Slow Stitchin’

Design Wall

Well, when you don’t keep up with all the parts of Bonnie Hunter’s Mystery … it takes a LOT of time to catch up … On Friday, I sewed with friends … I was hoping to at least get one of each block done – that didn’t happen!

img_2794Then I asked for opinions … for my gray – for the blocks with the teal 4 patches. I had 5 different grays … only one of them was big enough (the one on the left) to make the rectangles that went with the 4 patches … It was voted down … too dark … the others were too light,  or just right … but none of that mattered since there was not enough of the “just right” one to do the trick.  My friend’s solution was “quit being lazy and strip them together like the pattern suggests.” img_2795HA! HA!  And THEY are the ones that tease me endlessly about sewing with small pieces!  (Don’t I have awesome friends?) SEW, I’ve been sewing strips of grey fabric together for my rectangles.  One strip is made. No blocks are made yet! But I’m liking the strips.

I am no where near the reveal … On Monday, I’ll be linking to Good Fortune Linky Party.  There is bound to be some who have the top completed.  And, there’s probably a few that have not slept since Friday and have it quilted.   Me? I’m enjoying the slow stitchin’.

Stash Report

Yes, I bought fabric this week.  I needed binding for Purple Shells.  And YES, I’m going to keep track of my husband’s purchases – separate from mine!  If I use them, then I’ll subtract what I use from HIS purchase.  (GRIN!)Purple Shells

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PHD in 2019:  Quilting UFOs and Finishing New Projects

If you want to join us to decrease your UFOs and finish your new projects – you have until Jan. 20, 2019 … more information is HERE.

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Summary:  I finished Purple Shells … I counted it as a Start in 2019 even though it was started in late December. (Mostly because I didn’t want to add to my UFO list!

There are no UFOs finished, I’m just slow stitchin’ on Good Fortune.

Happy Quilting!
Gail

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Linking to:

 

 

Last Monday of 2018

I’ve been working on Shells from Turnabout Patchwork.  You can see my start HERE.

The picture on the left is the quilt sandwiched – with the spool of thread I plan to use for quilting it … the one on the right has the painter’s tape marking the straight lines.

 

I do hope I have this done in time for my son to deliver it!

Good Fortune

 

Parts 1, 2 & 3 are done … all done (left picture).  Part 4: I still debating whether to strip fabric together for the rectangles – or just go with one piece of fabric.    Part 5 has the orange / neutral (grey / neutral for me)  partially sewn (right picture) … the bigger triangles still need to be cut. Part 6 … string piecing neutrals … not too many, but not sure when I’ll start them.  Tomorrow, I will be linking to Monday’s Good Fortune link-up HERE.

Happy Quilting!
Gail

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Linking to:

Christmas Contest

IMG_2432There is a Janome club meeting 4 times a year where I work.  In September, attendees are able to choose one of 2 fabrics (or both).  They can make whatever they choose and may add whatever fabrics they wish.  When they return in November, they hand in the project they made. These projects are placed up on the walls around the store. Customers are encouraged to vote for the one they like best.  The winner will get a prize from the store.  All participants get to keep their projects.  If you live in the area, pop into Langley Vacuum and Sewing and vote for your favourite one! (The ones without numbers were made by employees of the store.)  I hope you enjoy the small slideshow!  Which one would you vote for?

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PHD in 2018 – November Report

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No finishes this week! Hopefully next week – right?

How are you doing with your UFOs?  Did you join us in reducing your UFOs to get your PHD in 2019?

I still have 2 UFOs to complete.  Quilting is still happening on this quilt:img_2592.jpg Continue reading

Moving through the UFOs …

This “Irish Snails” quilt was a kit … I’m not sure I like buying kits … I loved the sea-shell fabric – that’s what sold me on this kit.  However, there was not enough brown in the kit to make the pattern with the borders as instructed.  Luckily, I was able to get the exact brown fabric locally.  The pattern is by Peggy Gelbrich of Yellow House Quilter and is available HERE.  It’s an easy pattern to follow!

Anyhow, this quilt is in the process of being quilted.  IMG_2589 Continue reading

Another UFO bites the dust!

Oh! I’m so happy!  I have another UFO finished.  Quilted, label and bound!  Woohoo!!!  Here is a picture from the front and one of the quilting from the back!!!  The pattern is Ivan’s Diamonds.  Other quilts by the same pattern can be found Here and Here.
Ivan's Diamonds - red, pink, green & brown Continue reading

PHD in 2018 – October Report

H A P P Y    H A L L O W E E N !

OK…. Sew today is the last day of October … Halloween!  That means that I need to report on my PHD in 2018 and the progress of those that joined in the fun!

Hmmm, I’m not thoroughly impressed with what I got finished in October.  But I did finish 2 projects that were started in 2018 (Wonky Logs and Giraffe) … and 2 more are in progress …  When they are done, I will focus on the UFOs left.

 

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Feb. 19, ’18: Monday Design Wall

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Friday – MORE …

MORE photos from the retreat

These photos were taken by our guild photographer, Irene Hamilton.  She’s one talented lady!  She had posted these on the guild’s Facebook page and gave me permission to copy them, giving her credit for the photography.  

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The slide show with pictures I took can be seen in Wednesday’s post HERE

MORE about PHD in 2018

My 10th UFO is finished!  Woohoo!!! And it’s just past the middle of February!  I may be able to get 28 UFOs done this year … if I keep going at this rate!

This is a picture of the “Charming Bag” – a front view and a side view.  It uses Soft & Stable or a foam as the base. It is a fairly large bag – which is wonderful! And the foam helps it to sort-of stand up.   You can get the pattern at Fabric Expressions.  They also have kits available.  Check HERE.

MORE of My Progress at the Retreat

Remember this picture?

Here’s what I got done:

  • On Ringo Lake – about half of it is quilted
  • Charming Bag – done (see picture above)
  • Retreat Bag – the strips are sewn onto the foam.  I forgot the lining and my pockets at home – so couldn’t finish it. This is a new project – sew – it has to be finished this year in order for me to receive my own PHD!
  • Fractured Paint Box – made progress on 10 blocks

MORE Links:

To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:

Happy Quilting!
Gail

 

Happy Friday

On Ringo Lake

I was sandwiching my ORL today with the help of my husband.  His hand found a hole and he ripped a 9 patch out.  I couldn’t figure out what happened until I looked close:  one of the seams was about 1/32″ … not very thick!  At least it’s an easy fix! And it was found before it was quilted …

Binding Tutorial

Due to a few request – Here is a PDF file  Quick Machine Binding Tutorial

Linking to:

To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:

Happy Friday

Happy Quilting!
Gail

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Progress with no finishes

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PHD Update:

Well, the quilting on my PHD #2 (Flannel Fat Quarters) is still in progress … almost done.

On Ringo Lake … Half of the top is pieced together … Those pesky little brown triangles were not fun.  I’m sure I took each one of them out at least once!  Hopefully they will behave on the second half of the quilt!IMG_1330

That’s all that’s been happening!

Linking to:

Happy Quilting
Gail

Monday, Monday

clipart music notes As I wrote the title for this post, the song started singing in my head!  The Mamas & The Papas … you can hear it on YouTube HERE.  But, I can guarantee that my quilts will still be with me!

Design Wall:

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The start of the layout for “On Ringo Lake”.  This quilt is on point and will be impossible to “web”  so there will be a lot of careful sewing to ensure things stay in the correct position.

Interesting that in this picture a lot of the pinks look like coral …  a few are, but most of them are pink.

PHD in 2018 Update:

My cousin Terry is showing off her organizational skills and sent me a link to her PHD update: Sew Sunday @ My Quilting Legacy  Give her a visit and say “hi”.

Linking to:

To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links

Happy Quilting in 2018!
Gail

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Sewing, but no finishes!

PHD in 2018

We have another blogger joining us in this challenge.  She’s a fellow Canadian from the east coast.  Her blog is “Laughing Gas Quilts.”  Can you guess what she does for a job? In her comment, she said, “What goal directed, box ticking, overachiever can resist the lure of a certificate of achievement?”  LOVE it!

Are you interested in getting your PHD in 2018?  You can see the details HERE.  You have until January 10 to join and send me your list via instagram, Pinterest or Blog.

Progress Report
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Scrappy Irish Chain:  quilting is happening  … there are 49 blocks to put feather wreaths in and 50 blocks that need outlining.  Oh me … I like doing the feather wreaths, but outlining the blocks is boring, boring, boring …  Sew, I’ve set myself a goal of doing 7 feather wreaths a day and an hour of outlining.  Hopefully in 2 or 3 days, I’ll have the quilting done.

 

 

 

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On Ringo Lake:  I’m starting to work on Clue 8 – the blocks …  This picture contains all of the pieces I need for the main blocks.

I think I’m going to like this quilt!

Within hours of the “reveal” some people were posting pictures of their completed tops.  I have no idea how they did it!  There are several steps in the final clue and I know that it will take me a lot longer than a few hours to have this quilt to a flimsy stage!

Link-ups

To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:

Happy Quilting
Gail

 

 

 

 

PHD in 2018 – update

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As 2017 comes to an end, I’m thinking over the past year.  Lots of ups and downs – with a needle and thread.  I want to thank all of YOU for visiting my blog, commenting and supporting me in my quilting endeavours. I’m looking forward to a fun year in 2018 as I, and others, work on completing their PHDs!

Update

The list of participants in the PHD in 2018 challenge is at the top of my blog.  Including me, there are 5 of us aiming for the certificate.  You can see the details HERE.  You have until January 10 to join and send me your list via instagram, Pinterest or Blog.

Here is the list:

Terry is working on a project and would like some advice.  Visit her latest post and give your opinion. Here post is  HERE.

Preparation

Sandwiching

In the last few days, I managed to get 2 quilts sandwiched.  As you see below,  my daughter’s dog “Fergie” decided that she wanted to help sandwich it.

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This quilt was made from 2 packages of flannel fat quarters that I bought a LONG time ago at Craft Warehouse (?) near Portland, Oregon.  I always planned to make a rag quilt with the fabric, but wasn’t impressed with the work it would take to cut the “rags”.  Even with the Accuquilt – each block would have had to be done separately because of the heaviness of the flannel,  Sew – the plan changed and this became a disappearing 4 patch.  The backing is also flannel.  I can’t wait until it’s finished! It should be nice and cozy.

Quilting

This quilt is under the machine right now. It is primarily made with scraps from other people.  It did nothing to reduce MY own scrap pile.  In making this quilt, I realize that I don’t WANT any more scraps!  But I must admit, it’s fun to sew with other peoples fabrics! unknown-jpg   It will take a bit of time to get this one quilted. I’m doing small feather wreaths in the white blocks and outlining the coloured blocks. Slow going!

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Piecing

The other day, I was almost caught up with “On Ringo Lake” and thought I had a week to finish Clue 6.  But, to my surprise and likely everyone else’s – Clue 7 came out yesterday and Clue 8 came out today … Needless to say – I am not caught up! And, I suspect the final reveal will come out tomorrow.  The picture on the left is the remaining Clue 6 to sew together.  At the top of the picture is a few Clue 7.  The picture on the right is the Clue 8 – the block … And I just noticed that the middle bottom block is upside down!  Good thing it’s not sewn together yet!  Image result for smiley face

 

Well, I’ve got a lot of sewing to do and absolutely nothing will be finished before the New Year rings in.

Stash Report

As of tomorrow, January 1,  I’m starting off my Stash Report at “0”

Fabric Used this Week:     0  yards  
Fabric Used year to Date:  0  yards
Fabric Added this Week:    0  yards 
Fabric Added Year to Date:  0 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017:   0 yards  

PHD in 2018  //  UFO tally

I have 57 UFOs …  SEW – to get my PHD this year, I will complete 1/2 of the UFOs and finish all new projects that I start in 2018.

Total finished: 0

Linking to:

To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:

Happy Quilting in 2018!
Gail

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End of Year Report

As promised, I said I would show you this quilt once it was gifted.  It spent a bit of time in transit and I found out this week that little E now has her quilt.

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PHD in 2018

PHD in 2018

I’m going to be working on my PHD this year.  Are you going to join me?

PHDs are Projects Half Done … and I aim to get half of mine DONE.

Check out this post HERE for details.

 

On Ringo Lake

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Here is the start of Clue 5.  If you want to join in this Bonnie Hunter mystery – there is a button on my side-bar.  You can always download the clues to do the mystery at a later date.

I find that doing the mystery quilts are a fantastic way to learn new and faster techniques.  Her mystery quilts are like taking a course in making the quilt.  The directions are superb!

Stash Report

I will continue doing this in 2018.

Nothing bought – but I did finish my charm pack runner,  candle mat & co.   img_1249.jpg

These are my 2017 year end numbers:

Fabric Used this Week:     1.5  yards  
Fabric Used year to Date:  172.5  yards
Fabric Added this Week:    0  yards 
Fabric Added Year to Date:  62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017:   110.5 yards  

UFO tally

My 2017 UFO record.

January 2 July 0
Feb 0 Aug 1
Mar 0 Sept 2
April 0 Oct 5
May 2 Nov 1
June 4 Dec 0

Linking to:

To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:

Happy Quilting
Gail

Sewing, sewing …

On Ringo Lake:  Clue 4 is DONE!!!  (it was an easy clue)  And bit’s and pieces of Clue 1, 2,  & 3 are done … still sewing away at them!  I’d sort of like to get them done so I can possibly get at least one UFO done & increase my fabric used numbers a bit!  And also decrease the numbers of UFO’s I’m entering into 2018 with.

I do know that I need to get the Christmas decorations out and decorate the tree … hopefully in the next few days.

PHD in 2018

PHD in 2018

Are you going to join me?  Check out this post HERE for details.

 

 

Stash Report

Nothing bought – nothing finished!  So my total stays the same!

Fabric Used this Week:     0  yards  
Fabric Used year to Date:  171  yards
Fabric Added this Week:    0  yards 
Fabric Added Year to Date:  62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017:   109 yards  

UFO tally

UFOs completed:

January 2 July 0
Feb 0 Aug 1
Mar 0 Sept 2
April 0 Oct 5
May 2 Nov 1
June 4 Dec 0

17 UFOs completed!  There are 27 UFOs left to complete

To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:

Happy Quilting
Gail

Broken Toe

My big toe on my right foot is broken – in 2 places.  Groan.  That is my machine-driving foot.  Yes, I can use my left foot – but it’s not as good as my right foot.  However, I have managed to start the “On Ringo Lake” mystery!  When there is a will, there is a way!  Here is 10 of each of the first 3 clues done.  Many many more to do!  They just won’t all get done in a day!IMG_1219

If you want to join in the fun – there is a link to the mystery in the right side-bar.  If you want to see what others are doing – there is a linky part on Bonnie’s blog.  Click HERE.

Stash Report

Nothing bought – nothing finished!

Fabric Used this Week:     0  yards  
Fabric Used year to Date:  171  yards
Fabric Added this Week:    0  yards 
Fabric Added Year to Date:  62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017:   109 yards  

UFO tally

UFOs completed:

January 2 July 0
Feb 0 Aug 1
Mar 0 Sept 2
April 0 Oct 5
May 2 Nov 1
June 4 Dec 0

There are 27 UFOs left to complete

To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:

Happy Quilting
Gail