalogue. Quite awhile ago, I designed it, made it and sent it to California for it’s own photo shoot. Jerry Khiev of Island Batik always does a fabulous job with the photography and makes the quilts look fantastic!
This was made with the Bamboo Blooms collection by Kathy Engle and to quote Island Batik’s Instagram post, “Inspired by the classic Asian motifs, the line features mums, cherry blossoms, and ginkgo leaf designs in a vibrant color palette of pink, magenta, blue, turquoise and green that are sure to make a statement.”
It truly is a fabulous and fun collection.
Bamboo Blooms is available at the following stores. The stores may have Strip Sets (2.5″ strips), Stacks (10″ squares) or yardage.
A Royal Quilt Shop: Longs, SC
Appletree Fabrics, Auburn, MA
Cotton & Chocolate: Sim Valley, CA
Creations Quilt Shop: Clouquet, MN
Pine Tree Quilt Shop: Salem, NH
Sew N Bee Cozy-AK: Seward, AK
Swifty Stitches-CA: Carmichael, CA
Quilt Stats:
Size: 44″ x 44″
Cut with Accuquilt 8″ Qube dies
Pieced and Quilted with Aurifil Thread
Free Motion Quilted on my domestic Janome M7
Hobbs 80/20 batting is on the inside
Quilt Pattern is available with both regular rotary cutting and Accuquilt directions. Please email me if you are interested (quiltinggail@yahoo.ca)
Bea announced this annual blog hop in mid January and here’s what she has to say about it, “The theme is supposed to mean that you look at your shelf of quilt books and find an old one or one you haven’t used in a while and “dust it off” and then make something from the book, it could be that you like the block of a quilt but not the 80s colors or maybe you like the colors but not the quilt or the size or whatever, the book is just supposed to INSPIRE you to make something.”
By the way, I don’t know if any of you follow Bea Lee (@ Bea Quilter) but she is a fabulous designer! If you have any Accuquilt dies, she has a plethora of them and most of her designs use them! She’s well worth following!
Anyhow, back to the blog hop. I’m sure this is one of the first books that I purchased after I graduated from nursing school and was newly married. I’m sure I’ve looked at it several times, I’ve never made anything from it … until now!
This book was published in 1979. And the promise of an 8 Hour quilt was appealing.
I had a 10″ stack of this beautiful Island Batik fabric collection called “Constellation” and I’ve been dying to open it and start to use it! I was also given 2 yards of “Ice” that co-ordinated with this stack and I used it as well.
True to how I make quilts, I didn’t follow the directions … I made rectangles using the 10″ squares and squared them to 9″. I also did not sew a 3/8″ or 1/2″ seams … I sewed a 1/4″ seam. I didn’t miter the corners of the borders and I didn’t use muslin. I also did not ‘envelope’ the quilt … I sandwiched it in my usual manner.
However, this was used for inspiration for a quilt for this blog hop!
I have no idea if this quilt took me 8 hours to make! I usually work on a couple of projects at the same time, but I do know that the top was put together easily in an afternoon … along with other projects being sewn! It was quilted and bound in an afternoon … so it might have taken me less than 8 hours!
Close-ups of the quilting. I used Silly Moon “Twinkle” for ruler quilting the stars and meandered between them.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 42″ square
Fabrics: Island Batik “Constellation” and “Ice”
Piecing and Quilting: Aurifil #2600 (Dove Grey)
Quilting Rulers: Silly Moon “Twinkle”
Batting: Hobbs 80/20
Binding: Fabric: “Harbour” and Aurifil 2775 (Steel Blue)
Have you been following the Stay At Home Round Robin? Last week was Round #6: Pinwheels. I’m using fabric collection “Baby Bloomers” (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton). I absolutely LOVE the fabrics in this collection! On March 13, we will have a parade of all the SAHRR quilts! It’ll be fun to see all the different ones!
One Gift a Month Challenge
Days Filled with Joy is hosting this challenge. March’s gift is a Round Quilted Pot Holders. See HERE for the tutorial.
Here’s my January and February gifts:
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 – February: 59/ 59
March: 5 / 5
Percentage: 100%
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!
In the last 2 weeks, I’ve used 6 yards for the star quilt, 1/2 yard for the heart pouches and 2 yards for the bags …
I’d be lying if this meme was still true! I needed backing. I knew exactly what I needed an my husband went and picked it up … so (maybe) I could technically say I haven’t bought any fabric yet this year … but in reality, I did send my husband to the store for it!
Fabric Used this week: 8.5yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 18.5 yards from non-IB: 14.5
Fabric Bought this week: 3 yards
Fabric Added this year: 3 yards
Net Fabric used: 24 yards
Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.
To Do Tuesday
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is now hosting “To Do” every week.
The To Do list from last week:
Finish Gardenia to flimsy stage. √ DONE
Melodic Mystery: Finish top. √ DONE
Chilhowie: start quilting. Not Done
Quilt Bird PanelsNot Done
Quilt NutcrackerNot Done
Start March Island Batik Challenge.√ DONE
Start Dust off a Quilt Book project. √ DONE. and blog post written
Work on Little Green Apples blog hop project. √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
This week’s list:
For me, this list is big … it’s what’s on my To Do list, but the ones with purple text are my priority. If I get beyond those, I’ll be extremely happy!
Sandwhich Gardenia
Melodic Mystery: Sandwhich
Chilhowie: start quilting.
Quilt Bird Panels
Quilt Nutcracker
Finish March Island Batik Challenge.
Work on Little Green Apples blog hop project.
Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing)
Bind SAHRR ’23
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
I actually have 23 finishes for today! What???? 23 you ask???
Well, yes. The guild has requested that members make small bags for our guild show in 2024. I went through some of my stash and found fabric that absolutely does not go with any other fabric that I have. I cut out the bags, marked the opening lines and used the bags as a ‘leader and ender’ project. It actually didn’t seem to take long to make them as they were done while I was working on other projects!
Scissors
Do you have good sewing scissors? I used to, but over the years, they have become “not so good.” Maybe from cutting paper patterns when cutting out fabric? Maybe someone ‘borrowed’ them without my knowledge. Whatever the reason … they are not like they should be.
One day in January, I was teaching at Essem and they had received some scissors. The price was very good and I thought I’d give them a try! Well, they are absolutely FANTASTIC!!!! They cut through fabric, like butter. So very smooth and very sharp!
I don’t see the scissors on the website, but I know if you contact them, they can send you some!
I’ll be Teaching
On March 25, I’ll be teaching “Hugs and Kisses” at Essem. Phone or email them to reserve your spot in the class! You can read more about this quilt HERE.
Winner of Island Batik Fabric
When I posted my February Island Batik Puff Quilt, (see HERE), I said I would have a give-away.
Today, I used a random generator and it chose #33, which is Carol. I have sent her an email and the fabric will be shipped to her within the next week.
Are you determined to finish a bunch of UFOs and to NOT increase the number of quilts or projects on your UFO list???
Congratulations on making that choice!!!
Do you Procrastinate????
Procrastination is how I often approach UFOs. Hmmm … unfortunately, it doesn’t work very well! And the UFOs sit there (or hide – in some cases) and don’t get done.
SEW … how can I move along and avoid procrastination? One of the most common ways to help avoid procrastination is to set up small goals, or tasks.
Here is one way that it can be tackled:
Pull out ONE UFO, just one. It could be the one that just needs a little bit of work, or it could be one that needs a LOT of work. The rest of the UFOs can rest and take a vacation, for now!
Then, set your mind to work on it for 10 – 15 minutes a day. That’s all. Once I’ve worked on it for 10 minutes or so, I can put it aside and work on my latest “this is fun to do” project.
SEW … I want you to pull out ONE of your UFOs and work on it for 10 minutes today. That’s all, just 10 minutes. Then tomorrow, work on it for 10 more minutes!
I PROMISE you will see progress!!!
My plan is to finish the SAHRR ’23 (just binding to do) and the KT quilt – that is being made and written for an upcoming mystery! Those are the items I’ll work on for 10 – 15 minutes a day!
My Tally Sheets
I finished two UFOs this month. 1: the Naturescape Lone Star and 2: the Sweet on You quilt. You can read more about them HERE and HERE. (These used Island Batik fabrics, Aurifil thread and Hobbs batting).
6 projects were started this month. One project started in January was finished and 1 that was started in February. They are both Gifts of the Month projects. I also started and finished the “Dust Off a Quilt Book” project, but I can’t show you that until the blog hop on the 7th.
If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.
Quilting Gail