TGIFF stands for Thank Goodness It’s Finished Friday and I’m hosting the linky party this week.
Here is my finish
This was a “secret” quilt that I was working on in the fall. It’s for the Island Batik catalogue. It was a fun quilt to make and I loved fussy cutting the animals … they are SEW cute! The Fabric collection is Evergreen and Pine by Kathy Engle. It should be in stores this month! And yes, I used Aurifil thread for piecing and quilting and Hobbs 80/20 batting. Let me know if you would like to purchase the pattern!
And here’s a picture of each of the fabrics that is in the quilt! I used all of them … can you find them in the quilt?
This was a super fun quilt to make. It’s made with Island Batik scraps. You can read more about it HERE. The pattern is from a great book that I highly recommend! “Scrappy Improv Quilting” written by Kelly, of My Quilt Infatuation.
I was Featured
Both Jennifer, from the Inquiring Quilter, and Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation featured the quilt I showed last Friday, 3 D Pinwheels. Please contact me if you would like to purchase the pattern.
Carla, From Creatin’ in the Sticks, announced this blog hop WAAAY back in December and I immediately knew what I was going to make! I pulled the fabric and … set it aside … but I got back at it in January and actually finished it pretty quickly!
This little mini quilt is made of scraps of Island Batik purple and pink, plus a couple of strips of pink hearts from a Scrap Builder’s bundle that I received in December. I used Hobbs 80/20 batting and it was quilted with a light mauve thread.
The pattern is from the book “Scrappy Improv Quilting” written by Kelly, of My Quilt Infatuation. It’s a fabulous book … and I’ve made a few quilts and mini quilts from the book!
Visit the other bloggers!
I promise that there is a plethora of eye candy if you visit these sites!
Have you been following the Island Batik Row by Row Blog Hop? There’s been some pretty amazing quilts during the Row by Row! Lots of amazing new fabrics coming to stores soon!
Here’s the line-up for this week! I can’t wait to see everyone’s creations!
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 1-30 – 31 / 31
February 1-13 13 / 13
Total: 43/ 43
Percentage =100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. 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! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!
Our guild had a Valentine’s SEWscial on Saturday. It was lots of fun! SEW good to see people in person! There were 2 venders there and lots of fabric, but I resisted and didn’t buy any. However, I did whip out the credit card and did do some shopping! A cone of Aurifil thread, 4 spools of thread, a Silly Moon ruler for ruler quilting, a marking pen, pins, a purple thang (mine is broken) and a Clover seam ripper (my favourite!)
The little cutting mat was free if you spent more than $100. Which was easy to do with this haul!
SEW this meme is still true!
Fabric Used this week 5.0 yards
Fabric Used this year: 6.5 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used 6.5 yards
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week.
I had 2 weeks to work on my previous To Do list … let’s see how I did …
The To Do list last week:
Finish Round 5 of SAHRR√ DONE
Finish Catalogue Quilt√ DONE
Work on Macaron Mystery √ DONE
Work on Time in a Bottle√ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ DONE
This week’s list:
Finish Round 6 of SAHRR
Work on Macaron Mystery
Work on Time in a Bottle
Complete March’s Colour Challenge
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
Design Wall
#1 SAHRR is in progress … This is Round 5 … You can read details about this round HERE.
#2 Time in a Bottle: This is for a blog hop in March … this is still in progress, but progress has been made! I am using Island Batik fabrics – small bits and pieces left over from my gradations quilts and paired with the wonderful Island Batik solid grey!
#3 Macaron Mystery. Block A is done. 2 of Block B are completed. All the fabrics are from my stash.
Quilting:
No quilting happening … I’ve got to get some flimsies done!
The first chart shows my overall PHD standing and New Starts … the 2nd more colourful chart shows all the tasks, or steps I need to take to complete my UFOs.
This week, I chose “Applique.” Gasp!!! Don’t faint! I’m trying to do things I’m not super comfortable with! Now … if YOU don’t want to do Applique – then feel free to do a “rail fence.” I’m not sure if all of the co-hosts are doing applique or the rail fence – you’ll have to check it out. However, we did decide to give YOU a choice of what YOU want to do!
I started off by sewing 6″ borders on the quilt. When it was time to do the applique, I realized that I did NOT want to be turning the complete quilt around. SEW … out came Jack (the ripper) and I un-sewed all 4 borders. I used Steam-a-Seam light and fused all of the applique pieces in place. Then with a blanket stitch, I stitched around all of the pieces. I’m getting better at it, but boy oh boy – is it SLOW going! But, it is done … until next week!!
I’m using Island Batik’s “Flutterfly” fabric collection with their white solid and Aurifil thread for piecing.
I am totally amazed at how these SAHRR are coming together!!! Everyone is doing their own thing and each is so unique!!! Love, Love, Love it!!!
Here’s Chere’s and she says, “We’ll this is it. Picked out enough stuff . Sewed extra stuff that didn’t work. Ready for next round.” Looking good, Chere!
Donna’s: SAHRR, round 4 ✅. I decided to replace the negative space in round 3 with the round 4 blocks. Otherwise it was going to be way too big for a baby quilt 😆 Plus, I think it makes the centre block pop more!! I totally agree, Donna! Love the fussy cut bunnies as well!
Mary says “This was easy. Round 4 done. Yahoo🤪 (Mary had it done early Monday afternoon!) Speedy, Mary!
Joyce says, “SAHRR 4th round Signature Blocks added. I wanted to bring in another colour so added the purple which is in the centre block. I added the Piano Keys for more colour and less negative space. I added the white blocker as I didn’t like the 4th row adjacent to the black.”
Charlene’s: I like how she is making this into a rectangle!
This is Darlene’s and she says, “I’ve made 12 of these blocks. Not sure yet just how I’m going to place them. Think I’ll wait and see what tomorrow’s block is.” I can’t wait to see what you do next!
This is Ciska’s who says, “I got it done for a change…” I’m liking the pinks and greys!
Way back in the fall, I was madly working on some Secret Quilts. These were quilts for the Island Batik catalogue that came out a while ago. But, we’re not supposed to show you until the fabrics are available in the stores. Well, the fabrics are now available – so I can show you!
This quilt was made with “Contempo” a Signature collection, designed for Kate Colleran by Kathy Engle. Aren’t they BEAUTIFUL??? And I paired these beauties with Island Batik’s solid grey and solid black.
Believe it or not, this quilt is actually amazingly simple to make! Let me know if you would like to purchase the pattern! (quiltinggail@yahoo.ca)
This quilt used Aurifil 2600 (Dove) for the quilting and Hobbs 80/20 batting.
Lots of things happening in the Studio. My husband came in and said, “what are you working on? Whatever it is, it looks weird.” I then explained that I was piecing 4 different quilts. A catalogue quilt, the SAHRR, Macaron Mystery and a March blog hop quilt. He shook his head and said “ah, you don’t like stress, do you?”
There’s been some pretty amazing quilts during the Row by Row
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 1-30 – 31 / 31
February 1-6 6 / 6
Total: 37 / 37
Percentage =100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. 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! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!
I love this meme that I saw recently (but can’t find the source) …
Fabric Used this week 5.0 yards
Fabric Used this year: 6.5 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used 6.5 yards
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week.
I had 2 weeks to work on my previous To Do list … let’s see how I did …
The To Do list last week:
Finish Round 4 of SAHRR and start Round 5 √ DONE
Work on February Island Batik project √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ DONE
This week’s list:
Finish Round 5 of SAHRR
Finish Catalogue Quilt
Work on Macaron Mystery
Work on Time in a Bottle
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
Design Wall
#1 SAHRR is in progress … This is Round 4 … You can read details about this round HERE.
#2 Time in a Bottle: This is for a blog hop in March … it should be fun! Of course, I can’t show you until the blog hop! But I can give you a teaser that is using the LAST of my Island Batik gradation fabrics and Island Batik solid grey.
#3 Macaron Mystery. Block A is done. All the fabrics are from my stash.
Quilting:
Catalogue quilt. This is a quilt for Island Batik’s next catalogue which will feature a new line of fabric. It’s pretty awesome fabric and I’m sure you’ll want to get some for yourself. However, I can’t even give you a sneak preview of the fabric. You can be sure that I will show you one the fabric has hit the stores!
The first chart shows my overall PHD standing and New Starts … the 2nd more colourful chart shows all the tasks, or steps I need to take to complete my UFOs.
This week, Wendy, from Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life has chosen “Signature Blocks.” If you google “Signature Quilt Blocks” you will find images of several different ones.
I chose to do a simple one, using the same fabric all the way around. Big mistake! (and forgot to take a picture!) It just looked like pretty fabric with weird white diagonal lines … SEW, I removed a few of them, added white sashing between them. I was much happier – and I liked the end result! But I wasn’t sure what to do with the corner blocks … so they are just plain.
I am using fabrics from the Island Batik collection “Flutterfly” and Island Batik’s white solid.
Make sure that when you’ve got your signature blocks done that you link up to Wendy’s linky party so that we all can see! The linky party is at Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
Here are some friend’s progress blocks Round 3:
Here is Carol’s … and here’s what she has to say: “Finished my stars. Only made 3 as this going to be a wall hanging, and don’t want it too big. Fun to do.” I think it’s going to be a very nice wall hanging!
Here’s Patti’s … She added the stars to her diamond round.
Donna’s: She says, “Here is my picture. Not totally thrilled with all the light background. May still change that, depending on next round.” With the light background, I see lots of opportunities for ruler or FMQ! And, knowing Donna – she’ll do a fantastic job of it … We’ll see what she thinks of the signature blocks!
Charlene’s: Those colourful stars certainly shine when you see the black-ish corners!
Darlene’s: This is going to be pretty big … remember, the center is a panel?
Mary’s: I love how the blue and yellow are bringing out the blue of the centre block.
Here’s Joyce’s: I like how the black makes the stars shine!
Visit the other co-hosts to see their blocks!
Here’s a list of the other co-hosts. Make sure that you go to their blogs and follow them so that you don’t miss a single post!
I’ve been working on a LOT of quilting projects … and I’ve finished my Island Batik February challenge, but I can’t show you until later in February when it’s my day to be on the blog hop.
Row by Row Blog Hop
Have you been following along? There are some pretty awesome quilts being made with the new fabric (that should be in stores this month).
It’s a simple finish, but one I can show you! This month’s the Colour Challenge is based on the Bay Leaf. It’s like a rail fence, but the measurements are not all the same. Visit Patterns by Jen for the free pattern. And, I did use Island Batik fabric …
And, Jen requested that we also show you our “green” quilts. And yes, all 4 of the following quilts used Island Batik fabric!
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
I was Featured:
Jennifer, from Inquiring Quilter, featured my quilt finish from last week. You can read about it HERE.
This week, Roseanne & Sue @ Home Sewn by Us have chosen Stars. Visit Home Sewn by Us to see how others have made the Stars round.
My stars are little! The HST are 1″ square. When I had them done and put up on the design wall, it seemed too crowded. So, I added more white fabric and made them a square in a square.
Once you have finished your Stars round, make sure you go to Home Sewn by Us and link up to show us your block! (or send me your picture and I’ll post it next week!)
Here are some friend’s progress blocks: Round 2
This is what Stella says, “While rummaging in the pile on my table I found a small diamond ruler( came free with a jelly roll!) so I thought it must be a hint to do my homework! I’m sure there must be an easier way to make diamonds but I just kept plugging along…..and this is what happened….” “I’m calling it “a modern amish”. Loving the black and brights.”
Here’s Patti’s:
This is Kathy’s:
Darlene”s
Joyce’s
Chere’s
Carol says, “Well after much fiddling, watching you tube, and using jack, I finally got some semblance of diamonds in the corners. Here is the finished corners. Not perfect but good enough for me!” Way to go, Carol!! They look great!
Mary’s
and Donna’s, with the fussy cut oval in the diamond!
Visit the other co-hosts to see their blocks!
If you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you go to their blogs and follow them so that you don’t miss a single post!
The February Island Batik Blog Hop starts on Monday! The theme is Row by Row …
Make sure you visit each of the ambassadors to see what they made … and some of them may have a giveaway and you could have a chance to win some awesome Island Batik fabric!
My Island Batik quilts for the January challenge? These were for the challenge “Step by Step” using 20 gradations of Tantalizing Teal. Of course, Island Batik fabric was used with Hobbs batting and Aurifil Thread.
Here are the pictures, but you can read more about them 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!
Last year I managed to sew 97% of the days. What will this year bring?
January 1-30 – 30 / 30
Total: 30 /30
Percentage =100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. 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! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!
I love this meme that I saw recently (but can’t find the source) …
The Teddy Bear quilt took 5.5 yards of fabric. You can see the post HERE.
Fabric Used this week 5.0 yards
Fabric Used this year: 6.5 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used 6.5 yards
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week.
I had 2 weeks to work on my previous To Do list … I’m starting to realize that if I give myself 2 weeks, I can usually accomplish what I want to do in one week. Hmmm … What does that say about my expectations?
The To Do list 2 weeks ago:
Finish Round 3 & start Round 4 of SAHRR √ DONE
Sandwich and Quilt Polar Bear Plunge√ DONE
Work on Tickled Pink project … it’s actually finished! √ DONE
Finish Island Batik January Project and posted HERE√ DONE
Finish Macaron Mystery – January clue √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ DONE
This week’s list:
Finish Round 4 of SAHRR and start Round 5
Work on February Island Batik project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
Design Wall
There are a few things on my Design Wall and I can only show you little bits of what’s there!
#1 SAHRR is in progress … You can read about it HERE and HERE
#2 … February Island Batik project Row by Row … Here’s a picture of the fabric that I’m using. It’s the Vintage Lace by Kathy Engle and should be shipping to stores in February. Aren’t they soft and lovely?
Quilting:
Nothing is being quilted at the moment!
2 UFOs finished this week! The Polar Bear Blog hop and the Tickled Pink Blog Hop quilts!
Each ambassador has been given a gradation package containing 20 different shades of fat quarters. The Basics Gradations yardage is available at your local quilt shops.
I am not known for swooning … but I certainly came close when I opened my box and saw the lovely bundle of Tantalizing Teals … Oh my … aren’t they beautiful?
We were challenged to make a lap quilt that shows the 20 gradations … I had to think about what to make.
I started out by putting them on the design wall and then using a black/white filter. I know it was obvious that the 4th from the left on the bottom had to be moved.
I shuffled a few others around … the end result was MUCH better! I then labelled them #1 – #20. Some of the fabrics are so similar in colour, that I needed to keep them organized!
I started by cutting 1 1/2″ strips from each of the 20 colours and sewing them in groups of 4.
Then, I used my 60 degree ruler and cut them all into triangles … and this is what my design wall looked like. Not too bad, but not too great. I was not happy, even though I liked the randomness of the triangles …
Then the Hexies started to form …
And eventually, plain triangles were added in. The hexies go from light on the top to dark on the bottom and the triangles have dark on the top going to light on the bottom.
They were all pieced together and quilted. I used Hobbs 80/20 batting, a Schmetz needle and Aurifil # 2815 Teal … and it is bound with the “Lagoon” fabric that I had received in a previous box (which is part of the Tantalizing Teals).
The weather was not cooperating and there was a breeze … consequently, the quilt looks as though it has a wavy bottom … but it is straight.
Wait … There’s More
This quilt was made … just because I had just enough of some of the fabrics to make it. Once the inspiration hit, I got busy making it and forgot to take pictures of the process. I started out with 5″ squares of white Island Batik solid and 1″ x 5 1/2″ strips of all of the blues. The 5″ squares were randomly cut diagonally and the blue strip was inserted. The blocks were then squared up to 4 3/4″.
This week, Emily, from The Darling Dogwood, has chosen Diamonds. Visit her blog to see how others have made the diamond round.
Once you have finished your Diamonds round, make sure you go to The Darling Dogwood and link up to show us your block!
I had to do a bit of fudging to make the diamonds fit … but that’s what little bits of spacing are for, right?
Again, I am using “Flutter Fly” fabric collection and Island Batik Solid white to make the SAHRR.
Curves
For those of you that are still concerned about Curves … Wendy, from Pieceful Thoughts of my Quilting Life has a tutorial HERE.
Here are some of the “curved” borders!
This is Stella’s
This is Donna’s
And this is Patti’s. She says, “Center block is a bunch of blocks leftover from placemats & runner I made years ago.” And she has added a curved round as well!
Visit the other co-hosts to see their blocks!
Here’s a list of the other co-hosts. Make sure that you go to their blogs and follow them so that you don’t miss a single post!
On Monday and Tuesday, a bunch of us met at Essem Textiles to play and explore Inktense Pencils. If you’ve never used Inktense – it’s worth giving it a try. They are like pencil crayons with water soluble ink in them. You can colour on fabric and use water, aloe vera or a textile medium to bring out the vibrant colours.
Below is what I worked on. It’s a free drawing from Helen Godden and is the Christmas 2019 project. My plan is to finish “painting” it and then follow Helen’s Youtube videos for the zen-doodling quilting.
While we were at Essem, a bunch of ladies from the Chilliwack guild stopped in the store. You’ve seen a lot of their SAHRR center blocks HERE … and it was fun to meet them in person!
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 1-16 – 16 / 16
Total: 16 / 16
Percentage =100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash.
This meme is still true! No fabric has been bought … at least not yet! No change in what I’ve used!
Fabric Used this week 0 yards
Fabric Used this year: 1.5 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used 1.5 yards
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week.
The To Do list last week:
SAHRR: Finish Round 2 & work on Round 3 √ DONE
Work on Polar Bear Plunge: get the top done √ DONE
Work on Tickled Pink√ DONE
Work on Island Batik January Project √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ DONE
This week’s list:
Finish Round 3 & start Round 4 of SAHRR
Sandwich and Quilt Polar Bear Plunge
Work on Tickled Pink
Finish Island Batik January Project
Finish Macaron Mystery – January clue
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
Design Wall
There are a few things on my Design Wall and there is a couple of things I can show you …
#1 SAHRR is in progress … You can read about it HERE.
But I can show you my center block with Round 1 added.
#2 Polar Bear Plunge: This is for a blog hop in January … it should be fun! Of course, I can’t show you until the blog hop!
#3 Tickled Pink: This is for a blog hop in February … and again, I can’t show you until then!
#4 … Macaron Mystery Quilt
I’ve got some of January’s clue done … still have more to do …
Quilting:
Island Batik, January challenge is being quilted.
One New Start … no finishes. I did pull the fabrics for the February Island Batik challenge – does that count as a new start? And I started the Christmas wall hanging.
If you are participating in the SAHRR 2022, this week, Anja has chosen curves. There are lots of options for doing curves … but I opted for a simple organic wavy curve to frame my center block. I started with lengths, 2″ wide and did an easy free-style curve. Then I pieced the curves together without using pins. There are NO quilt police, right? So, I don’t need to use pins!
If I had my time back, I would have started with 3″ strips. You can see on the right hand border – close to the top where there is not much of the print fabric showing and using 3″ strips would have given me a an option to trim it. And yes, I am using Island Batik fabric from the “Flutter Fly” collection!
Now I hope this round does not scare you away! Curves are simple – if you take your time.
My block was squared up to 9 1/4″ x 15″ …
When you have your round added, go to Anja Quilts and link up to show us YOUR round!
My Block
I have pictures from 2 Boundary Bay Guild members … Brenda W is using the flower block and Stella is using the pretty block she found in her stash.
Some of the gals from the Chilliwack Quilter’s Guild are also following along. Here are their center blocks:
Claudette made here block from a book and Darlene is going to make a large quilt, using the Paris panel.
Charlene wanted to try paper piecing. (This is the same block I used last year for my center) and Carol loves Kaffe!
Donna can’t decide on a colour way and she might have to make 2!! I just LOVE the elephants!
I think there are going to be a LOT of wonderful quilts made with this SAHRR!!
Visit the other co-hosts to see their blocks
If you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you go to their blogs and follow them so that you don’t miss a single post!
I am so HONOURED to be chosen again as an Island Batik Ambassador!! It truly is an honour to have all the wonderful support of the Island Batik team and to work alongside so many talented quilters!
On Wednesday night, I did a trunk show for the Chilliwack Piecemakers Guild and they were asking about “What came in the boxes?” So here’s a chance for them to see!
Oh – and apparently there is more coming later this month … I will show you what comes in that package after it arrives!
Here is the video of me opening the boxes.
Here’s pictures and details of what came in my boxes:
6 yards of “Linen.” This is a basic that is available any time.
Fat Quarter Bundle: Tantalizing Teals. These fabrics are available in yardage from your local quilt store. There are 20 fabrics in this bundle and I will show you what I’ve made in the next week!
Vintage Lace Fabric Collection: 1/2 yard bundle of 20 fabrics PLUS 2 yards of Snow & 2 Yards of Hunter! These gorgeous fabrics will be available in February.
4 yard cuts of Solid Black, White & Grey. Totally fantastic neutrals! I love these solids!
2 1/2″ strips of Citified along with 2 yards each of “Lavender” and “Blackberry.” Can’t you just imagine something awesome being made with these?
Stash-builder bundles. These bundles are 5″wide by width of fabric and there are 4 fabrics in each roll. Each package of 5 rolls contains 2.8 yards of fabric!
A Surprise Package! This is for the May blog hop. As I am writing this, I have no idea what is inside!
I have a UFO finish! It is the Any Which Way Mystery Quilt … it was finally trimmed and the binding was added! The first picture was taken in the sun … and the 2nd picture was taken on the snow – just because I could!
The binding was finished today while I was Zoom quilting with fellow Island Batik Ambassadors! It’s so fun to get together and see what everyone is working on!
This quilt used Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs 80/20 batting and was quilted with Aurifil thread using Schmetz needles. It finishes at 44″ x 44.” It’s nice to have this UFO done!
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!
This week, I managed to only sew for 15 min a day …
January 1-9 – 9 / 9
Total: 9 / 9
Percentage =100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. 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! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!
I love this meme that I saw recently (but can’t find the source) …
I used 1.5 yards of fabric for the backing of the Any Which Way Mystery Quilt.
Fabric Used this week 1.5 yards
Fabric Used this year: 0 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used 1.5 yards
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week.
I didn’t get a lot done this week. I’ve had a bad back and can only sit for very short periods of time.
The To Do list last week:
Trim & bind “Any Which Way” Mystery – √ DONE
Finish Round 3 & 4 of SAHRR (yes, I want to work ahead) Decided I didn’t like Round 2 – so did some un-stitching and re-doing the round X not done
Work on Polar Bear Plunge√ DONE
Work on Tickled Pink√ DONE
Work on January’s Island Batik project√ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes: no cleaning or tidying done and boy does it show! X not done
This week’s list:
SAHRR: Finish Round 2 & work on Round 3
Work on Polar Bear Plunge: get the top done
Work on Tickled Pink
Work on Secret Project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
Design Wall
There are a few things on my Design Wall and there is NOTHING I can show you … yet!
#1 SAHRR is in progress … Centre block comes out Tomorrow! Be sure to come back so you don’t miss it!!!
#2 Polar Bear Plunge: This is for a blog hop in January … it should be fun! Of course, I can’t show you until the blog hop!
#3 Tickled Pink: This is for a blog hop in February … and again, I can’t show you until then!
#4 … Island Batik January Gradation project is getting there! and it will remain a total secret for now!
#5 Macaron Mystery by Meadow Mist Designs I have printed off the January clue – but haven’t done any sewing … yet …
Quilting:
Nothing is being quilted at the moment!
One UFO done!
Ms. P. Designs has this nifty colourful tool that you can use to track the tasks you have to do for your PHD. You can access the tool HERE.
My husband says every new year, “My New Year’s Resolution is to not make any resolutions.” I sort of feel the same way, but I do have quilty goals in mind and I’ll share them with you.
Island Batik Ambassador
I was again chosen to be an Island Batik Ambassador for 2022! I was beyond excited when I found out! If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you KNOW how much I love Island Batik fabric!
There will be monthly challenges and projects to make! I can’t wait to show you all the fabulous fabric and goodies from the industry partners!
New to Me
This is new to me, but it’s been around for awhile. I have watched other bloggers do this block of the month and thought I’d join in on the fun this year! Check out Jen’s blog post for more details and to get the pattern for this month’s block. Doesn’t “Spicy” sound fantastic???
January’s spice is Saffron. This is the 12 1/2″ block that I made:
I used 2 different oranges from Island Batik. I didn’t have enough of the dark orange, so I pieced the bottom left square.
Here are this month’s bloggers that are highlighting this Spicey month!
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!
Last year I managed to sew 97% of the days. What will this year bring?
January 1-2 – 2 / 2
Total: 2 / 2
Percentage =100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. 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! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!
I love this meme that I saw recently (but can’t find the source) …
Fabric Used this week 0 yards
Fabric Used this year: 0 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used 0 yards
To Do
Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week.
I had 2 weeks to work on my previous To Do list … let’s see how I did …
The To Do list last week:
Finish A&A’s Quilt √ DONE
Bind the guild Fall Mystery Quilt √ DONE
Prepare the PHD in 2022 blog post. √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ DONE
This week’s list:
Trim & bind “Any Which Way” Mystery
Finish Round 3 & 4 of SAHRR (yes, I want to work ahead)
Work on Polar Bear Plunge
Work on Tickled Pink
Work on January’s Island Batik project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
Design Wall
There are a few things on my Design Wall and there is NOTHING I can show you … yet!
#1 SAHRR is in progress … You can read about it HERE.
#2 Polar Bear Plunge: This is for a blog hop in January … it should be fun! Of course, I can’t show you until the blog hop!
#3 Tickled Pink: This is for a blog hop in February … and again, I can’t show you until then!
#4 … January’s Island Batik project and it will remain a secret for now! But, I will show you the stack of fabric that I’m working with! Tantalizing Teals! Aren’t they absolutely BEAUTIFUL? !!!
Quilting:
Nothing is being quilted at the moment!
However, my Any Which Way mystery quilt needs to be trimmed and bound.
My January Island Batik project is started … no finishes
This is a small mystery quilt. It will be 40″ x 40″ if you follow the directions. Yes, it can easily be made bigger, but wait until the end to see if you want to.
Clue #1
Fabric Requirements:
Fabric
Amount
Background
1 1/8 yards
Contrast #1
½ yard
Contrast #2
½ yard
If you want – you could make Contrast #1 and #2 totally scappy. For example, Contrast #1 could be a variety of purples and Contrast #2 could be a variety of greens. It might be a good way to use up scraps!
These are the fabrics I used. They are all Island Batik fabrics. The Background is Rice. Contrast #1 is an older fabric with turtles and sea grass … Contrast #2 is two similar coloured fabrics.
As an Island Batik Ambassador, I am to make 12 projects, one a month using ONLY Island Batik fabrics. This is my 3rd year as an Ambassador and I have a bit of an Island Batik stash. The projects below are either the monthly challenge or ones I have done on my own. As you might guess, I LOVE Island Batik fabrics!
January
Between Christmas and New Years 2020, I hosted a Holiday Seclusion Mystery here on the blog. You can see a summary of it HERE.
These are the 2 quilts I made to test the mystery. The first one uses an older Island Batik that I bought, but neglected to keep record of the name of the fabric. It is paired with solid white. Although it was started in 2020, it was not finished until 2021.
This one was made with Scrapbuilder bundles in blue, teal and green, along with a solid grey. I love the overall graffiti or wild quilting on it!
January’s Island Batik challenge was to make placemats. I LOVE blue and LOVED making these placemats! You can read about them HERE.
I joined in the monthly Scrap Happy Table Runner challenge hosted by So Scrappy. January’s colour was PINK. Here is the mug rug I made.
February
These 2 baskets were a free byAnnie pattern and you can read more about them HERE.
This quilt was provided as a mystery quilt for the guild. The Designer is Sue Pontifex, from Piece Arch Quilters in White Rock. This is a variation of the original design. You can read more about the quilt HERE.
February’s Island Batik challenge was “Create for a Cause.” Each ambassador was to create a quilt to give to a charity of our choice. The guild I belong to gives “comfort” quilts to a local cancer agency. This quilt is destined to go there when they start receiving quilts (after Covid). You can read more about this quilt HERE.
This quilt used the beautiful “Mystery” collection of fabric designed by Claudia Pfeil.
This month’s colour for the Scrap Happy Table Runner challenge hosted by So Scrappy. was yellow. You can read more about this mug rug HERE.
March
Scrapbusting ws Island Batik’s challenge for March. What a fun fun challenge. My 2 quilts are shown below …
The Scrappy Irish chain with the star was a LOT of fun. Lots of 2″ scraps from every collection that I have had as an ambassador!
Is a quilt that started out small and became bigger as I really liked the colours. It initially started as a sample for a ruler quilting class.
This is a quilt, designed by an Island Batik alumni, Sandra Walker, you can read more about this quilt HERE and Here and HERE.
The Island Batik challenge for this month was “Spread Love & Joy with Accuquilt.” Boy, did I have fun! I love using the Accuquilt cutter and the precision cutting. You can read about my 2 quilts HERE.
In March, I took a course “Speed Dating with Improv” by Krista from PoppyPrints. It took me a while to get the facing done, but it was finally finished in June! I used Island Batik solids for this piece.
I finally put the facing on my Story-less Improv and you can read more about it here, here and HERE. This was from a by Krista’s classes @ Poppyprint. It has the super fun title of “Speed Dating.”
Purple is June’s Scrap Happy Table Runner challenge hosted by So Scrappy. You can read more about this coaster HERE.
July
July’s Island Batik challenge was “Never Too Early.” I made a mini quilt and a basket. You can read about them HERE.
August
Try a Tool was Island Batik’s August challenge! Oh! Did I have fun with this one! Check out the details HERE.
Another quilt designed by Island Batik alumni, Sandra Walker. This is “Let your Star Shine.” You can read about it HERE and HERE.
This quilt was created for the “Orange you Glad” Blog Hop. You can read about it HERE.
This month’s scrappy table runner challenge was “aqua.” I wanted to try paper piecing a “Storm at Sea” block and ended up with this 14″ x 14″ square table topper. You can read about it HERE.
September
Island Batik’s September challenge was to make a byAnnie bag. I made this wonderful “Round Trip Duffle.” Read about it HERE.
This table runner was made for the Table Scraps monthly challenge (orange) and the Falling For You blog hop … you can read more about it HERE.
Kelly Young launched her newest book “Scrappy Improv Quilting” and I couldn’t help but enlarge this quilt and make a baby sized hot air balloon. You can read about it HERE.
October
October’s Island Batik challenge was to use Aurifil thread related to our assigned Endangered Species. I was given the Pangolin … it was fun zen-doodling the scales … you can find out more details HERE.
Then, I was involved in a blog hop, featuring Kelly Young’s book, “Scrappy Improv Quilting.” I made this ornament wall hanging for the blog hop. See details HERE.
November
The challenge for Island Batik, for November was the “Storm at Sea” block. I made 2 totally different quilts using the same block. You can read about them HERE.
I finished another quilt – with inspiration from Kelly Young’s book “Scrappy Improv Quilting.” This quilt used a lot of orphan log cabin blocks … For more details see HERE.
December
English Paper Piecing was the challenge for December. It was a HUGE challenge for me, but I got it done! And I’m happy with the result! See more details HERE.
This is another hot air balloon from Kelly Young’s book, “Scrappy Improv Quilting.” You can read about it HERE.
Catalogue Quilts
There were 3 quilts that were published in the Island Batik Spring/Summer 2021 Catalogue. You can access the Catalogue HERE.
Left to right: Modern Squares, Feather Chain & Flutterfly Stars.
Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies:
Yes, it seems like the year has gone by quickly! And, with the Covid numbers increasing and talks of future lockdowns, I’ll be hunkering down and quilting!!!
Next week, starting on Boxing Day, I will be hosting a mystery quilt. It’s a quick and easy mystery – and it will be fun! Are you going to join me?
Finally finished!
Do you remember the picture on the left? After lots of procrastination and neglect, I finally finished this hot air balloon quilt. The pattern is from Kelly Young’s book “Scrappy Improv Quilting.”
Before I taught a class, using this book, I wanted to demonstrate a few different techniques in making the slabs. There are many different ways. In this quilt, I used stripes, bargello, “twosies, foursies, eightsies …” and my own invention “random pieces in a line.” I have also use orphan blocks.
The baskets were chain pieced and made all at the same time.
Once the baskets were attached to the balloons, I played around with the layout and positioned them all slightly different … I wanted it to look like balloons were in the sky.
The fabrics were all from my Island Batik stash … bits and pieces of this and that. The background is BE34-E1 Dot Sky from the Blender’s collection. Hobbs 80/20 is used for the batting. The free motion quilting was pretty simple … clouds and meandering in the sky and vertical wavy lines on the balloons. The baskets were a grid of mish-mashed straight lines. It is bound with Island Batik’s Black solid.
The binding looks a little wonky on the bottom right, but that’s because it won’t be finished until after a special baby is born and I can put the label on it.
Design Wall
#1 SAHRR: I have my centre block done! Whoo hoo!!! And plan to work on the other rounds! The SAHRR will start on January 10. I’ll show you the centre block then!
SEW … start thinking about what you can use for your centre block. Will it be an orphan block? Will you start something new? something different? Will it be square or rectangle? It’ll be fun to see what you choose!
#2 Polar Bear Plunge: This is for a blog hop in January … it should be fun! Of course, I can’t show you until the blog hop!
#3 Tickled Pink: This is for a blog hop in February … and again, I can’t show you until then!
#4 Monthly Colour Challenge – with Patterns by Jen. Yes, I’ve pulled my fabrics for the first few months. I’m excited to show you January’s block on January 1!
Quilting:
#2 A&A’s Quilt: This quilt is under the machine at the moment!
Stash Report
The back of the balloon quilt used 2 1/2 yards of flannel – from my stash.
This will be my last stash report for 2021! By the end of the year, I will have used at least another 9 yards of fabric, but I’m not counting it until it’s finished. I will continue with my Sunday Stash report in 2022 – it keeps me honest about what I buy. And, I will often 2nd guess a fabric purchase when I think that I need to report it on my blog! (and that’s a good thing!)
Well, my husband didn’t add any fabric this year. Yes, he was with me on a few occasions when we were in a fabric store, but he didn’t pick up anything for me to buy! Well, the next trip to a fabric store could be another story!
Fabric Used this week 2.5 yards
Fabric Used this year: 104.25 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 50. 75 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
Net Fabric used 52.5 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
This is my last Stitchin’ Time for 2021. The “Any Which Way” Mystery quilt is happening next week and I want to focus on that!
As for this year, I think I did pretty good … only missed 9 days in the whole year! Wow!! It does help that, aside from one 10 day trip, we didn’t go anywhere! If Kate continues this next year, I’ll be back with more Stitchin’ Time in 2022!
January – Nov – 324 / 333
Dec – 19/19
Total: 342 / 351
Percentage = 97 %
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.
I won’t be posting a To Do list next week, but I’ll be back in 2022 with updated lists!
The To Do list last week:
Get A&As quilt sandwiched. √ DONE
Finish Scrappy Improv top. √ DONE
I find it interesting that I had a blank on the list from last week!
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! HA! HA! … I started 3 new projects for the new year … I’d say I was distracted !!! Unsuccessful
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes√ DONE
This week’s list:
Finish A&A’s Quilt
Bind the guild Fall Mystery Quilt
Prepare the PHD in 2022 blog post.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
I have 2 projects to finish before the end of the year. Unless something weird happens, I should be able to get them done this week! The BBQG Mystery #3 just needs the binding done and A&A’s quilt needs the quilting finished and the label and binding … doable … I hope!
