Island Batik

Monday Moments: May 22

/ quiltinggail / 24 Comments

One Gift a Month

This month’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. But I need to warn you, somewhere – a while ago, I read that one lady made a Soup Bowl Cozy and her biggest complaint was that it leaked! Yes, you read correctly! She was complaining that the bowl leaked! I guess she didn’t understand that the Cozy was intended for the bowl to be placed in the cozy, not for the soup to be placed in it! I know that none of my readers will make that mistake! Right?

Classic Cars: Monthly Colour Challenge

May’s Classic Car colour is Baby Blue …. ooohhhh … a favourite colour of mine! Visit Patterns by Jen HERE for your free download of this month’s block …

Here’s my May block and the January, February, March, April and May blocks … all made with Island Batik scraps …

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 – April:  117 /120
  • May: 21 / 21
  • Total: 138 / 141
  • 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!

When I was at the retreat a few weeks ago, a group of us went to Overseas Fabrics. As we left the retreat room, I insisted that I was NOT going to buy any fabric!!! Well, that lasted until I saw the following fabric. Really, how could I resist? I purchased 2 yards of each.

The past 2 week’s finishes include:

  • Studio 180 Island Batik challenge (May) 7 yards
  • Baby Stars 6 yards
  • Retreat Bag 1 yard

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used the past 2 weeks: 14 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     101 yards  from non-IB: 43.5
  • Fabric Bought this week:   4 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    12.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             88.5 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. Pack for the retreat: Wallets, test quilt for Brenda, June IB challenge, Retreat bag. All was packed!!! Partially done: The only thing finished was the Retreat bag … Test Quilt is still in progress, as is the June IB challenge. Wallets were not touched.
  2. X’s & O’s #1 & #2: quilt and bind Partially done: Both are quilted, neither are bound
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing).
  2. Finish June IB challenge
  3. X’s & O’s #1 & #2: bind
  4. Quilt for Kelly Young’s new book
  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. June IB challenge (The luscious teal and green 10″ stack – 1st picture)
  2. Secret Project for Kelly Young’s new book (mostly the purples and greens from the Island Batik Napa Valley collection – 2nd picture)
  3. Project for When Pigs Fly

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 9)

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:

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

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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!

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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 …

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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!!!

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:

Crazy Quilts Challenge with Aurifil

/ quiltinggail / 26 Comments

We were challenged to make a Crazy Quilt using the Colour Builder thread set that Aurifil provided us with! The project could be any size and anything! We were to use decorative stitches to highlight the thread.

I was given “Golden Shrimp Plant.” This plant is from Peru and is “also known as the Golden Candle Plant ...
It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and is resistant to deer … it is a popular houseplant.”
This information and the pictures below are from Aurifil: https://www.aurifil.com/golden-shrimp-plant

I decided to use a 10″ stack of Island Batik‘s Opulent Orange. Aren’t they absolutely gorgeous? I paired it with “Marble Frog.” I originally was thinking grey or black, but I really liked Marble Frog much better!

First, I cut (20) 10″ squares of Hobbs Batting, 80/20 batting.

20 squares of Opulent Orange were divided into groups of 4.

I pressed all of the squares on my Prairie Spirit Alpacas mat. Then I chose a group of 4 squares and placed them on the cutting mat.

Then I randomly cut the stack of 4 squares. Then I arranged the fabrics so that each one was in a different location. The top left segment had the top fabric placed to the bottom of the pile. The top right segment had the top 2 fabrics placed to the bottom of the pile. The bottom right segment had the top 3 fabrics placed to the bottom of the pile. Each set of blocks (there are 4) was pinned to a 10″ square of batting

Then the Quilt-as-you-go started.

  • the first 2 pieces were sewn with right sides together
  • the seam was pressed
  • A decorative stitch was sewn from end to end

The next pieces were sewn into place. First the gold fabric, then the orange fabric

The block was then squared to 9 1/2” square. A 1/2” line was drawn around the cut block. The picture shows both the 3/4” line and the 1/2” line. You only need to mark the 1/2” line. Cut the sashing strip at 2″ wide. The sashing was lined up against this line and sewn on with a 1/4” seam. The last picture shows the sashing pressed into place.

I used my Stitch in the Ditch foot to guide the stitches and Schmetz Needles for the stitching.

A KID IN A CANDY SHOP!!!

I had a blast picking different decorative stitches to use! I used over 100 different stitches. I remember when I bought my Janome M7, they were emphasizing how many decorative stitches it had. I laughed! When would I ever use them?? Well, now the laugh is on me. I used almost every one!

I was telling my husband how much fun it was to use all the different stitches. He said I was behaving like a Kid in a Candy Shop! So that’s name of the quilt!

The picture below shows the variations of the different threads.

A photo shoot on the rocks in my neighbours front yard.

And, my usual clothes line picture!

Where can I buy Opulent Orange Stack?

The following places have it for sale:

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!!

Island Batik Ambassadors

Make sure you visit all of the Island Batik Ambassadors to see the wonderful projects they are creating!

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:

Monday Moments: April 9, 2023

/ quiltinggail / 17 Comments

More Retreat Pictures

Judy sent me her pictures from the retreat! The first ones are the view from the house, the house, and a garden down the road. The next is an example of the yummy food we had … and of course, pictures of quilts in the making!

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: 31 /31
  • April: 9 / 9
  • 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!

Well, I was at a retreat at Over the Rainbow last week and that’s just plain dangerous as far as fabric purchases go. I bought 5 yards of Island Batik fabric … a solid white and that yummy fan fabric. Plus I bought a panel that I’ll quilt in the near future (you’ve got a peek view of it at the top of the picture).

Nothing was finished this week, but LOTS of things in progress!

  • Fabric Used the past week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:        51.5 yards from non-IB: 20
  • Fabric Bought this week:   5.5 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     8.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              43 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 partially done. Binding is ready
  2. Quilt Gardenia. Not Done partially done
  3. Bind Chilhowie Not Done binding is cut
  4. Quilt Bird Panels. Not Done
  5. Quilt Nutcracker Not Done
  6. Finish April IB project. √   DONE. If it ever quits raining, I’ll take some pictures!!!!
  7. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing). Not Done
  8. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  9. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Sandwich, Quilt & Bind: IB Catalogue Quilt
  2. Quilt Melodic Mystery. finish quilting and bind
  3. Quilt Gardenia. This will be finished after I teach the class. It’s now hanging at Essem.
  4. Bind Chilhowie
  5. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing).
  6. X’s & O’s: Add Border, Quilt & Bind
  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.

Lots of Piecing projects:

  1. May IB challenge : can’t show you the fabric yet – and it’s not started yet!
  2. June IB challenge (The luscious teal and green 10″ stack)
  3. Baby Stars #2
  4. Xs & Os. #1 & #2. – cut with Accuquilt dies

Quilting: These are all sandwiched and ready to quilt …

  • Melodic Mystery – in progress
  • Gardenia – in progress
  • Nutcracker
  • Bird Panel

Upcoming Blog Hops

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

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

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:

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:

      A March Finish and TGIFF

      / quiltinggail / 19 Comments

      TGIFF

      TGIFF is Thank Goodness Its Finished Friday. There is a linky party every week.

      You can link up your FINISHED project here. The link opens at 2 PM (PST) and will remain until midnight (PST) on Saturday, March 18. I can’t wait to see your finishes!!

      You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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

      My TGIFF this week

      Earlier this week, I showed you a picture of my finished SAHRR ’23!

      I’m in LOVE with this quilt! It was so fun to host the SAHRR with 5 blogging friends! I couldn’t have done it without them!

      My blog post with the Parade of all of the finished (or almost finished) SAHRR can be found HERE. I started this quilt in the fall, and with the recent finish, it counts as one of my completed UFOs! YAY!!!

      Quilt Stats

      • Size: 48″ x 58″
      • Pieced and Quilted with Aurifil Thread #2311 – Muslin
      • Hobbs 80/20 batting inside
      • All pieced blocks and appliques were cut with Accuquilt dies
        • Go! Birds (BBQG guild)
        • Rose of Sharon. (BBQG guild)
        • Qube 8″ dies (my collection)
      • Fabric used: Baby Bloomers collection (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton) along with solid white

      I was Featured!

      Jennifer from Inquiring Quilter featured my Baby Stars quilt!

      One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

      Happy Quilting!    
      Gail 

      Linking to:

      SAHRR the Parade!

      / quiltinggail / 47 Comments

      If you need more information on the SAHRR … you can go to THIS POST.

      My Finished 2023 SAHRR

      I used the Island Batik fabrics from the Baby Bloomers collection (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton) along with solid white.

      When I had the guild’s Accuquilt, I originally cut out the birds and flowers for the centre block. I then proceeded to cut out more shapes. When I put in the coping strips, I purposely made them wide enough for the small appliqued shapes. Once the shapes were added, I then quilted the quilt, ensuring that the appliqued shapes were quilted into place. It was actually fun to do!

      Here’s a close up of some of the quilting! It was so fun to quilt!!!

      Now, you Need to go to the co-hosts blogs and see their quilts! Their links are in the schedule below.

      Linky Party

      Here’s the Linky party so you can see everyone’s Finished Quilts … or partially finished quilts! The Link party is open until midnight on March 20. A few days following, the SAHRR hosts are zoom meeting to choose the winners of the wonderful prizes provided by our sponsors.

      You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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

      Non-blogger’s Quilts

      This is what Jacomina had to say (she didn’t make it in time for the Round 6 blog post): “The squares within squares are made. The round is not yet fully ready. I used up the braid from the scrap bags first to add some filler rounds. Now I am very curious what you will make us do this week as that scrap bag has lots of strips already sewn together and it would be fun to use them too. By now it has become a triple challenge: the assigned blocks; the retirement ladies scrap bags; and my own green orange improv crumb blocks“

      Here’s what she said when she sent in the final picture: “Top done. Almost all from donated fabric or cuttings on my table so I will pass it on for donation. Hopefully someone will enjoy this mix of fabrics, blocks and focus on finding little gems in the scrappy blocks or the Thanksgiving border. I will also use donated fabric for the back and binding. Thanks for a fun challenge.”

      And then she sent a picture of her back! So fun!

      Ioleen’s has definitely a ‘heart-felt’ theme! She says “I will be adding a small border.” And the 2nd picture has the borders added!

      Charlene is loving hers! (Can you blame her? LOL)

      Here’s what Kathy P has to say, “have attached my row of pinwheels for this week.  It is always a fun block to do, versatile and has a lot of movement,  just digging thru my “grab” bag contents to find more colorful fabrics to put in my baby quilt top.  Now to tie them all together by next week.“

      Enclosed is a near final photo of my baby quilt that becoming a very large “baby” quilt.  Need to get the  upper section larger so it goes with the center panel.  I had set the hourglass block before the square in a square row info came out so that row works for both weeks.   I  substituted the “attic window” for a challenge instead, now to get the upper portion to fit the center panel.  Note to self:  “Chasing fabric when working from the grab bags makes the project  a lot harder.“

      Here’s what Heather has to say, “Thanks for a fun round Robin. Top is finished. Hope to quilt it in the next week or so “

      Here’s Chere’s! She says “Just enough fabric to finish!”

      Sarah says, “It’s a flimsy.  I really like how this came together.  The hourglass blocks have been exiled to the parts department, and I skipped the pinwheels.  This is supposed to be for my daughter for Christmas, but we’ll see.”

      Quilt Stats

      • Size: 48″ x 58″
      • Pieced and Quilted with Aurifil Thread #2311 – Muslin
      • Hobbs 80/20 batting inside
      • All pieced blocks and appliques were cut with Accuquilt dies
        • Go! Birds (BBQG guild)
        • Rose of Sharon. (BBQG guild)
        • Qube 8″ dies
      • Fabric used: Baby Bloomers collection (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton) along with solid white

      Our Wonderful Sponsors

      Here’s a list of the sponsors and their generous gifts!

      The Linky party for the 2023 SAHRR is open until March 20. Following that, the co-hosts and I will zoom together, use a number generator and choose who wins the wonderful gifts from our sponsors. We will announce the winners on our blogs.

      One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

      Happy Quilting!    
      Gail 


      A Finish … Baby Stars

      / quiltinggail / 21 Comments

      This quilt was finished quite a while ago for Island Batik’s catalogue. Quite awhile ago, I designed it, made it and sent it to California for it’s own photo shoot. Jerry Khiev of Island Batik always does a fabulous job with the photography and makes the quilts look fantastic!

      This was made with the Bamboo Blooms collection by Kathy Engle and to quote Island Batik’s Instagram post, “Inspired by the classic Asian motifs, the line features mums, cherry blossoms, and ginkgo leaf designs in a vibrant color palette of pink, magenta, blue, turquoise and green that are sure to make a statement.”

      It truly is a fabulous and fun collection.

      Bamboo Blooms is available at the following stores. The stores may have Strip Sets (2.5″ strips), Stacks (10″ squares) or yardage.

      • A Royal Quilt Shop: Longs, SC
      • Appletree Fabrics, Auburn, MA
      • Cotton & Chocolate: Sim Valley, CA
      • Creations Quilt Shop: Clouquet, MN
      • Pine Tree Quilt Shop: Salem, NH
      • Sew N Bee Cozy-AK: Seward, AK
      • Swifty Stitches-CA: Carmichael, CA

      Quilt Stats:

      • Size: 44″ x 44″
      • Cut with Accuquilt 8″ Qube dies
      • Pieced and Quilted with Aurifil Thread
      • Free Motion Quilted on my domestic Janome M7
      • Hobbs 80/20 batting is on the inside

      Quilt Pattern is available with both regular rotary cutting and Accuquilt directions. Please email me if you are interested (quiltinggail@yahoo.ca)

      One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

      Happy Quilting!    
      Gail 

      Linking to: