Carla, From Creatin’ in the Sticks, announced this blog hop WAAAY back in December and I immediately knew what I was going to make! I pulled the fabric and … set it aside … but I got back at it in January and actually finished it pretty quickly!
This little mini quilt is made of scraps of Island Batik purple and pink, plus a couple of strips of pink hearts from a Scrap Builder’s bundle that I received in December. I used Hobbs 80/20 batting and it was quilted with a light mauve thread.
The pattern is from the book “Scrappy Improv Quilting” written by Kelly, of My Quilt Infatuation. It’s a fabulous book … and I’ve made a few quilts and mini quilts from the book!
Visit the other bloggers!
I promise that there is a plethora of eye candy if you visit these sites!
Way back in the fall, I was madly working on some Secret Quilts. These were quilts for the Island Batik catalogue that came out a while ago. But, we’re not supposed to show you until the fabrics are available in the stores. Well, the fabrics are now available – so I can show you!
This quilt was made with “Contempo” a Signature collection, designed for Kate Colleran by Kathy Engle. Aren’t they BEAUTIFUL??? And I paired these beauties with Island Batik’s solid grey and solid black.
Believe it or not, this quilt is actually amazingly simple to make! Let me know if you would like to purchase the pattern! (quiltinggail@yahoo.ca)
This quilt used Aurifil 2600 (Dove) for the quilting and Hobbs 80/20 batting.
The February Island Batik Blog Hop starts on Monday! The theme is Row by Row …
Make sure you visit each of the ambassadors to see what they made … and some of them may have a giveaway and you could have a chance to win some awesome Island Batik fabric!
My Island Batik quilts for the January challenge? These were for the challenge “Step by Step” using 20 gradations of Tantalizing Teal. Of course, Island Batik fabric was used with Hobbs batting and Aurifil Thread.
Here are the pictures, but you can read more about them HERE.
Stitching Stuff
‘
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
Last year I managed to sew 97% of the days. What will this year bring?
January 1-30 – 30 / 30
Total: 30 /30
Percentage =100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!
I love this meme that I saw recently (but can’t find the source) …
The Teddy Bear quilt took 5.5 yards of fabric. You can see the post HERE.
Fabric Used this week 5.0 yards
Fabric Used this year: 6.5 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used 6.5 yards
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week.
I had 2 weeks to work on my previous To Do list … I’m starting to realize that if I give myself 2 weeks, I can usually accomplish what I want to do in one week. Hmmm … What does that say about my expectations?
The To Do list 2 weeks ago:
Finish Round 3 & start Round 4 of SAHRR √ DONE
Sandwich and Quilt Polar Bear Plunge√ DONE
Work on Tickled Pink project … it’s actually finished! √ DONE
Finish Island Batik January Project and posted HERE√ DONE
Finish Macaron Mystery – January clue √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ DONE
This week’s list:
Finish Round 4 of SAHRR and start Round 5
Work on February Island Batik project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
Design Wall
There are a few things on my Design Wall and I can only show you little bits of what’s there!
#1 SAHRR is in progress … You can read about it HERE and HERE
#2 … February Island Batik project Row by Row … Here’s a picture of the fabric that I’m using. It’s the Vintage Lace by Kathy Engle and should be shipping to stores in February. Aren’t they soft and lovely?
Quilting:
Nothing is being quilted at the moment!
2 UFOs finished this week! The Polar Bear Blog hop and the Tickled Pink Blog Hop quilts!
Each ambassador has been given a gradation package containing 20 different shades of fat quarters. The Basics Gradations yardage is available at your local quilt shops.
I am not known for swooning … but I certainly came close when I opened my box and saw the lovely bundle of Tantalizing Teals … Oh my … aren’t they beautiful?
We were challenged to make a lap quilt that shows the 20 gradations … I had to think about what to make.
I started out by putting them on the design wall and then using a black/white filter. I know it was obvious that the 4th from the left on the bottom had to be moved.
I shuffled a few others around … the end result was MUCH better! I then labelled them #1 – #20. Some of the fabrics are so similar in colour, that I needed to keep them organized!
I started by cutting 1 1/2″ strips from each of the 20 colours and sewing them in groups of 4.
Then, I used my 60 degree ruler and cut them all into triangles … and this is what my design wall looked like. Not too bad, but not too great. I was not happy, even though I liked the randomness of the triangles …
Then the Hexies started to form …
And eventually, plain triangles were added in. The hexies go from light on the top to dark on the bottom and the triangles have dark on the top going to light on the bottom.
They were all pieced together and quilted. I used Hobbs 80/20 batting, a Schmetz needle and Aurifil # 2815 Teal … and it is bound with the “Lagoon” fabric that I had received in a previous box (which is part of the Tantalizing Teals).
The weather was not cooperating and there was a breeze … consequently, the quilt looks as though it has a wavy bottom … but it is straight.
Wait … There’s More
This quilt was made … just because I had just enough of some of the fabrics to make it. Once the inspiration hit, I got busy making it and forgot to take pictures of the process. I started out with 5″ squares of white Island Batik solid and 1″ x 5 1/2″ strips of all of the blues. The 5″ squares were randomly cut diagonally and the blue strip was inserted. The blocks were then squared up to 4 3/4″.
I have a UFO finish! It is the Any Which Way Mystery Quilt … it was finally trimmed and the binding was added! The first picture was taken in the sun … and the 2nd picture was taken on the snow – just because I could!
The binding was finished today while I was Zoom quilting with fellow Island Batik Ambassadors! It’s so fun to get together and see what everyone is working on!
This quilt used Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs 80/20 batting and was quilted with Aurifil thread using Schmetz needles. It finishes at 44″ x 44.” It’s nice to have this UFO 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!
This week, I managed to only sew for 15 min a day …
January 1-9 – 9 / 9
Total: 9 / 9
Percentage =100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!
I love this meme that I saw recently (but can’t find the source) …
I used 1.5 yards of fabric for the backing of the Any Which Way Mystery Quilt.
Fabric Used this week 1.5 yards
Fabric Used this year: 0 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used 1.5 yards
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week.
I didn’t get a lot done this week. I’ve had a bad back and can only sit for very short periods of time.
The To Do list last week:
Trim & bind “Any Which Way” Mystery – √ DONE
Finish Round 3 & 4 of SAHRR (yes, I want to work ahead) Decided I didn’t like Round 2 – so did some un-stitching and re-doing the round X not done
Work on Polar Bear Plunge√ DONE
Work on Tickled Pink√ DONE
Work on January’s Island Batik project√ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes: no cleaning or tidying done and boy does it show! X not done
This week’s list:
SAHRR: Finish Round 2 & work on Round 3
Work on Polar Bear Plunge: get the top done
Work on Tickled Pink
Work on Secret Project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
Design Wall
There are a few things on my Design Wall and there is NOTHING I can show you … yet!
#1 SAHRR is in progress … Centre block comes out Tomorrow! Be sure to come back so you don’t miss it!!!
#2 Polar Bear Plunge: This is for a blog hop in January … it should be fun! Of course, I can’t show you until the blog hop!
#3 Tickled Pink: This is for a blog hop in February … and again, I can’t show you until then!
#4 … Island Batik January Gradation project is getting there! and it will remain a total secret for now!
#5 Macaron Mystery by Meadow Mist Designs I have printed off the January clue – but haven’t done any sewing … yet …
Quilting:
Nothing is being quilted at the moment!
One UFO done!
Ms. P. Designs has this nifty colourful tool that you can use to track the tasks you have to do for your PHD. You can access the tool HERE.
As an Island Batik Ambassador, I am to make 12 projects, one a month using ONLY Island Batik fabrics. This is my 3rd year as an Ambassador and I have a bit of an Island Batik stash. The projects below are either the monthly challenge or ones I have done on my own. As you might guess, I LOVE Island Batik fabrics!
January
Between Christmas and New Years 2020, I hosted a Holiday Seclusion Mystery here on the blog. You can see a summary of it HERE.
These are the 2 quilts I made to test the mystery. The first one uses an older Island Batik that I bought, but neglected to keep record of the name of the fabric. It is paired with solid white. Although it was started in 2020, it was not finished until 2021.
This one was made with Scrapbuilder bundles in blue, teal and green, along with a solid grey. I love the overall graffiti or wild quilting on it!
January’s Island Batik challenge was to make placemats. I LOVE blue and LOVED making these placemats! You can read about them HERE.
I joined in the monthly Scrap Happy Table Runner challenge hosted by So Scrappy. January’s colour was PINK. Here is the mug rug I made.
February
These 2 baskets were a free byAnnie pattern and you can read more about them HERE.
This quilt was provided as a mystery quilt for the guild. The Designer is Sue Pontifex, from Piece Arch Quilters in White Rock. This is a variation of the original design. You can read more about the quilt HERE.
February’s Island Batik challenge was “Create for a Cause.” Each ambassador was to create a quilt to give to a charity of our choice. The guild I belong to gives “comfort” quilts to a local cancer agency. This quilt is destined to go there when they start receiving quilts (after Covid). You can read more about this quilt HERE.
This quilt used the beautiful “Mystery” collection of fabric designed by Claudia Pfeil.
This month’s colour for the Scrap Happy Table Runner challenge hosted by So Scrappy. was yellow. You can read more about this mug rug HERE.
March
Scrapbusting ws Island Batik’s challenge for March. What a fun fun challenge. My 2 quilts are shown below …
The Scrappy Irish chain with the star was a LOT of fun. Lots of 2″ scraps from every collection that I have had as an ambassador!
Is a quilt that started out small and became bigger as I really liked the colours. It initially started as a sample for a ruler quilting class.
This is a quilt, designed by an Island Batik alumni, Sandra Walker, you can read more about this quilt HERE and Here and HERE.
The Island Batik challenge for this month was “Spread Love & Joy with Accuquilt.” Boy, did I have fun! I love using the Accuquilt cutter and the precision cutting. You can read about my 2 quilts HERE.
In March, I took a course “Speed Dating with Improv” by Krista from PoppyPrints. It took me a while to get the facing done, but it was finally finished in June! I used Island Batik solids for this piece.
I finally put the facing on my Story-less Improv and you can read more about it here, here and HERE. This was from a by Krista’s classes @ Poppyprint. It has the super fun title of “Speed Dating.”
Purple is June’s Scrap Happy Table Runner challenge hosted by So Scrappy. You can read more about this coaster HERE.
July
July’s Island Batik challenge was “Never Too Early.” I made a mini quilt and a basket. You can read about them HERE.
August
Try a Tool was Island Batik’s August challenge! Oh! Did I have fun with this one! Check out the details HERE.
Another quilt designed by Island Batik alumni, Sandra Walker. This is “Let your Star Shine.” You can read about it HERE and HERE.
This quilt was created for the “Orange you Glad” Blog Hop. You can read about it HERE.
This month’s scrappy table runner challenge was “aqua.” I wanted to try paper piecing a “Storm at Sea” block and ended up with this 14″ x 14″ square table topper. You can read about it HERE.
September
Island Batik’s September challenge was to make a byAnnie bag. I made this wonderful “Round Trip Duffle.” Read about it HERE.
This table runner was made for the Table Scraps monthly challenge (orange) and the Falling For You blog hop … you can read more about it HERE.
Kelly Young launched her newest book “Scrappy Improv Quilting” and I couldn’t help but enlarge this quilt and make a baby sized hot air balloon. You can read about it HERE.
October
October’s Island Batik challenge was to use Aurifil thread related to our assigned Endangered Species. I was given the Pangolin … it was fun zen-doodling the scales … you can find out more details HERE.
Then, I was involved in a blog hop, featuring Kelly Young’s book, “Scrappy Improv Quilting.” I made this ornament wall hanging for the blog hop. See details HERE.
November
The challenge for Island Batik, for November was the “Storm at Sea” block. I made 2 totally different quilts using the same block. You can read about them HERE.
I finished another quilt – with inspiration from Kelly Young’s book “Scrappy Improv Quilting.” This quilt used a lot of orphan log cabin blocks … For more details see HERE.
December
English Paper Piecing was the challenge for December. It was a HUGE challenge for me, but I got it done! And I’m happy with the result! See more details HERE.
This is another hot air balloon from Kelly Young’s book, “Scrappy Improv Quilting.” You can read about it HERE.
Catalogue Quilts
There were 3 quilts that were published in the Island Batik Spring/Summer 2021 Catalogue. You can access the Catalogue HERE.
Left to right: Modern Squares, Feather Chain & Flutterfly Stars.
Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies:
Yes, it seems like the year has gone by quickly! And, with the Covid numbers increasing and talks of future lockdowns, I’ll be hunkering down and quilting!!!
Next week, starting on Boxing Day, I will be hosting a mystery quilt. It’s a quick and easy mystery – and it will be fun! Are you going to join me?
Finally finished!
Do you remember the picture on the left? After lots of procrastination and neglect, I finally finished this hot air balloon quilt. The pattern is from Kelly Young’s book “Scrappy Improv Quilting.”
Before I taught a class, using this book, I wanted to demonstrate a few different techniques in making the slabs. There are many different ways. In this quilt, I used stripes, bargello, “twosies, foursies, eightsies …” and my own invention “random pieces in a line.” I have also use orphan blocks.
The baskets were chain pieced and made all at the same time.
Once the baskets were attached to the balloons, I played around with the layout and positioned them all slightly different … I wanted it to look like balloons were in the sky.
The fabrics were all from my Island Batik stash … bits and pieces of this and that. The background is BE34-E1 Dot Sky from the Blender’s collection. Hobbs 80/20 is used for the batting. The free motion quilting was pretty simple … clouds and meandering in the sky and vertical wavy lines on the balloons. The baskets were a grid of mish-mashed straight lines. It is bound with Island Batik’s Black solid.
The binding looks a little wonky on the bottom right, but that’s because it won’t be finished until after a special baby is born and I can put the label on it.
Design Wall
#1 SAHRR: I have my centre block done! Whoo hoo!!! And plan to work on the other rounds! The SAHRR will start on January 10. I’ll show you the centre block then!
SEW … start thinking about what you can use for your centre block. Will it be an orphan block? Will you start something new? something different? Will it be square or rectangle? It’ll be fun to see what you choose!
#2 Polar Bear Plunge: This is for a blog hop in January … it should be fun! Of course, I can’t show you until the blog hop!
#3 Tickled Pink: This is for a blog hop in February … and again, I can’t show you until then!
#4 Monthly Colour Challenge – with Patterns by Jen. Yes, I’ve pulled my fabrics for the first few months. I’m excited to show you January’s block on January 1!
Quilting:
#2 A&A’s Quilt: This quilt is under the machine at the moment!
Stash Report
The back of the balloon quilt used 2 1/2 yards of flannel – from my stash.
This will be my last stash report for 2021! By the end of the year, I will have used at least another 9 yards of fabric, but I’m not counting it until it’s finished. I will continue with my Sunday Stash report in 2022 – it keeps me honest about what I buy. And, I will often 2nd guess a fabric purchase when I think that I need to report it on my blog! (and that’s a good thing!)
Well, my husband didn’t add any fabric this year. Yes, he was with me on a few occasions when we were in a fabric store, but he didn’t pick up anything for me to buy! Well, the next trip to a fabric store could be another story!
Fabric Used this week 2.5 yards
Fabric Used this year: 104.25 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 50. 75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 52.5 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
This is my last Stitchin’ Time for 2021. The “Any Which Way” Mystery quilt is happening next week and I want to focus on that!
As for this year, I think I did pretty good … only missed 9 days in the whole year! Wow!! It does help that, aside from one 10 day trip, we didn’t go anywhere! If Kate continues this next year, I’ll be back with more Stitchin’ Time in 2022!
January – Nov – 324 / 333
Dec – 19/19
Total: 342 / 351
Percentage = 97 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
I won’t be posting a To Do list next week, but I’ll be back in 2022 with updated lists!
The To Do list last week:
Get A&As quilt sandwiched. √ DONE
Finish Scrappy Improv top. √ DONE
I find it interesting that I had a blank on the list from last week!
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! HA! HA! … I started 3 new projects for the new year … I’d say I was distracted !!! Unsuccessful
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ DONE
This week’s list:
Finish A&A’s Quilt
Bind the guild Fall Mystery Quilt
Prepare the PHD in 2022 blog post.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
I have 2 projects to finish before the end of the year. Unless something weird happens, I should be able to get them done this week! The BBQG Mystery #3 just needs the binding done and A&A’s quilt needs the quilting finished and the label and binding … doable … I hope!
This week I posted my final Island Batik challenge for 2021. It’s been a fantastic year! I will soon have a blog post that will show all of the projects I’ve made with wonderful Island Batik fabrics! You can read more about this finish HERE. It was pieced and quilted with Aurifil thread and Hobbs batting was used.
Design Wall
#1 Scrappy Improv Quilting …
Absolutely NO change from the last month! None at all! Even though I analyzed why it wasn’t getting done – I still haven’t worked on it! I need to get it finished in order to achieve my PHD in 2021!
#2 A&A’s Quilt: This quilt which was started in Mar. is getting pieced into a top. I was suppose to get some direction on how they wanted it pieced, but no direction came, so I decided to do my own thing. … I’m looking forward to quilting some of the negative space …
Quilting:
Amy and I had another “Playing with Rulers” day at Essem Textiles. I was working on my Guild’s fall mystery quilt. I struggled the whole time. First, I did not have my slip slidey thing for my machine, then I realized that my quilting gloves no longer had any grip on them … If we have more “Playing with Rulers” days, I will definitely choose a smaller project! And I will have my slip slidey thing and some good gloves! In spite of my challenges, it was a fun couple of days!! It is so rewarding to see quilters become comfortable with ruler quilting!!! If you live in the area and would like to join us for a “Playing with Rulers” session – let Simina or Rajan at Essem Textiles know. They will put you on a waiting list.
Stash Report
No finishes that used fabric from my stash.
Fabric Used this week 0 yards
Fabric Used this year: 101.75 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 50. 75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 51 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
January – Nov – 324 / 333
Dec – 12 / 12
Total: 336 / 344
Percentage = 97 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
The To Do list from 2 weeks ago:
Finish Quilting Island Batik Secret #4√ DONE
Work on December’s Island Batik project. √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! Got inspired to make a tree skirt √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ DONE
This week’s list:
Get A&As quilt sandwiched
Finish Scrappy Improv top
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
OK … I’ve got 3 projects to finish before the end of the year. I think I can get them done! I hope I can get them done.
Earlier this week, I posted my English Paper Piecing table runner. It was my last Island Batik challenge of the year. If you know me, I highly dislike hand sewing – it hurts! However, I took my time and had fun! You can read all about it HERE.
This table runner was pieced and quilted with Aurifil threads and Hobbs 80/20 Black batting was used.
It has been a great year with Island Batik. Sometime, in the next few weeks, I will show you all of the projects that were made with Island Batik fabrics this year. It’s a post that always takes a LOT of time to put together!
A Chuckle for Today
My cousin, Terry, sent me this! I’ve seen it before – a LONG time ago, but I did laugh out loud when I read it again!
In the mail
This quilt is on it’s way up north. I’m not sure if I showed it before or not. It’s been finished for awhile. Once I had the baby’s details, I made the label, added it to the quilt and finished the binding.
I was Featured!
Jennifer, from Inquiring Quilter, featured these two panel quilts that were recently finished! You can read about them HERE.
Here’s what Island Batik had to say about the English Paper Piecing Challenge:
It’s time to limber up your fingers! Nothing does that like hand sewing. English Paper Piecing is a technique practiced by many who find the hand sewing process wonderfully relaxing.
WHAT IS ENGLISH PAPER PIECING?
English Paper Piecing (commonly called EPP) is a method of stabilizing fabric around a heavy paper shape before sewing the pieces together to create intricately pieced designs. It provides excellent accuracy and precision piecing. English Paper Piecing originated in England and was called Mosaic or honeycomb patchwork. In the late 1700’s, when all things English became popular in the U.S., the term English Paper Piecing was coined. The most popular shape has always been the hexagon because it makes good use of fabric scrap and is easy to assemble. The most recognizable hexagon pattern is Grandmother’s Flower Garden, which became popular in the 1920-1930s.
English Paper Piecing is often referred to as Hand Piecing or hand sewing and is a traditional sewing method that utilizes a running stitch to sew fabric pieces together. The hand sewer sews a ¼” seam allowance with needle and thread by, beginning a ¼” from the end of the shape, loading stitches on the needle and finishing ¼” away from the end of the shape by pulling the needle through the loaded stitches.
OK … so now I know what is expected but ….
HAND SEWING
When I saw this challenge, I almost started to cry!!! Seriously!!! English Paper Piecing??? That means hand sewing! When I sew by hand, my hands hurt! Big time!!! After about 10 minutes, it hurts … by 15 minutes it’s really hurting and after 20 minutes, I’m in agony and my fingers are numb. Oh my … how in the world am I going to be able to do this challenge?
I figured that I best start early. So in January, I ordered a bunch of paper piecing books from the guild library.
The guild librarian is a gem … during Covid, she has stored all the books at her home … a simple email or 2 and within a day, you can go pick them up!!! Awesome service!!
Anyhow, with a bag full of reading material, I attempted to see if anything appealed. I didn’t want to do a traditional Grandmother’s Flower Garden, or stars … One of the library books was “The New Hexagon” from a Canadian author that only lives 4 hours away from me! Bingo! If I have to endure pain, I will make what I want. I promptly ordered my own copy of the book.
I was given a 10″ stack of Island Batik‘s “Cabana” last year and decided that this would be the perfect fabric collection to use. I love the blues and the florals … it’s going to be pretty!
I copied the designs for a table runner from the book. It’s fun with all the blocks named after different women! Unfortunately ‘Gail’ is not one of them!
A friend of mine suggested using Elmer’s Disappearing Purple glue stick to turn the fabric under 1/4″. I tested it on the regular printer paper and it came off pretty easy. Here’s how I organized my pieces once they were glued/pressed into place, ready for sewing. (This was the “Sarah” hexi.) It was super handy to have the diagram of how the hexi went together without going back to the book.
Blue is my favourite colour, so I made sure that each hexi had at least one blue fabric in it.
Here is a picture of gluing the 1/4″ sides down on the joining black triangles (Island Batik black solid).
In the picture below, I’m working on the table runner. I used Aurifil Thread #2370 – Sandstone to do the piecing.
With working on the table runner at least every other day, I found that I was able to hand sew for longer periods of time. I could work on it for about 30 minutes before my fingers started to ache. That made it nicer to spend time stitching!
The borders are on and now, I’m taking out all the paper … lots of little pieces of paper!
I used Hobbs Batting, black 80/20 batting for this project. It was a perfect choice!
After all the hand sewing, I knew I didn’t want to hand quilt this runner. I decided to use my domestic machine (Janome M7) for the quilting! I quilted it with Aurifil 100% nylon (Invisible) on the top and Aurifil #2370 – Sandstone in the bobbin using Schmetz Needles. I tried to do some swirly quilting, but that stitching didn’t fit, so out came the seam ripper and out came the swirly stitching. I settled for “In the ditch” quilting which turned out to be the right choice! After months of hand sewing, it was great to finish it quickly on the machine!
And some close-ups of the table runner …
Disclosure and a Thank you!
Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies:
This is the final Island Batik challenge for 2021. Stay tuned: in a few weeks, I’ll have a blog post showing all of the projects that I have made with wonderful Island Batik fabrics!
This was a super fun class to teach. All of the participants were delightful ladies – which made it even more fun.
Here is Joan’s finished project “Prismatic.” Look at her beautiful quilting!
And here is Sue’s Prismatic. Again some awesome quilting with a totally different approach!
And Judy’s Prismatic – with totally different quilting! I LOVE the variety of the mini quilts and the quilting! And Judy added a flange binding! super cool!
Here are Robin’s.
The first is the ornament in reds and greens. I like the simple straight line quilting! It really makes the ornaments pop!
The 2nd is Prismatic in blues purples and teals … again, the simple straight line quilting lets the design show through!
Cathy has completed 3, yes THREE, tops! Go Cathy Go! It was fun to watch her put this one together as she used different fabrics for the background. Who knew that the backside of a blue grunge would be the perfect dark grey?
And these 2 are so sweet!
And here is my Prismatic. I had a bunch of orphan log cabin blocks that I joined together and then cut as directed. I cut a lot more than indicated in the pattern … then joined them in the rows. My intent was not to make a quilt this big … it’s 45″ x 60″, but that’s how big it turned out to be.
It uses Island Batik fabric and Hobbs 80/20 batting. The backing is a lovely light blue flannel.
Design Wall
#1 Scrappy Improv Quilting …
Absolutely NO change from the last month! None at all! However, I’ve been questioning why I’m hesitating at getting this one done and I think I figured it out. That purple balloon is too small and I thought I’d just adjust all the measurements and make a smaller one – but I don’t feel like doing that. So, I will do something else for the purple balloon … make it bigger somehow … I haven’t gotten that far in my thinking yet!
Quilting:
#1 The last Secret Island Batik project is being quilted – and should be finished within a couple of days!
Stash Report
The back of my Prismatic quilt used 1.5 yards of flannel from my stash.
Fabric Used this week 1.5 yards
Fabric Used this year: 101.75 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 50. 75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 51 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
January – October – 292/ 303
Nov – 28 / 28
Total: 320 / 331
Percentage = 96 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
The To Do list from 2 last week:
Finish Quilting Island Batik Secret #4 In progress
Finish Tree Skirt√ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! Got inspired to make a tree skirt √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ DONE
This week’s list:
Finish Quilting Island Batik Secret #4
Work on December’s Island Batik project.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
DrEAMi
I had 2 DrEAMis this month … I posted about them HERE
Favourite Quilt in November
I’m waffling between 2 quilts. Both of them were “Storm at Sea” quilts that I made for November’s Island Batik blog hop. You can read about them HERE.
Table Scraps
I made a mug rug for the “No Ring” blog hop … so it’s also my Table topper for November. There was no specific colour for this month … so this fits perfectly!
First, I need to show you a finish … not a quilty finish, but a finish. While I was at Essem Textiles, I spotted some super cute knit teddy bear fabric. I LOVE teddy bears! Years ago, in the last century, I made a cute nightshirt with teddybears on it. That nightshirt was loved for years and years. This summer, I noticed that it was pretty thread barren and it’s time was near! Well, I might have noticed it much longer than just this summer! When I saw the fabric at Essem, I just knew I had found the perfect fabric to replace the nightshirt with. And the old night shirt is re-purposed as cleaning cloths in the garage. However, I did rescue the button off the old one and put it on the new one!
I’m not going to model it, but here it is on my design wall:
It was fun to use my serger and complete a project in less than a day! That doesn’t happen when I’m quilting!
Island Batik’s Storm at Sea Blog Hop
Did you get to see all of the Storm at Sea quilts? They were all based on the Storm at Sea block. Some people used Paper Piecing (me), some used Studio 180 rules, and some used the Accuquilt Block on Board die. Andi (from True Blue Quilts) made a great youtube video that showcases all of the quilt. Watch it and Enjoy!
Design Wall
#1 Scrappy Improv Quilting …
Absolutely NO change from the last month! None at all!
#2. A Christmas Tree Skirt
These are fabrics from Essem Textiles. I have started piecing the tree skirt … such pretty fabrics to work with!
Quilting:
#1 The last Secret Island Batik project is being quilted
#2 Scrappy Improv Quilting This is from the pattern “Prismatic … just made bigger … lots bigger … (from Kelly Young’s book “Scrappy Improv Quilting.” This book is SEW much fun … make sure you order yours before it’s too late!
Fabric Used this week 0 yards
Fabric Used this year: 100.25 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 50. 75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 49.5 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
January – October – 292/ 303
Nov – 21 / 21
Total: 313 / 324
Percentage = 96 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
The To Do list from 2 Weeks ago:
Quilt Island Batik Secret #2√ DONE
Quilt Island Batik Secret #4in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! Got inspired to make a tree skirt not done
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ DONE
This week’s list:
Finish Quilting Island Batik Secret #4
Finish Tree Skirt
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
I have finished enough UFOs for my PHD, but I still have a few “Starts in 2021” to finish …
If you’ve been following my blog, you’ve heard me mention Essem Textiles. Well, the lovely couple that own the store had their traditional Indian wedding last week. They’re already married, but had to keep it small because of Covid, but now with the restrictions lifted, they were able to celebrate in style! I got to run the store for them. I asked if I could have a Mini Retreat in the classroom … and they said “yes.”
There were 4 ladies that were able to come … and I heard lots of laughter and chatting coming from the back.
This is what the classroom looked like after everyone left on Day 1:
The machines all set up and projects in process. Unfortunately, I neglected to get a close up of some of the projects. Judy, (bottom left) is working on a beautiful Card Trick Quilt. Robin, (top left) made pillowcases for each of her grandkids. Nora, (bottom right) is working on a Postcard from Sweden quilt. She had everything labeled … talk about organization – oh my! Nora takes organization to an all new level! Amy, (top right) worked on a couple of different projects: binding a quilt and making a block for a new quilt or pillow …
Fun work for the store & TGIFF
TGIFF is Thank Goodness Its Finished Friday. There is a linky party every week.
I did work on a couple of quilts for Essem. I managed to piece the whale in between customers, but the quilting on both of these happened at home. They were fun to do!
The whale is from the book “Fat Quarter Baby.” It’s a very cute book. Each of the quilts is named after someone. The whale one is called “Andrew.” The directions were very clear and easy to follow. The book is available at Essem Textiles, if you want to purchase it.
Aren’t the whales adorable? And yes, the bubbles and eyes were appliqued on … and I survived the process! ( For those that don’t know me very well, I’ve been know to call applique CRAP-lique! )
Here is a super cute panel that Essem Textiles has in the store. It was fun to quilt! Mostly stippling, outlining the main portion and some snowflakes thrown in. See the part on the right hand side? The panel comes so that there is enough of those snowmen and snowflakes to have as the complete back.
This is from the pattern “Prismatic.” This has gone from the first photo to the 2nd. So it is ready for sandwiching. I just need to choose a backing.
#4, #5, & #6 Secret Sewing: Island Batik
I’m happy to report that all of the patterns have been written. And one is still being tested. All of the tops are complete!
Quilting:
#2 Secret Island Batik project is being quilted
#1 Secret Island Batik is quilted. I can only show you the back … the fabric is a beautiful “Moonstone,” one of the fabrics that is available all the time! It is quilted with Aurifil 2600 – Dove. Hobbs 80/20 batting and a Schmetz Microtex needle was used.
Stash Report
I got “paid” in fabric for the class that I taught. Even though I didn’t “buy” it, it still adds to my stash. I added 11 yards of flannel … all for backing baby quilts. And I did use 1.25 yards on the back of the mystery quilt (see the purple above?)
Fabric Used this week 0 yards
Fabric Used this year: 100.25 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 50. 75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 49.5 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I have been sewing for at LEAST 3-4 hours each day … deadlines add pressure, you know! So my stitchin’ time is good!
January – October – 292/ 272
Nov – 7 / 7
Total: 299 / 310
Percentage = 96 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
Sew top together Prismatic from Scrappy Improv√ DONE
Work on Island Batik’s December project in progress
Finish Island Batik Secret #2 top √ DONE
Finish Quilting Island Batik Secret #3not done
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ DONE
This week’s list:
Is fairly light … priorities only … as I won’t be home for a few days. (I’ll tell you about it later).
Quilt Island Batik Secret #2
Quilt Island Batik Secret #4
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
Island Batik Blog Hop
Island Batik’s Storm at Sea Blog Hop is into it’s 2nd week! Check out THIS POST to follow each of the ambassadors and their creative and awesome quilts!
My finishes this week include the quilts I shared on Monday for the Island Batik Storm at Sea Blog Hop. My surprise fabric was the fabulous Bellingham Bay collection by Kathy Engle. Two very different quilts, both using a 12″ Storm at Sea paper piecing block (From EQ). You can read more about these quilts HERE.
Island Batik Blog Hop
To see all of the quilts in this week’s collection, check them out at the Island Batik blog HERE. There is also an opportunity for YOU to win either a strip pack or a stack of beautiful Bellingham Bay fabric!
October’s Island Batik Challenge
A fellow Island Batik Ambassador, Andi, from True Blue Quilts, put together this great video that showcases most of the completed challenges. We were all given 3 spools of 40 weight Aurifil thread and told to create a wall hanging that is inspired by the endangered species. It is well worth the look!
Mine was the Pangolin and you can read about my creation HERE.
This month, the Island Batik challenge was to make a Storm at Sea quilt with the following guidelines:
Project Type: Quilt
Size: Lap size or larger
Must use the Summer 2021 bundle, wrapped and labeled “Surprise”
Any technique
My Surprise package in Box #2 was Bellingham Bay. I was in LOVE immediately!!!! I LOVE the colours … the rich greens paired with a few deep purple … just wonderful!!! These should be available in stores soon!
I searched for a Storm at Sea that was a bit different. I found several quilts with diagonal waves and I really liked them. I went to my EQ program and came up with this:
I know that I would easily become confused with which piece of fabric went where … so I printed out the quilt outline and numbered the main fabrics. I was hoping that if I took my time, I’d be able to paper piece the quilt with the correct fabrics in the correct spots.
In order to keep all of the fabrics in the correct wave, that’s how it was pieced … one wave at a time. I knew that I would get it all mixed up if I did it by blocks …
Each element is paper pieced – without sewing on the paper. I really dislike removing the papers after I’ve sewn on them.
Here’s a picture of my piecing without sewing on the paper.
The quilting was done on my domestic sewing machine, with a walking foot and a Schmetz quilting needle.
I used Aurifil #2600 (Dove) for the quilting and the scrappy binding was attached with Aurifil #5012.
This quilt is 57″ square. And, I LOVE it!!!
For some reason, I didn’t use all of the fabrics in the main quilt. I have no idea why. So, I made a 2nd quilt using Coconut as the background and 4 of the lightest coloured prints from Bellingham Bay.
You could win …
That’s correct, you have an opportunity to win some wonderful Bellingham Bay fabric … Click on the Rafflecopter link and follow the instructions.
Bellingham Bay is just a short drive from my house. However, since the USA border is closed to Canadians driving down, I had to content myself with going to a local beach to take pictures. It was a blustery windy day … very windy … but I did manage to get some shots!
The Blog Hop
Pretti, from Sew Preeti Quilts also made a Storm at Sea quilt using the Bellingham Bay fabric collection. Make sure you visit her blog!
Here is a list of all the ambassadors participating in the Storm at Sea Blog Hop. I’ve already had a sneak peek of some of them – they are all pretty awesome! Make sure you follow along!!!
Are you slugging away at a project that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight? We’ve all been there. Did you know that as you’re slugging away, it’s OK to switch to something else for a short time, or take a break. If you know me at all, squaring up HST or blocks is NOT my favourite thing. I know it gives good results, but taking those slivers off of a HST is just plain boring. So, one of my tactics is to do 10 and then do something else. Then do another 10. Pretty soon, all 2000 (an exaggeration) are done! And it feels good to have that task completed.
Here’s my tally for the year so far. I have completed 12 UFOs and I just need to finish all of the projects that I started and I’ll have achieved my Phd in 2021! I’ve got 2 months left, so I’m hoping it’s a good 2 months of sewing!
I did finish one of the guild baby mystery quilts … I used it when I took a “Beanie” ruler class from Silly Moon. Nope, I’m not going to show you the front, but here is the back. There is NO way you can tell what the front is! (chuckle) But I learned how to easily make concentric circles, clam shells, circles, and baptist fans. And I played with the ruler in the in the border.
My Favourite Quilt this month!
My favourite quilt has got to be the Pangolin that I made for October’s Island Batik challenge. I absolutely loved doing all the zen-doodling in the scales! This piece is 20″ square and you can read about it HERE. I will be linking to Meadow Mist Designs.
Design Wall
#1 Scrappy Improv Quilting …
I’m still working on a Hot Air Balloon quilt from Kelly Young’s “Scrappy Improv Quilting” Book. I decided that I would use different techniques for making slabs and have 4 balloons … I haven’t gotten too far … Obviously my balloons need baskets and the sky around them … And my Island Batik scraps isn’t much smaller!
#2. Scrappy Improv Quilting …
This is from the pattern “Prismatic.” I had some scrappy Island Batik log cabin blocks that were languishing in a pile. What to do with them? I sewed them all randomly together and made a large slab. Then I cut it up. The log cabin blocks were 3/4″ finished … so there are a LOT of tiny pieces in these blocks. They will be sewn together with white fabric surrounding them.
#4, #5, & #6 Secret Sewing: Island Batik
I’m happy to report that all of the patterns have been written. 2 of them are tested and ready to roll. And 2 of them are still being tested.
Quilting:
#1 Secret Island Batik project is being quilted
Stash Report
I got “paid” in fabric for the class that I taught. Even though I didn’t “buy” it, it still adds to my stash. I added 11 yards of flannel … all for backing baby quilts. And I did use 1.25 yards on the back of the mystery quilt (see the purple above?)
Fabric Used this week 1.25yards
Fabric Used this year: 100.25 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 11 yards
Fabric Added this year: 50. 75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 49.5 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I have been sewing for at LEAST 3-4 hours each day … deadlines add pressure, you know! So my stitchin’ time is good!
January – October – 292/ 272
Total: 292 / 303
Percentage = 96 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
The last To Do list: (from AGES ago)
OK … even though I had a LOT of time to complete everything, pattern writing and making the secret quilts took a LOT of time!
Continue working on Island Batik’s November project DONE!!!
Work on 3rd Project from Scrappy ImprovNope … in progress
Work on Island Batik’s December project ... in progress
Complete top for Secret Sewing BBQG mystery quilt #2 All 3 quilt tops are done, one is quilted.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes I need to start doing this daily!
This week’s list:
Sandwich BBQG Guild Mystery #2 & #3
Sandwich Island Batik Secret #4
Sew top together Prismatic from Scrappy Improv
Work on Island Batik’s December project
Finish Island Batik Secret #2 top
Finish Quilting Island Batik Secret #3
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
In September, when I was in Edmonton, I had the great pleasure of visiting the home of Elizabeth Penttinen. She is an art quilter extraordinaire! I was blown over by her talent and the variety of quilts that I saw. And, I know that there were many more that I didn’t see.
The photos were taken with my Iphone and at night, indoors, so the photo quality is not the best.
Obviously, this one is ready for quilting … but look at all the greens, the curves, the straight lines …
This one has an organic wavy binding … and if I remember correctly, it is not cut on the bias.
And a close up of the quilting … all hand guided …
All different leaves in this one …
I see the wind blowing in this one … great movement!
Look at the beautiful thread painting! And beads, buttons and shells … (I think!)
Fun collage quilts … made from t-shirts, sheets, and other fabric things.
Elizabeth has spent a lot of time in Africa … I can’t help but think that this definitely influenced this collage quilt.
Cows anyone?
Sons of Anarchy
I absolutely LOVE giraffes and I think this is my favourite by far!!! She was going to be teaching this at her guild … how I would have loved to have taken this class!
Beautiful flowers!
Fall still life …
Mixed media … from Disney!
Thank you, Elizabeth, for the privilege of seeing your beautiful quilts!
Many of these quilts are for sale, if you are interested, contact Elizabeth e_penttinen@hotmail.com and she can give you more information.
Do you know what it’s like to get ready for a retreat? Oh ya! On Thursday, I managed to get borders on 2 quilts and they are sandwiched and hopefully will be quilted at the retreat … bobbins are wound.
And then there is the last minute gathering of STUFF … yup, all sorts of STUFF. When you’re one of the co-organizers, there is a LOT of details to attend to. Last minute emails to send out …
I haven’t been on a retreat for almost 2 years. That’s a LONG time for a retreat junkie!
It’s all good!!! I will get it done. Well, most of it anyhow. And of course, I doubt that I’ll finish all 5 or 6 projects that I’m taking with me … but it’s always good to have a variety to choose from! I’ll tell you all about it next week!
A Friday Finish
I made this quilt earlier this year, thinking it would be good for a fat-quarter quilt and a mystery quilt … and then I changed my mind and went in a bit of a different direction for the Summer Mystery. I still like this quilt … and perhaps one day, I’ll write up the directions for it … but not now … not yet … But it did use 7 fat quarters … with little fabric to spare …
I Was Featured
Photo credit: Jerry Khiev, Island Batik
I was featured on the following blogs … Check them out!
In July, Kelly, of My Quilt Infatuation, emailed me and asked if I would be willing to participate in a blog hop promoting her new book. I felt honoured and of course, I said, “YES.”
She asked me to make an improve ornament mini quilt! This is the quilt she asked me to make! Isn’t it cute?
Sew … I gathered a bunch of blue and purple Island Batik scraps.
Then I sewed them together sort-of following the directions in the book. A lot of my scraps had weird angles in them … so mine aren’t totally square … more improv!
I followed the directions for making the ornaments. They were very clear and easy to follow. As directed, I did use my Tri-Recs rulers for making the purple ornament.
I used Island Batik solid “Turquoise” on the purple ornament and “Amethyst” on the blue ornaments. The strings were made with “Dark Grey.” And the background is “Rice.” I absolutely LOVE Rice!!!
This mini quilt is quilted the same as in the book … stippling in the background and organic straight(ish) lines on the ornaments. I used Aurifil 2600 – Dove to quilt it. And yes, I did stitch in the ditch around the strings and the ornaments.
This was such a fun quilt to make! I’m sure I will be making more mini quilts from this blog!
I have already made “Up, Up and Away,” using Kelly’s instructions on enlarging the quilt. I made it baby sized. I posted about it, and your can read about it HERE.
To me, Kelly’s “Scrappy Improv Quilting” book is one that EVERYONE should have in their book collection! There is a HUGE variety of mini quilts and you can make them bigger as well! I know I already said this, but the book is very well written. The directions are clear and easy to follow!
I actually have 2 more quilts from this book in progress … and I will show you them when they are completed!
If you want to buy the book, I know that Essem Textiles has a few in stock. As well, I will be teaching several quilts from this book at Essem later this month. Contact them to sign up for the class.
Blog Hop
Here is the Schedule for the Blog Hop: (All links up to Oct 11 are direct links to the original post, so you won’t have to hunt through the blogs! … you’re welcome!)
Scrappy Improv Quilting Blog Tour Schedule-8/31- Intro, Single Block Beauties, and Simple Shapes
Quilting Gail 