Island Batik

Sunday Synopsis: Nov. 5

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A UFO Finish … actually 2

Yes, I finished 2 UFOs. I had listed it as one in my chart … Upholstery wallets. I attempted to finish these when I was at the retreat, but I had neglected to take some extra lining fabric. Once home, I found the fabric I needed and cut out the pieces. then it was a matter of finishing them. The pattern is The Necessary Clutch from Emmaline Bags. I have made this wallet twice before out of cork. So far, it’s my favourite wallet!

The outside fabric is upholstery fabric from samples I had from … when I worked at a fabric store in Courtenay? That’s over 20 years ago. The stripy fabric on the inside of the left one is from my stash and the lining of the one on the right is from my Island Batik stash. I used the same Aurifil thread #2325 (Linen) on both of them.

Mystery Quilt is happening!

WIP-B-Gone

Leanne, of Devoted Quilter is hosting a WIPS-B-Gone ’23 challenge. This fun challenge started October 1, 2023! It’s not too late if you want to join! You still have most of November to do it! It’s totally up to YOU as to how you want to use the challenge.

I’m not running out of things to tidy … it’s definitely an on-going job! However, it’s really nice to have several thread drawers tidy! Embroidery, Aurifil, CanSew, Glide, serger and miscellaneous thread (Metler / Gutterman) drawers are organized! Yes, I do have a stash of threads … but for some reason, I never have the exact colour of thread that I need! 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 –October:  287 / 304
  • November:  5 / 5
  • Total: 292 / 309
  • Percentage: 94%

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 Upholstery Wallets used a total of 1 yard each, for a total of 2 yards. The Boxy Zipper tote used 1 yard of fabric. No shopping, no buying.

I was gifted a stack of Shweshwe blue & white fat quarters and a yard of white at the retreat. It was a gift, I did not buy it. They are indigo blue and one white one! (in the pic, the white looks beige, but it is the same white in the prints below!!) LOVE 💙 them. Since they were a gift, I’m not adding them in … but I wanted to show you the beauties!

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used since the last report: 3 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    182 yards  from non-IB: 81
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    17.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             173.5 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 Upholstery Wallet. √   DONE
  2. Work on “Turkey Trot” project. progress, but not finished
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics. Not done
  4. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snow” started quilting, nowhere near finished
  5. Complete next “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” clue. √   DONE and the post is ready for Wednesday!
  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 “Turkey Trot” project
  2. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics
  3. Finish quilting and bind “Dashing Through the Snow”
  4. Complete next “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” clue.
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Design Wall

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

Piecing projects:

  1. Work on “Turkey Trot” project
  2. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics

Quilting:

“Dashing Through the Snow”

Upcoming Blog Hops

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Turkey Trot (November 13 is my day)

Just Let Me Quilt: Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange and Christmas Blog Hop (December 4)

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

It’s in the Bag Blog Hop

Are you following along with Island Batik’s November Blog Hop? This past 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.

Here is the Schedule for Week 2 of the Blog Hop:

November 6:

November 7:

November 8:

November 9:

November 10:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

A Few Fun Things from the Retreat

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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.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

By Annie: It’s in the Bag – Blog Hop

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I’m excited to be in this byAnnie Blog Hop!!! Annie Unrein and her amazing team has provided me with a pattern and all the necessary hardware I need to make my bag.

First, I needed to select fabrics from Island Batik‘s Celtic Fields collection, along with a pattern:

The pictures below show Celtic Fields with Doughnut (the neutral) and Celtic Mini Knot Red-B (from the Celtic Fields collection).

Here is a picture of everything that was supplied for the Take a Stand bag. Fabric is from Island Batik and ALL of the other products are from byAnnie‘s!

byAnnie bags have excellent instructions! So although I’m not a great bag maker, I already know that I can make any bag and it will look fantastic! However, there are a few things that I KNOW I need to do to have success. Besides knowing that I need to take my time and follow the instructions, I need to:

  • First: to copy the labels to ensure that I cut the proper sizes and use the proper pieces in the proper order. (1st picture) and to make it much, much easier when making the project!
  • Second: to read through the pattern (YES!! I do!) and since I’m making 2 sizes of “Take a Stand,” I highlighted the small one with yellow and underlined the large one with teal. (2nd picture)

The first thing I needed to do was quilt the main pieces … I did watch a Youtube video by Randi (of Randi’s Roost and a fellow Island Batik ambassador) with ideas for quilting. Randi used straight lines, and I used masking tape to give me a rough guide, but I used curvy lines and made ‘curvy’ diamonds.

For the quilting and the top stitching I used Aurifil Thread #3817 called Variegated Marrakesh and for the majority of the seams that would not show, I used Aurifil Thread #5012 (Dark Green).

Once all the pieces were cut and labelled, I put them on the design wall. Since I was going to do both sizes a step at a time, I just doubled them up (left picture). Then I went to work, preparing all of the components (right picture). I used a Microtex needle from Schmetz Needles.

Aurifil Thread #2220 (light salmon) was used on the fold over elastic on the mesh pockets. Then, I forgot to take pictures of the rest of the process.

The byAnnie videos are invaluable when constructing the bags! As a bonus, Randi (who was mentioned above) had 2 videos on the final construction of the bags! Visit her YouTube channel for extra videos.

The neighbour’s dog, Lexi, approves of the bags!

And here’s some pictures of the inside:

Are you Intimidated?

Are you intimidated with byAnnie bags? There’s a few things you can do to help you in your journey. First go to the byAnnie site, find the free patterns, watch the videos and make them. Another option is to join the byAnnie Facebook group (HERE). There’s lots of hints and tips. Randi does a group on Facebook where she walks you through the steps slowly. So you have lots of time to make each step and ask questions as you go along. Her future plans are to do Get Out of Town 2.1 (January) and Travel Essentials 2.0 (April). Sign up for her notifications HERE.

Thank You!

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

Where can I find Celtic Fields?

Here’s a list of a few of the stores, plus you can ask your Local Quilt Store:

  • Creekside Quilts – OR
  • Bird in Hand – PA
  • Laurals Fabrics and More – MN
  • Sew Ewe Quilt Shop – WY

Blog Hopping Island Batik Ambassadors

Week 1:

November 1:

November 2:

November 3:

(Island Batik posts: Blog Hop Week 1 Round Up + giveaway)

Week 2:

November 6:

November 7:

November 8:

November 9:

November 10:

(Island Batik posts: Blog Hop Week 2 Round Up + giveaway)

Week 3:

November 13:

November 14:

November 15: White and Blooms

November 16: Vintage Charm

November 17: 

(Island Batik posts: Blog Hop Week 3 Round Up + giveaway)

Week 4:

November 20:

November 21:

(Island Batik: End of Blog Hop + Final Round Up)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Sunday Synopsis October 29th

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

A Good News Story

Last week on my weekly Synopsis, I told you about driving to a local quilt store and was totally annoyed that it was closed when I arrived. I did email the store and complained. They said “sorry” and that they would correct their hours on Google. It took a few days before that happened. Then, while I was at the retreat, I got a lovely email with a $10 gift card from the store. Since the store was sort-of on my way home, I stopped in and spent the gift card on the thread I wanted! I was pleased that they appeared to value me as a customer!

Lots of Retreat Fun

This past week I was at a retreat with 20 other quilters. We tried out a new venue “Camp Luther” and it was great! There was lots of room, the food was too much, and having a bathroom in each bedroom is definitely a plus. Due to the potential of tripping a breaker, we had no ironing in the sewing room and we needed to walk down the hall to get our pressing done. Most people got their required steps in!

Here’s pictures from the retreat! Lots of creativity!

I always enjoying seeing my quilt designs completed! I LOVE the variations and how people do the pattern, change the pattern and use their own creativity. While at the retreat, I was delighted to see so many finishes!

Mystery Quilt is happening!

WIP-B-Gone

Leanne, of Devoted Quilter is hosting a WIPS-B-Gone ’23 challenge. This fun challenge started October 1, 2023! It’s not too late if you want to join! It’s totally up to YOU as to how you want to use the challenge.

Since my challenge is to tidy/clean AND sew every day, it’s obvious that I didn’t clean my sewing room while I was at the retreat! And my fellow retreaters would definitely say I was lying if I said I tidied my table each and every day!! Of course it got tidied on the day we packed up … but then my room at home was a mess until the next day when I got it all put away!

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 –September:  256 / 273
  • October:  29 / 29
  • Total: 285 / 302
  • Percentage: 94%

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 pumpkin Wall / Door hanging used 1 yard of fabric. And I didn’t buy any fabric when I was at the retreat.

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used since the last report: 1 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    181 yards  from non-IB: 79.5
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    17.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             170.5 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 UFO project: Upholstery Wallet progress, but not finished
  2. Start “Turkey Trot” project progress, but not finished
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics Not done
  4. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snow” progress, but not finished
  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 Upholstery Wallet
  2. Work on “Turkey Trot” project
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics
  4. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snow”
  5. Complete next “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” clue.
  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. Sorry, no pictures to share!

Piecing projects:

  1. Upholstery Wallet
  2. Work on “Turkey Trot” project
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics

Quilting:

“Dashing Through the Snow”

Upcoming Blog Hops

Island Batik November Blog Hop: (November 1 is my day)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Turkey Trot (November 13 is my day)

Just Let Me Quilt: Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange and Christmas Blog Hop (December 4)

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Sew It – Show It: Monster Mash Blog Hop

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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!

Monday October 23

Tuesday October 24

Wednesday October 25

Thursday October 26

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Fall ’23: Layer Cake Mystery: Clue #4

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59” x 59”

Fabric Requirements and Clues can be found by clicking on the appropriate Clues below:

CLUE #4

Clue #4: Making Half-Square Triangles

Take the (36) 7.5” x 7.5” squares from Clue #2, put the pairs right sides together. Mark the diagonal line.  Sew a scant ¼” on each side of the diagonal line. Cut apart.  Each pair will yield 2 Half Square Triangles.  Press to the dark side.  DO NOT SQUARE THEM UP!!   I repeat DO NOT SQUARE THEM UP!!  

In order to save your printer ink, I did not include the above pictures in the pdf. The pdf will provide you with enough information to complete this clue without the actual pictures.

Here is a pdf of Clue #3 if you want to have a paper copy.

clue-4-fall-23-mystery-quilt-1022-squaresDownload

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Sunday Synopsis

/ quiltinggail / 23 Comments

A Heavy Heart

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you about my friend, Carmen’s, devastating fire. This newslink has more details. Some of you may have Prairie Spririt Alpaca/wool pressing mats, bought the WARM socks or her yarn …

Carmen is OK. She’s mourning the loss of several alpacas, chickens and the alpaca guard dog, not to mention the barn and the winter’s supply of hay. There is a go-fund me page, if you’re inclined to donate.

Mystery Quilt is happening!

WIP-B-Gone

Leanne, of Devoted Quilter is hosting a WIPS-B-Gone ’23 challenge. This fun challenge started October 1, 2023! It’s not too late if you want to join! It’s totally up to YOU as to how you want to use the challenge.

As I said in an earlier post, my sewing room is was a total disaster. So, I decided that the challenge for me will include DAILY cleaning/tidying and Sewing. The blue portion of the sewing machine is Tidy/Clean and the Orange is Sewing. The sewing room is looking better, my embroidery thread drawers are neat and tidy!

Cleaning???

Hmmm … the rest of my house is not being cleaned! Does that mean I’m sewing enough?

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 –September:  256 / 273
  • October:  15 / 15
  • Total: 271 / 288
  • Percentage: 94%

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 finished this Pattern Test quilt for Songbird Designs. It used 10.5 yards of Island Batik fabric. You can read about it HERE.

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used since the last report: 10.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    169.5 yards  from non-IB: 69
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    17.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             159 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. Quilt and bind “Splendor” progress, but not finished
  2. Make flange binding and Bind “Pin Dot Floral” Quilt #3 √   DONE
  3. MAKE on “Monster Mash” project progress, but not finished
  4. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics Not done
  5. Work on November IB challenge progress, but not finished
  6. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snow” Not done
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE

This week’s list: (purple highlight is priority #1 , 2 & 3)

  1. Finish Quilting and binding “Splendor”
  2. Finish “Monster Mash” project
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics
  4. Finish November IB challenge
  5. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snow”
  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. Work on “IB November” project
  2. Work on “Monster Mash” project

Quilting:

  • “Splendor”
  • “Dashing Through the Snow”

Upcoming Blog Hops

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Monster Mash (My day is Oct 26)

Island Batik November Blog Hop: (November 1 is my day)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Turkey Trot (November 13 is my day)

Just Let Me Quilt: Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange and Christmas Blog Hop (December 4)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Friday, Oct. 13th

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

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!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Falling for Accuquilt

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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)
  • Piecing: Aurifil Thread 50 wt: 2600 (Dove Grey)
  • Quilting: Stitch in the Ditch with Aurifil Thread 50 wt: 2370 (Sandstone)
  • Batting: Hobbs Batting: Thermore (I like the lightness for table toppers!)
  • Needles: Schmetz Needles

It was a beautiful fall day when I took the pictures in my yard! I really like the pictures on the burning bush and ornamental maple!

There are many places you can find Autumn Wings, but the few that caught my eye are:

  • Quilt in a Day – California
  • Castles – Langley BC. 🇨🇦 This is about a 15 minute drive from my house!!!

I would like to thank Island Batik,  Aurifil Thread,  Hobbs Batting,  Schmetz Needles,  and Accuquilt for providing me with the fabric and supplies I used to complete this project!

Island Batik Ambassadors

Visit the other Island Batik Ambassadors as they show their beautiful creations using the North Carolina Star die.

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

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

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

PHD in 2023: September Report

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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!!!

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.

template-2023Download

Here’s my Task Sheet of 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!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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

Favourite Finish of the Month

Cheryl, from Meadow Mist Designs hosts a monthly linky party where you post your favourite quilt of the month.

These quilts were my favourite this month!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Monday Moments: Sept 25 ’23

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Classic Cars: Monthly Colour Challenge

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

Here’s my September block, followed by the rest of the monthly blocks. I’ve used scraps of Island Batik for all of my blocks.

September: Mustard

Are you ready for a Mystery Quilt?

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: “Cheers” and Dandelion – plum.

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!
  • Background: Fabric 1 ¼  yard   or 1.1 m
  • Binding: ¾ yard or 0.8 m

I might have caught a bug!

A knitting bug! When I was in Newfoundland, my sister-in-law was knitting socks. It’s been a long time since I knit, but I knew it would occupy my hands during the airport waits and the flight home. So I went and bought the necessary supplies.

Now, I know that I struggle with hand sewing hurting my hands, but knitting doesn’t seem to be as bad! And it’s great to do while watching tv at night.

Yesterday, I went to Knit City in Vancouver. My friend, Carmen, that runs owns and runs Prairie Spirit Alpacas was there … A few items popped into my bag … including another alpaca/wool pressing mat! I LOVE my mat and figured that 2 on my ironing board would be just fine!

The variegated blue/teal will be a toque and a scarf and the green/beige/grey will be a Beanie with a polar bear on it.

Pieced to Perfection

Did you see all of the fantastic Island Batik quilts in the Pieced to Perfection Blog Hop? Visit Island Batik’s blog for a recap. Click HERE. Or … see them all on my Instagram: 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!

  • January – August:  249 / 266
  • September:  24 / 24
  • Total: 263 / 276
  • Percentage: 95%

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!

These zipper pouches used about 1.5 yards of fabric … You can read about them Here and Here.

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used since the last report: 1.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    157.5 yards  from non-IB: 68
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    17.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             146 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 a few weeks ago: 

  1. Get “Splendor” Quilt to flimsy stage: FIX those mistakes !!!!! Mistakes fixed … progress, but not finished
  2. Work on Pin Dot Floral Quilt. It is being quilted progress, but not finished
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics. Not done
  4. Finish “It’s a Dog’s Life” project – completed and posted … √   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. Get “Splendor” Quilt to flimsy stage
  2. Finish quilting Pin Dot Floral Quilt #3
  3. Work on “Monster Mash” project
  4. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics
  5. Get “Dashing Through the Snow” to 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. Test quilt “Dashing through the Snow.” I’m using blues from my stash and it definitely is NOT Christmas or wintery.
  2. “Splendor” Quilt: Mistakes fixed now to add borders (Can you see the difference?)
  3. Work on “Monster Mash” project

This picture shows “Splendor” blocks unfixed and fixed!

Quilting:

  • Pin Dot floral #3

Upcoming Blog Hops

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Monster Mash (My day is Oct 26)

Island Batik November Blog Hop: (November 1 is my day)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Turkey Trot (November 13 is my day)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

A Couple of Finishes to show you

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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!
  • Background: Fabric 1 ¼  yard   or 1.1 m
  • Binding: ¾ yard or 0.8 m

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Tuesday’s Talkin’

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Week 2 Blog Hop

This is Week 2 of Island Batik’s “Pieced to Perfection” Blog Hop.

Lots and lots of beautiful quilts are being shown!

September 11 was my day to show my quilt using the “Copper Patina” fabric collection. I absolutely LOVED the teals in this grouping! Hobbs Batting, Aurifil thread and Silly Moon Rulers were used to create these quilts!

Here are pictures of my quilts and you can read more about them HERE.

If you want an opportunity to win fabric from this collection make sure you comment on the original POST, HERE.

Are you ready for a Mystery Quilt?

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!
  • Background: Fabric 1 ¼  yard   or 1.1 m
  • Binding: ¾ yard or 0.8 m

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 – August:  225 / 242
  • September:  10 / 10
  • Total: 235 / 252
  • 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! But not when I’m on holidays!

The 2 quilts for the Island Batik challenge used a total of 16 yards of fabric.

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used the last week: 16 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    156 yards  from non-IB: 66.5
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    17.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             144.5 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. Get “Splendor” Quilt to flimsy stage: FIX those mistakes !!!!! Not done
  2. Work on September’s IB challenge. √   DONE , blog post written and posted
  3. Work on Pin Dot Floral Quilt. progress, but not finished
  4. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics. Not done
  5. Work on “It’s a Dog’s Life” project progress, but not finished
  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. Get “Splendor” Quilt to flimsy stage: FIX those mistakes !!!!!
  2. Work on Pin Dot Floral Quilt
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics
  4. Finish “It’s a Dog’s Life” project
  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. “Splendor” Quilt: Fix mistakes and adding borders
  2. Work on Pin-Dot Floral #3 quilt
  3. Finish “It’s a Dog’s Life” project

This picture shows “Splendor” blocks and a part of the Pin Dot Floral quilt.

Quilting:

  • Nothing at the moment

Upcoming Blog Hops

Just Let Me Quilt: Sew It – Show It: It’s a Dog’s Life (September 18 is my day)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Monster Mash (My day is Oct 26)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Turkey Trot (November 13 is my day)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Pieced to Perfection

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Here was our instructions:

Paper piecing, also known as foundation piecing, is a quilting technique that involves sewing fabric pieces to a paper foundation. Precision, relative ease of use and design flexibility of paper pieced patterns make them a very popular choice among quilters. Show off the fabric from your assigned Spring’ 23 0.5 yard bundle and make an eye-catching paper pieced showstopper!

My assigned bundle is Coper Patina shown here:

Years and years ago, Carol Doak had a yahoo group with lots of paper piecing blocks. She recently started a Facebook group with lots of new patterns. This inspired me to make a Block of the Month pattern from years ago for this month’s paper piecing challenge.

I printed out the patterns and started making the blocks.

Chain piecing and paper piecing without sewing on the paper! I’ve never tried the freezer paper technique, but using paper straight from the printer works for me.

I paired a lot of the fabrics together and made the blocks on the left, with the centre star. The centre star used “Egg White” (a basic that is always available) and “Swirl Teal Jade” from the collection.

But I wasn’t happy (picture on the left). It seemed like a mish-mash of the fabrics and did nothing for the centre star.

So I started making more blocks using one fabric from the collection and Egg White. The picture on the right shows these blocks in progress. Yes, I’m much happier.

Here is the finished quilt with lots of custom ruler quilting.

Quilt Stats:

  • Fabric: 9 select fabrics from Copper Patina, paired with Egg White
  • Size: 60″ x 60″
  • Pattern: BOM by Carol Doak
  • Batting: Heirloom Hobbs Batting 80/20
  • Thread: Pieced with Aurifil Thread 2600 (Dove Grey), Quilted with Aurifil 5007 (Light Blue Grey)
  • Quilting: Rulers and Free Motion
  • Rulers used for quilting: Silly Moon Rocket, Drop 1, 2 & 3, and Charming
  • Needles: Schmetz Needles Microtex
  • Binding: Scrappy with select fabrics from Copper Patina

And there is More!

There was the ‘left-over’ blocks from my first attempt. I added the solid Black sashing and border, with Swirl Teal Jade for the cornerstones. I must admit, I like this way better than my first attempt with the Swirl Teal Jade star. Perhaps if I had used solid black for the star, I might have been happier. However, it’s too late now and I’m not going to do it over again! I’m happy with this one!

However, before I went with the black, I attempted to use some of the gold fabric in the collection for the sashing:

No! No! No!

Sew, out came my trusty seam ripper, I auditioned other fabrics and settled on the black.

Much better!

Quilt Stats:

  • Fabric: 17 select fabrics from Copper Patina, with solid Black
  • Size: 46″ x 46″
  • Pattern: BOM by Carol Doak plus “Tennessee” from 50 Fabulous Paper Pieced Stars (it’s the middle star on the left)
  • Batting: Heirloom Hobbs Batting 80/20
  • Thread: Pieced with Aurifil Thread 2600 (Dove Grey), Quilted with Aurifil 5007 (Light Blue Grey)
  • Quilting: Rulers and Free Motion
  • Rulers used for quilting: Silly Moon Rocket, Drop 3, and Kite
  • Needles: Schmetz Needles Microtex
  • Binding: Scrappy with select fabrics from Copper Patina

I had wanted to take a picture of the 2 quilts together on the lawn, but with our drought conditions and brown scrubby grass, I went across to the neighbours rock garden and took the picture there.

*** Be sure to visit Britany at Bobbin with Brittany to see what she made with Copper Patina! ***

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,   

Week 2 Blog Hop

September 11

Brittany Fisher, Bobbin with Brittany

Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail

September 12

Susan Deshensky, Lady Blue Quilts

Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine

September 13

Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood

Anorina Morris, Samelia’s Mum

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations

September 14

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia

Victoria Johnson, Forever Quilting for You

2 Opportunities to Win Fabric!

#1

Visit Island Batik’s blog to win one of 2 Fat Quarter Bundles from Week 2. HERE Follow the Rafflecopter directions.

#2

Leave a comment at the end of this post and I will send you some pieces of Copper Patina! (You must be in Canada or the USA).

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 

The last pictures of my trip

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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.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 


Linking to:

PHD in 2023: August Report

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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!!!

Slow Progress

Last month I talked about Celebrating the little things … When we celebrate the little things, the bigger goal becomes a closer goal. It is progress … and progress is good!

I must admit, when I look back at the sewing I’ve done in August, I’m feeling a bit discouraged. I had hopes to finish at least one UFO … but alas, with all that was happening around here and going on holidays, that didn’t happen. However, I need to take my own advice and celebrate the little things: the small amount of progress that I did make.

  • My Island Batik September project is moving along
  • I did a small amount of work on my Upholstery wallet (UFO #11).
  • Part of the Colour Challenge (UFO #10) is being done as a leader and ender

SEW, I’m going to celebrate this little bit of progress! These projects will be finished eventually!

Keep on Celebrating and progressing!

My Tally Sheets

This month, I finished the “Call Me” pouch, my housecoat/robe for August’s Island Batik project and the Composition Cover. You can read more about them Call Me HERE, Housecoat/robe HERE and the Composition Cover HERE.

I didn’t finish any UFOs this month.

Here’s my tally sheet:

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. This hasn’t changed since last 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!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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

Favourite Finish of the Month

Cheryl, from Meadow Mist Designs hosts a monthly linky party where you post your favourite quilt of the month.

I’m loving my housecoat / robe. It’ll be so nice and cozy in the cooler weather!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

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