Free Motion Quilting

Sunday Summary: July 28

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

I totally agree!!! But I also know that you can’t quilt without the collected fabrics!

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 was away for 2 days this week. I cannot sew while we’re driving, so that limits my days this month!

  • Jan – June:  165 / 181 days
  • July: 26 / 28 days
  • Total: 191/ 230 83 %

A Finish

I finished my “Something Smells Fishy” quilt and posted it earlier this week! You can read about it HERE. Yes, Island Batik fabric, Hobbs Batting and Aurifil Thread. The pattern is adapted from a free pattern from Arts East Quilt Company.

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 October project. This is a byAnnie bag called “Payday.”
  • Fall ’24 mystery quilt. This is in the beginning stages
  • 2025 SAHRR. I haven’t started, but we have a plan and I’m hoping to get it done early!
  • Monthly Colour Challenge: Layout (Jen has posted the sashing and border blocks for this challenge. You can access it HERE.). I’ll be doing this as a leader and ender.

Quilting:

  • “It’s a Jungle” 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!

There She Blows used 4 yards of fabric. (see picture above)

No shopping this week!

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   4 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     136.5 yards  from non-IB: 56
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              92 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last report:

OK … trying to keep my To Do list short, but there are so many things happening in my studio …

  1. Finish “Something Smells Fishy”. √   DONE. posted HERE.
  2. Finish Island Batik September project. √   DONE
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish “It’s a Jungle”
  2. Work on Island Batik October project
  3. Work on Fall ’24 mystery quilt.
  4. Make Centre block for 2025 SAHRR.
  5. Work on Monthly Colour Challenge: Layout
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Something Smells Fishy Blog Hop:

/ quiltinggail / 38 Comments

Carol from Just let Me Quilt is the host of this blog hop. Here’s what she had to say:

Challenge: This one is easy! Make something with a fish in the fabric or in the quilt design (applique or pieced fish.)

Well, Carol might have thought this was easy … but I had SEW many ideas, it was hard to choose!

Call it a miracle, or fate, or whatever, but I received a free pattern “There She Blows” from the Art East Quilting Company. It’s a 20″ block and I wanted to make a baby quilt, but didn’t feel like making 4 whales … so I decided to just double the size of all the cutting. Well, it was good in theory, but didn’t always work out … so I had to do a bit of re-calculating. However, the directions are full of tips to make the block easily! And, if you want to make the bigger size, check out their Resizing Cheat Sheet (–> “More” –> “Resources.”)

A little bit about the Art East Quilting Company It is a Canadian 🇨🇦  company, but they ship all over the world. Our guild had them do a zoom presentation and it was wonderful. So if you’re looking for something different and fun, check them out!

When quilting the water, I used both “Turkey” and “Jelly” from Silly Moon. I wanted the waves all different.

Anyhow, this is my “newest baby quilt “There She Blows”! I live on the west coast of Canada, so I had to make my whale an Orca!

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 41″ x 41″
  • Fabric: Island Batik:
    • Sky: Turquoise solid
    • Spray: unlabelled – from my Island Batik scrap bin
    • Whale body: Raven
    • Whale underbody: Drizzle
    • Water: Cerulean from Tantalizing Teals
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread:
    • #2600: Piecing
  • Quilting: Variety of dark grey, light grey, blue and light blue.

Other Fishy Bloggers

Visit each of the links below to see the wonderful fishy quilts and projects that have been made!

JULY 22

JULY 23

JULY 24

JULY 25

Don’t Forget

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Monday Moments July 15

/ quiltinggail / 10 Comments

Yup!!! Especially at this time of year …

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 – June:  165 / 181 days
  • July: 14 / 14 days
  • Total: 179/ 195 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:

  • Estrella Bag: something different! A bag … The pattern is available HERE. I found some fleece lined vinyl in my stash and paired it with some quilting cotton, also from my stash. (Picture on the right).
  • Island Batik September project

Quilting:

  • Jam Session … but I can’t show you until the pattern is released.
  • “Something Smells Fishy“

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 did finish up 2 Luminous Layer Quilts that used 7.5 yards each!

No shopping this week!

  • Fabric Used in the last 2 weeks :   15 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     131 yards  from non-IB: 53
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              86.5 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last report:

I’m amazed!!! I guess by keeping my list short, I was able to get things done!

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“. √   DONE
  2. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star. √   DONE
  3. Work on “Something Smells Fishy”. √   DONE
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish “Something Smells Fishy”
  2. Finish “Estrella bag“
  3. Work on Island Batik September project.
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Luminous Layers QAL

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

OK … I was really really busy when all the instructions came out for this quilt-a-long! I LOVE doing Sandra’s quilt-a-longs (from MMM Quilts) and I just didn’t have time to pull fabric. THIS LINK has all the information and links to each weekly sew-a-long.

Well, fast forward a few weeks and when I started to pull fabrics, I ended up pulling fabrics for not one, but TWO quilts.

#1#2
BackgroundblackBackgroundSwirl Teal Jade- Copper Patina
Fabric AScuba – Tantalizing TealsFabric AUnknown IB fabric (older collection)
Fabric BSlate – Bodacious BlacksFabric BTeal – Floral Wonders
Fabric CMarble Aqua – BlenderFabric CMini Sprigs – Pink – Wild Blooms
Fabric DUnknown IB fabric (older collection)Fabric DSwirl – Multi Purple Green – Copper Patina
Fabric E RainFabric EOrnate Scroll – Neutral – Copper Patina

Progress was slow … but progress happened.

Here are the progress pictures of #1

Here are the progress pictures of #2

Each one finished and the different quilting on each one!

Both together:

Quilt Stats:

Don’t Forget

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

I was Featured!

Wednesday Wait Loss and Free Motion Mavericks featured my Sly Fox Quilt. You can read about it HERE.

Put your Foot down

featured my St. Paddy’s quilt

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary July … 7

/ quiltinggail / 10 Comments

LOL!!! I certainly like to sew each day, but not for 12 hours! LOL!!!

Monthly Colour Challenge

July’s colour is Silver!!! Here is my July block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for this month. It’s free for the month and after that you’ll need to pay a small fee for it.

I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks. 

Here’s all my blocks to date:

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 – May:  143 / 152 days
  • June: 22 / 30
  • Total: 165/ 191 86%

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:

  • Jam Session … but I can’t show you until the pattern is released.
  • “Something Smells Fishy” … you’ll see this later in July!
  • “Lone Star Left-overs” piece back
  • “5 fat quarter quilt“

Quilting:

  • Quilting “Gardenia“
  • Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). Sandwich once back is pieced

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 posted my Forest Friend quilt. It used 4.5 yards of fabric. You can read about it HERE.

I did buy 1.5 yards of backing for a quilt.

  • Fabric Used in the last 2 weeks :   4.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     116 yards  from non-IB: 47
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 1.5 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     31 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              85 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last report:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  2. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done.
  3. Quilt Luminous Layers. See HERE. √   DONE
  4. Decide on “Something Smells Fishy” blog hop project √   DONE
  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. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  2. Piece back, Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
  3. Work on “Something Smells Fishy”
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

For the Birds Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 46 Comments

Joan, from Moose Stash Quilting is hosting this fun blog hop!

Here’s what she had to say about the hop:

Challenge: Angry birds, crazy birds, whimsical birds, or flying  geese. If it’s a bird, this is their time to show their colors

I had a ton of ideas for this hop, but I decided to finish a UFO. That makes sense, doesn’t it? This quilt is made of panels. The tree in the background are the same in each panel, so that made it easy to mix and match the bird houses and the birds. It takes a bit of pinning to make sure that the tree limbs line up, but I love the end result!

Close up of the Quilting:

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 39″ x 36″
  • Fabric: panel from ??? It was in my stash from years ago.
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread: #6010 (Toast) 40 wt
  • Quilting: Free Motion: outlining birds, bird houses and sashing.

The Bloggers

Make sure you visit the following bloggers for a ton of eye candy … that will be for the birds!

June 17

June 18

June 19

June 20

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, 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 

Prisms: Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 24 Comments

Prisms is a signature collection for Claudia Porter (from Create with Claudia).

This collection is so pretty. When Claudia asked if I’d participate in her blog hop, I said sure. I went to EQ and designed this quilt:

It wasn’t too long and the fabric arrived! I didn’t ask for any background because I wasn’t sure I liked the white with it. Once the fabric arrived, I auditioned several different lights and I found that Linen, a soft yellow was perfect!

This quilt was paper pieced! What was I thinking??? At least I can do it without sewing on the paper and therefore I can sew other projects at the same time! My picture was heavily marked as I needed to keep track of which colour went in which location. And the design wall helped a lot!

The backing is one of Island Batik’s Blenders called Dandelion Daffodil! So bright and cheerful!

A close-up of the quilting and the. back of the quilt with the sun shining on the front.

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 40″ x 40″
  • Fabric: Island Batik Prisms collection
  • Designed in EQ8
  • Technique: paper pieced
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread
    • piecing #2600 (dove grey)
    • quilting #2000 (light sand)
  • Quilting Rulers: Silly Moon Charming & Rocket

The Blog Hoppers

Make sure you visit each of the bloggers below and see what they created with the Prisms collection:

I taught myself something new!

I had forgotten to order enough fabric for the binding, so I thought I’d try doing a self binding. I am rarely successful when doing this, as I tend to slice a bit of the backing. Even when I’m careful. However, this time, I had this brain wave, after pinning the backing out of the way, “Cut 1/8” away from the finished top.” It worked!!! I was so happy!

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, 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 

Monday Moments: June 10

/ quiltinggail / 14 Comments

My triathlons last ALL week!!! LOL!!!

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 – May:  143 / 152 days
  • June: 9 / 9
  • Total: 152/ 161 94%

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:

  • Just a leaders & enders … nothing major, at the moment!
  • Jam Session … if I get the pieces cut out!

Quilting: to do… the list is getting shorter!

  • 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.
  • Luminous Layers #1 & #2 a quilt-a-long from MMM quilts (see HERE for details and links to instructions)

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 finished my June Island Batik project!!! You can read about it HERE. This quilt used 11.5 yards of fabric!

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   11.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     95.5 yards  from non-IB: 40.5
  • Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     21.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              74 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last report:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  2. Finish IB June project. √   DONE. and posted HERE.
  3. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done.
  4. Work on Luminous Layers. See HERE. √   DONE.
  5. Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE. √   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. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  2. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
  3. Quilt Luminous Layers. See HERE.
  4. Decide on “Something Smells Fishy” blog hop project
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, 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:  

June: Sleep in Heavenly Peace

/ quiltinggail / 51 Comments

Quilts Across America is the “Create for a Cause” for Island Batik’s June challenge. Here’s some info:

Quilts Across America is a program that relies on the generosity of quilters everywhere to provide a quilt with each bed that is delivered. Quilters can partner together or sew on their own to make and donate quilts throughout the year. Each year the month of July is designated as the Quilts Across America month. Quilts Across America was initiated by Studio 180 Design and Tucker University in July 2023. Help make this the largest quilting event in America and complete the process of getting kids, “Off the floor, Into a Bed, and Under a Quilt. 

I received the Tucker Trimmer I tool and a magic wand from Studio 180 Designs in my Island Batik box. As I searched for a pattern, Hocus Pocus came up and I knew what I was going to make! The pattern is free: HERE. And, if you like video tutorials, there is one HERE.

In my January Island Batik box, I also received a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Squiggles, Dots and Lines.” Since it is a signature collection for Deb Tucker, Studio 180 Designs, I thought it would be perfect for this quilt! Pair it with “Bluebelle” and I had a great start!

I made most of the top while at a retreat in early April (at Over the Rainbow). It was great to have opinions on which block layout I should use. I had 4 blocks done and laid out on the design board one night before I went to bed. When I got up in the morning, the blocks had been rearranged (thanks, Lynne!) and I went with the “new” layout! And yes, the retreat centre had a pink Oliso iron!

Here is the quilt and it’s Daphne (my grand-dog) approved!

A close-up of the quilting: 1.5″ circles and random straight lines.

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 60″ x 75″
  • Fabric: Island Batik: a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Squiggles, Dots and Lines” and the light fabric is “Bluebelle.” The outside border and the binding is “Midnight Blue” (part of the Brilliant Blues collection).
  • Tools used: Studio 180 Designs: Magic Wand and Tucker Trimmer
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread: Piecing and Quilting #2600 (Dove Grey)
  • Quilting: I used Silly Moon rulers: Cheesie (1.5″) and Rocket

This quilt will be on it’s way to California tomorrow!!

A Give-away!

I received the small Tucker Trimmer from Studio 180 Designs. I already have the Tucker Trimmer III, so I’m giving away the Tucker Trimmer I. If you would like this tool, leave a comment below and I’ll choose a winner by random number generator.

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  Studio 180 Designs

Island Batik Ambassadors

Visit each of the following Ambassadors to see the quilts that they have created for this challenge! Many different tools will be used.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Monday Moments: June 3

/ quiltinggail / 17 Comments

I think I need to put this up on the door of my sewing studio!

Monthly Colour Challenge

June’s colour is Raspberry!!! Here is my June block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for this month. It’s free for the month and then you’ll need to pay a small fee for it.

I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks. 

Doesn’t raspberry make your mouth water with it’s yummy goodness?

And a picture of all my 2024 blocks to date.

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 – May:  143 / 152 days
  • June: 2 / 2
  • Total: 145 / 154 94%

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:

  • Just a few leaders & enders … nothing major, at the moment!

Quilting: to do … a long list, but it’ll get done, one stitch at a time!

  • Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler.
  • 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.
  • Luminous Layers a quilt-a-long from MMM quilts (see HERE for details and links to instructions)
  • St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE)

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 finished the Half & Half Mystery by Canuck Quilter It used 6.5 yards of fabric. You can read all about it HERE.

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   6.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     84 yards  from non-IB: 36.5
  • Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     21.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              62.5 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last report:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  2. Finish Prisms blog hop project √   DONE. You’ll see it in June!
  3. Finish IB June project not done. top is done, just waiting for further direction
  4. Finish IB FW Catalogue √   DONE need to get it ready to ship to California
  5. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done.
  6. Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt √   DONE.
  7. Work on Luminous Layers. See HERE. √   DONE.
  8. Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE. √   DONE.
  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. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  2. Finish IB June project
  3. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
  4. Work on Luminous Layers. See HERE.
  5. Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, 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:  

Half and Half Mystery: solved

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

Earlier this year, Joanne, of Canuck Quilter offered a free mystery quilt. I couldn’t resist! She offered 3 different sizes and I chose to make the baby size. Although she had a parade of finished quilts (see HERE), I missed the deadline. But I’m here to show you mine now!

Here are the progress pictures:

And the finished quilt:

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 36″ x 48″
  • Fabric: Island Batik: a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” “Blueberry” is the blue border. Binding is “Marble Storm” from Blenders 
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread,: #2600 (Dove Grey) piecing and quilting, #2785 (Very Dark Navy) for the binding
  • Quilting: simple meander all over

I used my Oliso iron each step of the way!

Favourite Finish of the Month

Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl hosts a “Favourite Finish” each month. My favourite finish is (again) hard to choose. My Island Batik paper pieced tree skirt (see THIS POST) or my Half and Half mystery. Which one is your favourite?

I was Featured!

Andrée from Quilting & Learning – What a combo! and Denise from A Quiltery both featured different quilts on their websites!

I still have 5 New Starts to finish and 5 UFOs … Working on them slowly!

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, 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:  

Sunday Summary: May 26

/ quiltinggail / 11 Comments

Oh DEAR!!! This is a HAZARD to be beginning projects and not finishing them!!! (Updated for this 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:  124 / 134 days
  • May 1 – 26: 25 / 26 days
  • Total: 121 / 132 91%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Need to update:

Piecing projects:

  • Luminous Layers a quilt-a-long from MMM quilts (see HERE for details and links to instructions)
  • St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).

Quilting: to do … a long list, but it’ll get done, one stitch at a time!

  • 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. (top is done, just waiting to find out final details from Island Batik, then I’ll pick a backing and get started on quilting it!)
  • Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry
  • 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!

I finished the On the Road Again blog Hop Challenge: this fun quilt used 5 yards of fabric. You can read all about it HERE.

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     77.5 yards  from non-IB: 33.5
  • Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     21.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              56 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. Finish “On the Road Again” block hop project – DONE and posted HERE.
  3. Finish Prisms blog hop project – top done, ready for quilting in progress
  4. Finish IB June project – top done, ready for quilting in progress
  5. Finish IB FW Catalogue project – top done, ready for quilting in progress
  6. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
  7. Sandwich and Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt in progress
  8. Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE. DONE
  9. Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE in progress
  10. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  11. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  2. Finish Prisms blog hop project
  3. Finish IB June project
  4. Quilt & bind IB FW Catalogue project
  5. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
  6. Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt
  7. Work on Luminous Layers. See HERE.
  8. Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE
  9. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  10. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, 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:  

On The Road Again Blog Hop May

/ quiltinggail / 30 Comments

Carol, from Just let me Quilt, is hosting “On the Road Again” blog hop. Here’s what she had to say about the blog hop:

Challenge: May starts the summer of travel so where would you like to go?
Make something showing transportation vehicles (cars, planes, buses, etc.), summer fun, or a place you’d like to travel to.

I was debating and mulling over what to do for this challenge. I’d have one excellent idea, and then a day later, I’d throw it out. Another idea, and another day and ‘nope’ it’s not going to work. Silly cars?? planes?? Sailboats?? Mountains?? the beach?? SIGH!!! Such a fun theme, how can it be so difficult?

THEN … along came a post from Sew Can She … and I knew it was perfect for what I wanted! Rockets and Stars!! You can find the pattern HERE.

Now, I do not have any dreams to be in a rocket or to circle the earth or to go to the space station. Nope, not a single one. But, I’m almost 100% positive that the little boy that gets this quilt will at some time, dream of being an astronaut!

I made a few changes to the original pattern. I decided to do the stars in a different colour than the rocket blasts and I added a strip of sashing between the rows. And, when I was quilting it, I wish I had added one at the top and bottom as well.

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

Quilt Stats:

  • Pattern: Starship by SewCanShe
  • Size: 45″ x 48″.
  • Fabrics: Island Batik
    • Rockets: Slate
    • rocket blasts: an unknown red IB that I bought …
    • Background: BE 34-E1
    • Stars: Meadow Grass Yellow from the Wild Blooms collection
  • Thread: Aurifil #2600 Dove Grey (piecing and quilting)
  • Batting: Heirloom Hobbs 80/20
  • Quilting: Silly Moon Rocket & Twinkle (B) and free motion

Bloggers

Here’s a list of all the bloggers that are participating in “On the Road Again” blog hop:

MAY 20

MAY 21

MAY 22

MAY 23

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, 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 20

/ quiltinggail / 10 Comments

An online friend sent me this picture! I love taking vitamins and these look so good! I think I’ll switch to this brand!

She also said, “I think it’s great if you’re looking for colour combos.” Ioleen has lots of IG posts and does very well with colour … you can follow her @ioleen.kimmel

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:  124 / 134 days
  • May 1 – 19: 18/ 19 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).
  • Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry

Quilting: to do

  • On the Road Again, blog hop
  • 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!

I finished the May Island Batik challenge: this lovely tree skirt. It used 10 yards of fabric. You can read all about it HERE.

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   10 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     72.5 yards  from non-IB: 31.5
  • Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     21.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              51 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 on “On the Road Again” block hop project – it’s due on the 22nd! in progress It’s almost done!
  3. Finish Prisms blog hop project in progress
  4. Finish IB June project in progress
  5. Finish IB FW Catalogue project in progress
  6. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done.
  7. Sandwich and Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt in progress
  8. Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE. not done.
  9. Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE in progress
  10. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  11. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week: I know I’m dreaming, but this is my list for the next week!

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

Upcoming Blog Hops

Island Batik Blog Hop: Week 3

For the second giveaway there are two Fat Quarter bundles of complete 20-SKU collections by Kathy Engle that will be shown off this week – The Grove and Prisms!

Go to the Island Batik Blog (HERE) and follow the Rafflecopter prompts for your opportunity to win!

May 20:

May 21:

May 22:

May 23:

On the Road Again Blog Hop

Here is the Blog Hop Schedule for this week:

MAY 20

MAY 21

MAY 22

MAY 23

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, 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:  

IB MAY Challenge: Paper Pieced Celebrations

/ quiltinggail / 38 Comments

Here’s what Island Batik had to say about this month’s challenge!

Technique: Paper-piecing
Theme: Holidays and celebrations
Design a paper-pieced quilt that celebrates the spirit of a holiday of your choice, transforming fabric into a visual ode to joy and festivity! We encourage you to get inspired by your assigned Winter ‘23 collection and explore the world of paper piecing. The precision, ease of use, and design flexibility of paper pieced patterns have made them a favored choice among many quilters. We can’t wait to see your stunning paper-pieced masterpieces that capture attention!

My Surprise Package contained “Peppermint Sprinkles.”  This collection was designed by Kathy Engle for Heidi Pridemore of the Whimsical Workshop. Look at those wintery blues and reds! Such a fun line!

With this beautiful fabric collection, it was an obvious choice, to me, for the celebration to be Christmas!

The guidelines were to make a Lap size quilt or larger. I found this tree skirt pattern by Stacey Day: Frosted Pines Tree Skirt. Stacy is from the lower mainland and belongs to the Modern Quilt Guild. (And yes, it’s a FREE pattern)

Anyhow, I knew that it would be perfect with my fabric collection. But, would a 50″ circle tree skirt be adequate to meet the size requirements of a lap quilt? I wrote to Elizabeth (one of our leaders) and asked. She said it would be stretching the guidelines, but thought the fabric was perfect for the tree skirt.

I paper piece without sewing on the paper. I used to do this with regular computer paper and it worked quite well. When talking with a friend via Zoom, she said to try using Freezer Paper and do the exact same thing. The advantage of the Freezer Paper is that the fabric sticks to it and you don’t need to use as many pins. I bought some Freezer Paper and it works great! The Oliso iron is perfect for this!

One of the advantages of paper piecing with this method is that you can use a regular stitch length and can chain piece it. Another advantage is that with no sewing through paper, the needle does not dull as quickly. I still used a Schmetz needle and it lasted for the whole project.

Yes, you’ll see a few pins in my pieces. These pieces are SMALL and they needed just a little help to stay in place.

A few ‘in progess’ pictures! The tree top ornaments, organization of the trees, the Aurifil threads I used and a final pressing with my Oliso iron.

It was fun doing the photo shoot!! Tree skirts do not hang well on the clothesline, so I resorted to placing it on the bricks in the back yard.

We are dog-sitting our ‘grand-dog,’ Daphne, and as soon as I put the tree skirt on the ground, she was on it!!! “Thanks for the comfy quilt, G’ma! It’s nice here in the sun!”

“But why did you have to put something in the middle? That is a poor excuse for a tree!“

“OK … I’ll let the plant stay!”

Of course, in May, there are no Christmas tree displays, and this small tree across the street was the closest I could get to a Christmas tree.

I’m not sure why it didn’t come to a complete circle … I know the piecing was correct and my 1/4″ is bang on … but since it’s a tree skirt, I’m not going to worry about it! That open V can go to the back of the tree. On 2nd thought, perhaps if I had left it as a circle when I went to quilt it, it might have remained a circle? I’ll try that next time!

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 50″ round
  • Hobbs Batting 80/20 is the batting on the inside!
  • Aurifil Thread:
    • Piecing and Quilting: #2021 – Natural White
    • Binding: #1103 – Burgundy
  • Quilting: on my domestic machine
    • Free Motion swirls on the background
    • Outline the trees, using Silly Moon’s Rocket ruler

Peppermint Sprinkles can be found at many quilt stores, but the one closest to me is Creekside Quilts in Oregon. They are an online shop. Also Villa Rosa Designs in California will be carrying it.

Visit my friend, Emily, at The Darling Dogwood to see what she made! She used the same collection, Peppermint Sprinkles! I haven’t seen it, but I heard a rumour that it’s gonna be super cute!

You Could Win …

Island Batik Blog Hop: Week 2

For the second giveaway there are two Fat Quarter bundles of complete 20-SKU collections by Kathy Engle that will be shown off this week – Oasis and Peppermint Sprinkles!

Go to the Island Batik Blog (HERE) and follow the Rafflecopter prompts for your opportunity to win!

This week’s blog hop!

May 13:

May 14:

May 15:

May 16:

Thank you!

A huge Thank You to Island Batik and industry partners that provided the fabric and sewing supplies for free.

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  

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, 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:  

Fall Mystery Quilts

/ quiltinggail / 10 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 

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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 

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