In September, when I was at a retreat at Loon Lake, I was given a little mini charm pack. I immediately arranged them and sewed them together as leaders and enders. It didn’t take long and I soon had a rectangle of cute little squares.
They have been sitting on my sewing table since the retreat. I’ve moved them a few times, more than a few times! A few months ago, I got out the fabric that would be the lining for a future little bag. Another day, I choose the zipper that I would use. These 3 components got moved a LOT, but always to a different spot on my sewing table.
Finally, I got sick and tired of moving them around! I found some scraps of Hobbs 80/20 batting and spent about an hour making this little bag!! YAY – it’s finally done!!!!!
And the opposite side, with a peak of the lining:
And, it is no longer on my sewing table!!!
Favourite Finish of the Month
Each month, Yvonne, @ Quilting Jetgirl, hosts a Linky party where people link a picture of their Favourite Finish of the Month. It’s well worth going to have a look!!! There is a ton of talent showcased and lots of eye candy.
This month, can you believe it? I only have one favourite finish!!! Usually I have several and can’t decide. You can read more about this quilt on THIS POST.
Don’t Forget:
I am a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
As an Island Batik Ambassador, I receive a lot of thread from Aurifil Thread, plus, I have purchase lot of it from Carola when she vends at quilt shows. And recently, the small fabric store (Essem) that I occasionally teach and work at is also selling Aurifil thread. Yup, I do LOVE it!
Karen Neary is a Canadian Aurifil seller. She is prompt and thorough with her products. It’s well worth visiting THIS POST to see some beautiful creations using Aurifil Thread. I was able to purchase some Monofiliment (invisible) thread from her! Karen recently posted this picture on Facebook to illustrate the various thread weights.
From Left to Right, the weights are. 12. 28. 40. 50. 80. I use 50 weight for piecing and either 50 or 40 weight for quilting.
She also sent me this … which explains what the bottom (print side) or label on the Aurifil Thread spool is all about:
A Finish!
January’s colour for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge is Pink (see So Scrappy). I started 2 projects using my Island Batik Scraps … and this one is finished.
This quilt was made with the Accuquilt die “Glorified 9 Patch.” Of course, using the die makes sewing curves so very easy!!!
I used Aurifil Thread for piecing and quilting.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 35″ x 35″
Fabric: Scraps of pink Island Batik and Island Batik Solid White
I’m hoping to teach this quilt at Essem in March. Class participants will use the Accuquilt Die to cut PERFECT pieces and learn how to piece curves together easily. Contact Essem Textiles if you are interested in the class.
Don’t Forget:
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
Kathleen has chosen Prompt 1. She chose it according to the first initial of her name. “K.” And she has chosen King’s Cross.
But WAIT!! I didn’t want to do a “K” block. So …
I chose the first initial of my name; “G.” After looking at the “G” blocks in Quilter’s Cache, I settled on “Geese.” I actually did migrating geese and followed Deb Tucker’s Youtube video HERE.
I did the migrating geese and trimmed the geese blocks to 6 1/4” x 13 3/4“. My centre block is 12 1/2” unfinished. I figured to fit the geese blocks onto my centre block, I need to add 1″ to each side. I cut 4 strips 1 1/2” wide and added them to the centre block. The corner stones are 6 1/4” x 6 1/4“.
This round finishes at 26″ x 26.”
The Schedule
January 13: The links for the Centre blocks are on THIS POST.
March 24: Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
Link Party
You can find this week’s Link party at Kathleen’s blog: Kathleen McMusing
Pictures of other participants
Please note that future pictures need to be sent to me by midnight on Saturday. Thank you.
Rosie is doing her SAHRR as a QOV! What a great Centre Block!
Judy B’s Dresden Plate is 16 1/2” x 16 1/2” So pretty!
Kristin’s using an old orphan block – love the scrappiness!
Kristi is using a pretty block from Today’s Quilter’s Magazine Issue #111.
Robin has a very pretty soft pallet for her centre block!
Sue has used 4 tiny orphan blocks and is planning a very scrappy quilt!
Jacomina has a pretty block with a circle inside lime green!
Patricia is using turtle fabric for her centre block.
Carolyn has a pretty Christmas block
We have Sponsors!
We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2025!!! We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win! If you don’t have a blog or Instagram account, contact me, or one of the other co-hosts and we will post your SAHRR on our blog. This way you still have an opportunity to win!
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
This is a heritage rose that my dad planted in Victoria in 1965. I dug it up and transplanted it here (near Vancouver, BC) after my mother passed away. To my surprise it has thrived! The one branch with a few buds was not cut down in the fall … and now it’s blooming! And, it smells heavenly!
SAHRR is starting soon!
You can read all about it on THIS POST. The Centre Blocks will be shown tomorrow!
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!
Pink Blocks: just cause I’m trying to use Island Batik scraps. This might be combined with other colours in the near future
SunlitGarden: a small quilt for a blog hop hosted by Jennifer of Curlicue Creations … it will be her newest signature collection and it’s absolutely gorgeous!!! Unfortunately, until the blog hop, you’ll only see black and white!!
Quilting projects:
Test Quilt: SSB
Glorified 9 patch
Helen Godden’s Christmas Countdown ’24 (my sister & I are doing this by zoom) Traced the pattern on to Island Batik’s solid white and started quilting with Aurifil Black thread. Hobbs 80/20 is in the middle.
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
No finishes, no shopping … the numbers remain at “0”
Fabric Used in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 0
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used: 0 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last week:
2025 SAHRR finish quilting it. √ DONE.
Quilt Test Quilt: SSB. XX Not Done XX
Finish Glorified 9 patch for class sample in progress
Work on “Pink Blocks” in progress
Work on Sunlit Gardenin progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Finish: Helen Godden’s Christmas Countdown ’24
2025 SAHRR – bind it
Quilt Glorified 9 patch
Work on “Pink Blocks”
Work on Sunlit Garden
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Don’t Forget
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
I have been an Island Batik ambassador since 2019 and have a bit of a stash of Island Batik fabrics (And I LOVE it!!!). Aside from the monthly projects and challenges, I often use Island Batik fabrics for other projects. I absolutely LOVE the richness of the colours and the quality of the fabric. Below is an example of what I made this year.
January
I worked on this Helen Godden topper while Zoom quilting with my sister (she did the same one at the same time!). The details of where you can get the pattern and instructions are on THIS POST. I used Island Batik’s solid white for the background, coloured it with Sharpie Stained markers and used a dark green for the binding.
White Rabbit Blog Hop. This was a super fun quilt to make!! You can read about it HERE.
February
Island Batik Blog Hop Log Cabin Challenge. You can read more about these 2 quilts on THIS POST.
And the directions for how to make the diagonal backing is HERE.
This was a retreat bag I made … see HERE for details.
This heart quilt was made for the “It Moose Be Love” blog hop. The informal instructions and details can be found HERE.
March
The Island Batik challenge for March was all up to us. I got carried away and made these 3 quilts using greens from my Island Batik Scraps. I did use yardage for the borders of the one on the right and left. You can read more about them HERE.
This purple / blue quilt was made for the Fast and Fun Blog Hop sponsored by Villa Rosa. It is their Gypsy Rose pattern. See THIS POST for more details.
The Stay at Home Round Robin wrapped up in March. You can read about it and access the links to the various prompts HERE. (And yes, we’re doing it again in 2025!)
The Give it a Whirl blog hop had me making this fun quilt. Details and close-ups are available HERE.
April
Making a Funky Friend was April’s challenge. This is Taylor the Tiger. It was challenging to make, but fun! He had a few adventures and you can read about them on THIS POST.
May
The first weekend in May was the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild Show. The Baby Challenge was “Forest Friends”. This was my entry … You can read about it HERE.
This Fall Mystery Quilt was finished in time for the Boundary Bay Quilt Show. You can read about it HERE and see other Mystery Quilts that were at the show.
The May Island Batik challenge was to Paper Piece a quilt for a celebration. I chose Christmas and made a tree skirt. You can read about it HERE.
I made a rocket quilt for the “On the Road Again” blog hop. It was about transportation … you can read about it HERE.
June
Island Batik’s June challenge was to make a quilt for the Sleep in Heavenly Peace charity. You can read about it HERE.
A fellow Island Batik ambassador (Denise Looney) offered a free quilt-a-long making a St. Paddy’s quilt. You can read about it HERE.
A former Island Batik ambassador (Claudia Porter) had a signature collection and asked if I wanted to participate in a blog hop. This is the quilt I made, using “Prisms.” You can read about it at THIS POST.
July
Nothing like celebrating Canada Day with a red maple leaf! You can read about it HERE.
These next 2 quilts were a pattern by mmmquilts and you can read about them HERE. I love how the same pattern with different fabrics look so different!
This whale was made for the “Something Smells Fishy” blog hop and you can read about it HERE. And also find a link to the free pattern!
August
These were 2 mini quilts that I made. Read about it HERE.
This quilt used left-overs from a Lone Star quilt … the fabric is from the Pin Dot Floral collection. You can read about it HERE.
September
This was a very fun quilt to Applique! This POST has all the details.
I made a bunch of tissue holders. You can read about them on THIS POST.
October
Island Batik’s October challenge was a ByAnnie bag. I chose to make “Payday” in the small and large size. You can read about them on THIS POST.
I was invited to make a quilt using “Twilight,” a signature fabric collection for Claudia Porter. I ended up making 3 quilts. Read about them HERE.
This little mini was made for Hobbs Batting and hung in their booth at the Houston Quilt Market. See THIS POST for more details.
November
Island Batik’s Challenge for this month was Dresden Plates. I made this vase with flowers … you can read more about it on THIS POST.
The Jelly Roll mystery quilt reveal. See this post and the links to all the clues.
December
I made this Christmas card using Island Batik fabric and a MSQC Template. You can read about it HERE.
This table mat used various Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs batting and Aurifil thread. The bows and poinsettia were cut out using Templates from Missouri Star Quilt Company. You can see more details on THIS POST.
I made 2 large Clam-up ByAnnie bags for the Butterfly Haven blog hop. See HERE for more details.
This was the block of the month Colour Challenge, hosted by Patterns by Jen. It was a fun BOM to do! You can read about it on THIS POST.
It was up to us to make whatever we wanted for the December challenge. I made this quilt using Peppermint Sprinkles. You can read about it on THIS POST.
Floral Fusion was a free quilt-along by Denise Looney!! I LOVE her patterns, so I had to sew along. I really really like the final quilt! This POST has all the details.
My last project of the year was super simple … you can read about it on THIS POST.
My current state of life, only you can see more of the floor in this picture than in my room!
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
In the past 2 weeks, I posted about my Floral Fusion (9 yards) and a small table topper (2 yards).
Fabric Used in the last 2 weeks: 11 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 221 yards from non-IB: 89
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 32 yards
Net Fabric used: 189 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
2025 SAHRR Finish Prompt 6. √ DONE
Work on Test Quilt: SSB – block #1 & start block #2 √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Still keeping the list small!
2025 SAHRR Quilt it!
Quilt Test Quilt: SSB
Work on Glorified 9 patch for class sample
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Favourite Finish for December 2024
Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl has a blog post with the Favourite finishes of the month. Well worth the visit to see all the eye candy!
As usual, I’m having trouble choosing just 1!!! It’s between these 2 quilts. I’m in LOVE with both of them!!!
Don’t Forget
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
I wasn’t going to … I really wasn’t going to be doing any last minute sewing/quilting. Nope … I was all organized and didn’t need to … until ….
I went to set up my nativity scene. It’s beautiful ceramic figures that a fellow nursing classmate made. When she passed away during Covid, I gratefully accepted the set! What memories accompany the figures. I know that she completed them in the mid 70’s when taking a year away from nursing school. I had placed them on a piece of gorgeous dark blue fabric (Ravine), fully intending to make it into a table mat … but of course I forgot until I went to set up the set!
I figured that I had time, so I pulled out backing, Hobbs fusible batting and did a very quick meander with Aurifil #2600 (Dove Grey). Binding it with the same fabric and called it ‘done.’
I love how the lights and the fabric really show off the figures!
Don’t Forget:
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
Earlier this year, as we had a parade for the 2024 SAHRR (pronounced Stay At Home Round Robin), we announced that we would be doing it again in 2025.
This year’s logo was designed by Brenda of Songbird Designs … isn’t it fantastic?
For the past 5 years, I have done a SAHRR and have made different quilts. The first year I did it on my own and then for the next 4 years, I had some fantastic blogging/quilting friends join in the fun!
Here’s my quilts from previous SAHRRs. The last 2 are ones I did on my own. It’s so much MORE fun with others! Here’s the LINK where you can see all the quilts made last year.
As you can tell, except for the 2 I did on my own, the rounds are all different. This year promises to be different as well!
All of my SAHRR quilts are made with Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs batting and Aurifil thread.
What is a Round Robin?
This is a common activity in many quilt guilds. A round robin (in quilting terms) is where each person makes a centre block. This block is put in a bag or container, maybe with extra fabric, perhaps with a notebook, and the bag is passed onto another quilter in the group. They are given instructions as to what kind of border (or round) they are to add on to the quilt. Sometimes the next person will make a border for each side, or one side or two sides of the block. It’s then passed on to another quilter and it continues on … when the quilt centre and all the borders are completed, it is returned to the original maker of the centre block.
So, I stay at home?
That’s correct! You and your centre block and the borders all stay home. You have to make the decisions as to what to add when given directions. How big, how many … it’s up to you. We will let you know what each of us does and there may be short tutorials on some of our blogs.
How do I join?
There’s nothing to join, no sign up. All you need to do is follow our blogs (see the links below)
How often does this happen?
Once a week. On January 13, we will show you our centre blocks.
The SAHRR Team met in July and I haven’t seen any of the centre blocks … so it’s going to be a surprise for me as well!
Then on January 20 (and each Monday following) we will give you instructions as to what the next border/round is to be. Again, we will all show you our centre blocks with the first border to give you some ideas.
Here are my blogging co-hosts in the order of what we will be doing and the linky parties we will be hosting each week. (There will only be one linky party each week … and we’ll direct you to it …)
January 13: Each of the co-leaders will be sharing their centre blocks (you will have to visit each of their blogs to see them). I will host the first linky party and you can also show your centre block.
March 24: Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
We have Sponsors!
We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2025!!! We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win! If you don’t have a blog or Instagram account, contact me, or one of the other co-hosts and we will post your SAHRR on our blog. This way you still have an opportunity to win!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t want to make that round? It’s your quilt – you can leave it out.
What size do I make it? That’s up to you … you are sort-of the designer here.
Are the rounds hard? No … each round is pretty simple … squares, rectangles, half-square triangles with perhaps a surprise.
What colours do I use? That’s up to you … you can follow what one of the SAHRR leader uses or have your own colour scheme.
What if I miss a round? You can leave it out, or go back to the blog where the directions are given.
Will you cut my fabric for me? No!
How often will the quilt police check on me and my progress? There are NO quilt police!! None!!
What do I do now?
Make sure that you follow each of the SAHRR leaders so that you don’t miss their posts.
Start thinking about what you might do for a centre block. Do you have an orphan block you’d like to use? Or do you want to try a new block … now is the time!
Relax … this is easy … and it’s only one round each week!
Next Week
Next week, I’ll have a wrap-up of my 2024 tallies: Stash Report & Stitching Stuff. I will also talk about my goals for 2025, share my To Do list and what’s on my Design wall …
Thank you very much, Denise, for this beautiful pattern. Be sure to visit Quiltery and buy the pattern!!
Don’t Forget
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
That’s a great reason to quilt on … and leave the dust there! 😁
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
In the past week, I posted about my Island Batik December challenge. You can read about it HERE.
Fabric Used in the last week: 8 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 210 yards from non-IB: 85
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 32 yards
Net Fabric used: 180 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
Bind Floral Fusion.√ DONE
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6. in progress
Work on Test Quilt: SSB – block #1. in progress
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind. √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Still keeping the list small!
2025 SAHRR Finish Prompt 6.
Work on Test Quilt: SSB – block #1 & start block #2
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Don’t Forget
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
Here’s what Island Batik said about this month’s challenge:
December brings another month to embark on your own project, regardless of its size, theme, or technique! Seize this chance to unleash your creativity without constraints. Enjoy the process!
Way back in May, we had to make a paper pieced quilt that celebrated a holiday of our choice. I chose to make this Christmas tree skirt:
You can read about it HERE. The fabric is Peppermint Sprinkles. And, I LOVED it!
I wanted a quilt to coordinate with the tree skirt. I cut a bunch of 2 1/2” strips from Peppermint Sprinkles and made this Judy Niemeyer quilt “Fractured Paint Box.” I also used, Island Batik’s solid black. You can access the pattern HERE.
I was so involved with the piecing, I forgot to take any progress pictures. However, I can tell you that I used my Oliso Iron with every single seam that was sewn!
And pictures of the back and close-up of the quilting:
The back diagonal strip was made with the extra block I had as well as left over strips of fabric, along with solid black.
Quilting: All done on my domestic sewing machine: Janome M7. Rulers used were Silly Moon’s 7″ Beanie (for the centre circle) and Rocket for the stitch in the ditch around each block. The rest of the quilt was free motioned with feathers.
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
Good thing that quilt shops don’t give out tickets!!! I would have a plethora of them!
Monthly Colour Challenge
December’s colour is Gold. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for this month. It’s free for the month and after that you’ll need to pay a small fee for it.
Remember when I was on holidays and sewing on my hand-crank in the 5th wheel?
I was working on the border and sashing in the above video. I actually pieced the whole top while we were dry camping!
The quilt was quilted using a HUGE variety of Silly Moon rulers (Drop 3, Twinkle, Jelly, Rocket, Cupid, Beanie and Turkey was used in the sashing/border). I went to my bin of left-over binding and pulled out a variety of colours that were used in the quilt … it was fun to use them (and I still have lots left-over!)
Thank you, Jen for the great inspiration and fun BOM!!!
Quilt Stats:
Size: 47″ x 62″
Fabric: Island Batik: Assortment, with solid light grey and solid black for the sashing & border.
Quilting: All ruler quilted on my domestic sewing machine: Janome M7. Rulers used were Silly Moon’s 6″ Beanie, Rocket, Cupid, Drop, Jelly & Turkey.
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
In the past week, I have posted about the following finishes. I estimate that the round table topper used about 1 yard of fabric total (check it out HERE). I’m not going to count the fabric in the clam-up bags since Jennifer sent it to me recently for the purpose of making the bags (see THIS POST). The block of the month (above) used over 9 yards … so a total of 10 yards this week.
Fabric Used in the last week: 10 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 202 yards from non-IB: 85
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 32 yards
Net Fabric used: 170 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
Finish quilting Floral Fusion.√ DONE
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6. NOT DONE
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind. √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Keeping the list small!
Bind Floral Fusion.
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6.
Work on Test Quilt: SSB – block #1
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Don’t Forget
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
Earlier in the fall, Jennifer asked if I would be willing to make a project that featured her Signature collection … Butterfly Haven is so very pretty, I couldn’t resist saying “yes.” But, due to time restraints, I knew it had to be something small …
I decided to make 2 large byAnnie Clam Up bags. These are the fabrics that I ordered from Jennifer:
Outside of #1: 712401852. Coordinating #1: 712404891
Outside of #2: 712401873. Coordinating #2: 712403891
I always like the inside of bags to be lighter, so I can find what I’m looking for!
And here is individual pictures of each bag:
Blog Hop
I know each of the participating bloggers. They are all talented quilters, so it promises to be a great blog hop!! Here’s a list of the other participating bloggers:
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
The challenge was to make a quilt with Dresden Plates … you can read all the details HERE.
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
I bought 2.5 yards of solid red fabric to coordinate with a Christmas fabric that I have.
Fabric Used in the last week: 8 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 192 yards from non-IB: 80.5
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 32 yards
Net Fabric used: 160 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
A little bit of this and a little bit of that was done, but nothing finished from the list this week.
Get Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready! √ DONE
Make project for the Butterfly Haven Blog Hop in December. in progress
Quilt Floral Fusion.NOT DONE
Quilt Jelly Roll Mystery Quilt. √ DONE
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6. in progress
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind. NOT DONE
Work on Island Batik December project. in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Finish Butterfly Haven Blog Hop project
Quilt Floral Fusion.
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6.
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind.
Work on Island Batik December project.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Jelly Roll Mystery Quilt
The Mystery Quilt is finished. Some are asking for directions on how to sew the quilt “on Point.” I don’t have time to write them up at the moment, but here’s a YouTube video that may help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEFekuJIP5k
Visit Island Batik blog for a Round-up and an opportunity to win a fat-quarter bundle of fabric!
Don’t Forget
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
Here’s what Island Batik had to say about this challenge: “Welcome to the much-anticipated Dresden Plate Blog Hop! The Dresden Plate, a quintessential block in quilting, is known for its captivating radial design featuring pie-shaped wedges arranged in a circular pattern, resembling a delicate flower. As you embark on this quilting adventure, you’ll be exploring this timeless pattern, infusing it with your unique style and vision. Your challenge is to make a quilt, lap-sized or larger, using the assigned Summer ‘24 fabric collection that will showcase your individuality. May your needles be nimble, your creativity boundless, and your Dresden Plate quilts truly shine!“
We are to use the fabric collection that came in our surprise bundles that arrived in June/July.
My surprise bundle contained an awesome collection “Flutter Fields” designed by Jerry Khiev. Aren’t they just gorgeous? They are paired with Buttermilk and Midnight Blue.
I originally decided that I would make one large Dresden Plate. I started out by putting the fabrics in an order that was pleasing to me … and I made sure to label each piece so that I wouldn’t get confused! I left out the 2 lighter fabrics as I knew they would blend too much with the background fabric.
Here are a few pictures of blades in progress.
My one large Dresden Plate didn’t work out very well! You can’t tell really well from the picture, but the centre did not lie well. If you look closely at the upper right part of the centre circle, you can see that it isn’t a nice circle – it sort-of goes straight.
I tried to fix it by doing a few things: Take out one or 2 blades … unstitch a few blades that formed the ‘straight’ part of the circle and re-sew … sigh … it didn’t work.
On to plan B …
A few years ago, our guild had a zoom presentation by Candace Copp Grisham. Shortly after the presentation, I was at a guild retreat and “Dresden” fever was evident. Almost everyone at the retreat was making a Dresden plate! I ended up buying the book and played around with some of the ideas.
There is a LOT of inspiration on Candace’s website HERE. Also, a friend had made a wall hanging with Dresden plates and a vase … between the website and my friends quilt, my inspiration was newly born!
Here is a close-up of some of the Dresden plates, using different techniques:
The process of putting the plates together:
Using my Oliso iron to press open the seams
Showing the ‘wrong’ side of the curved Dresden
The original layout (I initially was going to use the Midnight Blue for the vase, but decided on using one of the green fabrics with gold stars on it.
One of the centre circles
My batting of choice for this quilt: Hobbs Heirloom Premium Wool Batting
The background was pieced, then the vase and flowers were placed on the background. I did this on the spare bed so that I could use glue (Acorn Precision Piecing Seam Align Glue) and press all the pieces into place. Yes, the spare bed makes a fantastic ironing surface for large projects!
Silly Moon Rulers: Rocket for all the straight lines, Charming and Kite (for the wavy line)
Make sure you visit Mania Hatziioannidi @ Mania for quilts as she is using the same fabric collection! She’s quite the artist, so I’m 100% positive that her quilt will be totally awesome!
Where can you buy Flutter Fields?
There are several stores throughout the USA that sell Flutter Fields:
Visit Island Batik blog for a Round-up and an opportunity to win a fat-quarter bundle of fabric!
Don’t Forget:
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
I used a strip set from Island Batik called “Playful Purples” and Island Batik solid white for the background. If you want to use the same fabric, both the strip set and the solid white is available at Creekside Quilts HERE.
Clue #5
This is the final clue. I was going to have you sew portions of this together first, but a couple of people said, “no, let the participants organize the fabrics how they want.” So, that’s what I’ve done!
Edit: Cut 2 more 5″ squares. Cut them in half diagonally. These 4 HST will be your corner blocks.
Here’s a picture of my top … I’ve started quilting it … if you look hard, you can see the straight lines through the coloured blocks and on the top left, the curved lines in the white block. I’m hoping that next week I will have the quilt quilted and bound. Once it’s finished, I’ll have a link party where you can add your quilt to show everyone.
Edit from Clue #4: You will need 124 sections for the quilt. If you can’t get 8 from each strata, you can make a shorter quilt … but it needs to be shorter in groups of 12. For example 112 will work.
A few months ago, I was asked to use some left-over fabric from a quilt I made for an Island Batik catalogue quilt and send the mini to Hobbs batting. They have hung it in their booth at the Houston Quilt Market! It’s probably the only time I’ll have a quilt at the show (ha! ha!)
The collection for this mini is Petal Poetry, a signature collection for Megan Best of Best Quilter. This collection is so very pretty!
I ‘borrowed’ the following pictures from Hobbs Batting as I can’t seem to find one that I took. I find that highly unusual since I ALWAYS take pictures of my finished projects … but I’ve looked several times and can’t find it!
Yvonne, @ Quilting Jetgirl, has a link party with the Favourite Finish of the Month. As usual, I find it extremely difficult to choose only ONE favourite!! How can I even begin to choose only ONE??? Well, I can’t! I guess it’s because I generally like everything that I make! Which one is your favourite?
Don’t Forget:
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
Do you have quilts or partial quilts that are waiting to get finished? Just start on one part of it … and gradually, it’ll get done!
A Birthday Finish!
I finished this quilt for my son’s birthday … you can read about it HERE.
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
Since we’re home now, I’ve been able to sew every day!
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!
Fabric Used in the last week: 7 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 183.5 yards from non-IB: 77
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 29.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 138.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
A little bit of this and a little bit of that was done, but nothing finished from the list this week.
Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready! in progress
Quilt Floral FusionNOT DONE
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 5. √ DONE
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind. NOT DONE
Work on Island Batik November project (Dresden Plate)Get in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Get Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready!
Quilt Floral Fusion
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind
Work on Island Batik November project (Dresden Plate)
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
I made 3 quilts for Create with Claudia’s Twilight blog hop. You can read about them 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!
Since we’re home now, I’ve been able to sew every day!
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!
Fabric Used in the last week: 13.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 176.5 yards from non-IB: 70
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 29.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 131.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
A little bit of this and a little bit of that was done, but nothing finished from the list this week.
Get Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready! in progress
Quilt Floral FusionNOT DONE
2025 SAHRR get prompt 4 done √ DONE.
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind NOT DONE
Work on Island Batik November project (Dresden Plate) in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Get Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready!
Quilt Floral Fusion
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 5
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind
Work on Island Batik November project (Dresden Plate)
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
Claudia asked if I would be interested in participating in her blog hop featuring her Island Batik signature collection. I love the blues and golds … it’s such a pretty collection! I paired it with Eggwhite, an Island Batik foundation that is available year round.
When I ordered fabric from her, I ordered what EQ8 said I needed. I should know better! It was way more than I needed!! So, out of guilt, I ended up making 3 quilts!
This first one was designed in EQ8 and is paper pieced. I like how the centre blocks go every which way. It measures 51″ x 63.5″
This was quilted with Silly Moon’s Drop 3 and Drop 1 rulers.
This 2nd one was cut with similar measurements in the squares. And they were all cut the same. It didn’t matter which way I oriented the blocks, the centre block looks like it is always in the same orientation. This quilt measures 52″ x 52″.
This one was free motion quilted, attempting to quilt daisies – like in some of the fabrics!
One of the fabrics reminded me of a giraffe. Of course, giraffes do not have blue spots, but I thought it would make a cute quilt. The grass and sky were from my Island Batik stash. The cloud is eggwhite. This quilt is 43″ x 47.”
I won binding chicken when I was binding this quilt!
And here’s a picture of all 3 quilts hanging on the clothesline:
I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
Quilting Gail 