Free Motion Quilting

Fall Mystery Quilts

/ quiltinggail / 6 Comments

Did you do the Fall Mystery quilt that was posted here on my blog? Several local people did the mystery and I got to see some of them in person at a guild meeting …

Here’s Patti’s, Patricia’s, & Stella’s

Below is Lynne who used the extra blocks to make another quilt! She donated both of these quilts.

At the Boundary Bay Quilt show, I spotted 10 hanging around the venue. If I missed yours, please accept my apology!

I had been under the impression that they would all be grouped together so people could see the variation that fabric choices make. (Obviously, I was mistaken) At any rate, here they are … no two are alike! I’m in AWE at how the different fabrics make such a different looking quilt!

The last 2 quilts are mine. The last one was made with Island Batik’s “Cheers” fabric collection. Hobbs batting is in the middle and Aurifil thread was used to piece and quilt it! All sewn on either my Feather weight or my domestic Janome (M7).

Please note: The clues to the Fall Mystery, using a Layer Cake, or a 10″ stack, will be removed at the end of May.

Something NEW!

Tomorrow, May 10, Jenny’s new tool box will be available for pre-order! The MSQC home page will be filled with all the information. Unfortunately, the kit is not coupon eligible for a 20% discount, but if you purchase it and use my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail , I will still make a small commission.

Details of the Tool Box: This aqua metal toolbox is embossed with the Missouri Star logo and comes with Quilt Town floral fabric-lined inserts that easily lift out so you can store additional notions. The inside of the toolbox lid is magnetic to hold pins, needles, and other small notions. Elastic straps are also included to hold needle packs or a small template, and there’s extra room underneath the inserts for additional supplies. Jenny’s Signature Series Tools are made from German-grade surgical stainless steel and come beautifully etched with Missouri Star logos.  The actual kits will start shipping sometime in August.

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail  If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, (aside from this Tool Box), you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Monday Moments: May 6

/ quiltinggail / 14 Comments

This doesn’t happen to me anymore … except when it’s a box that I haven’t opened for a LONG time! LOL!!!

The Quilt Show

I was vending for Essem Textiles at the quilt show and didn’t have a lot of opportunity to look at the quilts! But what I saw was pretty fantastic! Here are the quilts that I entered in the show:

All of the quilts above, except one, used Island Batik fabric. They all used Hobbs batting and Aurifil thread. All piecing and quilting was done on either my featherweight or my domestic sewing machine.

I will show some more quilts from the show in another post.

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!

  • Jan – Apr:  110 / 120 days
  • May 1 – 5: 4 / 5 days
  • Total: 114 / 125 91%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Prisms Blog Hop (a secret for now!)
  • Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler.
  • St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).

Next in line for Piecing:

  • On the Road Again, blog hop
  • Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry

Quilting: to do

  • Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Borders are on … need to pick a backing ….
  • Quilting “Gardenia“
  • Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.

Sunday Stash

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

My son’s girlfriend fell in love with one of the quilts at the quilt show, so I did buy some fabric to make a quilt for them. But I won’t show it until after it’s made and gifted.

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     62.5 yards  from non-IB: 29
  • Fabric Added this week: 1.5 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     21.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              41 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …

To Do from the last report:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  2. Make a decision on “On the Road Again” block hop project in progress. Decision made, but not started yet.
  3. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done
  4. Catch up on Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt √   DONE.
  5. Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE. not done
  6. Work on May IB project: Holiday Paper Piecing √   DONE
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  2. Work on “On the Road Again” block hop project
  3. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
  4. Sandwich and Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt
  5. Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE.
  6. Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Hanging Sleeves

/ quiltinggail / 18 Comments

If you were to ask me what my LEAST favourite part of quilting is, it would be Hanging Sleeves. They are not something I enjoy doing! But sometimes, it is necessary.

I belong to the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild and we have a quilt show coming up next weekend (May 4 & 5). Of course, I entered several quilts and each of them needs to have a hanging sleeve.

Here’s a partial picture of the quilt show’s raffle quilt. It’s a beauty!! You can buy tickets at the show.

About Hanging Sleeves

If you’ve been following me for very long, you’ll know that I highly dislike hand sewing. In fact, after about 10 minutes, my hands are so sore, it’s ridiculous! So my hanging sleeves are put on by machine, or pins.

I know that many of my friends already have their sleeves on and the quilts bagged and ready to go. Not me!! Why do it ahead of time when I can feel under pressure and get them done without delay?

An online friend of mine, Kathleen McMusing had a tutorial YEARS ago for using a blind hem for putting on hanging sleeves. On the 22nd of each month she has a blog post called “Tips and Tutorials.” This past week, she reposted about the hanging sleeve technique using a blind hem. See HERE. She has a plethora of tips and tutorials … so while you’re there, you might want to grab a cup of coffee or tea and spend some time on her site!

The following picture shows me using the Blind Hem stitch to add the hanging sleeve. For the 2nd or bottom row of stitching, I switched to the navy thread so it wouldn’t show on the front. My Oliso iron is awesome for pressing!!! (I received it as part of being an Island Batik Ambassador!)

I used the lint roller to get all the excess lint off the quilt. We are to put a label with our names and phone numbers on the quilt. I’ve just written it on the hanging sleeve. A small piece of paper will have the name of the quilt attached, just below the sleeve.

I tend to be thrifty with fabric, so I re-use the hanging sleeves! Sometimes, they are too long and I just fold them up on the ends. The quilt is going to be hanging and only the people hanging the quilts will see that it’s folded over. Well, I guess you now know as well!

Two done, 4 to go!

All but one of the quilts was made with Island Batik fabrics. They all have Hobbs batting and use Aurifil thread for piecing and most of the quilting.

I will be at the show each day, all day … you can find me vending at Essem Textile’s booth. Stop by to say “hi.”

A Finish!

I did have a finish this week. I showed it on my April Showers Blog Hop post. You can read about it HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Friday – no finishes

/ quiltinggail / 18 Comments

Well, that is correct!! I have NO new finishes … but I’m plugging along at several projects … and attempting to get ready for a retreat!

My Lone-star Left-overs is now a flimsy (1st pic). It’s a sort-of finish. I do all my own quilting on my domestic machine, so I don’t consider flimsies as a finish. It’ll be done when I get a round-to-it! The 2nd picture is the Fall Mystery Quilt where I used Island Batik’s “Cheers” fabric collection. And, yes, I’m using Silly Moon‘s Kite ruler … as well as the smallest Drop ruler (not shown).

I Need A Round Tuit

The above poem and picture comes from this site: https://www.quantumenterprises.co.uk/roundtuit/traditional-round-tuits.htm

I’m sure that I had a wooden Round TUIT years ago … but I have no idea what happened to it! LOL!!!

Favourite Finish of the Month

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl hosts a Favourite Finish of the Month Link Party. Oh, why is it SOOOO hard for me to choose just ONE favourite finish? Especially this month because I have so many that I LOVE.

However, I think that my SAHRR (Stay At Home Round Robin) is my absolute fav of the above quilts! You can read more about this quilt HERE. I used Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 batting.

I was Featured!

Both Andree and Jennifer featured my quilt from last week. This was from the Give It a Whirl blog hop. You can read more about it HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary: March 24

/ quiltinggail / 14 Comments

This is so true!!!

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!

I had some wonderful company this past few weeks and missed one day of sewing! Oh, but it was a ton of fun catching up!!

  • Jan – Feb: 1-28: 51 / 60 days
  • Mar 1 – 24: 23 / 24 days
  • Total: 74 / 84 88%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Island Batik May project.
  • April Showers: blog hop
  • Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Visit Canuck Quilter HERE and shoot her an email if you want to join in the fun!
  • Piecing the Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE)

Here’s the start of the clues for Canuck Quilter’s 2 colour mystery.

And some of the Lone Star Left-overs up on the design wall

Quilting:

  • 2023 Fall Mystery Quilt. I have started quilting this!
  • Finish Quilting “Gardenia“

Sunday Stash

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

These 3 quilts were posted this past week. The purple/blue one was for the Villa Rosa blog hop (see THIS POST), the middle one is from the SAHRR ’24 (see HERE) and the 3rd one is Pinwheels for the Give it a Whirl blog hop (see THIS POST).

  • Fabric Used in the past 2 weeks:   12 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     57 yards  from non-IB: 25
  • Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     8 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              49 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

  1. Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” in progress.
  2. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  3. Finish Fast and More Fun: blog hop project. √   DONE
  4. Finish Give it a Whirl: blog hop project. √   DONE
  5. Work on IB April project in progress.
  6. Make a decision on April Showers: blog hop project √   DONE decision made!
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish quilting “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”
  2. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  3. Finish IB April project
  4. Finish piecing Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
  5. Work on Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt
  6. Start April Showers: blog hop project
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Give it a Whirl Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 58 Comments

Carol from Just Let Me Quilt is the organizer and host for this Whirly Blog Hop.

Here’s what she had to say:

Challenge: Life can send us spinning sometimes, so let’s put those spins and whirls to good use in a quilt. Make something with pinwheel blocks, circle quilting, or whirly gigs. Try not to whirl out of control!

I went to EQ8 to figure out how many 8″ pinwheels, using 4″ HST, I would need for a decent size baby quilt. Here’s what I came up with: 15 pinwheel blocks and (15) 8 1/2″ unfinished squares. 

Using Island Batik’s Sunny Meadow collection and solid white, I used the 8″ cube die to cut all of the triangles for the half square triangles. The cutting was done quickly, very quickly! I pieced it together and then had fun quilting! And yes, I just might have ‘whirled out of control‘ in the quilting. But I enjoyed every single minute of it!

Here are some close ups of the quilting:

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 40″ x 48″
  • Hobbs 80/20 inside
  • Aurifil Thread:
    • Piecing: #2600 Dove Grey
    • Quilting: #2835 Medium Mint

At the moment, I’m debating whether to donate it or keep it for a special baby that I know nothing about … he or she may not even be conceived at this time. Time will tell.

The Blog Hoppers

Make sure you visit the following bloggers to see their “Give it a Whirl” quilts!

MARCH 18

MARCH 19

MARCH 20

MARCH 21

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Fast and More Fun Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 187 Comments

I was intrigued when I heard about this blog hop. It’s organized by Villa Rosa. You have probably seen them, even if you don’t recognize the name!! They are the patterns that are printed on post-card sized cards. I have made several of their quilts or table runners, more or less, using the directions given.

Here’s a bit of history about Villa Rose Designs:

We call Pat Fryer, the owner and the creator of the Villa Rosa Designs brand, our Rose Queen, because she absolutely adores roses.  In fact, her love of roses helped her name her new venture in 2010.  When she designed her first Rose Cards, she had a brilliant and unique idea to name ALL of her VRD patterns after Roses (also why we call them Rose Card patterns).  For many years, all of the patterns were named after roses.  Now we have a collection of talented designers who all have their own covers and logos, but Pat’s quilt designs are still named for roses.  If you look at the Villa Rosa Designs patterns, you will see a rose in the top right corner on the cover of the pattern.  That is the specific rose the pattern is named for.  

Tricia sent me a zip of 5 patterns for the blog hop. I doubt very much that you could purchase this set of 5 in Canada for $8.95. I’ve seen individual ones priced at anywhere between $2 – $5! HOWEVER … keep reading and you can have an opportunity to WIN these 5 patterns!

 I choose Gypsy Rose. 

This was in February, just after I had posted my Island Batik Log Cabin quilts. I was about to put the extra “Heavy Metal” fabric away but instead, I immediately started cutting for this quilt. Now, I didn’t have all 20 skus left, but I cut from what I did have! I just love the blues and purples in this fabric collection!

This was an easy and fast quilt top to put together! I completed the top in an afternoon while I was also piecing a couple of other projects!

I used Silly Moon‘s “Charming” ruler to do all the quilting! It’s simple, but effective!

Quilt Stats:

Prizes!! Prizes!! Prizes!!

There are LOTs of prizes from this. blog hop. (See the list of sponsors below).

Each blogger participating in the hop will select winners for:

  • 3 Sponsor prizes
  • One set of 5 Villa Rosa patterns (the patterns used in the blog hop)

This is a HUGE hint for you to visit each of the bloggers and follow their individual guidelines to increase YOUR chance to win!!!

If you are chosen by me, I will need your Name, Shipping Address and Email.

There is also 3 awesome grand prizes:

  • Kaffe Fassett Precuts Collection
  • $100 digital gift certificate for Hancock’s of Paducah
  • A Big Mystery Box of Quilting Goodies

So … in order for me to pick YOU to be selected by me, I need you to do 2 things:

1. Comment on my blog

AND 2. Follow me on Instagram @quiltinggail

Update: In order for me to pick YOU to be selected by me, You need to leave a comment on my blog. If you also choose to follow me on Instagram, you will be entered into my draw twice.

Sponsors (for the Prizes!)

Many companies have donated prizes for this blog hop!

The Bloggers in the Hop

Thursday, March 14
https://villarosaquilts.com/

Friday, March 15
1. Kathleen McCormick — https://kathleenmcmusing.com/
2. Cheree H — http://livelylatte.blogspot.com/
3. Roseanne Nelson — https://www.homesewnbyus.com
4. Wendy Tuma — https://www.piecefulthoughts.com/
5. C&T (Valerie) — https://www.ctpub.com/blog/

Saturday March 16
1. Bernie Kringel — https://needleandfoot.com/
2. Sandra Walker — https://www.mmmquilts.com/
3. Linda — https://www.texasquiltgal.com/
4. Debbie Huber – http://time4stitchn.blogspot.com/
5. SIY (Branyn/Jennifer) – https://blog.siysewityourself.com/

Sunday, March 17
1. Carolyn — https://quarterinchcapers.blogspot.com/
2. Emily (Norton House) — https://www.nortonhousequilting.com/blogs/news
3. Gail Sheppard — https://quiltinggail.com/ YOU ARE HERE!!
4. Susan Slaton — http://wazoonewsbits.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 18
1. Nann Hilyard — https://withstringsattached.blogspot.com/
2. Jaftex (Jennifer) — https://scottfortunoff.com/
3. Jan Altomare — https://www.cocoaquilts.com/ 

4. Tricia – http://quiltwithaview.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, March 19
1. Joy – https://shout4joy-shouting.blogspot.com/
2. Emily Leachman — http://thedarlingdogwood.blogspot.com/
3. Vicki S — www.knitbug2.blogspot.com
4. Rose Mikulski — https://somethingrosemade14.blogspot.com/
5. QOVF (Lexie) — https://www.qovf.org/

Wednesday, March 20:

  1. Nancy — https://www.graceandpeacequilting.com/
  2. Jocelyn — https://happycottagequilter.blogspot.com
  3. Tracie — https://joyfullytracie.com/
  4. Daryl — Patchouli Moon Studio
  5. Electric Quilt (Diane) — https://doyoueq.com/blog/

Thursday, March 21:

villarosaquilts.com

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Sunday Summary: March 10

/ quiltinggail / 18 Comments

Can you relate to this?? I certainly can!

March’s Island Batik Challenge

March’s Island Batik challenge was to make what we wanted. I have LOTS of Island Batik scraps and I am really a fan of scrappy quilts. I also like to have two colour quilts … so these 3 quilts were born. I had a lot of fun making them!! You can read about the process HERE.

Hobbs Batting, Aurifil Thread and Schmetz Needles were used in the making of these quilts! And my new Oliso iron was used for all the pressing.

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!

I had some wonderful company this past week and missed one day of sewing! Oh, but it was a ton of fun catching up!!

  • Jan – Feb: 1-28: 51 / 60 days
  • Mar 1 – 10: 9 / 10 days
  • Total: 60 / 70 85%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Island Batik April project. Here’s a picture … yes, it’s going to be blue!

Quilting:

  • Fast and More Fun: blog hop project – almost done!
  • 2023 Fall Mystery Quilt. I have the backing now … no excuses! Yes, I know I’ve said this for a few weeks now!
  • Finish Quilting “Gardenia“

Binding:

  • Give it a Whirl: blog hop project

Sunday Stash

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

No shopping this week, so nothing added! My 3 Island Batik quilts used a lot of fabric. Even though I used scraps, it’s still counted as fabric!

  • Fabric Used this week:  17 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     45 yards  from non-IB: 17
  • Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     8 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              37 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …

To Do from the last report:

  1. Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” sandwiched, not quilted
  2. Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 finish quilting and binding √   DONE
  3. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“. not done
  4. Finish IB March project √   DONE
  5. Finish Fast and More Fun: blog hop project. in progress.
  6. Finish Give it a Whirl: blog hop project. in progress.
  7. Start IB April project in progress.
  8. Think about April Showers: blog hop project √   DONE The thinking was easy … but no decision is made yet!
  9. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  10. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”
  2. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  3. Finish Fast and More Fun: blog hop project.
  4. Finish Give it a Whirl: blog hop project.
  5. Work on IB April project
  6. Make a decision on April Showers: blog hop project
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Island Batik, March: It’s All Up To You!

/ quiltinggail / 23 Comments

I decided I would make a scrappy quilt for the March challenge. I had have a large bag of green Island Batik scraps. I started out making 4 x 4 blocks with 2 1/2” squares all from the scrap bag. But, I didn’t count very well and made way too many blocks.

I didn’t like the look of the 16 patch blocks with a plain block in between. I know I had seen a quilt with 16 patches, alternating with a plainer block using half-square triangles. Do you think I could find it? Nope. Not a hope. So, I went to EQ8 and designed the first 2 blocks. I quickly realized that I could cut the 3rd block with my Accuquilt Cube 8″ dies (#5 for HST & #10 from Corners) and eliminate making a ton of half square triangles.

And this quilt was born.

Once I had the blocks up on the design wall, I decided I didn’t like it. It almost seemed unfinished to me. So I added half blocks all the way around with a 4 patch in each corner. The alternating blocks use a soft green called ‘mint.’ It’s an Island Batik basic and was the perfect choice for this quilt!

By the time I finished the above quilt, I still had lots of 2 1/2” squares left, many in 16 patch blocks. So, I pulled out ‘Ghost’ to make the neutral blocks and this quilt was born. I added a 4 1/2” border around it using Vegi Garden – Green Gr from the Fruit and Veggies collection. I used this collection last year for my Puff Quilt (see HERE). There was the perfect amount of this fabric for the borders and to bind the 2 quilts with about 1/2 yard left.

Then, I started to tidy my sewing room and guess what I found? MORE 2 1/2” squares!!! a couple of 16 patch blocks!!!! and a few of the neutral blocks using ‘Mint.”!!! I guess that’s what I get for not being consistent in my cleaning!!! So, there was enough to make Quilt #3! And just the right amount of the green fabric for a border … This quilt was destined to have a scrappy border. I just did plain straight line quilting in this one. It’s OK … but it again showed me that I much prefer to do custom quilting as seen in the 2 quilts above.

When this quilt was complete, I did have a few stray neutral blocks and some green 4 patches, but not enough to do much with. I still have a fairly big bag full of green scraps, but they are all smaller than 2 1/2” square.

Here’s a picture of all 3 of them on the clothesline. A couple of them will definitely be donation quilts.

Quilt Stats:

  • Size:
    • #1 48″ x 62″
    • #2 40″ x 54″
    • #3 40″ x 40″
  • Hobbs Batting 80/20 inside
  • Aurifil Thread:
    • Piecing #2600 (Dove Grey)
    • Quilting #2835 (Medium Mint)
    • Binding #2890 (Very Dark Grass Green)
  • Schmetz Needles: Microtex 80/12
  • Quilting Rulers:
    • #1 Silly Moon Drop & Rocket
    • #2. Silly Moon Rocket & a long curve

My Oliso iron was used every step of the way! I’m still not used to leaving it flat, but it’s definitely a smooth iron and is plenty hot!

For now, I’ve put all my green scraps away … I think it might be a while before that bag is touched again … maybe …

Thank You!!

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Pin Dot Floral and other things

/ quiltinggail / 17 Comments

This Island Batik collection is absolutely gorgeous!

This collection is for Megan Best. She is an Island Batik Ambassador and we always had plans to meet. We only live about 17 miles apart … however, she lives in Washington State and I live in Canada 🇨🇦. I don’t need to tell you why it took over 3 years for us to meet in person.

Anyhow, last year, I needed to go down to Washington and I stopped by her place. She gave me a tour of her awesome studio! (Sorry, no pictures) and she showed me the beautiful quilts she has made with this collection. All of them are absolutely stunning! Then she asked if I’d like to make a quilt with this collection. Well, of course, I said “yes!!!”

I was gifted a fat quarter bundle … and then it was time to play. EQ 8 to the rescue!! But nothing said, “make me!” … So, I went to my Accuquilt dies and saw the Kite die in the 8″ Qube Angles box and paired it with the Triangles in a Square die. And I started cutting.

It’s such pretty fabric, it’ll make pretty blocks, right?

Well, no! It was too busy … and I hated it. And I didn’t take any pictures of the not-so-nice blocks. So I cut more triangle blocks out of white fabric and came up with this quilt:

The white set off the beautiful fabrics from the collection. I was happy! I used Hobbs 80/20 batting and quilted it with Silly Moon “Rocket” to make the straight lines. It is bound with a scrappy binding with left-over pieces. It is 44″ x 52.”

Then, I had the dilemma of what to do with the side pieces I had cut. I didn’t want the quilts to look the same, so I cut out lots of black triangles, using the Triangle in a Square die.

I add all of the side triangles I had cut with Pin Dot Floral and this quilt was born:

Such a different look with the same fabrics! For this one, I used Hobbs black batting. It’s perfect for dark quilts and doesn’t dull the beautiful colours! And again, I used Silly Moon’s “Rocket” for the straight line quilting. I love how the markings on the ruler make it super easy to have a pattern without marking the quilt! This quilt is 44″ square.

And a close up of the quilting:

I still have some left-overs of this beautiful fabric and I have a plan in mind!

Commitment

Do you remember, way back in January, I told you that my word for 2024 was Commitment? You don’t? Well, don’t worry … I had sort of forgotten as well.

I didn’t have enough UFOs to run the PHD in 2024 and Ms P Designs took it over. See HERE. But, I knew that I needed to be accountable and at least finish what I had started in 2024 … thus “Commitment.”

So far this year, I have started 10 projects and have completed half of them! I’m totally fine with that because I KNOW that none of them are being placed in a bin and hidden until who knows when! They will get done! Unfortunately, none of the UFOs have been completed – YET … but they are in the works … and the SAHRR ’24 needs to be completed for the SAHRR parade in March. It will get done!

Temptation!

Scrappy quilts have definitely been on my radar recently! The project I’m working on for March’s Island Batik challenge is definitely scrappy! Then our guild recently had Cheryl Arkinson speak.  She’s all scraps and scrappy. And then I attended a Zoom presentation by Carola from Carola’s Quilt Shop and it was all about scrappy quilts. Carola’s blog has lots of ideas and easy to follow!

The problem: I now have TOO MANY ideas!!! I want to start at least 20 of them!!! How can I even resist starting half of them?????

Favourite Finish of the Month

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl has a Linky Party at the end of each month where we are to choose our favourite quilt of the month!!! Oh me, oh my. How do I choose just ONE Favourite quilt? As an Island Batik Ambassador, I get to work with many, many beautiful fabric collections!!! They are all quite different and beautiful. Each has a unique beauty! I must admit, I LOVE my Island Batik quilts … and these 3 are the favourites for this month!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary: Feb. 25

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

This is why some people figure quilting is HARD!!!

SAHRR Round #5 is almost done … ready for Round #6!

The hosts have shown their centre blocks, many rounds, and other’s have joined in on the fun. See This Post for all the details! Here’s my centre block with the rounds, including the last round #5! My blog post HERE has links to all of the participating bloggers. Tomorrow is the last round! Almost done!

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!

  • Jan 1-28: 22 / 31 days
  • Feb 1-25: 25 / 25 days
  • Total: 47 / 56. 83%

Design Wall Mondays

Judy, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week. Sorry, no pictures to share!

Piecing projects:

  • Island Batik April project
  • Fast and More Fun: blog hop project
  • Give it a Whirl: blog hop project

Quilting:

  • 2023 Fall Mystery Quilt. I have the backing now … no excuses!
  • Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  • IB March project
  • SAHRR 2024

Sunday Stash

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

This past week, I showed you this sweet baby quilt … You can read about it HERE.

  • Fabric Used this week:  2.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     28 yards  from non-IB: 10
  • Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     8 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              20 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

  1. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” sandwiched, not quilted
  2. Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 in progress. Round #6 completed, needs quilting
  3. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  4. Finish IB March project  not done in progress.
  5. Work on Fast and More Fun: blog hop project. in progress
  6. Work on Give it a Whirl: blog hop project. in progress
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE I actually spent about 2 hours tidying and cleaning … what a difference it made!

To Do for next week:

  1. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”
  2. Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 finish quilting and binding
  3. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  4. Finish IB March project 
  5. Work on Fast and More Fun: blog hop project.
  6. Work on Give it a Whirl: blog hop project.
  7. Start IB April project
  8. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  9. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Last week of Island Batik’s Blog Hop

This is the last week of a FABULOUS blog hop!! Be sure to visit the Zen Funk log cabins!

February 26:

February 27:

End of Blog Hop and Final Round-Up

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

How to Make a Diagonal Quilt Back …

/ quiltinggail / 20 Comments

This blog post contains:

  • How to make a quilt back when you don’t have quite enough fabric for the backing.
  • Winner of the Fabric Draw from THIS Post

Making the Back

When I made one of my Log Cabin quilts for the Island Batik challenge, (see HERE) I wanted to use the lovely dark purple fabric (Gears – Purple Hyacinth) to back one of my log cabin quilts. But, alas, there was not enough. I have sometimes been asked how to make my diagonal backs, so I thought I’d do a short tutorial on it.

My quilt top is on the design wall. I took the dark purple and pinned it close to the top, folded it diagonally (not at 45o), just diagonally, from corner to corner. You can see how it looks ‘off’ from the quilt. That’s OK. You just want to have it diagonal.

Then I took my roller and pressed that diagonal line. The next step was to use my fabric shears and cut the diagonal line. I placed the 2 halves over the quilt, going beyond the quilt by about 3″ on each side. (that’s the extra I like to have when I’m free motion quilting). If you are worried about cutting on the bias, you can always put a small strip of iron-on interfacing on the cutting line before cutting. In this case, you may want to mark the line instead of ‘pressing’ it. When working with Island Batik fabrics, I don’t worry about the bias stretching and I am gentle with it!

Then, I measured the distance between the two halves … it was about 12.” I added 1/2” for seam allowance and I cut pieces of fabric 12 1/2” wide. Those were pieced together to make one long strip. Each half of the diagonally cut piece was sewn onto the long strip. 

Yes, I could have used one piece of fabric for the long strip, but I chose to use some of my favourite fabrics from the line in the strip.

When I go to sandwich my quilts, I make sure that the 2 opposite diagonal corners of the quilt end up on the centre piece. This will avoid any nasty build up of seams in the corners.

I’d love to hear if you’ve ever done this or if you plan to!

I’ll be linking to Kathleen McMusing’s Tips and Tutorials. If you’ve never been to her blog … the Tips and Tutorials has a plethora of fantastic quilting information. It’s well worth the visit. HERE.

Winner of the Fabric Draw

When I posted my Island Batik Log Cabin Challenge, I offered readers / followers to have an opportunity to win some Heavy Metal fabric. The Rafflecopter only worked for some people, so I took the list from the Rafflecopter and the list from the comments and combined them. I used a Random Number Generator and the it’s #14 … Stella M. I have emailed her and the fabric will be in her hands soon!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

It Moose Be Love Blog Hop (Feb)

/ quiltinggail / 41 Comments

It Moose Be Love is organized and hosted by Joan, from Moose Stash Quilting.

Challenge: It’s the month of “Love”. Show us what it is, you love. Moose are optional of course. LOL!!

Here’s a few ‘heart’ shaped quilts & wall hangings, plus a hugs and kisses quilt that I have made in the past.

For this blog hop, I opted to omit the moose! 🫎

Here is the start of my pink heart quilt. It’s the same pattern as the grey and Dr. Suess one above: I think. I no longer have the quilt, so am unsure as to it’s size. I’m using 5″ squares for this. I started with 5″ strips of Island Batik pinks from a Stash Builder roll, plus another pink in my stash and it’s paired with Island Batik’s solid white! 

Then, using the Easy Angle ruler, I paired the pink with the Island Batik solid white and cut triangles for 10 half square Triangles. (If you use an Easy Angle ruler, there’s no fabric waste, and once the HST are sewn, you only need to trim dog ears and viola! they are the perfect size!) Then I cut (20) 5″ squares. From the white (after cutting the HST), I cut: (6) 5″ squares, (2) 5″ x 9 1/2” rectangles, (2) 9 1/2” squares, and (2) 5″ strips WOF. The borders were from a similar Stash Builder bundle and were cut at 2 1/2” wide. The binding used the remaining strips in the bundle.

I quilted this on my domestic sewing machine and covered the whole quilt with hearts using the 5″ Cupid ruler from Silly Moon. Below is a close up of the quilting.

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 40″ x 40″
  • Batting: Hobbs 80/20
  • Piecing: Aurifil 2600 (Dove Grey)

Blog Hoppers

If you want to see some FABULOUS eye candy, be sure to visit each of the following blogs!

Monday February 19

Tuesday February 20

Wednesday February 21

Thursday February 22

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Sunday Summary: Feb. 18

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

If this is TRUE ??? I am immortal!!! but also broke!!! 😅

SAHRR Round #4 is almost done … ready for Round #5!

The hosts have shown their centre blocks and other’s have joined in on the fun. See This Post for all the details! Here’s centre and Round #4! Visit Brenda @ Songbird Designs. to see lots of other Round #4s.

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!

  • Jan 1-28: 22 / 31 days
  • Feb 1-18: 18 / 18 days
  • Total: 40 / 49. 81%

Design Wall Mondays

Judy, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week. Sorry, no pictures to share!

Piecing projects:

  • SAHRR ’24 (Round 6 … trying to work ahead!)
  • Fast and More Fun: blog hop project
  • Give it a Whirl: blog hop project

Quilting:

  • 2023 Fall Mystery Quilt. I have the backing now … no excuses!
  • Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  • IB March project

Sunday Stash

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

I showed the retreat bag that I finished this past week HERE (1.25 yards). Plus, I finished 2 log cabin quilts for the Island Batik Log Cabin Blog Hop; Spiral (7 yards), Pinwheel (8.75 yards)

  • Fabric Used this week:  17 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     25 1/2 yards  from non-IB: 9
  • Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    8 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              17 1/2 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

  1. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” sandwiched, not quilted
  2. Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 in progress
  3. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  4. Finish IB February project √   DONE. and posted
  5. Work on “It Moose be Love” blog hop project √   DONE
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”
  2. Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 (rounds 6)
  3. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  4. Finish IB March project
  5. Fast and More Fun: blog hop project
  6. Give it a Whirl: blog hop project
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Island Batik’s Log Cabin Blog Hop

Island Batik’s first challenge of 2024 is to make a Log Cabin. I must admit, Log Cabins are one of my favourite quilts to make!! You’ve seen my 2 Log Cabins, but there is some awesome ones made!

This week’s giveaway is live now! Follow the simple Rafflecopter prompts on the Island Batik blog for a chance to win one of the two fabulous Fat Quarter bundles! Squiggles, Dots and Lines OR Romance and Garden!

February 6:

February 7:

February 8:

February 9:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway

February 12:

February 13:

February 14:

February 15:

February 16:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway

February 19:

February 20:

February 21:

February 22:

February 23:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 3 and Giveaway

February 26:

February 27:

End of Blog Hop and Final Round-Up

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Island Batik’s Log Cabin Blog Hop: My Day!

/ quiltinggail / 92 Comments

I received “Heavy Metal” by Kathy Engle (for Swan Amity Studios) in my January Island Batik box!! This fabric will be shipping to shops in February. This is the fantastic fabric I used for the Log Cabin Blog Hop!

I searched for a pattern that I had on paper and couldn’t find it. I went to EQ8 and downloaded the Heavy Metal SKUs into the fabric portion and started designing various log cabins. I designed this quilt. It’s a based on the courthouse block, with the fabrics placed so that it spirals. Sort of fun, eh?

Spiral Logs

This quilt used every fabric in the collection. So, I started cutting and sewing. I attempted to keep the fabrics in some order so that each block would be totally unique. I surprised myself by doing it! There are 20 fabrics in the collection and of the coloured fabrics, each one is in the centre of each block.

This one is called “Spiral Logs.” The quilting was simple: wavy lines along each of the logs. 

I will give a tutorial on how to make the diagonal backing in a future post.

Quilt Stats:

WAIT!!! There is more!!!

Once I had the blocks up on the design wall for the spiral log cabin and I was ready to web the quilt, I found the sketch of the pattern I had been working on YEARS ago. I stopped in my tracks and designed the block in EQ8. I was a happy camper. Yes, I knew that this would give me 2 quilts, but I can live with that!

I’ve called the second one “Pinwheel” Logs. All of the strips are cut at 2 1/2” wide and finish at 2″ in the quilt. 

Here’s a picture from EQ8 of the designed block with Heavy Metal fabrics inserted. The block is 16″ x 16″.

I started by making 48 half square triangles. Then coloured fabrics were cut in groups of 3 at

  • 21/2“x 81/2“
  • 21/2” x 61/2“
  • 21/2” x 41/2”
  • 21/2” x 21/2“. 

Then the background fabrics were cut

  • (48) 21/2” x 21/2”
  • (96) 21/2” x 41/2“.

And a few progress pictures:

Quilt Stats:

Heavy Metal Give-away

Here’s the Rafflecopter to enter … You must live in Canada or the USA to win. If the Rafflecopter doesn’t work … make sure you do the following:

  • Follow my Instagram: Quilting Gail
  • Follow my Facebook page: Quilting Gail
  • Leave a comment below telling me which of the 2 Log Cabin quilts you like the most (Spiral or Pinwheel)
a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Thank You!

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

Blog Hop Schedule

February 6:

February 7:

February 8:

February 9:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway

February 12:

February 13:

February 14:

February 15:

February 16:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway

February 19:

February 20:

February 21:

February 22:

February 23:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 3 and Giveaway

February 26:

February 27:

End of Blog Hop and Final Round-Up

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Saturday’s Summary

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

This is TRUE!!!

Monthly Colour Challenge

January’s colour is Orange!!! Here is my February block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for February. It’s free for the mo

I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks. Here’s January’s

And the January & February blocks:

SAHRR Round #2 is almost done … ready for Round #3!

The hosts have shown their centre blocks and other’s have joined in on the fun. See This Post for all the details! Here’s my centre block with the first round! Visit Anja @ Anja Quilts to see lots of other Round #2. Return to Quilting Gail on Monday to see Round #3!

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!

Of course, with being away and not taking my sewing machine with me, my numbers decreased a LOT! That’s OK … the percentage is bound to increase – as long as I don’t go on holidays again! 😁

  • Jan 1-31: 23 / 31 days
  • Feb 1-3: 3 /3 days
  • Year total: 26 / 34 days
  • 76%

Design Wall Mondays

Judy, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week. Sorry, no pictures to share!

Piecing projects:

  • SAHRR ’24 (Round 4 & 5 … trying to work ahead!)
  • It Moose be Love: blog hop project

Quilting:

  • Island Batik February Log Cabin Quilt
  • 2023 Fall Mystery Quilt
  • Finish Quilting “Gardenia“

Sunday Stash

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

I bought backing for my 2023 Fall Mystery Quilt. At least this didn’t put me in the red!!! I shouldn’t have to by backing for quite a while now! 

  • Fabric Used in 2023:    8 1/2 yards  from non-IB: 5
  • Fabric Used this week: 4 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    8 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              1/2 yard

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

  1. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” not done
  2. Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 in progress
  3. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  4. Work on IB February project in progress
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”
  2. Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 (rounds 4 & 5)
  3. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  4. Finish IB February project
  5. Work on “It Moose be Love” blog hop project
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Island Batik’s Log Cabin Blog Hop

Island Batik’s first challenge of 2024 is to make a Log Cabin. I must admit, Log Cabins are one of my favourite quilts to make!! 

Although the Island Batik Log Cabin starts next Tuesday, the first week’s giveaway is live now! Follow the simple Rafflecopter prompts on the Island Batik blog for a chance to win one of the two fabulous Fat Quarter bundles – Breezy by Kate Colleran Designs or Fairy Floss by Tamarinis!

The Log Cabin Blog Hop starts on Monday. 

Here’s what Island Batik has to say about the Log Cabin Blog Hop: We are thrilled to kick off the eleventh season of the Island Batik Ambassador Program with the Log Cabin Blog Hop! It’s a delightful challenge inspired by an enduring favorite in the quilting world. The versatility of the Log Cabin block offers endless creative possibilities. Will our Ambassadors opt for the graceful curves, geometric precision of triangles, whimsical wonky designs, celestial star motifs, innovative twists, or stick with the timeless classic? With boundless imagination and skill, our Ambassadors are poised to showcase a diverse array of interpretations. The sky truly is the limit as we start on this captivating adventure!

Here is the schedule:

February 6:

February 7:

February 8:

February 9:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway

February 12:

February 13:

February 14:

February 15:

February 16:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway

February 19:

February 20:

February 21:

February 22:

February 23:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 3 and Giveaway

February 26:

February 27:

End of Blog Hop and Final Round-Up

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary: January 28

/ quiltinggail / 20 Comments

Sounds reasonable to me, too!

Monthly Colour Challenge

January’s colour is GREEN!!! Here is my January block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for January. Hurry, because you’ll have to pay for January’s block if you wait until the month is over!

I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks. Here’s January’s

SAHRR Round #1 is almost done … ready for Round #2!

The hosts have shown their centre blocks and other’s have joined in on the fun. See This Post for all the details! Here’s my centre block with the first round! Visit Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life to see lots of other Round #1.

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!

Of course, with being away and not taking my sewing machine with me, my numbers decreased a LOT! That’s OK … the percentage is bound to increase – as long as I don’t go on holidays again! 😁

  • Jan 1-28: 19 / 28 days
  • 67%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • SAHRR ’24 (Round 3 & 4 … trying to work ahead!)
  • IB February (a couple of pictures – works in progress!)

Quilting:

  • 2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” (waiting for the backing)
  • Finish Quilting “Gardenia“

Sunday Stash

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

No shopping, so nothing new bought!

I did finish my White Rabbit (bunny hugs) quilt. 6 1/2 yards

  • Fabric Used in 2023:    8 1/2 yards  from non-IB: 5
  • Fabric Used this week: 6 1/2 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    4 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             4 1/2 yards 

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

  1. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” not done (still waiting on backing)
  2. Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 in progress
  3. Finish White Rabbit project. √   DONE. and posted
  4. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  5. Work on IB February project in progress
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”
  2. Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 (rounds 3 & 4)
  3. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  4. Work on IB February project
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Favourite Finish of the Month

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl is now hosting the Favorite Finish of the Month. 

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Finishing Friday

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This week, I managed to finish this quilt in time for the White Rabbit Blog Hop. The weather has been raining and pouring and raining, not to mention the snow that we had, so I have not been able to take a picture of it outdoors. A picture on my design wall will have to do. 

I used Island Batik’s “Baby Bloomers” collection along with some Porcelain Fireside to add texture to the bunnies. Hobbs 80/20 is in the middle. The quilting was a simple walking foot straight line along with stippling in the dark purple areas. I must admit, I really enjoyed making this quilt! To find links to all of the White Rabbit bloggers, go to THIS POST.

I was featured

Wednesday Wait Loss

Jennifer from Wednesday Wait Loss @  Inquiring Quilter featured this little quilt:

Up coming Blog Hops

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

We Ran Away …

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That’s right, my husband and I ran away. It was a spur of the moment trip. It started with an idea, it fell into place and away we went.

We went to Hawaii’s Big Island. Compared to all of the other Hawaiian islands – it got it’s name for a reason!

The weather was OK … not good for snorkeling, but a lot warmer than here at home! We explored a lot of places, walked a lot of beaches, saw some sun, some rain and some wind. And, I visited 2 quilt stores. I’d say that was a fun thing to do when it’s raining out!

The first store we visited was Quilt Passions in Kona. It was FULL of fabulous eye candy and lots of Island Batik fabrics!

While in the the store, I met Steve. He showed me a few nifty notions. See the blue scissor holder on the end of his featherweight? That is “Annie’s Tool.” She’s 11 years old and makes them, using a 3D printer. 

Then we went to Kilauea Kreations in Hilo. A smaller store, but friendly and bursting at the seams will all sorts of goodness.

While in these 2 stores, I bought a few yards of fabric and some patterns. So much for my “I’m NOT buying any fabric” mantra!

  • Sea Cookies – Teal Cool
  • Floral – Multi Green
  • Blender: Lg Wheat Leaves (and the rest of the tag was cut off)

A Finish

Just before we left, I did manage to add the binding and finish this Christmas Countdown!  It is a free pattern from Helen Godden Quilts and there are Youtube videos to help you do the quilting. My sister and I Zoom quilted and did this together, after the holidays. I used Island Batik solid white for the base, outlined the bobbles and ribbon with Sharpie Stained markers. Hobbs 80/20 batting is in the middle. It’s quilted with Aurifil Black (Bobbles), Red (Ribbon), White (stippling), and a Green (binding). The bobbles and ribbon were coloured with Inktense pencils and I used Aloe Vera gel to set the colours. This is now destined to one of the Christmas boxes and will appear next December.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Vanishing Hunter’s Star

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In July, my Island Batik box contained a surprise package of Celtic Fields by Kathy Engle. It came with Doughnut (the neutral, on the left) and Celtic Mini Knot Red-B (from the Celtic Fields collection, on the right). I used some of the fabrics from this collection to make the 2 Take a Stand bags (see HERE) (I was given extra for this) and I still had the 1/2 yard cut of the collection. It was the perfect collection for a Turkey Trot Blog Hop where I chose to feature fall fabrics.

I used the Hunter’s Star Accuquilt die to cut out all the pieces for this quilt. There wasn’t enough of the ‘Doughnut’ neutral for this, so I added several other Island Batik neutrals to the mix. Some were unlabelled small pieces, but larger pieces of Snow and Egg White were added in.

My intent WAS to make a scrappy Hunter’s Star quilt. Then, when I was dividing the blocks up by colour, it emerged into this:

I decided to border 2 sides of the quilt with “Large Netting Pineneedle” (dark green) and the other 2 sides with Celtic Mini Knot Red-B (from the collection).

My quilting friends decided that I should call it “Disappearing Hunter’s Star.” But, since the Hunter’s star block wasn’t actually cut (like most disappearing blocks), it has morphed into “Vanishing Hunter’s Star.” That’s it’s official name now. 

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 65″ x 75″
  • Fabric collection: Island Batik Celtic Fields, Doughnut and various neutrals
  • Binding: Island Batik “Doughnut”
  • Pieced with Aurifil #2600 (Dove)
  • Quilted with Glide Shell using Silly Moon Rulers: Drop & Rocket for the blocks and 6″ Beanie on the border. 
  • Batting: Hobbs 80/20

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 –November:  316 / 333
  • December:  24 / 24
  • Total:  335 / 357
  • Percentage: 93%

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!

The Vanishing Hunter’s Star used 14 yards of fabric.

Yearly Total:

  • Fabric Used since the last report: 14 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    254 yards  from non-IB: 105
  • Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    37 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             218 yards 

Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.

To Do Tuesday

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do List from Last Week

  1. Finish Quilting and Binding “Not a Hunter’s Star“ ”Vanishing Hunter’s Star“. √   DONE
  2. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” not done
  3. Piece “SS 24 Catalogue Quilt” quilt partially done … piecing in progress
  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 To Do List:

  1. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”
  2. Finishing Piecing & adding borders “SS 24 Catalogue Quilt”
  3. Work on SAHRR ’24
  4. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Design Wall

Judy, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week. Sorry, no pictures to share!

Piecing projects:

  1. Island Batik “SS 24 Catalogue Quilt”
  2. SAHRR ’24 (yes, I’ve started!)
  3. Plan White Rabbit Blog Hop Quilt

Quilting:

  • “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”
  • Finish Quilting “Gardenia“

Here’s a picture of Gardenia prior to being a flimsy and partially quilted. This was started in February. It’s hard to say if it will be totally done before the end of the year.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Just Let Me Quilt: White Rabbit (January 23. 2024)

Moose Stash Quilting: It Moose be Love (February 20, 2024)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail