BLOG HOP

Queen of Gadgets Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 73 Comments

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

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

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

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

Gadget #1

EQ8

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

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

Gadget #2

Prairie Spirit Pressing Mat

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

Gadget #3

Accuquilt Cutter

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

Gadget #4

Shape-Cut Ruler

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

Gadget #5

Cutting Gizmo

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

Gadget #6

Magnetic Pin Cushion

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

Gadget #7

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

Gadget #8

Hera Marker

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

Gadget #9

Quilting Rulers

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

Gadget #10

Tweezers

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

Gadget #11

Seam Ripper

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

Gadget #12, #13 & #14

Rotary Cutter, Cutting Mat and the Gipsy Gripper

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

The Finished Quilt

Quilt Stats:

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

Visit the Blogs that are Gadget Hopping!

September 19

September 20

September 21

September 22

September 23

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Island Batik Tool Talk with Studio 180 Design

/ quiltinggail / 26 Comments

I received this fantastic fabric collection: Flourish by Kathy Engle, along with 2 yards of Dots-Brown Brownie and 2 yards of Vertical Vine-Orange

And the collection of 20 half-yard cuts of Flourish s to be paired with Studio 180’s Corner Pop tool.

I browsed through the Studio 180 Blockbuster blocks for a block that used the Corner Pop ruler, plus some of the other Studio 180 rulers that I have. I found Blockbuster #52, Sparkler and Blockbuster #17, Salem Star. I drew the blocks in EQ, changing them slightly and came up with this quilt:

One requirement is that I use 30 units using the Corner Pop ruler! No problem!!! This quilt has WAY more Corner Pop units! The Salem Star has 160 Corner Pop units and the Sparkler Star has 80 Corner Pop units – for a total of 240 units!

And, of course, true to how I work, the colours in each block would change. This quilt used 18 of the 20 fabrics in this collection on the front. But, knowing how I work, I knew at this point, I would divide the blocks into 2 fabrics and go from there.

Before I started cutting, I visited online instructional videos at Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 Design YouTube channel to learn more about the corner pop ruler. I did not need to review the Tucker Trimmer video or the V-block video as I have used them several times!

I was so excited to get started making the 10 Salem Star blocks that I forgot to take any pictures! {groan} Let me tell you, there was a LOT of trimming, but I must admit, the points came together perfectly! And, if you know me at all – perfection is not my claim to fame!

I used a lot of the Vertical Vine-Orange in each block, with Dots-Brown Brownie in the corners and the border.

Here’s the 10 Salem Star blocks completed:

Here I am, using the Corner Pop ruler to cut the large corner of the Sparkler block. The Vertical Vine-Orange looks very faded in these to pictures.

Here is the Prairie Spirit Alpaca / Wool mat making pressing the blocks perfect! Using the mat and trimming the blocks makes for perfect blocks! I’m amazed!

This picture shows a truer colour of the Vertical Vine-Orange. As well, it shows the completed corner using the V-block ruler. And pressing on the Prairie Spirit Alpaca/Wool mat = crisp seams!

The 2nd trim on this block … looks like I need to adjust the ruler just a smidge!

More trimming! The first picture is using the Tucker Trimmer ruler and the second picture is using the Corner Pop ruler.

Swirling those centers of the pinwheel block. I love the look of the tiny pinwheels and I really LOVE the ease with quilting over that area without dealing with lumpy seams!

Here is a close-up of some of the quilting. All quilting is done on my domestic Janome M7.

Here is the completed quilt with Floral Leaves-Brown for the binding.

Quilt Stats:

When I make Island Batik Blog Hop quilts, I attempt to use ALL 20 fabrics in the quilt. Well, there were a couple of orange fabrics that blended in too much with the background and corner triangles, so I used them on the back, with a few other fabrics from the collection!

Here’s a close-up of the quilting from the back:

A Give-away!

I’m giving away this little bundle of fabric that is left-over from making the quilt. If you live in Canada and would like to receive this bundle, leave a comment or email me. In your comment (or email) tell me what you might make with the fabric … At the end of the Blog Hop, I will put all of the names in a hat and my husband will draw the winning name.

Visit the other Blog Hoppers!

Week 1:

September 6

Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads

Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde Gifts

September 7

Sandra Starley, Textile Time Travels

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations

September 8

Brenda Alburl, Songbird Designs

Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter

WEEK 2

September 12

Lisa Pickering, Lisa’s Quilting Passion

Suzy Webster, Websterquilt

September 13

Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese

Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail

September 14

Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts

Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs

September 15

Megan Best, Bestquilter

Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine

September 16

Visit Island Batik’s Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway

WEEK 3

September 19

Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio

Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting

September 20

Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood

Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts

September 21

Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia

September 22

Mania Hatziioannidi, Mania for Quilts

Reed Johnson, Blue Bear Quilts

September 23

Visit Island Batik’s Blog Hop Week 3 Round Up + giveaway

WEEK 4

September 26

Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts

September 27

Anorina Morris, Samelia’s Mum

Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky

September 28

Visit Island Batik’s Blog Hop + Final Round Up

Thank you!

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Get on Board with Sewing

/ quiltinggail / 39 Comments

This blog hop is to celebrate National Sewing Month. ?? National ?? the hosts are in the US and I live in Canada, so I’m declaring it International Sewing Month. Works for me!

My mother taught me to sew at a young age. By the time I was in Grade 8 and taking Home Ec, I was pretty bored with making an hair kerchief and an apron. My next project was a skirt with a zipper in it. The teacher put the zipper in to demonstrate the insertion. When I got the final marks for the project, she gave me 2/10 for zipper insertion. WHAT???? Unfortunately, I had NO assertiveness skills at that time and didn’t argue with her. When it was time to choose courses for Grade 9, I definitely knew that Home Ec was one course I wasn’t going to take! By the way, I had the same teacher for cooking and was not impressed with having to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for our first project! Can you blame me?

I made this V-neck top! It was a quick easy project! Even though I haven’t been sewing garments for a LONG time! It’s a nice cool top for the warm summer days!

There are PRIZES!

That’s right! Lots of prizes that you could win! Click on the Rafflecopter and follow the prompts!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sometimes, the rafflecopter does not work on my blog … so click on THIS LINK and you will be taken to another site for the rafflecopter.

Visit the other Bloggers!

Thursday, September 1

Friday, September 2

Monday, September 5

Tuesday, September 6

Wednesday, September 7

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Monday Moments: Sept 5, 2022

/ quiltinggail / 14 Comments

Look at this beautiful Naturescape pre-cut that I received from Island Batik! Along with 2 yards of Glacier and 2 yards of Large Netting-Pineneedle. PLUS, 4 spools of Aurifil Thread:

  • 50 wt: #4250: Variegated Flamingo
  • 50 wt: #2890: Very Dark Grass Green
  • 40 wt: # 2410: Pale Pink
  • 40 wt: # 2770: Very light Delft

I’m dreaming of what wonderful quilt I can design with these beauties!!!

And, I also received this stack of fabrics “Positively Pink,” Breast Cancer Awareness with coordinating yardage for the Pinktober Blog Hop.

Island Batik Tool Time Blog Hop

Here is this week’s fabric collections and blogs:

September 6

September 7

Sandra Starley, Textile Time Travels

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations

September 8

Brenda Alburl, Songbird Designs

Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter

September 9

Visit Island Batik’s blog to see all of this week’s projects in one place!

You could win!!

This week, you have an opportunity to win a fat-quarter bundle of “Bee Kind” or “Baroque.” Both collections are absolutely beautiful!

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Stitching Time

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

  • January – Aug: 209 / 242
  • Sept:  4 / 4
  • Total:  203 / 236
  • Percentage = 86% 

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!

No finishes since my last update! No shopping.

  • Fabric Used since the last report    0  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       75 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    14 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:                61 yards 

To Do

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

The To Do list from a few weeks ago:

  1. Quilt Island Batik’s September project √   DONE
  2. Finish dealing with scraps from Island Batik’s September project   √   DONE
  3. Work on project for “Get on Board with Sewing” Blog Hop   √   DONE
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Complete Island Batik’s September Blog Hop post
  2. Write “Get on Board with Sewing” Blog Hop post
  3. Start Pinktober’s project
  4. Work on “Queen of Gadgets” blog hop project
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

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

Piecing:

  1. Working with 10″ squares from Pinktober’s project

Quilting:

Nothing being quilted at the moment.

Upcoming Blog Hops

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Friday Finishes

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monthly Colour Challenge

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

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

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

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

UFO Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 37 Comments

This blog hop came from the creative mind of Joan at Moose Stash Quilting!

Many of us have lots of UFOs ! These are known in the quilting world at UnFinished Objects. In the past I had over 100 UFOs. I thought I only had 80-something, but I kept finding more and more! On my blog, I run a PHD in (the year). PHD stands for Projects Half Done, but is a cute play on the academic PhD. The idea is to complete at least 12 UFOs and finish every project you start that year. This Blog Hop fits nicely into my PHD in 2022 and I managed to get another UFO finished!

One of my UFOs on the list was called “Kit – Narrows.” This was a Row by Row kit from Fiber Lilly in St. John’s, Newfoundland. I bought the kit 5 years ago when my husband and I were there. Fiber Lilly is a lovely quilt store, and one I would frequent if I lived nearby!

I know that I’ve been frequently known to call applique “CR-APplique.” I have hated applique. But, I am determined to do more and hopefully, one day, I might even like it!

I used Hobbs Thermore for the batting. It is a thin polyester batting that is low loft and does not beard. I find it is perfect for small projects!

Here is the quilt, after the pieces were fused on and before the quilting.

Then, it needed quilting and the button houses attached. The land, and boat were all outlined with an applique stitch. I did a large meander for the clouds in the sky and waves in the water. The iceberg is easy to see, but can you spot the whale’s tale?

I took my time with the quilting and used the following Aurifil Threads:

  • # 5004 – Grey Smoke (land, whale & motor)
  • # 2311 – Muslin (Iceberg, boat, fisherman)
  • # 4655 – Storm @ Sea – variegated (sky)
  • # 4669 – Stonewash Blues – variegated (water and binding)

In my latest Island Batik box, I received a lovely pressing mat from Prairie Spirit Alpacas. I’ll talk more about it in a future post, but I LOVED using it !

Visit the other UFO bloggers:

Monday July 25

Tuesday July 26

Wednesday July 27

Thursday July 28

Friday July 29

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

A Road Trip

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

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

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

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

Lots of panels

Stitching Time

‘

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

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

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

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!

No shopping, no fabric added, no finishes …

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

To Do

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

The To Do list from last week:

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

This week’s list:

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

Design Wall

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

Piecing:

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

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

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

Quilting:

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

Upcoming Blog Hops

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Here Comes the Sun Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 66 Comments

Carol, from Just Let Me Quilt is hosting this blog hop. Here comes the Sun is a great title for a June blog hop. However, I live in Western Canada … on the WET coast! We haven’t seen much sun and it has been cool! On the news, they are calling it “June-uary.”

What is the challenge for “Here Comes The Sun”?

Sew something that has a summer theme like: sunglasses, beach items, sunny skies, and/or yellow colors. It can be a quilt, a bag, a toy, or whatever you want it to be.

So, I took a class from Elizabeth at Epida Studio and made this great window hanging with the sun inside the flower! (She has several different classes and is a fantastic teacher! I highly advise that you look into taking a class from her)

The technique to make this was totally new to me. It’s called Pojagi. It’s a technique that Elizabeth learned in Korea. The seams make it look like stained glass.

And here’s a picture of it in the window!

The fabrics are Island Batik … The yellow is Ogee Petal Sunshine, the flower petals are Floral Wonders and the background is Butterfly Blooms.

Once this was stitched together, it was a bit flimsy, so I sprayed it with Terial Magic and it was perfect!

Here’s the list of all of the blogs that are participating! Enjoy the sunny eye candy!

June 20

June 21

June 22

June 23

July 24

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Sunday’s Thoughts

/ quiltinggail / 13 Comments

My cousin, Connie, is visiting from Ontario and we’re having a blast! We spent one day at Quilt Canada, with my husband enjoying it as well! (I’ll talk about Quilt Canada in a future post). Then we did a tour of Trend-tex (a fabric distributor). Today, we went to a fabric sale in a home and to a fabric store. Such fun! There’s a few more days before she heads home … who knows how much trouble we can get into?

Pop Star

Pop Star is finished … and I will be linking to the Pop Star QAL Final Parade. If you want the pattern you can find it HERE. MMM Quilts has some fantastic designs! I LOVE making her patterns!

This quilt was made with Island Batik fabrics: the background is linen, the light blue is pool, and the dark blue is raven. It was sandwiched with Hobbs 80/20. I backed it with a light yellow flannel.

Here’s a closeup of the quilting in the corner … the star used Silly Moon’s Twinkle ruler.

Stitching Time

‘

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

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

  • January – May:  119 / 150
  • June 1 – 20:  15 / 20
  • Total: 134 / 170
  • Percentage = 79% 

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!

I was at Quilt Canada last week … and I absolutely fell in love with this beautiful fat quarter bundle. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it … but I do LOVE it. It’s called Bluebird, by Edyta Sitar and I bought it at the Chitterchatter booth. There is a total of 5.5 yards.

When Connie and I went on the Trend-tex tour, we did get a lot of swag … but I’m not counting it because it’s too hard to calculate different sizes of fabric and I didn’t buy it. Also included was a water bottle, a scone and a delicious treat! I have no idea what I’ll do with the fabric, but it’ll be used or it’ll go to the guild’s free table.

The Pop Star quilt used 1.25 yards of background …

  • Fabric Used since the last report      10.5  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       53.5 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   5.5 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    11.75 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                 41.75 yards 

To Do

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

The To Do list from last week:

  1. Work on Here Comes the Sun  blog hop project √   DONE
  2. Finish 2 quilts for an upcoming Island Batik Catalogue … I’ll show you once the catalogue is out.Quilt  not completed
  3. Pop Star Quilt √   DONE 
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Finish both Island Batik Catalogue quilts
  2. Make something … but I’m not sure what!
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

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

Piecing:

  1. Even I’m surprised that I don’t have anything being pieced at the moment!

Quilting:

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

2. The Island Batik Catalogue quilt tops are done – one is quilted and needs the hanging sleeve and the other is in the process of having all of the quilting removed and will be re-quilted … I used an OLD Aurifil Variegated Rayon thread that looked great on the top … and the back was HORRID!!!! Of course, I did not check the back until I was done! Call me dumb, call me stupid, but it serves me right for not checking the back!

Here comes the Sun Blog Hop

This blog hop starts this week! My day is on Tuesday!

Island Batik Blog Hop

Have you been following the latest Island Batik Blog Hop? With quilts featuring the New York Beauty pattern? It’s been quite a variety of wonderful quilts!

I posted mine on June 6 … you can read about it HERE. Here’s links to the blogs that will be posting this week:

June 20:

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia
Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky

June 21:

Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads
Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts

June 22:

Megan Best, Bestquilter
Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights

June 23:

Suzy Webster, Websterquilt
Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood

Opportunity to win!

You can win a fat quarter bundle of Tranquility or Woodblock Bouquets … both wonderful collections! Just follow the prompts in the Rafflecopper giveaway below

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Some of my followers tell me that the Rafflecopter doesn’t work for them … if that’s you, go to Island Batik’s blog and enter there.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

New York Beauty

/ quiltinggail / 59 Comments

Way back in December, I received this “Surprise” package in one of my Island Batik boxes. I didn’t know which line of fabric it contained.

Along with the 1/2 yard cuts of Harvest Night, I received 2 yards of Wheat Leaves Latte and 2 yards of Midnight Blue.

We were instructed to make a “New York Beauty” quilt.

P.A.N.I.C.

YIKES!!!! Google “New York Beauty” and you’ll see why I was in a panic!

EQ to the rescue! They have plenty of blocks to choose from. I chose to do a Checked Arc Beauty. Then, in order to have enough fabric for the design I chose, I foolishly chose a 9″ block. If I had been wise at the time, I would have chosen a 12″ block. But, I might have run out of fabric making those 9 blocks that run down the centre.

I printed out the pattern, taped the necessary parts together and started to sew. It took me over 3 hours to sew my first block. Oh my … what had I gotten myself into?

When I paper piece, I do NOT sew on the paper. This way, I can chain piece my pieces and use a regular sized stitch … and the bonus – I don’t have to remove paper!!! AND it’s easier to “unsew!”

When I was doing the curved seams … I pinned, pinned, pinned. I wanted those points to match up. And for the most part, they did! That was a LOT of pins for me to use – especially since I rarely use pins!

Here’s an assortment of pieces of one block …

I went to a retreat in March. I took my project with me … I only got 4 blocks completed on the weekend! Sigh!!! But, I must admit, I was busy visiting, taking pictures, eating, visiting, eating, taking pictures, visiting and only sewing in between!

Once I got home from the retreat, it was pedal to the medal and the quilt top was done.

This quilt told me it needed a simple, fairly skinny border which finishes at 1 1/2″. The dark border is “Midnight Blue” and the light border is “Wheat Leaves Latte.” Both of these fabrics are foundations that are available at any time.

To sandwich the quilt, I used 505 Spray baste and Hobbs Batting 80/ 20. It hung on the design wall for several days while I decided how to quilt it. There is a LOT of stitch in the ditch and some 1/4″ outlining … it took awhile to quilt! Aurifil Thread #2370 (Sandstone) was used. Schmetz Needle microtex chrome 70/10 was used for the quilting. The scrappy binding used each of the 20 fabrics.

Here is a close-up of the quilting. And yes, I like this thread so much, I’ve almost used a cone and a lot of a large spool! (Not all on this quilt!) I hate having to unthread my machine to wind a bobbin – that’s why I like to have the extra spool – just for bobbins!

I didn’t have enough of the Wheat Leaves Latte for the backing … SEW … I cut what I had in half diagonally, put it up on the design wall and measured what the distance was between the 2 pieces. I took some of the left-over pieces and made the center strip. Then I had a backing that was big enough – and pretty as well!

Here is a closeup of the quilting on the back:

There is a give-away!

Island Batik has a give-away! You have the opportunity to win a fat-quarter bundle of Jewel Carvings or Nightshade! Both lucious collections! Follow the rafflecopter instructions below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Visit Elizabeth

Visit Elizabeth at Epida Studio. She received the same surprise bundle of Harvest Night as me. I can’t wait to see her New York Beauty!!! I bet they look totally different. But I need to wait until she posts to see it!

Thank you!

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

Blog Hop Schedule

Everyone is making New York Beauties this month! Be sure to visit each of them. You are in for a lot of fantastic eye candy! Here is the schedule:

June 6:

Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail
Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio

June 7:

Reed Johnson, Blue Bear Quilts
Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts

June 8:

Sandra Starley, Textile Time Travels

June 9:

Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter
Mania Hatziioannidi, Mania for Quilts

June 10:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway

June 13:

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations
Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine

June 14:

Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts
Anorina Morris, Samelia’s Mum

June 15:

Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde Gifts
Lisa Pickering, Lisa’s Quilting Passion

June 16:

Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese
Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs

June 17:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway

June 20:

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia
Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky

June 21:

Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads
Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts

June 22:

Megan Best, Bestquilter
Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights

June 23:

Suzy Webster, Websterquilt
Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood

June 24:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 3 and Giveaway

June 27:

Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting
Brenda Alburl, Songbird Designs

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Foodie: Blog Hop

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Carla, from Creatin’ in the Sticks announced this blog hop in March and I immediately thought of 2 projects I could make!

Here is the challenge:

Create something to do with food. It could be anything from a quilt with a food fabric, to a tea cozy. A mug rug for coffee to an apron. A Corn and Beans Quilt Block to a drying rack for the kitchen. Maybe you are trying to raise money for a charity that supplies food. You decide!  The theme is really your own interpretation, surprise us!

I knew I was going to use this fabric – left over from a recent finish. I’ve always loved the blueberry fabric and was positive it would be perfect for this blog hop!

I ended up with a list of about 10 projects I could potentially make. However, lack of time and lack of fabric prevented me from making more than 1. In the end, I chose to to make an apron. The pattern is “Super Simple Apron” by Valley Girl designs. When I googled their website, it said “This site cannot be reached.”

Here is the apron. I’m not a frilly girly person, so I left off the bottom ruffle. I like this apron because the ties cross in the back and it fits a multitude of sizes!

Foodie Bloggers

Monday, May 23rd

Tuesday, May 24th

Wednesday, May 25th

Thursday, May 26th

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Wonderful World of Colour: Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 52 Comments

Joan, from Moose Stash Quilting, is hosting this great blog hop! and she said, “The sky is the limit. Color, world, let’s face it anything fits this theme, don’t you think?”

I went to pack up some “stuff” to take to a class I was teaching and I wanted a small bag. But alas, I didn’t have one! I must have given it away. So, with this blog hop coming up, it was the perfect excuse to make one! Don’t you agree?

I don’t recall making anything with ROY-G-BIV (red/orange/yellow/green/blue/indigo/violet) before – so that made perfect sense for the challenge! I went through my Island Batik stash to see what I had … and voila! I had the perfect random sized strips/scraps for the bag!

The Retreat Bag is a free pattern from Emmaline Bags. You can access the bag pattern HERE. I decided to do a Quilt-as-you-go type of thing and cut out some Annie’s Soft & Stable and stitched the colours on it. If you do this, you don’t need to use the wires that the pattern calls for. The Soft & Stable was left-over from another project. Once the strips of random widths were sewn on, I took a strip of black and put it across – just ’cause. Then I cut the pieces to the size directed in the pattern and continued to make the bag as directed.

And here is a peak at the inside

Now I have the perfect sized bag to put all my junk stuff in!

Visit all the other bloggers that are participating: You’ll be in for a LOT of wonderful eye candy!

Monday April 18

Tuesday April 19

Wednesday April 20

Thursday April 21

Friday April 22

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Time in a Bottle Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 66 Comments

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

Here is the challenge:

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

Here is my first Hourglass block:

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

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

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

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

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

Here is the list of Time in A Bottle Bloggers

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

March 14

March 15

March 16

March 17

March 18

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

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

Teaching a Fabric Basket class and More

/ quiltinggail / 19 Comments

Baskets using Batting!

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

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

Machine Binding Class

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

Did you see my Row by Row Quilt?

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

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

Same Quilt, Different Fabric

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

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

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

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Saturday 

Island Batik: February Row by Row Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 28 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are pictures of the individual blocks.

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

Visit the other Ambassadors!

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

Thank you!

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Tickled Pink Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 62 Comments

Carla, From Creatin’ in the Sticks, announced this blog hop WAAAY back in December and I immediately knew what I was going to make! I pulled the fabric and … set it aside … but I got back at it in January and actually finished it pretty quickly!

This little mini quilt is made of scraps of Island Batik purple and pink, plus a couple of strips of pink hearts from a Scrap Builder’s bundle that I received in December. I used Hobbs 80/20 batting and it was quilted with a light mauve thread.

The pattern is from the book “Scrappy Improv Quilting” written by Kelly, of My Quilt Infatuation. It’s a fabulous book … and I’ve made a few quilts and mini quilts from the book!

Visit the other bloggers!

I promise that there is a plethora of eye candy if you visit these sites!

Monday, February 14th

Tuesday, February 15th

Wednesday, February 16th

Thursday, February 17th

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Tuesday’s Chatter …

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

Have you been following the Island Batik Row by Row Blog Hop? There’s been some pretty amazing quilts during the Row by Row! Lots of amazing new fabrics coming to stores soon!

Here’s the line-up for this week! I can’t wait to see everyone’s creations!

February 14:

Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde
Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting

February 15:

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia

February 16:

Anorina Morris, Samelia’s Mum
Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts

February 17:

Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio
Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads

Stitching Stuff

‘

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

  • January 1-30 – 31 / 31
  • February 1-13 13 / 13
  • Total: 43/ 43
  • Percentage =100% 

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!

Our guild had a Valentine’s SEWscial on Saturday. It was lots of fun! SEW good to see people in person! There were 2 venders there and lots of fabric, but I resisted and didn’t buy any. However, I did whip out the credit card and did do some shopping! A cone of Aurifil thread, 4 spools of thread, a Silly Moon ruler for ruler quilting, a marking pen, pins, a purple thang (mine is broken) and a Clover seam ripper (my favourite!)

The little cutting mat was free if you spent more than $100. Which was easy to do with this haul!

SEW this meme is still true!

  • Fabric Used this week      5.0   yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        6.5 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                  6.5 yards 

To Do

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

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

The To Do list last week:

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

This week’s list:

  1. Finish Round 6 of SAHRR
  2. Work on Macaron Mystery
  3. Work on Time in a Bottle
  4. Complete March’s Colour Challenge
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

#1 SAHRR is in progress … This is Round 5 … You can read details about this round HERE.

#2 Time in a Bottle: This is for a blog hop in March … this is still in progress, but progress has been made! I am using Island Batik fabrics – small bits and pieces left over from my gradations quilts and paired with the wonderful Island Batik solid grey!

#3 Macaron Mystery. Block A is done. 2 of Block B are completed. All the fabrics are from my stash.

Quilting:

No quilting happening … I’ve got to get some flimsies done!

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Monday … stats and stuff …

/ quiltinggail / 19 Comments

Lots of things happening in the Studio. My husband came in and said, “what are you working on? Whatever it is, it looks weird.” I then explained that I was piecing 4 different quilts. A catalogue quilt, the SAHRR, Macaron Mystery and a March blog hop quilt. He shook his head and said “ah, you don’t like stress, do you?”

There’s been some pretty amazing quilts during the Row by Row

February 7:

Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood
Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights

February 8:

Suzy Webster, Websterquilt
Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs

February 9:

Reed Johnson, Blue Bear Quilts

February 10:

Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky
Sandra Starley, Textile Time Travels

Stitching Stuff

‘

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

  • January 1-30 – 31 / 31
  • February 1-6 6 / 6
  • Total: 37 / 37
  • Percentage =100% 

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!

I love this meme that I saw recently (but can’t find the source) …

  • Fabric Used this week      5.0   yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        6.5 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                  6.5 yards 

To Do

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

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

The To Do list last week:

  1. Finish Round 4 of SAHRR and start Round 5 √   DONE
  2. Work on February Island Batik project √   DONE
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

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

Design Wall

#1 SAHRR is in progress … This is Round 4 … You can read details about this round HERE.

#2 Time in a Bottle: This is for a blog hop in March … it should be fun! Of course, I can’t show you until the blog hop! But I can give you a teaser that is using the LAST of my Island Batik gradation fabrics and Island Batik solid grey.

#3 Macaron Mystery. Block A is done. All the fabrics are from my stash.

Quilting:

Catalogue quilt. This is a quilt for Island Batik’s next catalogue which will feature a new line of fabric. It’s pretty awesome fabric and I’m sure you’ll want to get some for yourself. However, I can’t even give you a sneak preview of the fabric. You can be sure that I will show you one the fabric has hit the stores!

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

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

 

Island Batik Blog Hop … and Studio Happenings!

/ quiltinggail / 8 Comments

Row Row Row your Quilt

The February Island Batik Blog Hop starts on Monday! The theme is Row by Row …

Make sure you visit each of the ambassadors to see what they made … and some of them may have a giveaway and you could have a chance to win some awesome Island Batik fabric!

January 31:

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations
Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese 

February 1:

Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts
Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts

February 2:

Megan Best, Bestquilter

February 3:

Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine
Brenda Alburl, Songbird Designs

Did you see?

My Island Batik quilts for the January challenge? These were for the challenge “Step by Step” using 20 gradations of Tantalizing Teal. Of course, Island Batik fabric was used with Hobbs batting and Aurifil Thread.

Here are the pictures, but you can read more 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!

Last year I managed to sew 97% of the days. What will this year bring?

  • January 1-30 – 30 / 30
  • Total: 30 /30
  • Percentage =100% 

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!

I love this meme that I saw recently (but can’t find the source) …

The Teddy Bear quilt took 5.5 yards of fabric. You can see the post HERE.

  • Fabric Used this week      5.0   yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        6.5 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                  6.5 yards 

To Do

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

I had 2 weeks to work on my previous To Do list … I’m starting to realize that if I give myself 2 weeks, I can usually accomplish what I want to do in one week. Hmmm … What does that say about my expectations?

The To Do list 2 weeks ago:

  1. Finish Round 3 & start Round 4 of SAHRR √   DONE
  2. Sandwich and Quilt Polar Bear Plunge √   DONE
  3. Work on Tickled Pink project … it’s actually finished! √   DONE
  4. Finish Island Batik January Project and posted HERE √   DONE
  5. Finish Macaron Mystery – January clue √   DONE
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Finish Round 4 of SAHRR and start Round 5
  2. Work on February Island Batik project
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

There are a few things on my Design Wall and I can only show you little bits of what’s there!

#1 SAHRR is in progress … You can read about it HERE and HERE

#2 … February Island Batik project Row by Row … Here’s a picture of the fabric that I’m using. It’s the Vintage Lace by Kathy Engle and should be shipping to stores in February. Aren’t they soft and lovely?

Quilting:

Nothing is being quilted at the moment!

2 UFOs finished this week! The Polar Bear Blog hop and the Tickled Pink Blog Hop quilts!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

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