Free Motion Quilting

Perfectly Pieced Quilt Backs

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Kelly Young has done it again!!! She has a fantastic new book out that you will absolutely LOVE!!!

This book has an amazing number of quilt backs in different sizes … some backings are scrappy and use left-overs and others use stash.

One bonus is that there are 18 FREE downloadable patterns that you can make for the front of the quilt to go with the backing – or vs versa.

This book is available at Essem Textiles now! Phone or order your book right away!

I am going to show you 1 front and 4 backs that I made using this book, “Perfectly Pieced Backs!”

Back #1 – Plus Front

This is the quilt top “front” I decided to make: It’s called “Waverunner.” It is one of the 18 free patterns available with the book!

Cutting out this quilt was very very quick!

I was working on the ‘front’ while I was at a guild sewing day and the ladies were thrilled to get a sneak peak of a book that was not available to purchase – yet! 🥹

Now, the first thing you’ll notice is that mine is not done in teals / blues … I used purple and green fabrics from the Island Batik fabric collection called “Napa Valley.” And, my quilt is smaller although the blocks are the same size. I just didn’t make as many because I didn’t have enough of the fabric from the collection to make more.

As I was piecing the front, I quickly realized that it was the perfect opportunity to make half-squared triangles instead of discarding the excess fabric. I made a lot of HST.

Here is my completed top.

And all those HST I made? I decided to join them into groups and sort-of follow the backing for “Islands.” I didn’t have focus fabric for the “Islands,” so I thought that making my own ‘Islands’ would work. My ‘Islands’ used up all of the HSTs! Perfect – no left-overs!

Here’s my “Islands” placed into the back. I paired them with the background fabric “Wheat-Dusk,” also from the Napa Valley fabric collection. The quilt was quilted with “Wild” or “Graffiti” quilting – Anything goes!

Backing #2

I made a top called “Lone Star Left-overs” (right). Yes, I used left-overs from the lone star quilt I made earlier this year (picture on the left).

I took a lot of the pieces and made “Crosses.” I used the “Cross Purposes” backing as my inspiration. The “Crosses” were made from scraps. Again the quilt was quilted with “Wild” or “Graffiti” quilting! So easy and quick!

Backing #3

I can’t show you the front of this quilt – YET – because it was made as a test quilt and the pattern is not available until later this year. However, I can show you the back! And, you probably notice that it’s not even sandwiched, let alone quilted! This is based on the backing pattern, “Every Little Bit.” The fabric scraps are from Island Batik’s “Wild Blooms” fabric collection.

Backing #4

Earlier this month, I showed you my June Island Batik challenge with flying geese. You can read more about it HERE.

My inspiration for the back was “Coin Strip.” I made 2 strips and here is the back:

Book Review

As with all of Kelly’s books, this one is very well written!!! The directions are very easy to follow and the diagrams are great! There are multiple sizes for each of the backings! Of course, the 18 free lap sized patterns are also well written and easy to download.

One of my former concerns with backings that have straight lines is getting it straight. I inevitably have them crooked and off set and anything but straight. Kelly has that covered in this book with clear directions on how to get you backs straight! My backs turned out straight! Thank you, Kelly!

This book is available at several online stores: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Connecting Threads, and Missouri Star to name a few. However if you want a signed copy by the author, you can get it from her Etsy shop HERE.

Along with all the backing patterns, links to 18 additional patterns, this book also features full quilt finishing instructions.

This book will definitely be a fantastic addition to your quilting library!

Other Bloggers

Here is a list of the other bloggers that are posting today with their “Perfectly Pieced Backs.” I can’t wait to visit each blog and see what they made!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Sew It – Show It: When Pigs Fly

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June 19

Joan, of Moose Stash Quilting dreamed up this blog hop!!! At first I wasn’t sure if I could do a quilt with a pig on it. Boy, was I not thinking or paying attention!!!! Of course, with the PHD in 2023 happening on my blog, this blog hop is right up my alley!

Of course I have PIGS

  • PIGS: (Projects In Grocery Sacks)… they might not be in grocery sacks, but I have them!!!
  • UFOs??? (UnFinished Objects) Of course, I have a list … and I keep finding more!!
  • WIPS (Works in Progress) … usually many many of those!

Here’s what Joan had to say in May: Our next month’s challenge is all about those pesky projects that we haven’t finished. If you haven’t joined already, you might want to look in the corners of your sewing area and see if there isn’t something you can finish and share with us, too! 

It’s never too late to finish a PIG, UFO or WIP … but you can certainly go find one and work on it!

My “When Pigs Fly”

I’ve had my 2022 “Nutcracker” (by Helen Godden) on my To Do list as a UFO since Christmas. I decided it was time … time to ‘get-er-done’!

I have done several projects, guided by Helen Godden. You can visit her website HERE … she has some free patterns and there are Youtube videos to guide you in your quilting. The first picture is “Flower Power” and each block is around 8-9″ square (you can read about it HERE) and the 2nd picture is the Merry Christmas from 2020 or ’21.

I had outlined the Nutcracker with a sharpie. and had coloured it in with Inktense pencils. I used Aloe Vera to set the colour, sandwiched it with Hobbs Batting – Thermore (which is perfect for wall hangings) … and it has sat and sat and sat …

In May, I pulled it out … and started to work on it. The first thing I needed to do was all of the outlining with black thread. I used Aurifil Thread #2692. I started that and within about 30 minutes, I was bored. I did think about tossing it aside, but I resisted. I looked at the youtube video to see what the December 1 stitching was. It was the cap/crown. OK … so I continued to do the outlining until I reached the cap/crown. Figuring that I would do the rest of the outlining as I went along! December 1 was the cap/crown … easy peasy, December 2 was the red part of the crown … easy peasy … and on it went … checking out each day and stitching as directed.

I didn’t take a picture of each day’s directions, but I took a few as I went along. I completed the quilting in about 3 days … doing a little here and a little there. (So I obviously did not do one day at a time!)

In the following pictures, you should be able to see the progress … and yes, the definite imperfections!

When I went to outline the “Merry Christmas,” I realized that Helen had coloured hers in black. So, I pulled out my trusty “Stained” Sharpies and coloured mine in as well. This was easier and faster than pulling out my Inktense pencils and Aloe Vera gel.

Here is my finished Nutcracker from the back. I cut out 3″ squares of the binding fabric and folded it in half to give me the corner hangers.

And from the front where I used Aurifil Thread #2311 (Muslin) for the background quilting.

Other Piggy Participants

Here’s a list of everyone that’s participating in the blog hop! I’m exited to see what everyone’s been working on!

Monday June 19

Tuesday June 20

Wednesday June 21

Thursday June 22

Pinterest

Joan has set up a Pinterest Board where you can see all of the projects from this blog hop. It’s HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

TGIFF: June 16’23

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I am hosting TGIFF this week!

Here is my finish. It’s left-overs from a lone star quilt that I made earlier this year using Island Batik’s Naturescape fabric collection, solid grey and a blender. You can read about the Lone Star HERE. I will show you a close-up of the back next week when I showcase “Perfectly Pieced Backs” a new book by Kelly Young.

Quilt Stats:

  • 48″ X 55″
  • Hobbs 80/20 is in the middle
  • Wild / Grafitti quilting
  • Island Batik Fabric: Naturescape, Solid Grey and Blender: BE24-E2
  • Pieced with Aurifil 2000 (Light Sand)
  • Quilted with Aurifil 2600 (Dove Grey)

Link YOUR Friday Finish!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Fly Away: Island Batik’s June Challenge

/ quiltinggail / 28 Comments

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

This month, your challenge is to use one of the four Strip or Stack precut bundles that you received in your December box and play with the versatile Flying Geese blocks to create a fun quilt or table runner! Your project must use Flying Geese blocks as the focus but you can combine other blocks to enhance the project. 

What makes Flying Geese quilts so popular? First, blocks can be used in a variety of quilt designs, from traditional to modern, and arranged in rows, columns, diagonals, and more, making them a versatile choice for quilters. Second, flying geese blocks are relatively easy to make and require only basic sewing skills. Third, the flying geese design creates a sense of movement and visual interest in a quilt, making it eye-catching and dynamic. We can’t wait to see your Flying Geese quilt!

Well, a couple of years ago, I would have totally disagreed with Island Batik. I certainly didn’t find them easy to piece unless I was paper piecing … which isn’t a favourite of mine. However, I have discovered the perfect way to make flying geese … more about that later in this post.

I went to EQ8 to play with flying geese and fabrics. I decided to use the beautiful stack of 10″ squares from the Island Batik fabric collection “Maple Island” designed by Kathy Engle.

While I was playing and designing, I paired the fabric with Island Batik’s solid grey and this is what I came up with.

To make the flying geese, I used Studio 180’s Wing Clipper Tool. Using it guarantees PERFECT flying geese EVERY SINGLE TIME!

The 1st picture is of sewing flying geese in progress on my featherweight … a new package of Schmetz Needles at the ready. (There was already a Schmetz needle in the machine.) Then, using the Studio 180 Wing Clipper Tool to square up the flying geese and the 3rd picture is of the pretty pieces that were trimmed off.

The star points are flying geese blocks.

Once I had my star blocks and the flying geese sashing blocks made, I put them on my design wall. OH DEAR!!! It did not look as good as it did in EQ8!!! It looked washed out … I was not happy!!! So, I auditioned the blocks on the 2 coordinating fabrics that I was sent:

I was still not totally happy … although “Seaweed” was better than “Dot Sky,” I still wasn’t happy. I pulled out lots of different fabric from my Island Batik stash. The solid black was better, but not quite ‘just right.’ Then “Midnight Blue” was the perfect one! Midnight Blue almost looks black, but it has mottled bits of blue in it.

It was super hot (35oC or 95oF) when I was piecing this … so I set up my featherweight outside and was enjoying the warmth! And yes, that’s my grand-dog “Daphne” supervising! Plus, you can see that I use a cone of Aurifil Thread when I’m piecing.

I decided that I would do an all-over quilting pattern and feathers was the perfect choice to go with flying geese!

Aurifil Thread #6734 (Swallow), 40 wt was the perfect colour for this table topper. Hobbs Batting Thermore is inside and is just right for a light-weight topper! And, as per my usual, it was quilted on my domestic Janome M7 sewing machine.

Here is my flying geese table topper. There are 92 flying geese … 4 flying geese to make each star and there are 4 flying geese in each of the 17 blocks that surround the star blocks. This is 25″ x 36.”

This picture shows the feathers much better than the front picture!

Where can I find Maple Island?

Here’s a partial list of where you can find Maple Island. Check with your local quilt store and ask!

Thank You!

Disclosure: The fabrics, batting, thread and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: Thank you, Island Batik,  Aurifil Thread,  Hobbs Batting,  Schmetz Needles and Studio 180 Designs.

Island Batik Ambassadors

Visit the following blogs to see the flying geese creations!

Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs
Renee Atkinson ~ Pink Tulip Quilting
Pamela Boatright ~ PamelaQuilts
Susan Deshensky ~ Lady Blue Quilts
Brittany Fisher ~ Bobbin with Brittany

Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts
Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts
Reed Johnson ~ Blue Bear Quilts
Victoria Johnson ~ Forever Quilting for You
Randi Jones ~ Randi’s Roost

Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs
Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
Denise Looney ~ Quiltery – For The Love Of Geese
Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine

Elita Sharpe ~ Busy Needle
Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
Sandra Starley ~ Textile Time Travels
Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt

Anorina Morris ~ sameliasmum.com
Lisa Pickering ~ Lisa’s Quilting Passion
Sarah Pitcher ~ Pitcher’s Boutique
Claudia Porter ~ Create with Claudia
Lana Russel ~ Lana Quilts

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Sunday Summary: June 5

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I’m wondering if I’m Going Crazy?

Last week, on Monday, I was teaching at Essem and we were looking at walking foot quilting. My machine wouldn’t work with the walking foot on it. Dang! I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. The class participants were stellar and so I didn’t need to demonstrate on my machine. When I came home, I pulled the machine out and it worked like a charm. I was relieved that it wouldn’t need to go to the machine doctor or have a spa appointment!

Fast forward to Friday. I went to a Quilt-as-you-Go workshop. When I got there, I set up my machine. I put the extension table in place, with the slip slide thing taped in place. Turned on my machine. The walking foot wouldn’t work! WHAT???? Knowing that I needed it, or at the very least, I wanted to use it, I sat and stared (maybe GLARED) at it. I did not swear – promise! 🤪

The feed dogs were not working. WHY? The feed dogs were not lowered. I checked that! What is wrong???

I stared glared some more … and then it hit me! DUH!!! DUH!!! DUH!!! The slip slide thingy is good for free motion, but it does cover up the feed dogs. As soon as I removed it, the walking foot worked like a charm!

Yup, sometimes I think I’m going crazy!

Classic Cars: Monthly Colour Challenge

May’s Classic Car colour is Grey …. Visit Patterns by Jen HERE for your free download of this month’s block …

Here’s my May block, followed by the January, February, March, April and May blocks … I know that I ‘stretched’ the grey colour a bit, but I’m trying to use up my bits and pieces of Island Batik scraps and this seemed to fit the bill!

One Gift a Month

May’s gift is Soup Bowl Cozies. You can go to Days Filled With Joy for information and links to several different on-line tutorials.

So far for the One Gift a Month, I have made January’s, February’s, and April’s gifts.

Yes, I will be making Soup Bowl Cozies … soon, it obviously won’t be in May! Here is the fabric for my bowl cozy … These are 10″ squares from a stack of Island Batik “Pumpkin Spice” that I had. Now to get some cotton batting that doesn’t have scrim on it! …

Stitching Stuff

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

  • January – May:  147 /150
  • June:  4/ 4
  • Total: 151 / 154
  • Percentage: 98%

Stash Report

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

I saw this meme on a friends blog (Brenda) and it just cracked me up! “I’m not a Hoarder … I’m the Curator of an Extensive Private Fabric collection.” And with the chicken holding all the extra fabric, it’s perfect. You can see this at Songbird Designs HERE.

This meme is very appropriate for me!

So, as I mentioned, I took a workshop making a Quilt-as-you-Go quilt. It was a LOT of fun!!! Thanks to Dawn and Nora for organizing and teaching. This quilt used 3 yards of fabric from my extensive stash collection, plus about 1/2 yard for binding and Hobbs 80/20 batting from left-over pieces. It will be donated to the guild’s baby quilt charity!

No shopping. No fabric added!

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used the last week: 3.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    111 yards  from non-IB: 50
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    12.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             98.5 yards 

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

To Do Tuesday

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

The To Do list from last week: 

  1. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing). Partially done. I have the quilt quilted and just need to bind it. The border portion needs to be written.
  2. X’s & O’s #1 & #2: bind √   DONE #2 is bound, but I need to do a photo shoot and then I can show it to you.
  3. Finish “When Pigs Fly” project √   DONE … you’ll see this on June 19!
  4. Finish the Secret Project for Kelly Young’s new book – I’ll be telling you all about it in June! Partially done. It’s still a work in progress
  5. Lone Star Left-overs – get it to a flimsy stage. … Partially done. I’m still webbing the top
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing).
  2. Make the Crazy quilt with Decorative stitches for Essem … I’m teaching this class in a few weeks.
  3. Finish the Secret Project #1 for Kelly Young’s new book – I’ll be telling you all about it later this month!
  4. Finish the Secret Project #2 for Kelly Young’s new book
  5. Lone Star Left-overs – get it to a flimsy stage
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Design Wall

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

Piecing projects:

  1. #1 Secret Project for Kelly Young’s new book (mostly the purples and greens from the Island Batik Napa Valley collection)
  2. #2 Secret Project for Kelly Young’s new book. (Island Batik, “Wild Blooms”)
  3. Crazy Quilt for Essem using Grunge and other fabric
  4. Some blocks ready for webbing from Lone-Star Left-overs (Island Batik “Naturescape”)

Yup … it’s official, I am crazy … working on 4 projects at once!!! I know I often work on at least 2, along with a leader and ender … but 4??? Actually 6 … I don’t have a picture of the back for Secret Project #1 … it’s also in progress, as is the back for the Lone-Star Left-overs. YIKES!!!!

Quilting: These are all sandwiched and ready to quilt …

  • Nutcracker
  • Bird Panel

Upcoming Blog Hops

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: When Pigs Fly (My day is June 19)

Just Let Me Quilt: Sew It – Show It: Picnic Party. (My day is July 20)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Call Me Crazy

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

A Fun Friday Finish! May 26

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I LOVE having quilty finishes!

This was a Hugs and Kisses quilt that used various Island Batik blues and greens. I used the Accuquilt Go! to cut the pieces: Die #10 from the ‘Corners’ 8″ Qube collection paired with Die #5 from the 8″ Qube set. It made piecing the Hugs and Kisses very simple. Each Hugs or Kisses block uses 4 mini blocks composed of 1 Die #10 and 2 Die #5. Then the blocks are arranged to form a Hug or a Kiss. I added sashing and borders and the quilt was a flimsy!

Unfortunately, I didn’t count very well and I had too many green blocks … so I cut some pinks and purples and I’ll show you that quilt next week (if it’s finished!)

One person that saw this quilt called it my “Sea Hawks” quilt. I’m not a sports fan … but I know lots of people that are and I get that it’s the colours of the team!

Hobbs 80/20 is in the middle and I used Odif 505 spray baste to hold the layers together.

I was zoom quilting with my sister and cousins at the beginning of the month. I wasn’t sure how to quilt it, but I knew I wanted an all-over pattern. My cousin, Terry (machine quilter extraordinaire! ) suggested these curly c’s that go every which way and back-track on themselves. I gave it a try, I must admit, the back-tracking was not fun, but it was well worth it in the end and I LOVE the look! I’ll be using that random pattern again! Thanks, Terry for your fabulous suggestion!!!

I was Featured

Andree from Free Motion Quilters featured my Studio 180 Wedge Star Quilt with Island Batik Sandalwood fabric collection. You can read about it HERE.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

You Never Know

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A few years ago, Patti participated in a Stay at Home Round Robin … she diligently sent me photos of her progress … then decided she was DONE. She can’t remember if she put it on the “Free” table or put it somewhere else … but it was out of her hands … she was done with it!

Fast forward to the present day …

Patti is on the “Comfort Quilt Committee” for our guild (Boundary Bay Quilter’s Guild). She was given a quilt that was donated for the cancer centre. She absolutely HAD to show it to me … Can you see why????

And here you can really see Patti’s started SAHRR …

The lady that picked up the discarded SAHRR added lots of her own fabrics and made a super beautiful quilt …

Sew, You Never Know!

IB Blog Hop is Over

Island Batik has had a blog hop over the last 3 weeks. Did you see it? It featured Studio 180 Tools and new fabric lines.

I was given the “Sandalwood” collection, designed by Kathy Engle for Kari Nichols of Quilting Renditions and the Wedge Star Tool. You can read more about this quilt, the fabric and the tool HERE. It was a lot of fun to make! I was especially thrilled when I had PERFECTLY pieced star centres (well, on most of them!)

And here’s the back and a close up of the quilting.

If you would like to see a recap of all of the quilts from the hop, (without visiting each blog) visit Island Batik’s blog HERE.

I Was Featured

Jennifer, from  Inquiring Quilter and Andree from Quilting and Learning – what a combo … featured my 2nd Baby Stars quilt on her blog.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

An Alberta Quilt Show and a Friday Finish!

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Central Alberta Quilt Show

Are you going??? This Quilt Show is known to be one of the best!!! It’s in Red Deer. On Friday, May 12 & Saturday, May 13.

Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park

4847 – 19 St. Red Deer Alberta T4R 2N7

I’m super excited about this show. My friend, Carmen, who owns Prairie Spirit Alpacas, will be there with her Alpaca/wool pressing mats …. If you see her … say “hi” and tell her that you “know” me! 😀.

PLUS: she will be selling a lot of my patterns!

PLUS: she will have this quilt there … It’s made with the Baby Stars pattern in Island Batik fabrics and the batting is Alpaca fleece. It will be a super super warm quilt!!! It was quilted on my domestic Janome M7. The Alpaca fleece certainly gives the quilting great texture! The fleece was doubled for this quilt, but I think it would have been just as good, if not better, with a single layer!

And this is my Friday Finish!

This is the original Baby Stars, it’s the picture you’ll see on my pattern … photo credit: Jerry Khiev, Island Batik.

Let me know if you buy a pattern, a mat, or some wool … buy some alpaca batting if you want to try it!

Retreat

I just came back from a 4 day retreat! LOTS of fun!!! I’ll tell you all about it on Sunday!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Tool Craze with Studio 180 Tools

/ quiltinggail / 18 Comments

At the beginning of the year, when I got my first 2 Island Batik boxes for 2023, I had a “Surprise” package:

I didn’t know what fabric collection was hidden inside the wrapping!

This is what I found when I opened it: and yes, I ohhh and ahhh’d over it! I LOVE these beautiful fall colours!

The collection is “Sandalwood” designed by Kathy Engle for Kari Nichols of Quilting Renditions. And the collection is paired with 2 yards of Dijon (from Opulent Oranges) and 2 yards of Mocha (from Neutrals).

I also received the Wedge Star tool from Studio 180. So many options to play with!

And as an ambassador, I was also able to get the extra Technic Sheets that accompany the tool. Studio 180 also has a plethora of videos that go with all of the tools and several of the Technic Sheets! So, if you have a Studio 180 tool and are not sure how to proceed, visit the videos for clear instructions. HERE.

I followed the directions and started making the stars … sewing and trimming …

My first 3 blocks and then the start of the “Twisted Wedge Star” on my Prairie Spirit Alpaca/wool pressing mat.

One thing that I was totally amazed at was how, after all the sewing and trimming most of the blocks had PERFECT centres. If you know me at all … this is totally amazing! I was SOOOOOO excited!! It’s no wonder that I LOVE Studio 180 tools!

It was SEW much fun to make all these blocks that I didn’t take the time to photograph many progress pictues!

All in all, I made 6 Wedge Stars and 6 Twisted Wedge Stars. I used all 20 of the fabric skews in the top! The back used 3 of the skews and the Dijon yardage that was paired with the collection.

When the top was pieced together, I pulled out a batt of Hobbs Batting 80/20 (I buy this by the roll and I receive lots of Hobbs batting as an ambassador I LOVE Hobbs batting! and sandwiched the quilt using 505 spray baste!

And the quilting began … NOTE: many people think I have a long arm … I don’t !! I quilt on my Janome M7. I had my husband take pictures fo there is some proof! (grin)

Schmetz Needles, Microtex Chrome 70/10, was used for the quilting. I know that a LOT of people think that you need a larger needle when quilting batiks, but you don’t. These needles work great!

You can see the Aurifil Thread 2370 (Sandstone) that I used to quilt this quilt.

Here is the final quilt:

And with the fall colours, the only place to take a ‘fall-ish” picture was pinning the quilt to the wood pile. I didn’t think the rose coloured tulips or the ornamental cherry blossoms would look great with this quilt! This wood pile will be cut and split in the near future … all ready for next winter!

The back and close-up of the quilting:

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 43″ x 57″
  • Fabric: Sandalwood Collection, with Moocha (sashing & borders) and Dijon (in some blocks & backing)
  • Backing fabrics: Dijon, Berries Gold Oc re, Pine Leaves Cone Gr, & Rock Yellow Amber
  • Binding: Various greens from the Sandalwood Collection for a scrappy binding.
  • Piecing thread: Aurifil 2600 (Dove Grey)
  • Quilting & Binding thread: Aurifil Thread 2370 (Sandstone)
  • Batting: Hobbs 80/20

Where can I find?

If you are interested in the Sandalwood fabric line, it can be found at the following stores. Many many other stores carry Island Batik and specifically Sandalwood fabrics, but I’ve kept my list to Washington State and Oregon – stores within my driving distance! The fabrics should be shipping soon!

  • Creative Union Fabric, Port Townsend, WA
  • Creekside Quilts, Gales, OR
  • Will-n-Bee’z, Salem, OR

To find stores that carry Island Batik fabrics, check the store locator HERE.

One Canadian Store that carries many of the collections seen in this blog hop is Lori’s Country Cottage. I visit it almost every time I visit my sister!

  • Lori’s Country Cottage, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA

Week 2 of the Blog Hop

May 8

Reed Johnson, Blue Bear Quilts

Sandra Starley, Textile Time Travels

May 9

Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail

Lana Russel, Lana Quilts

May 10

Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia

Anorina Morris, Samelia’s Mum

May 11

Brenda Alburl, Songbird Designs

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations

Thank You!

Disclosure: The fabrics, batting, thread and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: Thank you, Island Batik,  Aurifil Thread,  Hobbs Batting,  Schmetz Needles,   Studio 180 Designs

Island Batik Ambassadors

Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs
Renee Atkinson ~ Pink Tulip Quilting
Pamela Boatright ~ PamelaQuilts
Susan Deshensky ~ Lady Blue Quilts
Brittany Fisher ~ Bobbin with Brittany

Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts
Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts
Reed Johnson ~ Blue Bear Quilts
Victoria Johnson ~ Forever Quilting for You
Randi Jones ~ Randi’s Roost

Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs
Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
Denise Looney ~ Quiltery – For The Love Of Geese
Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine

Elita Sharpe ~ Busy Needle
Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
Sandra Starley ~ Textile Time Travels
Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt

Anorina Morris ~ sameliasmum.com
Lisa Pickering ~ Lisa’s Quilting Passion
Sarah Pitcher ~ Pitcher’s Boutique
Claudia Porter ~ Create with Claudia
Lana Russel ~ Lana Quilts

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

More Friday Finishes!

/ quiltinggail / 11 Comments

Yes, I have another finish!!!

These little bags are April’s One Gift a month from Days Filled with Joy … I started them in April, finished in May. They both use Island Batik fabrics from different collections.

These are January and February’s gifts … since I made 2 in February, and March’s slipped away from me … That’s 5 gifts that I’ve made in 4 months … I figure that’s OK!

May’s gift of the Month won’t be posted until later this month as “days filled with Joy” has a lot on her plate.

Blog Hop

To see a recap of Week 1: visit Island Batik’s blog HERE.

Week 2 of Island Batik’s Blog Hop will start on Monday. My day is Tuesday!!!

May 8

Reed Johnson, Blue Bear Quilts

Sandra Starley, Textile Time Travels

May 9

Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail

Lana Russel, Lana Quilts

May 10

Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia

Anorina Morris, Samelia’s Mum

May 11

Brenda Alburl, Songbird Designs

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations

More opportunity to win

If you would like the opportunity to win one of these fat quarter bundles, check out Island Batik’s Blog and follow the rafflecopper directions.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

I was Featured

Jennifer at Inquiring Quilter and Andree from Quilting & Learning – What a combo! featured my Meadow Mist Mystery Quilt. You can read about it HERE.

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

PHD in 2023: April Report & other stuff …

/ quiltinggail / 11 Comments

Did you decide to join us with PHD in 2023???

Are you determined to finish a bunch of UFOs and to NOT increase the number of quilts or projects on your UFO list???

Congratulations on making that choice!!!

Let’s Get ‘er Done!

So, we’ve all got this list of UFOs to do. And we have the list of “NEW Starts in ’23” … Are you feeling overwhelmed?

We’re a third of the way through the year! Do you have a third of your UFOs done? It’s OK if you don’t, this isn’t a challenge where you have to get one done each month, but it does help.

So, let’s take one of your UFOs. It won’t get done sitting in it’s box, or stashed under the bed, or in the back of the closet. Get it out!

Decide what do you need to do? Can you start where you left off? Do you need to figure out where you left off? Whatever it is, DO IT!!!

Your UFO will get finished the same as everything else … one stitch at a time. Take the time to do at least 15 minutes of stitching today … if you can stitch for 30 minutes, then that’s even better!

Let’s get at least ONE UFO done before the end of May! Sound good?

My Tally Sheets

I finished 2 UFOs this month. You can read about them here: Chilhowie // Meadow Mist Melodic Mystery Quilt.

Only 1 NEW starts was finished this month. It’s my April Island Batik challenge.

If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.

template-2023Download

Here’s my Task Sheet of my UFOs. This helps me keep track of what I’ve accomplished and what I need to do.

You can download your own Task list from Ms P Designs HERE.

Linky Party

Show us your progress with your PHD in 2023!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

A Gifted Quilt

My Brother in Law, Dale, LOVES puffy quilts! He Loves bright and cheerful quilts. I gifted him the puff quilt that I made for the February Island Batik challenge. Obviously, their little dog, Brûlée, loves it as well! You can read more about this Puff quilt 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!

I missed 1 days this week because I was travelling, so that was a total of 3 days missed so far this year!

  • January – March:  90 / 90
  • April: 27 / 30
  • Total: 117 / 120
  • Percentage: 97%

Stash Report

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

This week’s finishes include:

  • Meadow Mist’s Mystery Quilt: Melodic Mystery (12 yards)

  • Fabric Used the past week:  12 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:        86 yards  from non-IB: 40
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     8.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              77.5 yards 

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

To Do Tuesday

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

The To Do list from last week: I didn’t get a lot ticked off on my list … maybe this next week!

  1. Work on a couple of quilt tops for my sister. √   DONE
  2. Work on May IB Challenge. in progress √   DONE
  3. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing). Not done
  4. X’s & O’s: Add Border, Quilt & Bind Not done
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Finish IB Catalogue Quilt
  2. Finish May IB Challenge.
  3. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing).
  4. X’s & O’s: Add Border, Sandwich, Quilt & Bind
  5. Work on “Rose Coloured Glasses” blog hop project
  6. Gather projects to take to the next retreat!
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Design Wall

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

Piecing projects:

  1. May IB challenge : Sandelwood and the Wedge Star tool
  2. June IB challenge (The luscious teal and green 10″ stack)
  3. Xs & Os. #1 & #2. – cut with Accuquilt dies

Quilting: These are all sandwiched and ready to quilt …

  • IB Catalogue Quilt (not shown)
  • Nutcracker
  • Bird Panel

Current Blog Hop

Island Batik Blog Hop: Tool Craze: This Blog Hop starts TOMORROW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My day is May 9

Each Ambassador was given a 1/2 yard of each fabric in a collection, along with coordinating fabric, as well as a Studio 180 tool … It’s going to be fun to see what each person creates!

If you visit Island Batik’s blog, HERE, you have an opportunity to win some awesome fabric. These fat quarter bundles are soooooo beautiful!!!

Here’s the list of who’s participating in the blog hop this week:

May 1: Celebrate

May 2: Holiday at Home

May 3: Let It Snow

May 4: Make a Wish

Upcoming Blog Hops

Island Batik Blog Hop: Tool Craze: week 2 & 3. (my day is June 9)

Just Let Me Quilt: Sew It – Show It: Rose Colored Glasses (My day is May 16)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: When Pigs Fly (My day is June 9)

Just Let Me Quilt: Sew It – Show It: Picnic Party

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Call Me Crazy

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Friday’s Finish: April 28

/ quiltinggail / 24 Comments

This is my Melodic Mystery. Meadow Mist designs has a mystery quilt each year! I LOVE her patterns and the variety of quilts is amazing! Although I had the top done in time for the parade, I didn’t have it quilted … so I didn’t enter it into the parade. You can see the post with the parade HERE.

It was totally made from my stash. I used to collect Kansas Troubles, so it was easy to pull out a few charm packs and coordinating fabrics.

Here’s a picture of the quilting on the back. I did use Silly Moon “beanie” for the orange peal quilting and “rocket” for the straight line quilting … the rest was FMQ. Hobbs 80/20 is in the middle.

Cheryl has 7 mystery quilts and the clues are still available on her blog. You can check them out HERE. She will be hosting another mystery quilt starting in July 6. It will be called “Malted Mystery.” I’m pretty sure I’ll be joining in!

Trunk Show

In my last post, I told you that I had done a trunk show in person, in Hope, BC. I also mentioned that because my husband was helping to hold up the quilts, I didn’t get any pictures. Well, Maureen saw the post and immediately sent me a bundle of pictures! Thank you Maureen for being so willing to share your photos!

I started with some of my older quilts (not shown), then what my husband calls the “Bonnie Hunter years” (first 3 quilts – although I showed more of them.) Then a collection of Island Batik quilts with an Irish chain thrown in (from a class I teach). And I finished with several mini quilts.

Here is a selection of them:

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Monday Moments: April 24, 2023

/ quiltinggail / 13 Comments

Trunk Show

I did a trunk show in Hope B.C. It was a lovely group of ladies!!! It was fun to meet them! My husband helped hold up the quilts, so I didn’t get any pictures of the actual trunk show. Thank you HOPE for inviting me!

One of the ladies at the meeting had participated in the Stay at Home Round Robin and brought her quilt for me to see! So fun! It was fantastic to see it in person! And so much bigger than I had thought! I loved looking at all the different fabrics that she used! Thanks, Charlene!

One Gift a Month

This month’s gift is a Drawstring Gift Bag with a Divider. You can go to Days Filled With Joy for information and the link on this cute bag. I’ll definitely be making one!

I’ve picked out the fabric … just need to start cutting … I might make 2 … without the divider.

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 missed 2 days this week because I was travelling.

  • January – March:  90 / 90
  • April: 20 / 22
  • Total: 110 / 112
  • Percentage: 98%

Stash Report

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

This week’s finishes include:

  • What Happens : 2.5 yards
  • Chilhowie: 13.5 yards. (Island Batik, Hobbs batting, Wild Quilting with Aurifil)

  • Fabric Used the past week:  16 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:        74 yards  from non-IB: 28
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     8.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              49.5 yards 

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

To Do Tuesday

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

The To Do list from last week: I didn’t get a lot ticked off on my list … maybe this next week!

  1. Sort through quilts and organize for the Hope in-person Trunk Show. √   DONE
  2. Sandwich, Quilt & Bind: IB Catalogue Quilt Not done
  3. Work on May IB Challenge. √   DONE
  4. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing). Not done
  5. X’s & O’s: Add Border, Quilt & Bind Not done
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Work on a couple of quilt tops for my sister
  2. Work on May IB Challenge
  3. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing).
  4. X’s & O’s: Add Border, Quilt & Bind
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Design Wall

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

Piecing projects:

  1. May IB challenge : Sandelwood and the Wedge Star tool
  2. June IB challenge (The luscious teal and green 10″ stack)
  3. Xs & Os. #1 & #2. – cut with Accuquilt dies

Quilting: These are all sandwiched and ready to quilt …

  • IB Catalogue Quilt (not shown)
  • Nutcracker
  • Bird Panel

Upcoming Blog Hops

Island Batik Blog Hop: My day is May 9

Just Let Me Quilt: Sew It – Show It: Rose Colored Glasses (My day is May 16)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: When Pigs Fly (My day is June 9)

Just Let Me Quilt: Sew It – Show It: Picnic Party

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Call Me Crazy

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Friday’s Finish: April 21

/ quiltinggail / 21 Comments

This is my finished Bonnie Hunter Mystery: Chilhowie. I used scraps of Island Batik to make this. Interestingly, I still have a LOT of scraps left!!!

Quilt Stats:

  • size: 78″ x 78″
  • fabrics: Island Batik scraps from many collections
  • batting: Hobbs 80/20
  • Quilted and Pieced with Aurifil thread #2600: Dove Grey
  • Wild Quilting: anything goes.

When you make a quilt as busy as this one, it’s a great quilt to do wild or graffiti quilting. It was a LOT of fun to quilt!!! I demonstrated wild quilting at a guild function … it was fun to have different people tell me what to quilt next. And yes, I did have a page full of motifs that are appropriate for wild quilting!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

A Fun Retreat!

/ quiltinggail / 20 Comments

We were at Over The Rainbow Lodge on Camano Island for almost a week. It’s a beautiful place to retreat! And, since we’re an established group, we’re booked in until 2030!!!! WOOHOO!!!

I think all 12 people that attended the retreat enjoyed themselves … lots and lots of sewing and laughter!

We took turns cooking supper and had fabulous gourmet meals!!! DELICIOUS!!!

As I was preparing this blog post, I realized that I didn’t get any pictures of the food, the snack counter (TONS!), or of the 12 people sewing in one room and having fun!

I didn’t get a picture of each of the projects that people were working on … there was a great variety and a LOT of creativity happening! Here’s a few pictures of what was happening:

Pillow cases, kits from quilts, jelly roll quilts, quilts using templates, hand sewn hexi quilt, tiny tiny pieces, 3 yard quilts, scrappy quilts, coordinated quilts …. so many different things happening!

I know someone is going to ask … the dog chart was found on Pinterest and Kandy used 5″ blocks to make the quilt.

What did I work on?

I attempted to quilt my Melodic Mystery, but it was difficult on a smaller machine, eventually I gave up. The Black & white photo is of an Island Batik catalogue quilt and the top is completed! The blocks for the X’s & O’s were completed and the top is almost done. I just need to add the border …

The Melodic Mystery is made with Kansas Troubles fabric. The other 2 quilts are Island Batik fabric. The X’s & O’s were cut with Accuquilt

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

PHD in 2023: March Report

/ quiltinggail / 19 Comments

Did you decide to join us with PHD in 2023???

Are you determined to finish a bunch of UFOs and to NOT increase the number of quilts or projects on your UFO list???

Congratulations on making that choice!!!

Let’s re-visit Procrastination!

OK … this is me … today

This week I’ve been SEW busy, I honestly can’t believe where the time has gone!

First, it was working with the hosts of the SAHRR to choose the winners, contact the sponsors and just get everything organized. Finally, on Wednesday, the last piece was put into place. (see the list of winners below).

Then, I was attempting to finish 2 quilts before I leave for the retreat. Neither will get totally finished.

Next, I need to gather all the junk wonderful fabric and supplies that I want to take.

  • Project #1: cutting fabric, counting blocks, making sure that I have enough pieces (baby stars #2)
  • Same for Project #2. (X & Os)
  • Project #3 is ready. (haven’t touched it since I went to the last retreat!) (UFO – wallet)
  • Project #4 I need to figure out what thread I’m going to use for quilting … (Melodic Mystery)
  • Project #5. …. Really Gail, do you NEED to take 5 projects? But I will take the Island Batik catalogue quilt … just in case I run out of things to do!

This retreat has us doing our own cooking … so there was baking involved … and gathering food items.

I need clean clothes to take to the retreat – so there’s laundry to do …

So … what do I do now?

First, I need to take a deep breath and realize that I can’t do everything!!!

Prioritize what NEEDS to be done.

  • First, I can’t possibly finish the 2 quilts before I go. So they will have to wait.
  • My laundry must be done. I can’t take dirty clothes to a retreat when I’m surrounded by other people!
  • Do I really need to do the baking? Can I buy what I was going to bake? Of course I can!
  • Do I need to gather food items? Yes.
  • Do I need to prepare projects for the retreat? Absolutely!!!

My Tally Sheets

I finished 1 UFOs this month. It’s my SAHRR ’23!!! I’m in LOVE with this quilt! (it used Island Batik fabrics, Aurifil thread and Hobbs batting). You can read more about it HERE.

4 NEW starts were finished this month. The Little Green Apple Clam-Up bags, the bags for the guild, the Ruler Quilting Quilt and the Bargello Quilt. All used Island Batik fabrics, except for the bags for the guild.

If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.

template-2023Download

Here’s my Task Sheet of my UFOs. This helps me keep track of what I’ve accomplished and what I need to do.

You can download your own Task list from Ms P Designs HERE.

Linky Party

Show us your progress with your PHD in 2023!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

SAHRR Winners!

Here’s a list of the winners! Congratulations to each one! And a special “Thank YOU” to all of the sponsors! We couldn’t have done it without your generous gifts!

  • Island Batik fat quarter bundle:  Mari @ Academic Quilter
  • Island Batik fat quarter bundle: Julie Ann @ Quilts and Costumes
  • Island Batik fat quarter bundle: Janice @ Sing Read Sew.com
  • Hobbs Wool Batt: Bernie @ Needle & Foot
  • Aurfil Thread:  Heather F
  • Oliso Mini Iron : Laura Kate @ Daily Fiber Fun
  • Pattern from For the Love of Geese (Denise): Dawn at Quilting by Dawn
  • Prairie Spirit Alpaca Pressing Mat: Diann at Little Penguin Quilts
  • Gift Certificate of choice from Chris: Carol @ Quilt Schmidt
  • Fat Quarter Shop Gift Certificate: Gretchen from Gretchen’s Little Quilts
  • MSQ Gift Certificate from Roseanne: Joy at The Joyful Quilter

And again, the picture of Roseanne, Anja, Gail & Emily doing the draw! We had the list, a random number generator and a fun time!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail PHD

Linking to:

Sunday Summation: March 26

/ quiltinggail / 10 Comments

SAHRR winners

Roseanne (top left), Anja (bottom left), me (top right) and Emily (bottom right) got together by zoom to choose the winners. We had the list of participants, the linky parties they joined, the list of prizes and a random number generator! It was fast, fun and great to “meet” each other!

      Not all winners have responded to me (I contacted them either in their email, blog comments or IG accounts) and they have until Monday evening to do so. If we haven’t heard from them by then, then we will be drawing for more winners. Here is who I’m waiting to hear from: (please email me at quiltinggail@yahoo.ca). Thank you! All other winners have been notified.

      • Janice from Sing Read Sew.com
      • Laura Kate – Daily Fiber Fun
      • Diann at Little Penguin Quilts

      If you know Janice, Laura Kate or Diann, please tell them to contact me! Thank you!

      One Gift a Month Challenge

      Days Filled with Joy is hosting this challenge. March’s gift is a Round Quilted Pot Holders. See HERE for the tutorial. And no, I haven’t started to think about what fabric I’m going to use!

      Now that March is almost over … I’m sort-of wondering if I’ll make this gift? I made 2 in February – so does that count? 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!

      • January – February: 59/ 59
      • March: 26 /26
      • Percentage: 100%

      Stash Report

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

      In the last 2 weeks, I’ve used 6 yards for the bargello quilt, 12.5 yards for the free motion ruler quilting quilt. and 2 yards for the “Little Green Apples”

      No further fabric purchases since my last report;

      • Fabric Used the past 2 weeks:  20.5 yards
      • Fabric Used in 2023:        51.5 yards from non-IB: 20
      • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
      • Fabric Added this year:     3 yards 
      • Net Fabric used:              48.5 yards 

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

      To Do Tuesday

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

      The To Do list from last week: I didn’t get a lot ticked off on my list … maybe this next week!

      1. Quilt Melodic Mystery. Not Done
      2. Quilt Gardenia. Not Done
      3. Quilt Chilhowie Not Done I started this – did a short demo of wild quilting at a guild function.
      4. Quilt Bird Panels. Not Done
      5. Quilt Nutcracker Not Done
      6. Start April IB project. √   DONE
      7. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing). Not Done
      8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE
      9. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE

      This week’s list:

      The purple text items are my priority. If I get beyond those, I’ll be extremely happy!

      1. Pack for the upcoming retreat!
      2. Quilt Melodic Mystery.
      3. Quilt Gardenia.
      4. Quilt Chilhowie
      5. Quilt Bird Panels.
      6. Quilt Nutcracker
      7. Finish April IB project.
      8. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing).
      9. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
      10. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

      Design Wall

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

      Piecing:

      1. April IB project. in progress …
      2. ??? Maybe start May IB challenge
      3. ??? Maybe start June IB challenge (The fabric in the last photo)

      Quilting: These are all sandwiched and ready to quilt …

      • Melodic Mystery
      • Gardenia
      • Chilhowie – started
      • Nutcracker
      • Bird Panel

      Upcoming Blog Hops

      Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Say What? (my day is April 19)

      Island Batik May Challenge

      Just Let Me Quilt: Rose Colored Glasses (May)

      One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

      Happy Quilting! 
      Gail 

      Linking to:

      A Finish I can Finally tell you about!

      / quiltinggail / 35 Comments

      The May/June issue of McCalls Quilting is now on the magazine racks!

      The quilt arrived at my house the same day that I found the magazine in the grocery store!! This is a picture of the quilt that I took in mid-October, the day before it was sent to Colorado for it’s photo shoot.

      Island Batik fabrics are used for this quilt! Wild Blooms is the colourful fabrics and will be available in stores in May. The rich dark blue is “Ravine” and is perfect for setting off the star!

      If you want the pattern for this quilt, it is included in the magazine!

      Quilt Stats:

      • 68″ x 68″
      • Hobbs 80/20 is in the middle
      • Quilted with Aurifil Thread
      • The back is “Ravine,” an Island Batik basic.

      I was Featured!

      Jennifer, from Inquiring Quilter featured my SAHRR quilt! I was thrilled to see that 4 other SAHRR quilts were also featured! See THIS POST for more details

      One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

      Happy Quilting!    
      Gail 

      Linking to:

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

      / quiltinggail / 29 Comments

      This month’s challenge is to make something of our own choosing. I had SEW many ideas! The hardest part was choosing exactly what I wanted to do! I often do at least one extra Island Batik project each month, but this is a little different. I didn’t want the project to be suggested for a blog hop, but I wanted it to be something I’ve been wanting to do! SEW, I decided to do 2 different projects.

      #1 Bargello Quilt

      I was given a 2 1/2” strip set of Prairie Dreams. Isn’t it beautiful???? Island Batik also included 2 yards of Chalk and 2 yards of Slate.

      Prairie Dreams is available at: Creekside Quilts OR and JellyRollFabric.Net

      I had recently seen a number of different bargello quilts. I wanted it to have a random, scrappy look, so I arranged the strips in a manner that I thought was fun. I added (2) 2 1/2” strips of Chalk and a 6 1/2” strip of Slate. Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of all the strips sewn together.

      Here’s a picture of some of the strips at the beginning.

      The strips were sewn into a loop. Then, I cut strips of various widths from 3″ to 1.” Then I arranged them on the design board, and “unstitched” one portion of each loop. Amazingly, I only had to re-sew one strip where I “unstitched” the wrong one!

      Here’s a close-up of the walking foot quilting. I just did a ‘straight-ish’ line through each block.

      If I was to make this quilt again, I would make the smallest cut 1 1/2” or 2″. The 1″ cuts were a bit small (for me!)

      Quilt Stats:

      • Size: 36″x 58″
      • Quilted: Walking Foot with Aurifil 2600
      • Hobbs Batting 80/20 is in the middle
      • Binding: Island Batik “Slate”, Thread: Aurifil 2785

      #2 Ruler Quilting

      I’ve been wanting to improve my ruler quilting and have had the Jewel Quilt book for quite some time with good intentions to follow the book’ ‘s directions and make this quilt.

      Prepping the fabric: I started out by cutting all of the fabric, using Island Batik solids with a different colour-way for each side of the quilt. Ghost is the only ‘non-solid’ that I used, but it reads as a solid. Then I sandwiched them with Hobbs Batting 80/20.

      Side #1 Side # 2
      grey ghost
      turquoise green
      pinkred
      cobalt dark grey
      fuchsiaorange

      After sandwiching each of the segments, I pressed them on both sides using my Prairie Spirit Alpacas pressing mat. It made them super smooth!

      Marking the blocks: I tested a water soluble marker and then marked the blocks.

      Here’s a picture of some of the first individual blocks in progress:

      This project used a LOT of thread. No, not a full cone, but I use this thread a LOT … it’s my favourite go-to and it goes with just about every single fabric!

      I used Aurifil Thread #2600, Dove Grey for all of the quilting. Schmetz Needles: 2 Microtex 80/12 were used for the quilting and binding. Why 2, you ask? Because about 3/4 of the way through, I could hear that ‘thud’ that indicates you need a new needle.

      It was actually pretty easy to use the rulers on the small pieces. Sort of like your sample sandwiches when you’re learning to quilt. HOWEVER, once the blocks were quilted, they needed to be assembled in a quilt-as-you-go manner. This involved HAND sewing. UGGG!!!! My hands can only handle hand sewing for about 15 minutes – so sewing the blocks together took a LONG time.

      Here is a picture of the scrappy binding being sewn on … only one Schmetz Needles Microtex Chrome 80/12 left … guess I might need to go shopping! (grin)

      Here is the finish on one side … If you look closely at the grey segments, you’ll notice that the upper and lower segments are slightly different than the right and left segments. I had to add some variety!

      And the finish on the opposite side. It’s totally reversible!

      And some close up pictures!

      I must admit, that I’m totally amazed that I quilted this quilt!!! It was certainly easier to do once I marked the fabrics. Generally, I’m a “no Mark” person and a “just go for it” person. But, it was certainly worth it!!

      Thank you!

      Disclosure: The fabrics, batting, thread and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: Thank you, Island Batik,  Aurifil Thread,  Hobbs Batting,  Schmetz Needles, & Prairie Spirit Alpacas!!

      One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

      Happy Quilting!    
      Gail 

      Sunday Summation: Mar. 19 ’23

      / quiltinggail / 28 Comments

      World Wide Quilting Day

      Yesterday was World Wide Quilting day … or International Quilting Day … or if you’re in the USA it was National Quilting Day. Whatever … a day to celebrate quilting.

      I hung out 5 quilts … all made with Island Batik fabrics! Thank you,  Island Batik,  Aurifil Thread,  and Schmetz Needles!!

      SAHRR

      The SAHRR ’23 has come to an end. For those that want to link to the Parade, the linky closes Monday at midnight. See THIS POST to link up. Later in the week the co-hosts and I will be meeting to randomly choose the winners of the generous gifts provided by our sponsors. We will all announce them afterwards.

      One Gift a Month Challenge

      Days Filled with Joy is hosting this challenge. March’s gift is a Round Quilted Pot Holders. See HERE for the tutorial. And no, I haven’t started to think about what fabric I’m going to use!

      Stitching Stuff

      Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

      • January – February: 59/ 59
      • March: 19 / 19
      • Percentage: 100%

      Stash Report

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

      In the last 2 weeks, I’ve used 6.5 yards for the SAHRR and the same for Baby Stars … for a total of 13 yards.

      No further fabric purchases since my last report;

      • Fabric Used the past 2 weeks:     13 yards
      • Fabric Used in 2023:        31.5 yards from non-IB: 17
      • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
      • Fabric Added this year:     3 yards 
      • Net Fabric used:              28.5 yards 

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

      To Do Tuesday

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

      The To Do list from last week:

      1. Sandwhich Gardenia √   DONE
      2. Melodic Mystery: Sandwhich √   DONE
      3. Chilhowie: start quilting. √   DONE
      4. Quilt Bird Panels. Not Done
      5. Quilt Nutcracker. Not Done
      6. Finish March Island Batik Challenge. √   DONE
      7. Work on Little Green Apples blog hop project. √   DONE
      8. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing) Not Done
      9. Bind SAHRR ’23 √   DONE
      10. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE
      11. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE

      This week’s list:

      The purple text items are my priority. If I get beyond those, I’ll be extremely happy!

      1. Quilt Melodic Mystery
      2. Quilt Gardenia
      3. Quilt Chilhowie
      4. Quilt Bird Panels.
      5. Quilt Nutcracker
      6. Start April IB project
      7. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing)
      8. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
      9. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

      Design Wall

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

      Piecing:

      1. April IB project. (Opulent Orange and Golden Shrimp Plant Aurifil Thread)
      2. ??? Maybe start May IB project (secret fabric) or June IB challenge (Maple Island 10″ stack)

      Quilting: I have a LOT of quilts to quilt!

      • Melodic Mystery
      • Gardenia
      • Chilhowie
      • Nutcracker is ready to quilt
      • Bird Panel is ready to quilt

      Upcoming Blog Hops

      Just Let Me Quilt: Sew It – Show It: Little Green Apples (my day is tomorrow!)

      Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Say What? (my day is April 19)

      Island Batik: May Challenge: May 9

      Just Let Me Quilt: Sew It – Show It: Rose Colored Glasses

      One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

      Happy Quilting! 
      Gail 

      Linking to: