How did it get to be October already???? I know they say that time goes faster as you get older – but this is ridiculous! The leaves are turning colour, it’s getting colder and … yes, fall is definitely here! But … sigh …
So my finish for this week is to show you another of my secret sewing from last fall. Yes, it was finished last fall, but I couldn’t show you then! You can see all of the catalogues HERE. This quilt is in the Spring/Summer 2021 catalogue and the fabrics are available now.
This quilt uses the wonderful Island Batik fabric collection “Midnight Dazzle” along with a solid grey and solid white. Midnight Dazzle is a fantastic collection designed by Kathy Engle. It is 63.5″ x 63.5.”
Size: 63.5″ x 63.5″
Batting: Hobbs 80/20
Thread: Aurifil
Quilting: Free Motion Quilted on my domestic Janome sewing machine.
Please contact me if you would like to buy the pattern.
TGIFF Link Up
Here’s your opportunity to show us your finish for this week:
I was away on holidays … did a bit of sewing then, but most of it is secret sewing … so no pictures.
Design Wall
Piecing:
#1. Secret Sewing: Island Batik
#2 Secret Sewing: BBQG mystery quilt
#2. Scrappy Improv … another variation of the hot air balloon quilt
Quilting:
#1 November Island Batik project is being quilted
Stash Report
I was in Edmonton while I was away … Lori’s Country Cottage had a 40% sale on selected fabrics … I did not behave myself … It was fun to be in a fabric store … it was fun to shop … here’s a picture of the damage ….
I could justify each purchase … the fabrics on the left were for one of the guild’s mystery quilts and the fabrics on the right were all flannels … necessary for backings …
Fabric Used this week 0yards
Fabric Used this year: 99 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 12 yards
Fabric Added this year: 39.75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 58.25 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
While away, I managed to sew for 5 days … and for 6 days, I did not sew.
January – August – 235 / 242
Sept – 20 / 26
Total: 255 / 268
Percentage = 95 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
The last To Do list: (from weeks ago)
OK … so I had over 2 weeks to accomplish my To Do list – a little bit of everything got done!
Finish quilting Island Batik’s November project Partially done!
Finish 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv Partially done!
Work on Island Batik’s December project Partially done!
Write the directions for the guild’s Fall Mystery quilt √ done
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √ done
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ done
This week’s list:
Finish quilting Island Batik’s November project
Work on 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv
Work on Island Batik’s December project
Quilt Secret Sewing BBQG mystery quilt #1
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
PHD in 2021
Table Scraps
I have 2 Table Scraps for this month … First is my table runner and 2nd is the coaster.
This Table runner was made with scraps of Island Batik fabric … mostly from the Autumn Wings collection. Quilted with Aurifil thread, Hobbs Batting and Schmetz needles.
This coaster was made with a free pattern from Kreative Kiwi … Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs Batting and made in the hoop on my embroidery machine.
Last fall, I did some secret sewing and I couldn’t show you. The quilts were all made for the latest Island Batik catalogue. You can see all of the catalogues HERE. This quilt is in the Spring/Summer 2021 catalogue and the fabrics are available now.
This first quilt is made with the Fancy Feathers collection, by Kathy Engle along with the basic, Rice. Aren’t these fabrics absolutely wonderful?????
This quilt is called “Feather’s Chain.” Please contact me if you would like to buy the pattern. You could use a strip set (jelly roll) to make this quilt. The pattern also includes instructions on how to make the flange binding.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 68″ x 68″
Batting: Hobbs 80/20
Thread: Aurifil
Quilting: Free Motion Quilted on my domestic Janome sewing machine.
In January, my Island Batik box contained this fantastic maple leaf die from Accuquilt. I made 2 different quilts with it.
And now, I’m using it again to make a table runner for the I’m Falling For You blog hop. What is more FALL than Fall leaves??? As well, the scrap table runner challenge for this month is Orange … so I’m making a 2-fer.
We’ve been away for almost 2 weeks. I took this with me to finish while we were travelling. (Yes, I take my featherweight and sew when I can and when we have power.) Well, I definitely was NOT meant to finish this on our trip! I didn’t take enough of the background fabric AND … once I finished the top, earlier today, I realized that I did not take enough batting or backing … groan … Anyhow, thankfully I was able to find everything I needed and get this table runner done! I stippled the background and did straight lines on the coloured portions of the leaves.
Table runner stats:
Fabric: Island Batik – from the Autumn Wings collection, background is Custard
Batting: Hobbs fusible
Quilting & Piecing: Aurifil thread
Size: 19″ x 37″
Accuquilt die: Maple Leaf
Here is the Full Schedule for the blog hop:
Be sure to visit all of the bloggers and be inspired by their “I’m Falling for You” creations!
This month, the Island Batik challenge is to make a bag. I choose to make the “Round Trip Duffle.” It is a pattern byAnnie. Island Batik and byAnnie made a kit with everything I need to make the Round Trip Duffle … I mean EVERYTHING!
The Island Batik fabrics that I chose for the bag – from top to bottom are:
Peacock Feather – Teal (from the Proud Peacock collection)
Whip Cream (from the Neutral collection)
Peacock Mardigras (from the Proud Peacock collection)
Paisley Dot Celery (from the Proud Peacock collection)
The key to making byAnnie bags is organization. A list of everything you need to cut is included in the pattern. I copied the list and attached it to each item as it was cut. Then I put it all up on my design wall so that it would be handy and easily found. The quilted pieces were on my ironing board.
The next step involved making all the bag components … the straps, the pockets, and so on … I’m using Aurifil thread #1148 – Light Jade with Schmetz Needles.
It’s getting exciting to see all the parts coming together!
Once it was completed, my daughter had to put her dog, Daphne, in it … believe me, that didn’t last long! (The dog in the bag … the bag was not harmed!)
I am very very happy with how this bag turned out! A friend of mine said, “It looks so professional.” That’s because byAnnie patterns are so well written! I hope to use this bag when I go on my next quilt retreat!
Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies:
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the number of UFOs? Try just taking one UFO and focus on it. Perhaps write down all the steps you need to do to complete it. Even if the list is LONG … tackle the first step. I promise that you will feel much better about it! Then later, or tomorrow, tackle the next step. Pretty soon it will be done!
My PHD tally hasn’t changed a lot. Well, no UFOs are finished, but quite a few of the Starts in 2021 are completed. I’ve been working a LOT of my November Island Batik challenge. I am SEW glad that I started early! It’s taking a LOT of time and a LOT of concentration. You’ll see why in November.
GROAN …. How do I choose which quilt is my favourite when I think I made 3 fantastic quilts? I know I’m biased … but I LOVE each one of these quilts!
DrEAMi
This month, I had a DrEAMi … (Drop Everything And Make it) This was a pattern from Sandra Walker (from Musings of a Menopausal Melon) and after seeing that several people made it … I just HAD to. The pattern is “Let Your Star Shine.” You can get the pattern from Sandra’s Etsy shop: HERE. It is a pretty quick quilt to make!
A NEW Blog Hop
Kelly Young has a AWESOME new book that has just been published. She is having a blog hop starting later in September. This book is fantastic! There are 22 mini quilts and they are SEW easy to make.
If you check out Kelly’s blog, My Quilt Infatuation she has an overview of the book HERE.
I have made one mini quilt for the blog hop and am in the process of making another for myself. I will show it to you after the blog hop is over. I don’t want to ruin the surprise of all the mini quilts that you will see during the blog hop.
I must say that this book is really well written! (I have my own copy!) The directions are easy to follow and there are a ton of fun projects to make!
If you live locally, Essem Textiles has the book in their store.
I will be teaching classes of projects from this book in October at Essem Textiles. Dates are TBA.
Rainbow Scrap Table Topper
The monthly table topper is run by So Srappy. The colour for August was aqua. I wanted to try a paper pieced Storm at Sea block … so that’s what I made! It’s 15″ square. Made with Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs fusible batting and Aurifil Dove thread.
Design Wall
Piecing:
#1. November Island Batik project
It’s being paper pieced, and the project is a secret … but I can show you this …
#2. Second project from Scrappy Improv … which I can’t show you until after the blog hop
Quilting:
Nothing at the moment!
Stash Report
The backings from the 3 “favourite” quilts this month, plus the aqua table topper were all from my stash and totalled 11 yards.
Fabric Used this week 11yards
Fabric Used this year: 99 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 27.75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 70.25 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day. Many days there are more than a few hours spent in my studio. We were away this past weekend, so there was 2 days that I did not sew.
January – July – 209/211
August – 26/29
Total: 235 / 240
Percentage = 98 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
Chris from ChrisKnits is hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
The last To Do list: (from weeks ago)
OK … so I had 2 weeks to accomplish my To Do list. I kept the list light because I want some more time to enjoy the summer! Consequently, it was easy to get it done. I’m keeping this week’s list light as well!
Piece and Quilt Let Your Star Shine √ done
Start Aqua Table Topper for the monthly Table Topper challenge √ done
Start “Orange you Glad” project! √ done
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √ done
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ done
This week’s list:
Complete Island Batik’s November project
Complete 2nd Project from Scrappy Improv
Prepare more fabric for Island Batik’s December project
Write the directions for the guild’s Fall Mystery quilt
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
The fabrics were all Island Batik scraps … The purple and dark pink are all gone … there is a few scraps of the background and light pink. In some ways, I’m sad to see the end of these fabrics … but I’m also glad that I was able to use them! And, they make for a pretty quilt!
If you are looking for a quilt pattern that is easy and fast. This might be just what you are looking for! Sandra Walker of MMMQuilts is the designer. You can purchase the pattern HERE.
I had these very pretty orange Island Batik fabrics that were sitting in my stash, calling for me to use them. Actually, they were shouting. What to do? What to make?
EQ to the rescue … along with Accuquilt Cube 8 dies.
Now, according to EQ, I did not have enough fabric … so I hit the stash builder rolls and pulled out some orange strips. I used them for the half-square triangles. SO EASY to cut with the Accuquilt!
This is actually one of the first patterns that I wrote … it was for a class I taught using the Easy Angle ruler … but it is actually more accurate to use the Accuquilt dies!
There’s a drizzly rain outside – not great for taking photos … and since I just finished quilting and binding this, I had to make do with a photo on my design wall.
I received the “V Block” from Studio 180 Designs. I love this block … but what to do? What to make?
I also received 2 Fat Quarter Bundles of Autumn Wings … along with 2 yards of coordinating Bubbles-Sahara (from the Blenders collection and 2 yards of Teal from the Basics collection. Autumn Wings should be available in the shops now and Bubbles-Sahara and Teal are available all the time.
Aren’t these fabrics absolutely gorgeous? !!!
I watched the video from Studio 180 on making the V-block and the High/Low blocks. As I was watching, I loved the block in the background. It had a pinwheel in the middle. No problem. I also have the Tucker Trimmer and I used it to make the half-square triangles.
Here’s the design I came up with in EQ. But alas, I didn’t have enough of the Bubbles-Sahara fabric to use for the background. But I did have enough “Custard,” from a previous Island Batik shipment, so I substituted it.
Here’s the first High/Low star that I made. I’m SEW impressed!!!! Using the Studio 180 tools, the blocks come out PERFECT. Look at how those seams nest together SEW nicely. It’s definitely not ME!!! I’m not a perfectionist. It’s using tools that make it work well! I’m liking them!!!
I also used the V-block to make these 4-pointed star blocks and used the Tucker Trimmer to cut the 5 1/2″ blocks for the centers. On the design wall. I wasn’t sure that I liked the solid squares in the middle. So, I decided to make the rest of the High/Low blocks and see.
Nope … I still didn’t like them. And while playing around with fabric, I decided that a square-in-a-square would be the block to put in the centre.
I was able to buy a “Squared Square” Studio 180 tool and made the blocks quickly and easily. Much better, don’t you agree? (And now I’m happy to have another useful tool!)
And the blocks ready to sew together! Along with a bunch of V-blocks for potential border treatment. Along with trialing the sashing strips.
Some of the border blocks started (all V blocks), but not sewn together …
Played around with the border blocks and liked this version better! And I added square in a square blocks on the corners (using the Squared-Square ruler).
It quilted like a dream … an absolute dream!!! Before I started quilting a put a fresh Schmetz needle in!
Here is a picture of the quilting on my domestic machine (Janome M7) using Silly Moon’s “Rocket” to sew 1/4″ away from the star …
All finished!
I used Schmetz needles, Aurifil #2000 – Light Stand for the quilting and #4029 – Turf Green to sew on the binding.
Remember that this fabric collection is called Autumn Wings … well it’s the middle of summer and autumn is a ways off … so I took this picture on my dried out lawn (the closest to having fall colours!)
Make sure that you visit Mania from Mania for Quilts. She has the same fabric collection and her quilt is absolutely totally different than mine. She is very creative and talented!
You have 2 opportunities to win … well, actually 4. Two from Island Batik and 2 from me. Click on the Rafflecopter link for opportunities to win either a 10″ stack of Butterfly Blooms or a 2 1/2″ Strip pac of Autumn Wings from Island Batik.
In order to win one of these packages of fabrics from me, you must live in Canada (but outside of Quebec). They have at least 10 x 10″ pieces of Autumn Wings – some are much bigger. Reply in the comments answering the following questions: (I know some people are unable to respond in the comments – just send me an email and answer the questions).
Where in Canada do you live?
Have you ever won fabric from me before?
What would you do with the fabric?
Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies:
Island Batik’s July challenge was “Never Too Early” and I made a Christmas wreath. You can read about it HERE. And then the 2nd shipment of boxes arrived from Island Batik … truely like Christmas!!! OH … so much awesomeness!!!
I truly believe that the Island Batik Ambassadors are totally spoiled with all that we receive! From the fantastic fabric to all of the quilting supplies from industry partners! Oh yes, we are spoilt!
Here’s the video! This was filmed without me peaking into the boxes before they were opened!
Pangolin is an endangered species. In October, I need to do a project using these 3 threads!
What is a Pangolin, you ask? Well, I had to look it up. The Pangolin a small animal, the size of a large cat or small dog. It is sometimes used for the meat, but mostly the scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine. There is a huge amount of illegal trafficking and the pangolin is considered Critically Endangered. Source.
From Deb Tucker’s Studio 180, I received the V Block ruler. I love this block and I’m sure that the ruler will make the blocks perfect!
I also received 2 Fat Quarter Bundles of Autumn Wings, an Island Batik collection designed by Kathy Engle. Along with 2 yards of coordinating Bubbles-Sahara (from the Blenders collection and 2 yards of Teal from the Basics collection. Autumn Wings should be available in the shops now and Bubbles-Sahara and Teal are available all the time. (Photo on the right). The Foundations collection (on the Left) coordinates with Autumn Wings and are available all the time!
These fabrics are for a blog hop in August and I can’t wait to work with them. They are SEW gorgeous!
A Surprise package! How fun!!! And more Foundation fabrics that will coordinate with the fabric inside the surprise! Looks like there might be some greens and purples in the Surprise! We’ll have to wait and see!
4 yards each of black, white and grey solids. These are AWESOME. Wonderful solids and I use them a LOT!!!
6 yards of RICE!!! I LOVE Rice! (the fabric, not the food!) It’s got hints of blue … AWESOME!!!
Stash Builder bundles. There are 5 roles in each package and each roll contains 4 fabrics that are 5″ wide by width of fabric! They are such fun bundles to play with!!
Hobbs Batting sends us a LOT of batting. They are SEW generous! And I love their batting. All of it!
80/20 Bleached, Cotton Batting, Queen Size
Heirloom Fusible: Cotton Batting, Queen Size
Tuscany Collection: Cotton Wool Blend
Thermore: Thin polyester batting, Queen Size
Fusible Batting Strips
ByAnnie is another industry partner and they provide EVERYTHING that we need to make one of their bags. There’s zippers, mesh, hardware, byAnnie Soft and Stable and MORE!!! This year, I choose the Round Trip Duffle. And, as the label says, this is for September!
I’m really enjoying our lovely summer days! It’s cooling off at night – so I think the weather is lovely! However, it’s so tempting to spend a LOT of time outside! The garden needs weeding, the tomatoes are ready for picking – almost every day!
I finished my latest project for Island Batik! You can read more about it HERE. This wall hanging used Hobbs 80/20 batting, Aurifil thread, Schmetz needles and of course, Island Batik fabric!
Are you following along with the Summer Mystery Quilt? You can see the latest clue HERE.
Design Wall
Piecing
#1. August Island Batik project: Moving right along!
#2. Country Panels: No work on it this week!
Quilting:
#1 Amish panels: Lots of quilting done … not quite finished.
Stash Report
I didn’t need any more fabric this week and I only finished my Island Batik project which used 1 yard of fabric for the backing.
Fabric Used this week 1 yards
Fabric Used this year: 70 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 27.75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 42.25 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
I have stitched for over 30 minutes all days this past week.
January – May– 180 / 180
July – 11 / 11
Percentage = 99 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
Chris from ChrisKnits is hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
Last week:
I did work on a few projects and was not distracted by squirrels! And the studio got a cleaning for 30 minutes! However, I think that I need to spend more than 30 minutes this week – but I’m going to leave my To Do list at 30 minutes! ~grin~
Work on Country Panels: not done
Work on IB August project √ done
Start quilting Amish Panel√ done
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √ done
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ done
This week’s list:
Add sashing to Country Panels
Finish IB August top
Finish quilting Amish Panel
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
No further finishes. I started my August Island Batik project.
It’s Never to Early is the Island Batik theme for this month! And this is what the instructions said, “No one typically thinks of winter in the summertime but it’s the best time of all to get an early start on Christmas and holiday projects! No matter what special holidays you celebrate around the end of the year, this challenge has something for everyone.”
I’ve always wanted to make a log cabin wreath. Like forever. And THIS is the year to make it. I googled Log Cabin Wreaths and there are a TON of patterns out there. But none that I really liked. SEW … EQ to the rescue.
I drew my own block since I wanted the finished size of the blocks to be 7″ and I wanted the centre red square to be 1″ square.
I gathered various Island Batik green scraps, some from Mystery, some from Napa Valley, the red is Wavy Dots Cherry BE. The light background is Coconut.
It definitely needed a bow … so many to choose from! I found one I liked. It’s not perfectly even on both sides and that fits my style completely! Besides, when a bow hangs on a wreath, it’s never symmetrical. Well, at least mine aren’t!
I decided to trapunto the bow and here is a picture of the extra backing being cut away. Again, I used Wavy Dots Cherry BE for the bow. Although, you can’t tell in the picture below!
And, even though I absolutely HATE applique, that’s how it was sewn down. (I’ve been known to call it “CR-AP-plique!) An obvious sign that I need to practice it more! (right?)
I decided to try a double batting to see if I could get the bow to pop out even more. So 2 layers of Hobbs 80/20 were used. And, the white stars popped out, but the green ones did not.
In the centre and the 4 corner blocks, I used a Silly Moon “Twinkle” ruler for the stars. Then did a fairly small stipple so that the stars would pop. I used Aurifil #2600 – Dove to do this part. I quilted the stars in the green portions of the blocks with the same thread. Then I stippled with # 2890 – Very Dark Grass Green.
Since it is July, this little wall hanging decided to lounge in the pool and hang out by the flowers …
There’s more!
This Fusible Batting Strip package from Hobbs batting inspired me to make a Christmas basket!!!
Fabrics for the basket were some of the same fabrics I used for the log cabins above, some strips from stash builder bundles and a red large dot fabric that I bought at a booth selling Island Batik fabrics . (Obviously a few years ago since there have not been “in person” quilt shows for quite a while.)
I started by joining 2 1/2″ strips of fabric together (the same way you would join binding. Then I pressed them in half. Opened it up, placed the batting strips on the wrong side of the fabric, folded the fabric and batting towards the middle and then in half … pressed it together.
I tapered the end and sewed a 1/4″ seam along the edge of the strip. Then I placed about a 7″ piece together, scrunching the ends and started sewing. I used the Schmetz Microtex Chrome 70/10 needle and it sewed through all the layers like a dream!
Once I had about 3″ of a flat surface, I started to curve up the sides.
And here is the finished basket!
Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies:
A couple of blog followers have commented on part of my weekly “To Do” list where I say “Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS.” And most of the time, I am not distracted by them!
Squirrels are those enticing projects that just want to be done NOW. You can read a blog post about them HERE.
So … how do I manage to (mostly) avoid squirrels? Well, as I wander through many different blogs, I get several new ideas, see new patterns, see cute quilts, and see tons of things I just want to do. I know that you all feel the same way!!! Right? The temptation is there!
I will take a screen shot, download the pattern, or something so I can remember the fantastic idea I saw. Then, I say to myself, “If I still am really wanting to do this in a few days (or a week), then I give myself permission to do so.” Well, usually it works. Usually. As you can see in my tally sheet, there is a LOT more “Starts in 2021” than my monthly Island Batik projects … but for the most part … they get done!
Another UFO was finished the other day! The town Table Topper. Once I fixed the mistake (see HERE) and finished quilting, it didn’t take long at all.
Oh, it’s HARD to choose my favourite quilt for this month? Is it one of the two quilts I made as an Island Batik ambassador using Accuquilt dies? Or the Follow Your Own Path quilt?
It was hard to choose! I put all 3 into the “tiled” image and it made the one with red maple leafs the biggest … so I thought I’d let the program choose! But then I had 2nd thoughts … and decided that I’d go with the Follow Your Path Quilt … I wasn’t sure how it would turn out with the background and I was super pleased with the result … so that’s going to be my choice for this month! (You can read more about the quilts HERE and HERE.)
Mystery Quilt
The Summer 2021 Mystery Quilt has started! Fabric Requirements were posted on Saturday. (See HERE)
Oh WOW! It seems like this month has flown by! And how can that be? We’ve had a travel restriction for most of the month. We haven’t gone anywhere. We haven’t been visiting friends … but the time has gone by ….
This month’s challenge for the Table Scraps is the colour purple. And I made this coaster (similar to others I made) … eventually, I will have a very pretty collection! The embroidery pattern is a free pattern from Kreative Kiwi.
And … since I did Drop Everything And Make It … it also qualifies for this month’s DREAMi!
Yes, the coaster is made with Island Batik fabric and Hobbs 80/20 batting.
UFO Progress
Ugg … somethings take a lot of time! I was hoping to have this finished by today … but I have to do some unsewing! Do you see what the problem is? Thankfully, I hadn’t quilted those last 2 blocks on the right!
I was Featured
Susan, from Quilt Fabrication featured this quilt: (you can read about it HERE).
I have almost finished my July Island Batik challenge and here is a close-up of the progress. I’m using Aurifil #2600 (Dove) quilted on Island Batik Coconut and using Silly Moon’s “Twinkle” ruler. There are 2 layers of Hobbs 80/20 to make those stars pop!
Design Wall
Piecing
#1 Town Table Topper: This panel will be a table runner … and yes, it is that curved! One of the main reasons that I highly dislike panels … they are NOT straight! And fudging is the main focus of putting them together! It is a UFO that is headed to the Finish line!
Quilting:
#1 Island Batik July’s project: in progress
#2 Amish panels: put into one quilt top, sandwiched and ready to quilt. (I decided that this is it … no more borders …)
Stash Report
No shopping, no buying … nothing finished … well, I did finish this panel, but I didn’t buy the fabric and I didn’t use any of my stash … so it doesn’t count.
Fabric Used this week 0 yards
Fabric Used this year: 69 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 24.75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 44.25 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
I have stitched for over 30 minutes each day
January – May– 150 / 150
June – 20 / 20
Percentage = 100 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
Chris from ChrisKnits is hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
Last week:
Summer Mystery Quilt: still waiting for the testing to be completed and double check fabric amounts
Amish Panels: sandwich and prepare for quilting √ done
Essem Panel: finish quilting and deliver it √ done
July IB project: work on it √ done
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √ done
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ done
This week’s list:
Finish July Island Batik project.
Finish piecing Town Table Topper
Start quilting Amish Panel
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
I was Featured
Tish, the Madd Quilter from Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland featured this quilt … Thank you, Tish for the feature!
I think I have the top pieced … just deciding if I need to add another border … The centre square, the star block is what I bought extra fabric for. I’m sort of wishing I hadn’t bordered the rest of the small blocks and I could have done all of them like the star. But, since I’m not a fan of taking a lot of things apart … it’s not going to happen.
#2 July Island Batik project … it’s a secret for now!
Quilting:
#1 Mystery Quilt … coming soon! I finished quilting it and am quite happy with the result!
#2 Essem Panel: Essem Textiles (the new store close to where I live) got a huge bunch of kids prints in. SEW cute!!! The owner is not a quilter (yet!!!) and I offered to quilt a panel for her. I’m having a LOT of fun … here’s a sneak peak! I hope she likes it when it’s completed.
Stash Report
The backing on the 2 maple leaf quilts used 9 yards of fabric. On the purchasing end of things, I bought some grunge fabric to use for the UFO, Amish Panels (see the star above!)
Fabric Used this week 9 yards
Fabric Used this year: 69 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0.75 yards
Fabric Added this year: 24.75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 44.25 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Here’s the 2 maple leaf quilts I finished … you can read more about them HERE. Yes, the tops were were made with Island Batik fabric, using an Accuquilt cutter and dies. Hobbs batting, Aurifil thread and Schmetz needles were also used.
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
I have stitched for over 30 minutes each day
January – May– 150 / 150
June – 13 / 13
Percentage = 100 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
Chris from ChrisKnits is hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
No, not for me … well, at least not a new finish that you haven’t seen before. I posted these 2 quilts earlier this week for my June Island Batik Challenge “Spread Love & Joy with Accuquilt.”
UFO progress
I’ve been working on my UFO … these panels … attempting to put it into a quilt … lots of decisions … do I leave them like this? Separate them … what to do?
I decided that I wanted to highlight the small block with the horse and buggy … but, would you believe that I did NOT have any red fabric that was ‘right’ for this? All of my reds were too bright, too orange, too patterned, or too dark …
SEW … what’s a gal to do? Go shopping of course!! I went to Essem Textiles and bought the red and beige-brown grunge fabric. (The fabric in the corners of the star were from cutting the larger block panel.)
This month’s Island Batik challenge said, “Our partners from AccuQuilt are asking you to create a throw quilt as a gift of comfort! This can include anything from baby to memory quilts, but should be inspired by spreading love through quilting. The challenge for you is to use the 8” or 12” finished BOB dies from your Ambassador box, the GO! Qube 8″ Mix & Match Block and create a whole new pattern by combining the two!”
I received the Maple Leaf die in my January box this year and the Go! Qube 8″ dies in the January 2019 box. Sew … what to do?
EQ to the rescue …
My original intent was to make a Canadian Quilt of Valour! So, obviously red maple leaves would be perfect.
The top left was too busy. The top right had too much black. The bottom left had the blocks too close. So, I decided on the bottom right. Maple leafs with double pinwheels (without the 2nd colour), separated by a sashing and cornerstones.
I used the Accuquilt dies to cut all of the pieces for the blocks. So very quick. And very accurate!!! Each block went together with ease.
I made all the blocks …
The maple leaves were all made with Island Batik’s “Wavy dots – Cherry BE” and white solid. The double pinwheels were made with all sorts of scraps with Custard as the background.
It looked OK on EQ, but in real life … Not so much. I really, really disliked the two together! The white with red maple leaves were crisp and fresh looking and the double pinwheel blocks, although pretty, were just not a good match.
SEW … I changed directions. I really liked the blocks together, but not the fabrics.
I made 17 more double pinwheels using only the solid white and fabrics from the “Mystery” collection. Oh yes!!! I was MUCH happier!!! Much much happier!!!
Of course, I forgot to take pictures of me cutting all of the pieces for the maple leaves and the double pinwheels, but I did take one of cutting the binding! The width of fabric fits perfect on the 2 1/2″ die. I placed 2 pieces of WOF on the die (total of 4 layers) and in less than 20 seconds, I had 6 perfectly cut binding strips. SEW easy, SEW quick, and perfect strips! (I pulled up the middle strips so that you could see them on the die.)
Here’s a picture of the finished quilt. All ready to go to the guild’s Quilt of Valour coordinator.
And here’s a closeup of the quilting …
Quilt Stats:
57″ x 72″
Island Batik fabrics: Solid white, solid grey, assorted fabrics from the mystery collection and for the cornerstones and binding, I used “Pinecone Dark Teal” from the Napa Valley collection.
What to do with all the double pinwheel blocks with the custard background? I made some super scrappy maple leaf blocks and made a 2nd quilt. This is going to a young couple that just got married.
This one is quilted in a similar manner, but different!
Oh, I put off putting a facing on my improv piece. I haven’t faced a quilt before … so why not procrastinate and put it off? and wait a little longer? and put it off? and put it to the side so it’s not staring me in the face? Maybe it’ll just disappear and I’ll forget about it …
Oh … it’s on my PHD chart of “Starts in 2021” and so in order to get my PHD in 2021, it does need to be finished. And a lot of my followers have seen me say in my “To Do” list that it needs a facing … for several weeks. Sigh …
Last week in my PHD in 2021 May post, I talked about how one can easily be faced with procrastination. I wasn’t thinking about this project, but it fits!!!
SEW … with a renewed determination to get it done, I decided to Google “How to Add a Facing.” The first link that showed up was a Youtube video from American Patchwork and Quilting. I grabbed a drink of water and started to watch it. You can see it HERE. AND my immediate reaction was
HOW CAN IT BE THAT SIMPLE ????
I quickly cut the squares for the corners and the side strips. I LOVE the fact that there are hanging triangles on ALL 4 corners, so I can easily change how I want it hung! I cut the squares at 4.5″
Then I pinned the triangles and facings in place:
The facings were pinned in place and I sewed as directed …
Turned the facing and triangles to the backside.
Then, the directions said to HAND stitch the facings down. OH NO!!! I hate hand stitching. What to do? I took my trusty Elmer’s disappearing glue and glued the facings down. If it holds for a period of time, I’ll be happy! If it doesn’t, well then I’ll pull out the black thread and hand stitch it down. But I’m crossing my fingers and hope that it holds!
This little piece used Island Batik solids, Aurifil, dove for quilting and Hobbs batting.
Design Wall
Piecing
#1 Amish panel: I’ve cut some of the blocks apart … I’m just deciding if I want to cut them all apart … Then I need to add black sashing …
#2 July Island Batik project … it’s a secret for now!
Quilting:
#1 Mystery Quilt … coming soon! This will be a mystery quilt that you can do over the summer. I’m still writing the pattern, but I think there will be around 10 clues. (This mystery was originally going to use fat quarters, but I’ve changed my mind and have gone in another direction … so it’s no longer called the “Bunny Fat Quarter Mystery.”
Stash Report
The backing of Story-less Improv used 1 yard as did the “Follow Your Own Path”
Fabric Used this week 2 yards
Fabric Used this year: 60 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 24 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 36 yards
Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
I have stitched for over 30 minutes each day
January – May– 150 / 150
June – 6 / 6
Percentage = 100 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
Chris from ChrisKnits is hosting it “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
These are the hankies I bought in Thailand 7 years ago. You can see this in progress HERE and HERE.
I used Island Batik “Lavender” for the sashings and border.
And here is the finished wall hanging. Yes, I did quilt it to death in the background, but I wanted the main elements to pop. I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed quilting it!!!
I used 3 different Aurifil threads to quilt this: #2315 (light Orchid), #1148 (Light Jade), and #2220 (Light Salmon).
Quilting Gail 