That’s right, my husband and I ran away. It was a spur of the moment trip. It started with an idea, it fell into place and away we went.
We went to Hawaii’s Big Island. Compared to all of the other Hawaiian islands – it got it’s name for a reason!
The weather was OK … not good for snorkeling, but a lot warmer than here at home! We explored a lot of places, walked a lot of beaches, saw some sun, some rain and some wind. And, I visited 2 quilt stores. I’d say that was a fun thing to do when it’s raining out!
The first store we visited was Quilt Passions in Kona. It was FULL of fabulous eye candy and lots of Island Batik fabrics!
While in the the store, I met Steve. He showed me a few nifty notions. See the blue scissor holder on the end of his featherweight? That is “Annie’s Tool.” She’s 11 years old and makes them, using a 3D printer.
Then we went to Kilauea Kreations in Hilo. A smaller store, but friendly and bursting at the seams will all sorts of goodness.
While in these 2 stores, I bought a few yards of fabric and some patterns. So much for my “I’m NOT buying any fabric” mantra!
Sea Cookies – Teal Cool
Floral – Multi Green
Blender: Lg Wheat Leaves (and the rest of the tag was cut off)
A Finish
Just before we left, I did manage to add the binding and finish this Christmas Countdown! It is a free pattern from Helen Godden Quilts and there are Youtube videos to help you do the quilting. My sister and I Zoom quilted and did this together, after the holidays. I used Island Batik solid white for the base, outlined the bobbles and ribbon with Sharpie Stained markers. Hobbs 80/20 batting is in the middle. It’s quilted with Aurifil Black (Bobbles), Red (Ribbon), White (stippling), and a Green (binding). The bobbles and ribbon were coloured with Inktense pencils and I used Aloe Vera gel to set the colours. This is now destined to one of the Christmas boxes and will appear next December.
In July, my Island Batik box contained a surprise package of Celtic Fields by Kathy Engle. It came with Doughnut (the neutral, on the left) and Celtic Mini Knot Red-B (from the Celtic Fields collection, on the right). I used some of the fabrics from this collection to make the 2 Take a Stand bags (see HERE) (I was given extra for this) and I still had the 1/2 yard cut of the collection. It was the perfect collection for a Turkey Trot Blog Hop where I chose to feature fall fabrics.
I used the Hunter’s Star Accuquilt die to cut out all the pieces for this quilt. There wasn’t enough of the ‘Doughnut’ neutral for this, so I added several other Island Batik neutrals to the mix. Some were unlabelled small pieces, but larger pieces of Snow and Egg White were added in.
My intent WAS to make a scrappy Hunter’s Star quilt. Then, when I was dividing the blocks up by colour, it emerged into this:
I decided to border 2 sides of the quilt with “Large Netting Pineneedle” (dark green) and the other 2 sides with Celtic Mini Knot Red-B (from the collection).
My quilting friends decided that I should call it “Disappearing Hunter’s Star.” But, since the Hunter’s star block wasn’t actually cut (like most disappearing blocks), it has morphed into “Vanishing Hunter’s Star.” That’s it’s official name now.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 65″ x 75″
Fabric collection: Island Batik Celtic Fields, Doughnut and various neutrals
Binding: Island Batik “Doughnut”
Pieced with Aurifil #2600 (Dove)
Quilted with Glide Shell using Silly Moon Rulers: Drop & Rocket for the blocks and 6″ Beanie on the border.
Batting: Hobbs 80/20
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
January –November: 316 / 333
December: 24 / 24
Total: 335 / 357
Percentage: 93%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
The Vanishing Hunter’s Star used 14 yards of fabric.
Yearly Total:
Fabric Used since the last report: 14 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 254 yards from non-IB: 105
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 37 yards
Net Fabric used: 218 yards
Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.
To Do Tuesday
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do List from Last Week
Finish Quilting and Binding “Not a Hunter’s Star“ ”Vanishing Hunter’s Star“. √ DONE
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” not done
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Design Wall
Judy, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week. Sorry, no pictures to share!
Piecing projects:
Island Batik “SS 24 Catalogue Quilt”
SAHRR ’24 (yes, I’ve started!)
Plan White Rabbit Blog Hop Quilt
Quilting:
“2023Fall Mystery Quilt”
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Here’s a picture of Gardenia prior to being a flimsy and partially quilted. This was started in February. It’s hard to say if it will be totally done before the end of the year.
My sister had a meeting to go to in San Diego … so I went along. We flew into Palm Springs and then headed to Del Mar on the coast. It was a winding road and so different from the roads in BC and Alberta!
We went to Quilt in a Day. It was a fun shop to visit. Absolutely NOTHING said “buy me.” But I certainly helped my sister buy fabric for baby quilts, gifts and a Christmas fat quarter bundle! We were driving the black-top white convertible Mustang that is under the red & white barn quilt!
We went to a few beaches … watched some surfers, walked on the sand, saw 5 whales …
I had a fun stop at the Island Batik warehouse. No pictures were taken, but if you want an idea of what the warehouse looks like, you can watch this Youtube video.
Rosie’s Calico Cupboard in San Diego was fun!! And dangerous (in a good way!) These photos are from their website as I was too busy drooling to take any pictures. I bought some Island Batik fabric, a Christmas fabric and something ‘just for fun!’ I’ll show you my fabric on Sunday!
And you see quilt inspiration everywhere … even on a high end car! Hexies on a Lamborghini!
And to show you a finished quilt … Here is the monthly Classic Car Colour Challenge hosted by Jen @ Patterns by Jen. HERE. And … shhhh … I have it on good authority that she will be hosting another Colour Challenge in 2024. Check out her blog in the near future for details! You can read more about my quilt HERE.
the ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas
This certainly applies to quilting. I see this a lot with some of my classes or original patterns. Different people will choose different fabrics or place them in alternative ways. It always fascinates me and I am in awe of what people do!
I remember years ago, I was teaching a class at the guild and one participant approached me and asked, “Is it OK if I make the quilt bigger?” of course, YES! Then, “Is it OK if I have it off centre?” of course, YES! I love that people can view my classes as a starting point for creating something new!
As I was looking up the official definition of creativity, this statement caught my eye, “Too many rules might deaden creativity.“ Well, “duh” I thought:” “That’s why the quilt police have no business being anywhere around anyone who is quilting!”
OK … so what does this have to do with working on my PHD or getting those UFOs done and gone … or simply gone?
I want you to think 2 things about your UFOs … are they UFO’s because you don’t think they measure up to the ‘rules?’ Are they UFOs because they lack the creativity they once sparked?
Quilting is a journey. One where you are always learning. ALWAYS. So, if there is a ‘rule’ that is impossible to conquer … ignore it, and carry on, doing your best. Just to be honest here, I’ve been quilting for YEARS … and I’m still working on getting my points to match, getting those seams to nest nicely … I’m a work in progress. Those who have taken classes from me will be laughing … I’m sure they can hear me saying similar things!
Now, about that UFO that lacks creativity that it once sparked … Why? what’s gone wrong? Is it really that bad? If it is – give it away. OR … are you just bored with it? Will a few hours of work on it help get it done? If so … do that!
We have ONE month left to complete our PHD in 2023!
BIG Announcement
When I started the PHD in 2018, I had more than 56 UFOs. I know there was many more, because my original post (HERE) about this mentioned 29 more: which means there was at least 85. And I know I found even more as I moved into my sewing studio and open every single box, carton and container!
When I first started, the idea was to finish HALF of your UFOs in the year. I must have been crazy!!! The only way to do that is to not start a single new project and to work 24 hours a day. Impossible!
Later, I decided that 1 UFO a month was reasonable, along with finishing EVERY. SINGLE. START. I know that stopped me (sometimes) from starting every new project that caught my eye!
And this brings me to the current state of my UFOs … after this month, I will have 3 UFOs to complete. That’s not enough to carry on with the PHD in 2024.
PHD in 6 years has worked for me to get my projects under control! I know that I finished most of them, but I also put a few on the ‘free’ table at the guild.
So … is there someone in blog land that would like to do the PHD in 2024? Let me know!!! (quiltinggail@yahoo.ca)
Did you try this?
This is what I wrote before: Leanne, of Devoted Quilter is hosting a WIPS-B-Gone ’23 challenge. This runs from October 1 to November 30th. WIPS is Works in Progress. And, for my PHD in 2023, I want them Gone.
This has worked well for me as far as tidying/cleaning my sewing space! The only days I didn’t do the cleaning was when I was away at a retreat. Sewing each day was easy. And several WIPS were completed!
Now, if I can only keep tidying/cleaning every day, my room should remain half decent! Thanks Leanne for the motivation!
My Tally Sheets
This month, I finished the “It’s in the Bag” challenge with byAnnie (Take a Stand) (HERE). A retreat gift (see this POST). The Layer Cake mystery quilt first used a Kansas Troubles Layer Cake which was a UFO You can read about it HERE. And the Necessary Clutch wallets were a UFO finish! (see This Post)
I have finished 2 UFOs this month … the wallets and the Colour Challenge ’23 … However, I won’t be showing you the Colour Challenge until December. So, this leaves me with 1 UFO to finish before Dec. 31. And the “Panel Birds” is ready to quilt.
As for the Starts in 2023 … well, that is another story … I have 3 that need quilting and binding: Gardenia, Fall Mystery with IB fabric and the Not Hunter’s Star. It’s touch and go as to whether I will finish all 3 or not!
Here’s my tally sheet:
If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.
Here’s my Task Sheetof my UFOs. This helps me keep track of what I’ve accomplished with my UFOs and what I need to do. I made a little progress on the wallet this month.
You can download your own Task list from Ms P Designs HERE.
I made 2 quilts for the Island Batik ’22 Fall / Winter Catalog: “Stepping Out” with a black background and an light background (Sprinkles). I LOVE how the different backgrounds give the quilts a totally different look!
McCall’s Quilting: May / June issue
I was very excited to have another quilt in a magazine!!! The magazine put out a call for quilts that are “out of this world.” I immediately thought of this star quilt that’s been in the back of my mind! I submitted the draft (from EQ8) and it was accepted.
After, “talking” with Island Batik, the fabric collection, Wild Blooms, along with Ravine (a basic) was selected and they sent it on it’s way very quickly! It arrived and the top was completed before I went on holidays last year. I LOVE quarter square triangles and it was a fun quilt to put together!
After my holidays, there were a few very intense days of quilting (and shoulders complaining!) then Nova was on it’s way to the publisher!
The directions for making this quilt are in the magazine and digital copies are still available.
I also used Wild Blooms to make this crazy quilted composition book cover. You can read more about it HERE. (and find the links to the pattern).
And, I made this cute tote bag, using Wild Blooms …. using left-overs from the Nova (the star quilt above).
I made the following quilt as a Pattern Tester for Brenda at Songbird Designs. You can order the pattern from her HERE.
This Picnic Tote was made for a Sew It-Show It Blog Hop. See HERE.
And now, all I have left is a few scraps … but the joy I had in making all these projects is huge!
At the retreat that I was at last week, we had a ‘secret’ gift exchange. It’s a secret until the gift is open and then we found out who made it. Over the years, I have ALWAYS received awesome gifts … zipper bags, wall hangings … lots of different things. This year, I was pleasantly surprised to received a Sewing Gnome from Robin … Isn’t he cute? I love the details of the bobbins, thimbles and spools of thread. He has found his forever home on the ledge in my sewing studio.
For my gift, I made a boxy zipper pouch. It’s a pattern from Sew Can She. You can access the pattern HERE. The fabric was Island Batik’s “Jelly Bean” that I had left over from a backing. It wasn’t until I went to write this post that I realized that I hadn’t taken a picture of the front/back or inside.
It’s in the Bag Blog Hop
Are you following along with Island Batik’s November Blog Hop? This weeks hop was short, with 3 different bags shown. My bags were one of them. It’s a byAnnie pattern “Take a Stand.”
Next week’s giveaway is already live! Go to Island Batik’s blog (click HERE) and follow the Rafflecopter prompts. YOU could win a Fat Quarter Bundle of Limerick or Country Charm.
Joan of Moose Stash Quilting is the wonderful host of the Monster Mash Blog Hop.
The Challenge … Sew and share something scary, not scary, or something in between. If it’s Halloween related you know we will love it!
Well, I don’t like scary … so mine is not scary! Just a simple pumpkin to hang on my front door. It was fun to make the strips a little improv, and then I squared it up. Believe it or not, this took me about 5 days to make, doing a little here and a little there! Although, I’m positive I could have made it in a few hours! 😁
Stats:
Size: 12.5″ x 16″
Fabric: Strips from Island Batik’s “Opulent Orange” 10″ stack paired with “Mocha.”
Hobbs 80/20 Batting is inside
Quilted with Aurifil #3817 (Variegated Marrakesh) on my domestic Janome M7.
Monster Mash Bloggers
Be sure to visit each blogger, there will be lots of Monster eye candy!
That’s right, I have another finish!!! And, in my humble, or not so humble, opinion, I think it’s beautfiul!
I finally finished “Splendor.” This is a free pattern from Sew Can She. You can access the pattern HERE. The original pattern uses 3 yards of fabric, but I made mine larger and used 10.5 yards, including the back and binding. The main blocks were cut with my Accuquilt 8″ Qube dies.
Although I LOVE the fabrics and colours in this quilt, it is not made with Island Batik fabric. Again, I was reminded about how much I LOVE Island Batik quilting cottons. They are easy to work with, they have little if any stretch and don’t fray. But, I also need to use up my stash!
And, here’s a few more pictures: A close up of the quilting using Silly Moon’s “Drop,” “Rocket,” and “Kite” rulers. Drop was used in the squares, Rocket for all the straight stitching and Kite in the borders. I pieced the back since I didn’t have quite enough to make it with the purple polka dots.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 60″ x 73″
Fabric from Mr. Overseas in Abbotsford (bought when I was at a retreat in May)
One of my sweet followers sent me this meme on Instagram. I obviously fell in love with it! Thanks ioleene!
Now unlimited sewing supplies! That’s up my alley. On Thanksgiving weekend, a local fabric store (if you can call 30 minutes away, local) had a 50% off notions sale. I went over and bought a few goodies. Nothing too exciting … pins to use on my design board, iron-on 1/4” tape for helping with zipper insertion, some magnets and a few zippers.
Pattern Testing
I tested the “Starry Path” pattern for my friend and fellow Island Batik Ambassador, Brenda. She has this and another pattern available on her blog, Songbird Designs (click HERE).
And yes, I did change the pattern a bit … but isn’t it gorgeous? I used the “Wild Blooms” fabric collection along with solid white. The Half Square Triangles were cut with an Accuquilt die. Brenda’s pattern provides instructions for using Accuquilt dies. Hobbs batting (80/20) is in the middle. “Ghost” is the fabric on the back. The The custom quilting used various rulers and quilted with my domestic Janome M7.
Here’s some more pictures of the quilt: It almost looks like stained glass from the back with the sun shining through. In June, I showed you the unquilted back when I posted about Kelly Young’s book, “Perfectly Pieced Quilt Backs.”
Island Batik Ambassador
Have you ever considered applying to become an Island Batik Ambassador? They are accepting applications NOW. Here is the LINK. The application explains what is expected from Ambassadors and the benefits being an Ambassador. It’s a challenging program, but I absolutely LOVE it!
If you apply, just make sure you take my email off and put your own in! In the past, I’ve had a few people ask me to ‘vote’ for them or ‘put in a good word’ for them. It doesn’t work that way … each Ambassador needs to apply each year – even we don’t know if we’ll be accepted or not. But fill in the application if you’re interested!
I LOVE ❤️ using Accuquilt dies and this month is no exception. We received the “North Carolina Star” and were told to use it “to showcase our quilting skills and creativity.” It was suggested to use fall colours and to make any project that we wanted!
The North Carolina Star die is a “block on board.” This means that each of the pattern pieces are included on the die.
We were also told that we didn’t have to make the North Carolina Star, but could make anything using pieces from this die. I briefly thought that I could use the square (in the middle) and make a simple 9 patch quilt. But, that would also be called ‘cheating,’ in my opinion.
I have many different collections of fall fabric, thus it was easy to choose one. Autumn Wings looked promising!
I made a trial block:
The trial block will be made into a tote bag sometime in the near future.
I went to EQ8 and got a North Carolina Star block, but it wasn’t the same … it didn’t have the quarter square triangle sections and a few other details. In my attempt to draw the block, EQ8 and I had a disagreement, with EQ8 saying that it couldn’t convert my block to something or other. And, I admit, that my EQ8 skills are lacking. So I had to use the block in the library.
I came up with the middle quilt, but felt it was too busy … the quilt on the right was more to my liking.
I forgot to take pictures as I made the blocks! But I will tell you that I had the instructions right beside me. There are so many pieces and my seam ripper was occasionally friendly with me! 😁
Table Topper Stats:
Size: 27″ x 27″
Fabric: Island Batik “Autumn Wings” collection and Ghost (available anytime)
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!!!
Something New to Try
Leanne, of Devoted Quilter is hosting a WIPS-B-Gone ’23 challenge. This runs from October 1 to November 30th. WIPS is Works in Progress. And, for my PHD in 2023, I want them Gone. Do you?
I thought I’d give this a try … Leanne has several different trackers to choose from and they each have 61 icons for you to colour for each day that you work on a Work in Progress. It’s free!! It sounds like fun and if it motivates me further to get projects done, done, done – I’m IN!!! We’ll see how it goes! And, I have already downloaded the sewing machine tracker. But there are other trackers for you to choose from … the choice is yours! Are you going to try it as well?
My Tally Sheets
This month, I finished the “Pieced to Perfection” quilts (see HERE), the Dog pouches (see HERE) and the Shweshwe pouch (see HERE).
And again, no UFOs finished this month! Maybe next month!
Here’s my tally sheet:
If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.
Here’s my Task Sheetof my UFOs. This helps me keep track of what I’ve accomplished with my UFOs and what I need to do. I made a little progress on the wallet this month.
You can download your own Task list from Ms P Designs HERE.
Linky Party
Show us your progress with your PHD in 2023! Or show us what YOU are celebrating in the quilting realm!
I’m hosting TGIFF this week … scroll down to see the link up.
But first, I’ll show you my finish for the week:
When I was in South Africa in 2019, I went to a fabric store in Cape Town, “Lowry’s Fabrics.”
In the picture below, the red, blue and green fabrics are Shweshwe fabrics with the 3 Cat label on the back. You can buy Shweshwe fabrics from a Canadian store: Meerkat Shweshwe and they ship worldwide.
Shweshwe fabric is a heavier fabric, not as heavy as canvas, but much heavier than quilting cotton. When I first bought it, it felt like a board! But after washing, it softened considerably!
I had made my daughter a small zipper pouch a few years ago. She recently asked if I could make one a little bigger, with possibly a pocket inside?
Of course, I said, “yes!” It’s not like I have no deadlines or other sewing to do!!! LOL!!! 😄
Once it was cut out, it didn’t take long to make. And yes, the inside pocket is also Shweshwe fabric. The lining is from fabric that was hanging around, waiting to be used!
Shweshwe fabric is perfect for bags!
TGIFF
TGIFF (Thank Goodness it’s Finished Friday) is a weekly link party for participants to show their finishes for the week!).
As well as the Shweshwe pouch above, I also finished a group of zipper pouches for the blog hop: It’s a Dog’s Life … you can read about them HERE.
Here is the Link for you to link up your FINISHED project:
I will be hosting a Mystery Quilt here on my blog starting Wednesday, September 27. The clues will be posted every Wednesday for 8 or 9 weeks.
When I originally made this quilt, I used a Kansas Troubles layer cake. I will be making this quilt along with you using a 10″ stack of Island Batik fabric.
The quilt will finish at 59″ x 59″
Fabric Requirements:
A 10″ stack (or layer cake) that has at least 39 squares. (Yes, you can use fabric from your stash if you wish) The pattern tester used 20 squares from a layer cake and 20 squares from a coordinating fabric that she cut herself. Both quilts look great!
Did you see my post earlier this week? The one with the Island Batik “Pieced to Perfection” quilts?
These were made with the fabric collection “Copper Patina.” These collections should be shipping to your local stores in October. To read more about these quilts and If you want an opportunity to win fabric from this collection make sure you comment on the original POST, HERE.
Coming Soon!
I will be hosting a Mystery Quilt here on my blog starting Wednesday, September 27. The clues will be posted every Wednesday for 8 or 9 weeks.
When I originally made this quilt, I used a Kansas Troubles layer cake. I will be making this quilt along with you using a 10″ stack of Island Batik fabric.
The quilt will finish at 59″ x 59″
Fabric Requirements:
A 10″ stack (or layer cake) that has at least 39 squares. (Yes, you can use fabric from your stash if you wish) The pattern tester used 20 squares from a layer cake and 20 squares from a coordinating fabric that she cut herself. Both quilts look great!
Nova Scotia: We stopped at a museum, Age of Sail Heritage Centre at Port Greville, and spent some time being awed by the plethora of things collected. Of course, my interest was mainly the fabrics / quilts and the old sewing machine! This is one place you could literally spend weeks at and still not see everything!
The majority of items were donated or on loan from locals in the area.
The first quilt was made around 1880 … almost 140 years ago! There is a picture of the whole quilt. I didn’t touch the quilt, but if you look closely, you can see some big stitch quilting.
I must admit, this lady in the rocking chair was a favourite of mine! She invited me to sit down and listen to her story … such fun! (Picture from Age of Sale Museum)
Although I don’t have any finishes to show you, I have finished a few projects. You will see them in future blog posts …
Sneak Peek
Here’s a peak into what I might be showing you on Monday for the Island Batik paper piecing challenge and blog hop!
Copper Patina is the collection
Paper piecing without sewing on the paper
A block and partial blocks …
I was Featured!
Both Jennifer (Wednesday Wait Loss) and Andree (Free Motion Mavericks) featured my covered composition book. You can read about it HERE.
Just in case you’re not aware, a DrEAMI stands for “Drop Everything And Make It.” And I did. I put all the things I was working on aside and made this cute “Call Me” pouch. It’s a free pattern byAnnie and is super easy to make!
Our grand-dog is here and we go for daily walks. It’s too warm to wear a jacket and I HATE carrying my phone in my jeans … so I made this! I tried it out this morning and it’s perfect!!!
Island Batik fabrics were used: Nautilus Floral Baja, from the Mystery collection and Cherio – Bermuda from basics. Quilted and pieced with Aurifil Thread. The Annie’s Soft & Stable, mesh, vinyl and fold-over elastic were left-overs from a previous by Annie bag.
At the end of the month, Sandra, from MMM Quilts holds a link party for DrEAMIs. Since it’s the beginning of the month, I’ll have to wait until the end to link up!
A Mistake
When I finished my pouch, I went back to working on a few works in progress. There are 2 mistakes in this Splendor quilt … can you find them?? Time to get the seam ripper out! And then give this one a good press!
I finally got around to finishing my Trivet!!! It’s not a hard project at all, but when I put it on the back burner and leave it there – it takes FOREVER to get it done!!! I’m sure if I had put my mind to it, it could have been made in an afternoon!
My Trivet was made with fabric from the Island Batik collection “Winter Sky.” The inside has a layer of insul-brite and a layer of Hobbs 80/20. It was finished using a variegated blue Aurifil thread on the top and Aurifil #2000 on the bottom.
This trivet is for Joy’s One gift a Month! You can go to Days Filled With Joyfor information and the link to the tutorial.
This made me Smile
As I was out walking my daughter’s dog this morning, I saw this … and I had to stop and take a picture. I know I’ve seen it before, but sometimes I forget to take my phone with me. Today I had it!! Can’t you just imagine the fun thoughts that someone has about this fairy door and the variety of painted rocks next to it?
I was Featured
Andrée, from Free Motion Mavericks, Susan from Midweek Makers, and Jennifer from Inquiring Quilter all featured my picnic bag!
This was a Hugs and Kisses quilt that used various Island Batik pinks, purples, and greens. If you recall, I made a blue & green Hugs & Kisses quilt and cut out too many greens (you can read about it HERE). So not wanting to waste those blocks, I cut out the pinks and purples and joined them up to make the following quilt.
I used the Accuquilt Go! to cut the pieces: Die #10 from the 8″ Qube ‘Corners’ 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!
Hobbs 80/20 is in the middle and I used Odif 505 spray baste to hold the layers together.
It was quilted with both the 3″ and 4″ Cupid ruler from Silly Moon.
This quilt was donated to the “Comfort Quilts” committee at the guild and will be given to the B.C. Cancer Agency at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Here I am giving the quilt to Dawn, one of the volunteers of the “Comfort Quilts” committee.
Why did I choose “Comfort Quilts” as my charity? I don’t know anyone that hasn’t been touched by cancer. We all know family members and friends that have dealt with cancer. When I was working as a nurse in the hospital, we cared for cancer patients daily: it didn’t matter what department I was working in. It’s a heart-breaking disease and the treatments can often be grueling and harsh as one fights an uphill battle. If providing a quilt can give someone comfort, I’ll all for it!
Are you surprised that I don’t have a finish??? Don’t be … I’ve been busy and most of it is a secret … so I can’t show any pictures. Sorry! But at any rate, none of them are finished either!
However, I can show you a picture of a 3 yard quilt that I’m working on … and the link to the pattern: It’s called “Splendor” and is by Sew Can She, the link is HERE. She gives cutting directions for using Accuquilt 8″ Qube dies. I did find that the number for the small HST is different than on my die … but I was able to figure it out. Also, if you use the die to cut the larger HST, you need to sew them different than the directions to make the quarter square triangles … but other than that, the directions are clear and it’s easy going!
The fabrics are all from my stash. I bought the purple and coloured fabrics when I was at a retreat in May and the background fabric was hiding in a neutral container. I’ve no idea when or where I bought it! LOL!!!
A Trunk Show
On a fine summer morning (afternoon for the Ontario guild), I did a trunk show via zoom. They had a whirlwind tour of 75 of my quilts … from the early days to present time!
The Waterloo County Quilters’ Guild is a pretty active guild!! Covid forced them to use zoom (as it did force many guilds) and they adapted and have continued! They actual meet 3 times a month … twice by Zoom and once in person. When I did the trunk show, they had attendees from Canada (BC to Ontario), the USA and the Netherlands!
On their mini-retreat days, they share a video, break out into chat rooms to talk/discuss the video, sew and have a guest speaker … They are active with charity quilts and so much more!
They welcome guests, so if you are interested … here’s a link to this great guild. HERE.
I was Featured
Andree from Free Motion Mavericks featured my table topper. You can read about it HERE.
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
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!!!
Did you?
Last month, I talked about getting at least ONE UFO done before the end of May! How did you do??? Did you get started on one?? Did you even pull one out to start on it? Did you work on it for at least 15 minutes? Hmmm … so many “Did you” questions!
I did … but I can’t show you because I’m keeping it a secret until the “When Pigs Fly” blog hop! The project is done and the blog post is almost all written!! Woohoo!!
Shall we try for another UFO for June?
My Tally Sheets
I finished 3 New Starts this month. You can read about them here: Wedge Star, Retreat Bag, and Hugs & Kisses #1. The Wedge Star and Hugs & Kisses #1 were made with Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs 80/20 batting in the middle and pieced and quilted with Aurifil thread.
If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.
Cheryl, from Meadow Mist Designs hosts a monthly linky party where you post your favourite quilt of the month. This Wedge Star, using Studio 180 designs is my favourite for May!
Quilting Gail 