BLOG HOP

Stay-at-Home Round Robin: Part 3

/ quiltinggail / 22 Comments

Screen Shot 2020-03-14 at 4.34.42 PM

If you want to see the Intro click HERE , Part 1 click HERE, and Part 2 click HERE.

This week: Pinwheels

I used the Accuquilt Go! cutter to cut the half-square triangles to make the pinwheels.  On the purple quilt, I made 12 and for the blue one, I made 16.  I used Island Batik fabrics for both quilts.  The blue I used a strip from a “Stash Builders” bundle, a basics and some yardage from “Faded Blue Jeans.”  The purple used a variety of fabrics.

Video of Pinwheels

In this video, I discuss what I did to “make it fit” and the extra quilting that I did.

                 https://youtu.be/JceDcvvGlkI               

SEW … next week we’re adding arrows to the quilt.

How are you doing with your Round Robin?

Linky Party

Here is a Linky Party for you to show off your work!  You have a few options for posting … you can post a link to your blog, a link to your Instagram or a link to a Pinterest page.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

A Friday Finish

Last week on Facebook, I challenged guild members to make a donation quilt and post it on Facebook on April 3.  Of course, I HAD to make one as well.  I rummaged through my “kid” fabric and found several Dr. Suess blocks left over from another quilt.  I made 8 more blocks and ended up with this quilt.  It was hard, but it was done before April 2 was in the history books.IMG_6413

Have you been following?Scrap Everything.jpg

Scrap Everyting Blog Hop

Here is a list of everyone who is participating in the Blog Hop!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!   
Gail 

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

Linking to: 

Scrap Everything Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 13 Comments

Scrap Everything.jpg

SEW … we’re suppose to SEW …

Scraps … I have lots and lots of scraps …

I have 2″ squares … lots and lots of 2″ squares …  The picture below shows only a handful of  2 ” squares (I have a large container of them), then random pairs of 2″ squares joined together (anything goes) and then a pile of 4 patches.  I sew these while I’m sewing other projects.  I do NOT sew a scrap of fabric over and over … what a waste of thread and time.  I sew a 2″ square together. Bonnie Hunter calls them “Leaders & Enders” and has a few books out explaining the technique.  Before I heard of Bonnie’s “Leaders & Enders,” I called it “working on 2 at a time.”

IMG_6405

My 2″ squares are everything and anything from my quilting scrap pile.  The greater the variety, the better.  See the bottom left fabric on the 4 patch at the bottom of the above picture?  I’m pretty sure that’s a scrap from my friend Donna.  She used to give me lots of her scraps.

I once made a whole quilt with scraps from other people.  Not a single fabric of mine was in the pile!  Since that day, I have refused scraps from others and I no longer dumpster dive into garbage cans on sewing days or at retreats.  I have enough!!!  More than enough!

One of my favourite quilts to make with random 4 patches, is to add a solid colour (white/ snow/ mist/) and put the quilt on point.  I’ve made it straight & it’s OK, but for some reason, I prefer it on point!

The 4 patches for this quilt were started in 2017.  So, eventually, when it is finished it will count as a UFO finish.

Here it is up on my design wall … the rows are sewn.  I just need to add the setting triangles and the corner triangles.

IMG_6407

As I was sewing this together, I decided that I wanted a rectangle quilt. Sew … I made 2 more rows with 11 – 4 patches and will add those in.  Below … in the fuzzy picture is an example of quilts using 2″ squares (on the left) 2½” squares (middle) and 3½” squares (right).  Obviously size does make a difference! (GRIN!!!)  These quilts were all made with my grandmother’s fabrics and you can see better pictures of them HERE.

3

I have the quilt pieced together … I just need to add the corner triangles.  Then, of course, it will be sandwiched, quilted and bound.

IMG_6409.jpeg

Scrap Everyting Blog Hop

Here is a list of everyone who is participating in the Blog Hop!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy SCRAPPY Quilting!  
Gail 

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

Making us Laugh Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 32 Comments

Joan Kawano of Moosestachequilting came up with this fabulous idea for this Blog Hop … a LONG time ago. I thought it would be a fun blog hop to participate in. Well, with all that’s happening now, it certainly seems like a long time ago.  And, with the world crisis right now … we all can enjoy a smile now and then.   I hope you take the time to visit all of the blogs that are participating!  Some of them will make you smile, others will make you giggle and others will literally make you Laugh out Loud!

I was going to use my embroidery machine to stitch out something … but I’ve been too distracted to work on digitizing …  I thought of a lot of meme’s that are in the quilting world, but nothing was original.

Here’s a few that I like:

  • A Clean House is a Sign of a Broken Sewing Machine (although,  NOT true in my case!
  • Creative Minds are Rarely Tidy
  • Quilters have Pressing Matters
  • I Quilt on any Day that ends with “Y”
  • My Studio isn’t Messy, I just have Everything on Display!

Then … one day when I was quilting away, my hubby  requested that I join him to do something important.  And, I kept quilting  … a few hours later he returned … and then I KNEW what my “Laugh” would be.    I have this printed out and it’s on my bulletin board.

Screen Shot 2020-03-23 at 4.05.48 PM.png Continue reading →

Did you see it?

/ quiltinggail / 20 Comments

All the posts on Facebook for International Quilt Day!!  It was a lot of fun!

I think I’m the only one in the neighbourhood that had quilts out … but that’s OK …

IMG_6368.jpeg

I just grabbed a few small quilts that were handy and made in the last year … no digging through the camper to find more … and yes, I have more, LOTS more!

It was a BEAUTIFUL spring day!  Sunny (although not very warm) … you can see purple hyacinths blooming and the magnolia tree on the left is just starting to bloom!

I have a finish!!

Yes, my “Circles” quilt is finished.  The quilting is finished, the binding is finished AND the label is on!

This quilt was started at a guild workshop on curves.  The circles were all cut with a large and a small Accuquilt die. (The guild owns them).  The instructor was fabulous and the die-cut pieces made for almost perfect piecing.   I say almost, because nothing I do is perfect!IMG_6336.jpeg

And here’s a close-up of the quilting: A biggish swirl with smaller swirls on the outside of the biggish swirl …

IMG_6337.jpegIMG_6338.jpeg

And, it seams like flange binding is all I do these days!  But, I do like the look.IMG_6340.jpeg

Design Wall

Piecing:

Summer Solstice:   The next step is completedIMG_6322.jpeg

Frolic: didn’t work on it this week …

IMG_6321.jpegFlorabunda:
Only one block completed this week

 

Stay at Home Round Robin:  I started 2 … you can read about them HERE.  You can still join in, if you want … there will be a linky party on Friday for you to post pictures.

IMG_6377.jpeg

Elvira: This as a “Quarantine Quilt Along”  with GE Quilt Designs.  The temptation to spend the day quilting with others was too much …  SEW, I dug into my stash of Reproduction fabrics and cut the amounts I needed.  For some reason, the bins are still just as full!!!

Quilting:

April’s Island Batik is being quilted … sorry no pictures until April!

TO DO 

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

Last week’s list:

  1. (Maybe) Finish quilting “Circles“  √  done
  2. Summer Solstice: Complete next step  √  done
  3. Round Robin: Make block  √  done
  4. Make “Making us Laugh”   —  almost there
  5. Sandwich April Island Batik    √  done
  6. Get bordrers on Frolic!  Not done

This week’s list:

  1. Round Robin: add the next borders
  2. (Maybe) finish quilting April Island Batik
  3. Make Elvira into a flimsy
  4. Summer Solstice: Complete next step
  5. Frolic: get the borders on!!!!

Stash Report

Circles used up 14.25 yards … and since I didn’t leave the house and didn’t shop on-line, there were no fabric purchases.

  • Fabric Used this week       14.25  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        66.5  yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      9.5
  • Net Fabric used                    57.75
  • –
  • Husband’s Purchases           0

Stitchin’ Time

I’m aiming for at least 15 minutes / day. 

  • 15 minute days:  January – Feb  59 / 60
  • 15 min days/ March = 22/22
  • Total days in 2020:  81/82
  • Percentage = 98% 

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

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AM

Screen Shot 2020-03-21 at 8.32.50 PM.png

Quilt Qwazy Queens Blog Hop

It stated on Wednesday … and here are the participants for this week.  These are FUN!!!  I will be sharing mine on Tuesday!

Qwazy Monday, March 23

Qwazy Tuesday, March 24

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

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

Linking to:

Stay-at-Home Round Robin: Part 1

/ quiltinggail / 19 Comments

Screen Shot 2020-03-14 at 4.34.42 PM

Part 1

If you need an explanation of a Round Robin quilt see HERE.

Each Friday, I will post a short video of what my Round Robins are looking like.  Also, I will give you the guidelines for the next round.  There will also be a weekly Linky Party where participants can post their Round Robin progress.

Fabric:

#1:  I am using a variety of purple / mauve Island Batik scraps, ½ yard cuts, along with Island Batik solid white.  You can use whatever fabric with whatever colour, that you want.  I do not know how much fabric I will use … if I run out of what I’ve set aside for this quilt, I may start adding in another colour or 2  … I know it will all work in the end.  Please remember that this is YOUR quilt and you get to make a lot of the decisions!IMG_6352

#2: I will be using a variety of blue Island Batik fabrics.  A lot of them came from the “Freedom” stack that I received last year for a Quilt of Valour.  I’m Canadian and made a red and white Quilt of Valour, so most of the blue stack was left over.  Over the Rainbow is a fabulous on-line store that delivers world wide.  They will be recieving Freedom stacks soon (if they don’t have them already).   They also have lots of other Island Batik fabrics!

Here is what I’ve pulled for my blue Round Robin.  In the centre is my 8 ½” square of Island Batik grey solid that will be my centre block. I may embroider or applique it at a later date.IMG_6353

Centre Quilt Block:

First,  you need to make a centre block.  It can be any size you want it to be.  My centre block for the purple is an 8 ½” (unfinished) Sawtooth Star.  Just make sure that the centre is either a square or rectangle.  Please note that if you make a block that is not an 8 ½” square, I will not provide you with measurements.  You’ll have to figure it out on your own.  (Which is what happens with most Round Robins …)

I used my AccuQuilt Go! to cut out the pieces … using the 8″ GO Cube dies.  It was pretty quick to cut the pieces and then sew them together.  If you wish to make the same block and you don’t have the AccuQuilt Go! dies and AllPeopleQuilt.com has the pattern for an 8″ Sawtooth Star.IMG_6351

I’m also doing 2 Stay-at-Home Round Robins.  One (the purple one) is going to be a tQuilt as you Go.  The 2nd (blue) will be a flimsy and has the potential to be a bigger quilt. As you can see in the picture of blue fabric above, the centre block is an 8 ½” square of grey.

Quilt as You Go:

With this being a small quilt, I took left-over Hobbs 80/20 batting and zig-zagged the pieces together to make the batting big enough.  A flannel backing that is 42″ x 42″ was prepared.  The batting was cut to the same size and they were spray-basted together using 505 spray.   I then folded the backing/batting in half and gave it a good press. I folded it in half the opposite direction and pressed again.  Using a large stitch, I stitched down these 2 lines.  This gave me some registration marks so it will be easier to align the quilt as I add borders.

The Video of Part 1

As you watch this video, you will see me being me … I stumble over things, but eventually, I get it right! (I think).  As well, I said I wouldn’t give you the clue of what the next round was to be until next week, when I show you what I did.   After the filming, when I was thinking of that: I thought about what I know of Round Robins that friends have participated in.  They are given directions, but they are not exact and they need to figure out what they are going to do for each round.  SEW ,,, after the video, I will give you the clue for the first round.

                 https://youtu.be/Z2h30ULCqK8               

The First Round

Are you ready?

The first round, which will circle around all 4 sides of you centre block is “Piano Keys.”   You can do piano keys any way you want … Google it if you need to find out what they are.  You can make them bigger or smaller or do a variation of piano keys.

I will tell you that mine will probably be scrappy on both quilts.  And the border will measure at 2 ½” unfinished, and will finish at 2″ once all the seam allowances are in place.  Because of the nature of piano keys … mine may have a solid block in each of the corners … I’m not sure, I haven’t made them yet!

Now … onto other things:

Quilt Qwazy Queens Blog Hop

It stated on Wednesday … and here are the participants for this week.  These are FUN!!!  I will be sharing mine next week!

Wednesday March 18 
Thursday March 19
Friday March 20

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

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

Linking to:

A Stay-at-home Round Robin

/ quiltinggail / 18 Comments

With all the stuff happening in the world right now, I’m electing to self-isolate.  Yes, that means I’ll be staying home, not going out and will have lots of time to sew.

Well, I will go out.  I was signed up to do the 10 km SunRun, and that is now cancelled.  However, I’m still going to continue training for it.  I no longer run, but I walk.  I walk a LOT.  So, going outside and walking will still be a constant in my life. Unless I’m told to stay home.

Screen Shot 2020-03-14 at 4.34.42 PMRound Robin

Have you ever wanted to do a round robin?  I’ve been interested, but have huge BUTs surrounding them.  Well, I’m going to do a Stay-At-Home Round Robin here on my blog.  Beginning instructions will be given  on  Friday, March 20th.

For those of you that don’t know what a Round Robin is … here’s how it usually works:

  • Each participant makes a block … usually you are given a size.  Sometimes participants have the fabric they want used placed in the bag that the block is in.  Sometimes a little notebook is with the block and states the block owner’s preferences, notes are added as the block is passed along.  Then the original block is passed to another participant.
  • Directions are given as to what to add as a border onto the block.  Sometimes it’s all 4 sides … sometimes only one side …
  • Then the block is passed on to the next participant and there are different directions as to what to add as a border.
  • This carries on until the quilt is deemed “finished” and the original with all the borders are returned to the original block owner.

There are many advantages of doing a Stay-at-Home Round Robin

  • you use the fabrics that YOU want to use
  • you don’t have to sew on someone else’s quilt
  • you make the decisions
  • it’s your quilt
  • it doesn’t need to leave your home (which is a HUGE thing right now with all the media attention of COVID-19)

Here’s how it’s going to work.  

This Friday, I will post the beginning instructions.  What size centre block (if you follow what I do) and approximately how big the quilt will be.

By March 27th, you will have your centre block done.  There  will be a linky party on the 27th, and you can share your block then.  With the linky party, you can share a blog post, an instagram post, a pinterest page.  Your choice!  You don’t need a blog to do this!  And, with the Linky party, we get to see what everyone is working on.

There are no hard and fast rules … this is meant to be fun and to occupy your mind as we live in this chaotic time!

A New Blog Hop starting this week

Quilt Qwazy Queens!

It starts on Wednesday … and here are the participants for this week.  It should be FUN!!!  I will be sharing mine the following week!

Wednesday March 18 
Thursday March 19
Friday March 20

Design Wall

Piecing:IMG_6319.jpeg

Summer Solstice:   I made myself complete these blocks.  Yeah, they got done!

Frolic: The centre is trimmed.

IMG_6321.jpegFlorabunda:
This is a free pattern from Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville.com  You can access the pattern HERE.  This is being used as a “Leader & Ender” project and 12 blocks were completed in the last week.

 

April Island Batik Challenge is ready for sandwiching

Quilting:

IMG_6323.jpegCircles is being quilted

TO DO 

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

Last week’s list:

  1. Time to pull this back out and work on Summer Solstice: ½ hour / day √  done
  2. Finish March Island Batik √  done
  3. Finish piecing April’s Island Batik √  done
  4. Trim Frolic and get the borders on  Partially done … Trimmed but no borders on it.

This week’s list:

  1. (Maybe) Finish quilting “Circles“
  2. Summer Solstice: Complete next step
  3. Round Robin: Make block
  4. Make “Making us Laugh” wall hanging
  5. Sandwich April Island Batik
  6. Get bordrers on Frolic!

Stash Report

IMG_6320.jpeg

There was this sale at “Dinkydoo” … a friend had never been … so off we went.  Inspite of the strict fabric diet that I have put myself on, I fell into temptation … 7 yards worth of temptation …  but aren’t they pretty?   The plan is to use some of them for guild pillowcases …

  • Fabric Used this week       0  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        52.25  yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   7  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      9.5
  • Net Fabric used                    42.75
  • –
  • Husband’s Purchases           0

Stitchin’ Time

I’m aiming for at least 15 minutes / day. 

  • 15 minute days:  January – Feb  59 / 60
  • 15 min days/ March = 15/15
  • Total days in 2020:  74 / 75
  • Percentage = 98%

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

 

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

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

Linking to:

 

52 x 52, Friday’s Finish

/ quiltinggail / 28 Comments

I finally finished my “52 Blocks in 52 Weeks.”  The quilt blocks were released weekly by Canadian Quilter’s Association designed by Jackie White.  Each block is unique and finishes at 6 ½” square.  Or should I say, each block is suppose to finish at 6 ½” square?  Most of mine did and I fudged with the rest.  I did not trim down any blocks.

Every single piece of fabric came from my stash. This was a picture of the bag of scraps that I dug into for each of the blocks … along with a constant light that I’d had for years.img_2976

Continue reading →

A “Not Finished” Friday

/ quiltinggail / 10 Comments

55557-go-glorified-nine-patch-package-tallNothing finished

No finishes this week!  I’ve been working A LOT on my March Island Batik challenge and I can’t show you yet!  I can tell you that I’m using the “Glorified 9 patch” Accuquilt die that I was given.  All the pieces for the block are on the die.  I have them all cut and most of them are on the design wall. Some blocks are sewn.

When I need a break from the excusiating SLOW curved piecing, I am quilting the “52 blocks in 52 weeks” quilt.  If you look closely, you can see that I’m doing graffiti quilting.  A little bit of this and a little bit of that! A swirl, pebbles, a heart, a teardrop, a flower and whatever comes to mind.  It’s fun and makes it so that I’m not bored.  I’m hoping that it will be finished soon!IMG_6222.jpeg Continue reading →

Log Cabin Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 25 Comments

IMG_6160

I fell in love with this fabric the minute I saw it in my Island Batik box.  “Faded Blue Jeans” by Kathy Engle.  Those that know me, know that I practicly live in blue jeans.  I LOVE blue jeans.   And to know that I HAD to make a log cabin, well, the love fest began!!!  This beautiful fabric collection should be in fabric stores by the end of the month.
Continue reading →

How to cut perfect borders without a tape measure!

/ quiltinggail / 19 Comments

That’s right, you can cut your borders to the perfect lengths without using a tape measure: Watch the video to see how!

Screen Shot 2020-02-14 at 3.17.17 AM

https://youtu.be/Io65pwM3vJ8

Edit: I have linked this blog post to Kathleen McMusing’s blog where she is compiling quilting tips and tutorials.  Go HERE to check out last month and this months tips & tutorials.

Continue reading →

Island Batik “Log Cabin Blog Hop”

/ quiltinggail / 17 Comments

Island Batik Blog HOP!!!

Island Batik “Log Cabin Blog Hop” Starts Today!   Be sure to visit Island Batik Blog each week to enter to win a pre-cut of one of the fabric collections highlighted that week.   These fabric collections are from the Fall 2019 line-up and should be available in quilt stores shortly.

I have seen a few of the quilts finished and a few in progress … oh my!!!  Fantastic eye candy for sure!!! Be sure to visit each of the blogs!

Here is the schedule for this week: Continue reading →

Retreat accomplishments – some …

/ quiltinggail / 21 Comments

Oh my! The retreat was a great time.  They always are!  So many different projects, so many ideas, so much help … so much food … and 2 people brought halloween jellies and candy corn … groan!  … too much sugar …  click HERE to see the slide show of other people’s projects.

SEW … What did I get done? 

fullsizeoutput_bdf Continue reading →

The Retreat is Over

/ quiltinggail / 22 Comments

Yes, the retreat is over.  It is done for another year!  It was a wonderful time of sharing, quilting, laughing and laughing!

We played games!  Instead of strip poker (See HERE) we used the LRC die and played with loonies (Canadian $1 coins).  It was fun to the end.   Then there was a scavenger hunt … looking for all sorts of things sewing and non-sewing related.  One thing that we needed was a selfie of the team, taken in a car.  Neither my partner or I had our own cars at the retreat. Much to the surprize of the owner, we hopped into the back of another car as she and her partner were getting out!  We have a gift exchange at the retreat and played a game with each of us ending up with a gift we didn’t make.

One of my secret projects in the recent weeks was a snappy bag and a roll of toilet paper.

IMG_5706

Continue reading →