Catching up …

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
  • A Secret Sewing Showing #1

    Last fall, I did some secret sewing and I couldn’t show you. The quilts were all made for the latest Island Batik catalogue. You can see all of the catalogues HERE. This quilt is in the Spring/Summer 2021 catalogue and the fabrics are available now.

    This first quilt is made with the Fancy Feathers collection, by Kathy Engle along with the basic, Rice. Aren’t these fabrics absolutely wonderful?????

    This quilt is called “Feather’s Chain.” Please contact me if you would like to buy the pattern. You could use a strip set (jelly roll) to make this quilt. The pattern also includes instructions on how to make the flange binding.

    Quilt Stats:

    • Size: 68″ x 68″
    • Batting: Hobbs 80/20
    • Thread: Aurifil
    • Quilting: Free Motion Quilted on my domestic Janome sewing machine.

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    Linking to:

    I’m Falling for You Blog Hop

    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 

    byAnnie Challenge

    This month, the Island Batik challenge is to make a bag. I choose to make the “Round Trip Duffle.” It is a pattern byAnnie. Island Batik and byAnnie made a kit with everything I need to make the Round Trip Duffle … I mean EVERYTHING!

    The Island Batik fabrics that I chose for the bag – from top to bottom are:

    • Peacock Feather – Teal (from the Proud Peacock collection)
    • Whip Cream (from the Neutral collection)
    • Peacock Mardigras (from the Proud Peacock collection)
    • Paisley Dot Celery (from the Proud Peacock collection)

    The key to making byAnnie bags is organization. A list of everything you need to cut is included in the pattern. I copied the list and attached it to each item as it was cut. Then I put it all up on my design wall so that it would be handy and easily found. The quilted pieces were on my ironing board.

    The next step involved making all the bag components … the straps, the pockets, and so on … I’m using Aurifil thread #1148 – Light Jade with Schmetz Needles.

    It’s getting exciting to see all the parts coming together!

    Once it was completed, my daughter had to put her dog, Daphne, in it … believe me, that didn’t last long! (The dog in the bag … the bag was not harmed!)

    I am very very happy with how this bag turned out! A friend of mine said, “It looks so professional.” That’s because byAnnie patterns are so well written! I hope to use this bag when I go on my next quilt retreat!

    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 

    PHD in 2021: August Report

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

    How are you doing with your PHD in 2021?

    Are you feeling overwhelmed with the number of UFOs? Try just taking one UFO and focus on it. Perhaps write down all the steps you need to do to complete it. Even if the list is LONG … tackle the first step. I promise that you will feel much better about it! Then later, or tomorrow, tackle the next step. Pretty soon it will be done!

    My PHD tally hasn’t changed a lot. Well, no UFOs are finished, but quite a few of the Starts in 2021 are completed. I’ve been working a LOT of my November Island Batik challenge. I am SEW glad that I started early! It’s taking a LOT of time and a LOT of concentration. You’ll see why in November.

    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!

    GROAN …. How do I choose which quilt is my favourite when I think I made 3 fantastic quilts? I know I’m biased … but I LOVE each one of these quilts!

    DrEAMi

    This month, I had a DrEAMi … (Drop Everything And Make it) This was a pattern from Sandra Walker (from Musings of a Menopausal Melon) and after seeing that several people made it … I just HAD to. The pattern is “Let Your Star Shine.” You can get the pattern from Sandra’s Etsy shop: HERE. It is a pretty quick quilt to make!

    A NEW Blog Hop

    Kelly Young has a AWESOME new book that has just been published. She is having a blog hop starting later in September. This book is fantastic! There are 22 mini quilts and they are SEW easy to make.

    If you check out Kelly’s blog, My Quilt Infatuation she has an overview of the book HERE.

    I have made one mini quilt for the blog hop and am in the process of making another for myself. I will show it to you after the blog hop is over. I don’t want to ruin the surprise of all the mini quilts that you will see during the blog hop.

    I must say that this book is really well written! (I have my own copy!) The directions are easy to follow and there are a ton of fun projects to make!

    If you live locally, Essem Textiles has the book in their store.

    I will be teaching classes of projects from this book in October at Essem Textiles. Dates are TBA.

    Rainbow Scrap Table Topper

    The monthly table topper is run by So Srappy. The colour for August was aqua. I wanted to try a paper pieced Storm at Sea block … so that’s what I made! It’s 15″ square. Made with Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs fusible batting and Aurifil Dove thread.

    Design Wall

    Piecing:

    #1. November Island Batik project

    It’s being paper pieced, and the project is a secret … but I can show you this …

    #2. Second project from Scrappy Improv … which I can’t show you until after the blog hop


    Quilting: 

    Nothing at the moment!


    Stash Report

    The backings from the 3 “favourite” quilts this month, plus the aqua table topper were all from my stash and totalled 11 yards.

    • Fabric Used this week     11 yards
    • Fabric Used this year:       99 yards
    • Fabric Bought this week:  0  yards
    • Fabric Added this year:      27.75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
    • Net Fabric used                  70.25 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

    I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day. Many days there are more than a few hours spent in my studio. We were away this past weekend, so there was 2 days that I did not sew.

    • January – July –  209/211
    • August – 26/29
    • Total: 235 / 240
    • Percentage = 98 % 

    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.

    The last To Do list: (from weeks ago)

    OK … so I had 2 weeks to accomplish my To Do list. I kept the list light because I want some more time to enjoy the summer! Consequently, it was easy to get it done. I’m keeping this week’s list light as well!

    1. Piece and Quilt Let Your Star Shine √   done 
    2. Start Aqua Table Topper for the monthly Table Topper challenge √   done 
    3. Start “Orange you Glad” project! √   done 
    4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   done 
    5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes      √   done  

    This week’s list:

    1. Complete Island Batik’s November project
    2. Complete 2nd Project from Scrappy Improv
    3. Prepare more fabric for Island Batik’s December project
    4. Write the directions for the guild’s Fall Mystery quilt
    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 

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

    Linking to:

    Orange You Glad: Blog Hop

    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:

    August: Try A Tool Blog Hop with Studio 180 Design!

    I received the “V Block” from Studio 180 Designs. I love this block … but what to do? What to make?

    I also received 2 Fat Quarter Bundles of Autumn Wings … along with 2 yards of coordinating Bubbles-Sahara (from the Blenders collection and 2 yards of Teal from the Basics collection. Autumn Wings should be available in the shops now and Bubbles-Sahara and Teal are available all the time.

    Aren’t these fabrics absolutely gorgeous? !!!

    I watched the video from Studio 180 on making the V-block and the High/Low blocks. As I was watching, I loved the block in the background. It had a pinwheel in the middle. No problem. I also have the Tucker Trimmer and I used it to make the half-square triangles.

    Here’s the design I came up with in EQ. But alas, I didn’t have enough of the Bubbles-Sahara fabric to use for the background. But I did have enough “Custard,” from a previous Island Batik shipment, so I substituted it.

    Here’s the first High/Low star that I made. I’m SEW impressed!!!! Using the Studio 180 tools, the blocks come out PERFECT. Look at how those seams nest together SEW nicely. It’s definitely not ME!!! I’m not a perfectionist. It’s using tools that make it work well! I’m liking them!!!

    I also used the V-block to make these 4-pointed star blocks and used the Tucker Trimmer to cut the 5 1/2″ blocks for the centers. On the design wall. I wasn’t sure that I liked the solid squares in the middle. So, I decided to make the rest of the High/Low blocks and see.

    Nope … I still didn’t like them. And while playing around with fabric, I decided that a square-in-a-square would be the block to put in the centre.

    I was able to buy a “Squared Square” Studio 180 tool and made the blocks quickly and easily. Much better, don’t you agree? (And now I’m happy to have another useful tool!)

    And the blocks ready to sew together! Along with a bunch of V-blocks for potential border treatment. Along with trialing the sashing strips.

    Some of the border blocks started (all V blocks), but not sewn together …

    Played around with the border blocks and liked this version better! And I added square in a square blocks on the corners (using the Squared-Square ruler).

    I used Hobbs, Tuscany Cotton Wool blend.

    It quilted like a dream … an absolute dream!!! Before I started quilting a put a fresh Schmetz needle in!

    Here is a picture of the quilting on my domestic machine (Janome M7) using Silly Moon’s “Rocket” to sew 1/4″ away from the star …

    All finished!

    I used Schmetz needles, Aurifil #2000 – Light Stand for the quilting and #4029 – Turf Green to sew on the binding.

    Remember that this fabric collection is called Autumn Wings … well it’s the middle of summer and autumn is a ways off … so I took this picture on my dried out lawn (the closest to having fall colours!)

    Make sure that you visit Mania from Mania for Quilts. She has the same fabric collection and her quilt is absolutely totally different than mine. She is very creative and talented!

    This Week’s Blog Hop Schedule

    Week 1:

    August 10:

    Mania for Quilts Autumn Wings

    Gail Sheppard Autumn Wings This is ME!!! You are already here!

    August 11:

    Elizabeth @ Epida Studio

    Preeti @ Sew Pretti Quilts

    August 12:

    Emily @ The Darling Dogwood

    Jennifer @ Curlicue Creations

    You could win!

    You have 2 opportunities to win … well, actually 4. Two from Island Batik and 2 from me. Click on the Rafflecopter link for opportunities to win either a 10″ stack of Butterfly Blooms or a 2 1/2″ Strip pac of Autumn Wings from Island Batik.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    In order to win one of these packages of fabrics from me, you must live in Canada (but outside of Quebec). They have at least 10 x 10″ pieces of Autumn Wings – some are much bigger. Reply in the comments answering the following questions: (I know some people are unable to respond in the comments – just send me an email and answer the questions).

    • Where in Canada do you live?
    • Have you ever won fabric from me before?
    • What would you do with the fabric?

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

    Thank you to the following companies for making this possible!

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    Unboxing: another Christmas in July!

    Island Batik’s July challenge was “Never Too Early” and I made a Christmas wreath. You can read about it HERE. And then the 2nd shipment of boxes arrived from Island Batik … truely like Christmas!!! OH … so much awesomeness!!!

    I truly believe that the Island Batik Ambassadors are totally spoiled with all that we receive! From the fantastic fabric to all of the quilting supplies from industry partners! Oh yes, we are spoilt!

    Here’s the video! This was filmed without me peaking into the boxes before they were opened!

    Here’s an overview of what was in my boxes!

    Aurifil Thread: 40 weight: Colour Builder: Pangolin. #2312 – Ermine, #6010 – Toast, #2360 – Chocolate

    Pangolin is an endangered species. In October, I need to do a project using these 3 threads!

    What is a Pangolin, you ask? Well, I had to look it up. The Pangolin a small animal, the size of a large cat or small dog. It is sometimes used for the meat, but mostly the scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine. There is a huge amount of illegal trafficking and the pangolin is considered Critically Endangered. Source.

    From Deb Tucker’s Studio 180, I received the V Block ruler. I love this block and I’m sure that the ruler will make the blocks perfect!

    I also received 2 Fat Quarter Bundles of Autumn Wings, an Island Batik collection designed by Kathy Engle. Along with 2 yards of coordinating Bubbles-Sahara (from the Blenders collection and 2 yards of Teal from the Basics collection. Autumn Wings should be available in the shops now and Bubbles-Sahara and Teal are available all the time. (Photo on the right). The Foundations collection (on the Left) coordinates with Autumn Wings and are available all the time!

    These fabrics are for a blog hop in August and I can’t wait to work with them. They are SEW gorgeous!

    A Surprise package! How fun!!! And more Foundation fabrics that will coordinate with the fabric inside the surprise! Looks like there might be some greens and purples in the Surprise! We’ll have to wait and see!

    4 yards each of black, white and grey solids. These are AWESOME. Wonderful solids and I use them a LOT!!!

    6 yards of RICE!!! I LOVE Rice! (the fabric, not the food!) It’s got hints of blue … AWESOME!!!

    Stash Builder bundles. There are 5 roles in each package and each roll contains 4 fabrics that are 5″ wide by width of fabric! They are such fun bundles to play with!!

    Hobbs Batting sends us a LOT of batting. They are SEW generous! And I love their batting. All of it!

    • 80/20 Bleached, Cotton Batting, Queen Size
    • Heirloom Fusible: Cotton Batting, Queen Size
    • Tuscany Collection: Cotton Wool Blend
    • Thermore: Thin polyester batting, Queen Size
    • Fusible Batting Strips

    ByAnnie is another industry partner and they provide EVERYTHING that we need to make one of their bags. There’s zippers, mesh, hardware, byAnnie Soft and Stable and MORE!!! This year, I choose the Round Trip Duffle. And, as the label says, this is for September!

    A HUGE THANK YOU to

    Aurifil Thread

    Deb Tucker’s Studio 180

    Island Batik

    Hobbs Batting

    ByAnnie

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Visit the other Island Batik Ambassadors to see their videos

    WEDNESDAY, JULY 21

    Best @ Best Quilter
    Pamela Boatright @ Pamela Quilts
    Jennifer Fulton @ Inquiring Quilter (that’s me!)

    THURSDAY, JULY 22

    Preeti Harris @ Sew Preeti Quilts
    Jane Hauprich @ Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting
    Emily Leachman @ Darling Dogwood

    FRIDAY, JULY 23

    Denise Looney @ For the Love of Geese
    Leah Malasky @ Quilted Delights
    Sally Manke @ Sally Manke Fiber Artist

    MONDAY, JULY 26

    Maryellen McAuliffe @ Mary Mack Made Mine
    Claudia Porter @ Create with Claudia
    Gail Renna @ Quilt Haven Threads

    TUESDAY, JULY 27

    Brianna Roberts @ Sew Cute and Quirky
    Andi Stanfield @ True Blue Quilts
    Jennifer Thomas @ Curlicue Creations

    WEDNESDAY, JULY 28

    Jennifer Eubank @ Archipelago Quilting
    Suzy Webster @ Webster Quilt
    Janet Yamamoto @ Whispers of Yore

    THURSDAY, JULY 29

    Elizabeth DeCroos @ Epida Studio
    Connie Kauffman @ Kauffman Designs
    Gail Sheppard @ Quilting Gail

    FRIDAY, JULY 30

    Joanne Hart @ Unicorn Harts
    Mania Hatziioannidi @ Mania for Quilts
    Michelle Roberts @ Creative Blonde

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    Summer Days

    I’m really enjoying our lovely summer days! It’s cooling off at night – so I think the weather is lovely! However, it’s so tempting to spend a LOT of time outside! The garden needs weeding, the tomatoes are ready for picking – almost every day!

    I finished my latest project for Island Batik! You can read more about it HERE. This wall hanging used Hobbs 80/20 batting, Aurifil thread, Schmetz needles and of course, Island Batik fabric!

    Are you following along with the Summer Mystery Quilt? You can see the latest clue HERE.


    Design Wall

    Piecing

    #1. August Island Batik project: Moving right along!

    #2. Country Panels: No work on it this week!


    Quilting: 

    #1 Amish panels: Lots of quilting done … not quite finished.


    Stash Report

    I didn’t need any more fabric this week and I only finished my Island Batik project which used 1 yard of fabric for the backing.

    • Fabric Used this week     1  yards
    • Fabric Used this year:       70 yards
    • Fabric Bought this week:  0  yards
    • Fabric Added this year:      27.75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
    • Net Fabric used                  42.25 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

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

    I have stitched for over 30 minutes all days this past week.

    • January – May–  180 / 180
    • July – 11 / 11
    • Percentage = 99 % 

    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:

    I did work on a few projects and was not distracted by squirrels! And the studio got a cleaning for 30 minutes! However, I think that I need to spend more than 30 minutes this week – but I’m going to leave my To Do list at 30 minutes! ~grin~

    1.   Work on Country Panels: not done
    2. Work on IB August project   √   done 
    3. Start quilting Amish Panel √   done 
    4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   done
    5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes     √   done    

    This week’s list:

    1. Add sashing to Country Panels
    2. Finish IB August top
    3. Finish quilting Amish Panel
    4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
    5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

    No further finishes. I started my August Island Batik project.

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

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

    Linking to:

    July: Never too Early!

    It’s Never to Early is the Island Batik theme for this month! And this is what the instructions said, “No one typically thinks of winter in the summertime but it’s the best time of all to get an early start on Christmas and holiday projects! No matter what special holidays you celebrate around the end of the year, this challenge has something for everyone.”

    I’ve always wanted to make a log cabin wreath. Like forever. And THIS is the year to make it. I googled Log Cabin Wreaths and there are a TON of patterns out there. But none that I really liked. SEW … EQ to the rescue.

    I drew my own block since I wanted the finished size of the blocks to be 7″ and I wanted the centre red square to be 1″ square.

    I gathered various Island Batik green scraps, some from Mystery, some from Napa Valley, the red is Wavy Dots Cherry BE. The light background is Coconut.

    It definitely needed a bow … so many to choose from! I found one I liked. It’s not perfectly even on both sides and that fits my style completely! Besides, when a bow hangs on a wreath, it’s never symmetrical. Well, at least mine aren’t!

    I decided to trapunto the bow and here is a picture of the extra backing being cut away. Again, I used Wavy Dots Cherry BE for the bow. Although, you can’t tell in the picture below!

    And, even though I absolutely HATE applique, that’s how it was sewn down. (I’ve been known to call it “CR-AP-plique!) An obvious sign that I need to practice it more! (right?)

    I decided to try a double batting to see if I could get the bow to pop out even more. So 2 layers of Hobbs 80/20 were used. And, the white stars popped out, but the green ones did not.

    In the centre and the 4 corner blocks, I used a Silly Moon “Twinkle” ruler for the stars. Then did a fairly small stipple so that the stars would pop. I used Aurifil #2600 – Dove to do this part. I quilted the stars in the green portions of the blocks with the same thread. Then I stippled with # 2890 – Very Dark Grass Green.

    Since it is July, this little wall hanging decided to lounge in the pool and hang out by the flowers …

    There’s more!

    This Fusible Batting Strip package from Hobbs batting inspired me to make a Christmas basket!!!

    Fabrics for the basket were some of the same fabrics I used for the log cabins above, some strips from stash builder bundles and a red large dot fabric that I bought at a booth selling Island Batik fabrics . (Obviously a few years ago since there have not been “in person” quilt shows for quite a while.)

    I started by joining 2 1/2″ strips of fabric together (the same way you would join binding. Then I pressed them in half. Opened it up, placed the batting strips on the wrong side of the fabric, folded the fabric and batting towards the middle and then in half … pressed it together.

    I tapered the end and sewed a 1/4″ seam along the edge of the strip. Then I placed about a 7″ piece together, scrunching the ends and started sewing. I used the Schmetz Microtex Chrome 70/10 needle and it sewed through all the layers like a dream!

    Once I had about 3″ of a flat surface, I started to curve up the sides.

    And here is the finished basket!

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


    Make sure that you visit the other Island Batik ambassadors for your holiday inspiration this month!!

    Megan Best ~ Best Quilter
    Pamela Boatright ~ PamelaQuilts
    Elizabeth DeCroos ~ Epida Studio
    Jennifer Eubank ~ Archipelago Quilting
    Jennifer Fulton ~ The Inquiring Quilter

    Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts
    Joanne Hart ~ Unicorn Harts
    Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania For Quilts
    Jane Hauprich ~ Stitch By Stitch Custom Quilting
    Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs

    Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
    Denise Looney ~ For The Love Of Geese
    Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
    Sally Manke ~ Sally Manke, Fiber Artist
    Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine

    Claudia Porter ~  Create with Claudia
    Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads
    Brianna Roberts ~ Sew Cute and Quirky
    Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde
    Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail

    Andi Stanfield ~ True Blue Quilts
    Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
    Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt
    Janet Yamamoto ~ Whispers of Yore

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    Progress ? Well yes … a bit …

    I have almost finished my July Island Batik challenge and here is a close-up of the progress. I’m using Aurifil #2600 (Dove) quilted on Island Batik Coconut and using Silly Moon’s “Twinkle” ruler. There are 2 layers of Hobbs 80/20 to make those stars pop!

    Design Wall

    Piecing

    #1 Town Table Topper: This panel will be a table runner … and yes, it is that curved! One of the main reasons that I highly dislike panels … they are NOT straight! And fudging is the main focus of putting them together! It is a UFO that is headed to the Finish line!


    Quilting: 

    #1 Island Batik July’s project: in progress

    #2 Amish panels: put into one quilt top, sandwiched and ready to quilt. (I decided that this is it … no more borders …)


    Stash Report

    No shopping, no buying … nothing finished … well, I did finish this panel, but I didn’t buy the fabric and I didn’t use any of my stash … so it doesn’t count.

    • Fabric Used this week      0  yards
    • Fabric Used this year:       69 yards
    • Fabric Bought this week:   0  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!

    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 – 20 / 20
    • 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: still waiting for the testing to be completed and double check fabric amounts
    2. Amish Panels: sandwich and prepare for quilting √   done
    3. Essem Panel: finish quilting and deliver it √   done
    4. July IB project: work on it √   done
    5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   done
    6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes    √   done    

    This week’s list:

    1.  Finish July Island Batik project.
    2. Finish piecing Town Table Topper
    3. Start quilting Amish Panel
    4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
    5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

    I was Featured

    Tish, the Madd Quilter from Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland featured this quilt … Thank you, Tish for the feature!


    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

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

    Linking to:

    Moving Along with Projects

    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 

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

    Linking to:

    New Finishes?

    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 

    Spread Love & Joy with AccuQuilt

    This month’s Island Batik challenge said, “Our partners from AccuQuilt are asking you to create a throw quilt as a gift of comfort! This can include anything from baby to memory quilts, but should be inspired by spreading love through quilting. The challenge for you is to use the 8” or 12” finished BOB dies from your Ambassador box, the GO! Qube 8″ Mix & Match Block and create a whole new pattern by combining the two!”

    I received the Maple Leaf die in my January box this year and the Go! Qube 8″ dies in the January 2019 box. Sew … what to do?

    EQ to the rescue …

    My original intent was to make a Canadian Quilt of Valour! So, obviously red maple leaves would be perfect.

    The top left was too busy. The top right had too much black. The bottom left had the blocks too close. So, I decided on the bottom right. Maple leafs with double pinwheels (without the 2nd colour), separated by a sashing and cornerstones.

    I used the Accuquilt dies to cut all of the pieces for the blocks. So very quick. And very accurate!!! Each block went together with ease.

    I made all the blocks …

    The maple leaves were all made with Island Batik’s “Wavy dots – Cherry BE” and white solid. The double pinwheels were made with all sorts of scraps with Custard as the background.

    It looked OK on EQ, but in real life … Not so much. I really, really disliked the two together! The white with red maple leaves were crisp and fresh looking and the double pinwheel blocks, although pretty, were just not a good match.

    SEW … I changed directions. I really liked the blocks together, but not the fabrics.

    I made 17 more double pinwheels using only the solid white and fabrics from the “Mystery” collection. Oh yes!!! I was MUCH happier!!! Much much happier!!!

    Of course, I forgot to take pictures of me cutting all of the pieces for the maple leaves and the double pinwheels, but I did take one of cutting the binding! The width of fabric fits perfect on the 2 1/2″ die. I placed 2 pieces of WOF on the die (total of 4 layers) and in less than 20 seconds, I had 6 perfectly cut binding strips. SEW easy, SEW quick, and perfect strips! (I pulled up the middle strips so that you could see them on the die.)

    Here’s a picture of the finished quilt. All ready to go to the guild’s Quilt of Valour coordinator.

    And here’s a closeup of the quilting …

    Quilt Stats:

    • 57″ x 72″
    • Island Batik fabrics: Solid white, solid grey, assorted fabrics from the mystery collection and for the cornerstones and binding, I used “Pinecone Dark Teal” from the Napa Valley collection.
    • Hobbs 80/20 batting
    • Aurifil Thread # 2000 (Light Stand) for piecing, # 2600 (Dove) for quilting
    • Schmetz Needles

    But wait … there’s more …

    What to do with all the double pinwheel blocks with the custard background? I made some super scrappy maple leaf blocks and made a 2nd quilt. This is going to a young couple that just got married.

    This one is quilted in a similar manner, but different!

    Quilt Stats

    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 

    FINALLY: Story-less Improv gets a facing

    Oh, I put off putting a facing on my improv piece. I haven’t faced a quilt before … so why not procrastinate and put it off? and wait a little longer? and put it off? and put it to the side so it’s not staring me in the face? Maybe it’ll just disappear and I’ll forget about it …

    Oh … it’s on my PHD chart of “Starts in 2021” and so in order to get my PHD in 2021, it does need to be finished. And a lot of my followers have seen me say in my “To Do” list that it needs a facing … for several weeks. Sigh …

    Last week in my PHD in 2021 May post, I talked about how one can easily be faced with procrastination. I wasn’t thinking about this project, but it fits!!!

    SEW … with a renewed determination to get it done, I decided to Google “How to Add a Facing.” The first link that showed up was a Youtube video from American Patchwork and Quilting. I grabbed a drink of water and started to watch it. You can see it HERE. AND my immediate reaction was

    HOW CAN IT BE THAT SIMPLE ????

    I quickly cut the squares for the corners and the side strips. I LOVE the fact that there are hanging triangles on ALL 4 corners, so I can easily change how I want it hung! I cut the squares at 4.5″

    Then I pinned the triangles and facings in place:

    The facings were pinned in place and I sewed as directed …

    Turned the facing and triangles to the backside.

    Then, the directions said to HAND stitch the facings down. OH NO!!! I hate hand stitching. What to do? I took my trusty Elmer’s disappearing glue and glued the facings down. If it holds for a period of time, I’ll be happy! If it doesn’t, well then I’ll pull out the black thread and hand stitch it down. But I’m crossing my fingers and hope that it holds!

    This little piece used Island Batik solids, Aurifil, dove for quilting and Hobbs batting.

    Design Wall

    Piecing

    #1 Amish panel: I’ve cut some of the blocks apart … I’m just deciding if I want to cut them all apart … Then I need to add black sashing …

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


    Quilting: 

    #1 Mystery Quilt … coming soon! This will be a mystery quilt that you can do over the summer. I’m still writing the pattern, but I think there will be around 10 clues. (This mystery was originally going to use fat quarters, but I’ve changed my mind and have gone in another direction … so it’s no longer called the “Bunny Fat Quarter Mystery.”


    Stash Report

    The backing of Story-less Improv used 1 yard as did the “Follow Your Own Path”

    • Fabric Used this week     2   yards
    • Fabric Used this year:       60 yards
    • Fabric Bought this week:  0  yards
    • Fabric Added this year:      24 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
    • Net Fabric used                  36 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

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

    I have stitched for over 30 minutes each day

    • January – May–  150 / 150
    • June – 6 / 6
    • Percentage = 100 % 

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


    TO DO 

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

    Last week:

    1. Follow Your Own Path: bind √   done
    2. SPEED DATING: ADD FACING GAIL: QUIT PROCRASTINATING!!! √   done
    3. Bunny Fat Quarters: Summer Mystery Quilt: finish writing the pattern partially   done
    4. June IB project: finish √   done
    5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   done
    6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes   √   done    

    This week’s list:

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

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

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

    Linking to:

    Getting the UFOs done!

    I finished another UFO.

    These are the hankies I bought in Thailand 7 years ago. You can see this in progress HERE and HERE.

    I used Island Batik “Lavender” for the sashings and border.

    And here is the finished wall hanging. Yes, I did quilt it to death in the background, but I wanted the main elements to pop. I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed quilting it!!!

    I used 3 different Aurifil threads to quilt this: #2315 (light Orchid), #1148 (Light Jade), and #2220 (Light Salmon).

    Hobbs 80/20 batting was also used.

    Continue reading

    Born to be Wild

    This fun Blog Hop is the inspiration of Carol from “Just Let Me Quilt.” Have you been following it? Tons and Tons of Wild eye candy!

    When Carol first announced this blog hop, I immediately KNEW exactly what I was going to do. A few of you may remember that I went to Africa in Sept., 2019. I bought some fabric there. You can read a little about my trip HERE.

    And wonder, of wonders, I mostly followed through on my plan for this blog hop!

    Here’s a picture of the fabric I bought when I was in Africa.

    fullsizeoutput_ba0
    Continue reading

    Quilt Modern! Blog Hop

    In March, I took an Improv class, hoping that I would learn something that I could use to make the quilt for this month’s challenge! And I did. (You can see information about that class and what I learned HERE. I decided to use the freehand curved piecing technique (more pictures below).

    The fabric I was given for this blog hop is Napa Valley, designed by Kathy Engle. I LOVE the colours! They are so rich! The motif’s on the fabric are so fun! There are grapes, wheat, pumpkins, corn, leaves and dots! Such a fun collection! And of course, the fabric is fantastic!

    I started by pairing an 8″ square of Napa Valley with an 8″ square of Island Batik grey solid. Then I free-hand cut the quarter circles.

    I sewed the print and the grey together without using pins. In the picture below, you can see the print of the inner circle with the grey on the outer circle. The reverse is just below it. The blocks were then trimmed to 6 ¾”.

    The blocks were arranged on the design wall. And, I forgot to take a picture! The quilt was webbed together, sandwiched and then the quilting began. I used Hobbs Heirloom Natural Cotton batting.

    I used Schmetz Quilting Needle 90/40 for both the piecing and the quilting.

    All of the quilting happened on my domestic machine: Janome M7 Continental. Aurifil #2600 (Dove) was used. I love how is contrasts slightly with the grey solid fabric!

    And, a close up of the quilting

    And a picture with the last of the pink “snow” (cherry blossoms)


    You have 2 chances to win fabric!

    1. Island Batik is giving away precuts of Glacier Bay: Click on the Raftercopter link
    a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

    2. From Me! If you want to win fabric from me you have to be from Canada (and sorry, not Quebec). In the comments, answer the following questions: (they won’t be published)

    • where in Canada do you live?
    • have you made a modern quilt?

    For those of you that have difficulty leaving comments, you can email me with your answers (quiltinggail@yahoo.ca)

    Each entry will be given a number and I’ll use a random number generator to pick the winner.

    I’m giving away 19 pieces of Napa Valley that are 8″ x 9.5″

    Next:

    Be sure to visit Emily at the Darling Dogwood. She used the same collection of fabric and her quilt is stunning! And totally different than mine!


    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 

    Outstanding Blogger Post & Weekly Report

    Emily, from the Darling Dogwood, nominated me! I must confess, someone nominated me a few weeks ago, and I couldn’t find the blog post … sigh … so I didn’t follow up. (Sorry, whoever you are! …) The purpose of the Outstanding Blogger Award is to applaud our fellow bloggers and learn more about them by answering questions that are asked.

    Here are the questions that Emily asked:

    1. Do you still have your first quilt? No. I made my first quilt when I was 17. I designed it with scraps in my mother’s scrap drawer and used gingham in part of the blocks. It was backed with the ugliest fabric (translate into cheapest) that we could find. It was tied. I had no idea what I was doing. No one showed me what to do. I used the quilt throughout my years in nursing school. I remember it became the dogs blanket at one point and was either buried with her or destroyed.

    2. What is something on your Quilty Bucket List? I’ve always wanted to make a Storm at Sea! And, I hope to make one later this year.

    3. Is there a color or fabric style that you really dislike working with? I used to hate working with orange. But orange goes nicely with so many other colours … and when I’m using Island Batik fabrics … well, what can I say … it’s growing on me.

    4. Do you have a favorite traditional quilt block? The quick answer to this question is no. I don’t have ONE favourite block. I have several … Log Cabin, Pinwheels, Friendship Star, 8 point star … and the list goes on.

    5. What one non-quilting thing about you that your readers might not know? I was a swimming instructor and lifeguard prior to going into nursing school. I also scuba dived at that time. I played the oboe and bassoon when I was in middle and high school.

    Who to nominate? I have a zillion blogs that I follow … and I honestly couldn’t say that I know who has or has not been nominated …

    • Anja @ Anja Quilts
    • Velda @ Freckled Fox Quiltery
    • Karen Neary @ Sew Karenly Created
    • Michelle Roberts @ Creative Blonde
    • Jennifer Eurbank @ Jennifersewing.wordpress.com

    If you choose to accept the nomination, here are your questions:

    1. What inspired you to make your first quilt?
    2. What inspires you to make your quilts today?
    3. Do you use software to pencil to design your quilts? (or patterns)
    4. Which quilt is your favourite?
    5. Tell us something about where you live that is fantastic!

    Scrappy Table Runner is Completed!

    Light blue was the chosen colour for this month’s Table Runner. The pattern is from QUILTsocial and you can find it HERE. I also talked about this runner HERE.

    After I had this quilt top done, I saw my Studio 180 “Split Recs” ruler. It’s still in the package. I’ll have to pull it out and try it. I suspect that I will prefer the Studio 180 method, but I do need to try it to be sure!

    I used Scraps from my Island Batik box with Coconut as the neutral. The batting is Hobbs Poly Down and it is quilted with Aurifil #1148 (light jade). I didn’t have a light blue Aurifil, but the Light Jade was a perfect fit!

    I will be linking to The Joyful Quilter.

    Continue reading