Earlier this year, Joanne, of Canuck Quilter offered a free mystery quilt. I couldn’t resist! She offered 3 different sizes and I chose to make the baby size. Although she had a parade of finished quilts (see HERE), I missed the deadline. But I’m here to show you mine now!
Here are the progress pictures:
And the finished quilt:
Quilt Stats:
Size: 36″ x 48″
Fabric: Island Batik: a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” “Blueberry” is the blue border. Binding is “Marble Storm” from Blenders
Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl hosts a “Favourite Finish” each month. My favourite finish is (again) hard to choose. My Island Batik paper pieced tree skirt (see THIS POST) or my Half and Half mystery. Which one is your favourite?
I still have 5 New Starts to finish and 5 UFOs … Working on them slowly!
Don’t Forget
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
Oh DEAR!!! This is a HAZARD to be beginning projects and not finishing them!!! (Updated for this post)
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!
Luminous Layers a quilt-a-long from MMM quilts (see HERE for details and links to instructions)
St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).
Quilting: to do … a long list, but it’ll get done, one stitch at a time!
Prisms Blog Hop (a secret for now!)
Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler. (top is done, just waiting to find out final details from Island Batik, then I’ll pick a backing and get started on quilting it!)
Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Borders are on … need to pick a backing ….
Quilting “Gardenia“
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
I finished the On the Road Again blog Hop Challenge: this fun quilt used 5 yards of fabric. You can read all about it HERE.
Fabric Used in the last week: 5 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 77.5 yards from non-IB: 33.5
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 21.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 56 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Finish “On the Road Again” block hop project – DONE and posted HERE.
Finish Prisms blog hop project – top done, ready for quilting in progress
Finish IB June project – top done, ready for quilting in progress
Finish IB FW Catalogue project – top done, ready for quilting in progress
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
Sandwich and Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt in progress
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
Carol, from Just let me Quilt, is hosting “On the Road Again” blog hop. Here’s what she had to say about the blog hop:
Challenge: May starts the summer of travel so where would you like to go? Make something showing transportation vehicles (cars, planes, buses, etc.), summer fun, or a place you’d like to travel to.
I was debating and mulling over what to do for this challenge. I’d have one excellent idea, and then a day later, I’d throw it out. Another idea, and another day and ‘nope’ it’s not going to work. Silly cars?? planes?? Sailboats?? Mountains?? the beach?? SIGH!!! Such a fun theme, how can it be so difficult?
THEN … along came a post from Sew Can She … and I knew it was perfect for what I wanted! Rockets and Stars!! You can find the pattern HERE.
Now, I do not have any dreams to be in a rocket or to circle the earth or to go to the space station. Nope, not a single one. But, I’m almost 100% positive that the little boy that gets this quilt will at some time, dream of being an astronaut!
I made a few changes to the original pattern. I decided to do the stars in a different colour than the rocket blasts and I added a strip of sashing between the rows. And, when I was quilting it, I wish I had added one at the top and bottom as well.
Here’s a close-up picture of the quilting and a picture of the back:
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
An online friend sent me this picture! I love taking vitamins and these look so good! I think I’ll switch to this brand!
She also said, “I think it’s great if you’re looking for colour combos.” Ioleen has lots of IG posts and does very well with colour … you can follow her @ioleen.kimmel
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!
Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler.
St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).
Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry
Quilting: to do
On the Road Again, blog hop
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Borders are on … need to pick a backing ….
Quilting “Gardenia“
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
I finished the May Island Batik challenge: this lovely tree skirt. It used 10 yards of fabric. You can read all about it HERE.
Fabric Used in the last week: 10yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 72.5 yards from non-IB: 31.5
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 21.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 51 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Make on “On the Road Again” block hop project – it’s due on the 22nd! in progress It’s almost done!
Finish Prisms blog hop project in progress
Finish IB June project in progress
Finish IB FW Catalogue project in progress
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done.
Sandwich and Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt in progress
Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE. not done.
For the second giveaway there are two Fat Quarter bundles of complete 20-SKU collections by Kathy Engle that will be shown off this week – The Grove and Prisms!
Go to the Island Batik Blog (HERE) and follow the Rafflecopter prompts for your opportunity to win!
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
Here’s what Island Batik had to say about this month’s challenge!
Technique: Paper-piecing Theme: Holidays and celebrations Design a paper-pieced quilt that celebrates the spirit of a holiday of your choice, transforming fabric into a visual ode to joy and festivity! We encourage you to get inspired by your assigned Winter ‘23 collection and explore the world of paper piecing. The precision, ease of use, and design flexibility of paper pieced patterns have made them a favored choice among many quilters. We can’t wait to see your stunning paper-pieced masterpieces that capture attention!
My Surprise Package contained “Peppermint Sprinkles.” This collection was designed by Kathy Engle for Heidi Pridemore of the Whimsical Workshop. Look at those wintery blues and reds! Such a fun line!
With this beautiful fabric collection, it was an obvious choice, to me, for the celebration to be Christmas!
The guidelines were to make a Lap size quilt or larger. I found this tree skirt pattern by Stacey Day: Frosted Pines Tree Skirt. Stacy is from the lower mainland and belongs to the Modern Quilt Guild. (And yes, it’s a FREE pattern)
Anyhow, I knew that it would be perfect with my fabric collection. But, would a 50″ circle tree skirt be adequate to meet the size requirements of a lap quilt? I wrote to Elizabeth (one of our leaders) and asked. She said it would be stretching the guidelines, but thought the fabric was perfect for the tree skirt.
I paper piece without sewing on the paper. I used to do this with regular computer paper and it worked quite well. When talking with a friend via Zoom, she said to try using Freezer Paper and do the exact same thing. The advantage of the Freezer Paper is that the fabric sticks to it and you don’t need to use as many pins. I bought some Freezer Paper and it works great! The Oliso iron is perfect for this!
One of the advantages of paper piecing with this method is that you can use a regular stitch length and can chain piece it. Another advantage is that with no sewing through paper, the needle does not dull as quickly. I still used a Schmetz needle and it lasted for the whole project.
Yes, you’ll see a few pins in my pieces. These pieces are SMALL and they needed just a little help to stay in place.
A few ‘in progess’ pictures! The tree top ornaments, organization of the trees, the Aurifil threads I used and a final pressing with my Oliso iron.
It was fun doing the photo shoot!! Tree skirts do not hang well on the clothesline, so I resorted to placing it on the bricks in the back yard.
We are dog-sitting our ‘grand-dog,’ Daphne, and as soon as I put the tree skirt on the ground, she was on it!!! “Thanks for the comfy quilt, G’ma! It’s nice here in the sun!”
“But why did you have to put something in the middle?That is a poor excuse for a tree!“
“OK … I’ll let the plant stay!”
Of course, in May, there are no Christmas tree displays, and this small tree across the street was the closest I could get to a Christmas tree.
I’m not sure why it didn’t come to a complete circle … I know the piecing was correct and my 1/4″ is bang on … but since it’s a tree skirt, I’m not going to worry about it! That open V can go to the back of the tree. On 2nd thought, perhaps if I had left it as a circle when I went to quilt it, it might have remained a circle? I’ll try that next time!
Peppermint Sprinkles can be found at many quilt stores, but the one closest to me is Creekside Quilts in Oregon. They are an online shop. Also Villa Rosa Designs in California will be carrying it.
Visit my friend, Emily, at The Darling Dogwood to see what she made! She used the same collection, Peppermint Sprinkles! I haven’t seen it, but I heard a rumour that it’s gonna be super cute!
You Could Win …
Island Batik Blog Hop: Week 2
For the second giveaway there are two Fat Quarter bundles of complete 20-SKU collections by Kathy Engle that will be shown off this week – Oasis and Peppermint Sprinkles!
Go to the Island Batik Blog (HERE) and follow the Rafflecopter prompts for your opportunity to win!
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
Yup!!! I totally agree! Especially on Mother’s Day!
Monthly Colour Challenge
May’s colour is Yellow!!! Here is my May block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for May. It’s free for the month and then you’ll need to pay a small fee for it.
I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks.
May: Yellow
And a picture of all my 2024 blocks to date.
The Quilt Show
It’s always fun to see quilts made from classes I’ve taught, or from older mystery quilts. These are a few I spotted at the show:
And then there are the quilts that I either saw being made or admired the finished product:
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!
Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler.
St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).
On the Road Again, blog hop
Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry
Quilting: to do
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Borders are on … need to pick a backing ….
Quilting “Gardenia“
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
Sunday Stash
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!
Nothing finished, no fabric bought!
Fabric Used in the last week: 0yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 62.5 yards from non-IB: 29
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 21.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 41 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Work on “On the Road Again” block hop project. not done. Fabric chosen, need to cut, piece, quilt and bind!
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star. not done
Sandwich and Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quiltnot done
Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE. not done
Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE. in progress Working on it, but it’s slow work!
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week: I know I’m dreaming, but this is my list for the next week!
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Make on “On the Road Again” block hop project – it’s due on the 22nd!
Finish Prisms blog hop project
Finish IB June project
Finish IB FW Catalogue project
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
For the second giveaway there are two Fat Quarter bundles of complete 20-SKU collections by Kathy Engle that will be shown off this week – Oasis and Peppermint Sprinkles!
Go to the Island Batik Blog (HERE) and follow the Rafflecopter prompts for your opportunity to win!
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
Did you do the Fall Mystery quilt that was posted here on my blog? Several local people did the mystery and I got to see some of them in person at a guild meeting …
Here’s Patti’s, Patricia’s, & Stella’s
Below is Lynne who used the extra blocks to make another quilt! She donated both of these quilts.
At the Boundary Bay Quilt show, I spotted 10 hanging around the venue. If I missed yours, please accept my apology!
I had been under the impression that they would all be grouped together so people could see the variation that fabric choices make. (Obviously, I was mistaken) At any rate, here they are … no two are alike! I’m in AWE at how the different fabrics make such a different looking quilt!
The last 2 quilts are mine. The last one was made with Island Batik’s “Cheers” fabric collection. Hobbs batting is in the middle and Aurifil thread was used to piece and quilt it! All sewn on either my Feather weight or my domestic Janome (M7).
Please note: The clues to the Fall Mystery, using a Layer Cake, or a 10″ stack, will be removed at the end of May.
Something NEW!
Tomorrow, May 10, Jenny’s new tool box will be available for pre-order! The MSQC home page will be filled with all the information. Unfortunately, the kit is not coupon eligible for a 20% discount, but if you purchase it and use my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail , I will still make a small commission.
Details of the Tool Box: This aqua metal toolbox is embossed with the Missouri Star logo and comes with Quilt Town floral fabric-lined inserts that easily lift out so you can store additional notions. The inside of the toolbox lid is magnetic to hold pins, needles, and other small notions. Elastic straps are also included to hold needle packs or a small template, and there’s extra room underneath the inserts for additional supplies. Jenny’s Signature Series Tools are made from German-grade surgical stainless steel and come beautifully etched with Missouri Star logos. The actual kits will start shipping sometime in August.
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, (aside from this Tool Box), you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
This doesn’t happen to me anymore … except when it’s a box that I haven’t opened for a LONG time! LOL!!!
The Quilt Show
I was vending for Essem Textiles at the quilt show and didn’t have a lot of opportunity to look at the quilts! But what I saw was pretty fantastic! Here are the quilts that I entered in the show:
All of the quilts above, except one, used Island Batik fabric. They all used Hobbs batting and Aurifil thread. All piecing and quilting was done on either my featherweight or my domestic sewing machine.
I will show some more quilts from the show in another post.
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!
Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler.
St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).
Next in line for Piecing:
On the Road Again, blog hop
Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry
Quilting: to do
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Borders are on … need to pick a backing ….
Quilting “Gardenia“
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
Sunday Stash
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!
My son’s girlfriend fell in love with one of the quilts at the quilt show, so I did buy some fabric to make a quilt for them. But I won’t show it until after it’s made and gifted.
Fabric Used in the last week: 0yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 62.5 yards from non-IB: 29
Fabric Added this week: 1.5 yards
Fabric Added this year: 21.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 41 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Make a decision on “On the Road Again” block hop project in progress. Decision made, but not started yet.
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done
Catch up on Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt√ DONE.
Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE. not done
Work on May IB project: Holiday Paper Piecing √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Work on “On the Road Again” block hop project
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
If you were to ask me what my LEAST favourite part of quilting is, it would be Hanging Sleeves. They are not something I enjoy doing! But sometimes, it is necessary.
I belong to the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild and we have a quilt show coming up next weekend (May 4 & 5). Of course, I entered several quilts and each of them needs to have a hanging sleeve.
Here’s a partial picture of the quilt show’s raffle quilt. It’s a beauty!! You can buy tickets at the show.
About Hanging Sleeves
If you’ve been following me for very long, you’ll know that I highly dislike hand sewing. In fact, after about 10 minutes, my hands are so sore, it’s ridiculous! So my hanging sleeves are put on by machine, or pins.
I know that many of my friends already have their sleeves on and the quilts bagged and ready to go. Not me!! Why do it ahead of time when I can feel under pressure and get them done without delay?
An online friend of mine, Kathleen McMusing had a tutorial YEARS ago for using a blind hem for putting on hanging sleeves. On the 22nd of each month she has a blog post called “Tips and Tutorials.” This past week, she reposted about the hanging sleeve technique using a blind hem. See HERE. She has a plethora of tips and tutorials … so while you’re there, you might want to grab a cup of coffee or tea and spend some time on her site!
The following picture shows me using the Blind Hem stitch to add the hanging sleeve. For the 2nd or bottom row of stitching, I switched to the navy thread so it wouldn’t show on the front. My Oliso iron is awesome for pressing!!! (I received it as part of being an Island Batik Ambassador!)
I used the lint roller to get all the excess lint off the quilt. We are to put a label with our names and phone numbers on the quilt. I’ve just written it on the hanging sleeve. A small piece of paper will have the name of the quilt attached, just below the sleeve.
I tend to be thrifty with fabric, so I re-use the hanging sleeves! Sometimes, they are too long and I just fold them up on the ends. The quilt is going to be hanging and only the people hanging the quilts will see that it’s folded over. Well, I guess you now know as well!
Two done, 4 to go!
All but one of the quilts was made with Island Batik fabrics. They all have Hobbs batting and use Aurifil thread for piecing and most of the quilting.
I will be at the show each day, all day … you can find me vending at Essem Textile’s booth. Stop by to say “hi.”
A Finish!
I did have a finish this week. I showed it on my April Showers Blog Hop post. You can read about it HERE.
I have NO finishes to show you this week … Several things are being worked on, 2 things are finished, but I can’t show you yet. You’ll see one of them on Monday! promise!
The first is Taylor the Tiger, a Funky Friend pattern. It was challenging, but fun to make! You can read all about him/her 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!
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Visit Canuck Quilter HERE and shoot her an email if you want to join in the fun! I’m behind on the last clue … hopefully, I’ll catch up soon!
Quilting: to do
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
April Showers: blog hop
BBQG Baby Quilt Challenge: Sorry, no picture until after the show
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE)
Sunday Stash
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 go to a retreat at Over the Rainbow, I really, really struggle to NOT buy fabric. And this year’s retreat was no exception! Although, I did resist going on the first day! However, on the 2nd day it was another story … and then I needed to go back to check on things for next years’ retreat … and then I needed to go back to pick up some thread. The picture below shows what I bought. The 2 fabrics on the right are Island Batik fabrics: Ravine and solid white. The 2 fabrics on the left are flannel. A total of 12 yards.
Fabric Used in the last week: 2.5yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 59.5 yards from non-IB: 26
Fabric Added this week: 12 yards
Fabric Added this year: 20 yards
Net Fabric used: 39.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish quilting “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”.√ DONE. I’ll show you this after the BBQG quilt show.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Commitment
This year, I am committed to finishing all the projects that I start, plus finished the 6 UFOs that I started the year with. From my chart it appears that I do have several projects that are started that I need to finish!! At least I only have 4 UFOs left!
I chose to make Taylor the Tiger. It wasn’t until I was downloading the pattern that I read, “This is an advanced pattern.” Oops – what have I gotten myself into? I’ve made 4 previous Funky Friends patterns, but I’m not so sure that I’m ready for the “advanced” part of it. But, if it’s like any of the other patterns I’ve made, it’ll be well written and if I take it slow, I should be ok. Right?
I don’t have any striped Island Batik fabric, but as soon as I saw the Marble Aqua blender, I knew it would be perfect for Taylor the Tiger. I paired it with Dots-Blue Cornflower.
The pieces were all cut out. So far, this is fairly easy.
Included in the pattern is a link to a photo tutorial that comes with the pattern. I don’t think I could have figured it out without the tutorial. Thank YOU, Pauline for the photo tutorial!!!
I embroidered the nose with Aurifil floss and inserted the safety eyes.
One thing that Pauline HIGHLY suggests is that you transfer ALL of the letters and pattern markings onto pieces. I didn’t do this at the start and was always having to pull out the pattern pieces to check what letter was where. THEN I did it. It didn’t take long and ultimately it was a definite time saver!! I don’t like to use Friction Pencils on fabric, (they’re great on the pattern instructions), but I put the letters inside the seam allowance on the wrong side of the fabric! They will never be seen! Please, pay close attention to this!!! It’s a lot easier to mark your pieces prior to sewing … don’t ask me how I know this!!! LOL!!! Well, I guess I just told you!
A note about Frixion pencils: I know a LOT of quilters love these pencils. I am not a fan. Yes, I have 3: a green, purple and teal. That’s all I need. I sew with batik fabrics a LOT. Occasionally, the Frixion pen will leave a thin white line on the fabric. That makes me annoyed. When used on non-batik fabric, the marks are erased. But let the fabric get cold and it reappears. These pencils are fantastic for marking on paper. That’s what they were designed for! You can mark up your pattern, and when you’re finished, iron the paper and the marks disappear! Perfect.
Here is Taylor the Tiger, pre stuffing …
Once Taylor was stuffed, I attempted to give her a pedicure and do her front toes. She cooperated – to a point and then she refused to have her back paws done. This could be because I ran out of floss … she’ll have to wait to have her back paws done.
Now, Taylor is a bit mischievous! The first thing she did was climb up on the piano. She does NOT know how to play and it sounded terrible. Just like an unruly 2 year old smashing on the keys!
Then she ran outside! I caught her sniffing at the tulips in the front yard and jumping up onto the hose holder.
Then Taylor ran across the street to the neighbour’s rock garden! Thankfully there were no cars coming!
And she tried to hide!
I was able to catch her and put her inside. She thought she could hide by the bears or with our granddog, Daphne.
Then, Taylor made it into the sewing room and posed near her other Funky Friends.
April’s colour is Blue. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for April. It’s free for the month, then there will be a small charge for it! Or you can purchase the whole set right away!
I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks.
This block was fun to make. It was fun because I was able to use my favourite colour! And it was fun because I LOVE 🩵 star blocks. And it was fun. because I don’t think I’ve ever made this star block before (but alas, I could be mistaken!)
Here’s the 4 blocks (January – April) on my design wall!
Well, that is correct!! I have NO new finishes … but I’m plugging along at several projects … and attempting to get ready for a retreat!
My Lone-star Left-overs is now a flimsy (1st pic). It’s a sort-of finish. I do all my own quilting on my domestic machine, so I don’t consider flimsies as a finish. It’ll be done when I get a round-to-it! The 2nd picture is the Fall Mystery Quilt where I used Island Batik’s “Cheers” fabric collection. And, yes, I’m using Silly Moon‘s Kite ruler … as well as the smallest Drop ruler (not shown).
I’m sure that I had a wooden Round TUIT years ago … but I have no idea what happened to it! LOL!!!
Favourite Finish of the Month
Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl hosts a Favourite Finish of the Month Link Party. Oh, why is it SOOOO hard for me to choose just ONE favourite finish? Especially this month because I have so many that I LOVE.
However, I think that my SAHRR (Stay At Home Round Robin) is my absolute fav of the above quilts! You can read more about this quilt HERE. I used Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 batting.
I was Featured!
Both Andree and Jennifer featured my quilt from last week. This was from the Give It a Whirl blog hop. You can read more about it HERE.
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 had some wonderful company this past few weeks and missed one day of sewing! Oh, but it was a ton of fun catching up!!
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Visit Canuck Quilter HERE and shoot her an email if you want to join in the fun!
Piecing the Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE)
Here’s the start of the clues for Canuck Quilter’s 2 colour mystery.
And some of the Lone Star Left-overs up on the design wall
Quilting:
2023Fall Mystery Quilt. I have started quilting this!
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
These 3 quilts were posted this past week. The purple/blue one was for the Villa Rosa blog hop (see THIS POST), the middle one is from the SAHRR ’24 (see HERE) and the 3rd one is Pinwheels for the Give it a Whirl blog hop (see THIS POST).
Fabric Used in the past 2 weeks: 12 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 57 yards from non-IB: 25
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 8 yards
Net Fabric used: 49 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” in progress.
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Finish Fast and More Fun: blog hop project. √ DONE
Finish Give it a Whirl: blog hop project. √ DONE
Work on IB April project in progress.
Make a decision on April Showers: blog hop project √ DONE decision made!
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Finish quilting “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Finish IB April project
Finish piecing Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
Work on Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt
Start April Showers: blog hop project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Carol from Just Let Me Quilt is the organizer and host for this Whirly Blog Hop.
Here’s what she had to say:
Challenge: Life can send us spinning sometimes, so let’s put those spins and whirls to good use in a quilt. Make something with pinwheel blocks, circle quilting, or whirly gigs. Try not to whirl out of control!
I went to EQ8 to figure out how many 8″ pinwheels, using 4″ HST, I would need for a decent size baby quilt. Here’s what I came up with: 15 pinwheel blocks and (15) 8 1/2″ unfinished squares.
Using Island Batik’s Sunny Meadow collection and solid white, I used the 8″ cube die to cut all of the triangles for the half square triangles. The cutting was done quickly, very quickly! I pieced it together and then had fun quilting! And yes, I just might have ‘whirled out of control‘ in the quilting. But I enjoyed every single minute of it!
Here are some close ups of the quilting:
Quilt Stats:
Size: 40″ x 48″
Hobbs 80/20 inside
Aurifil Thread:
Piecing: #2600 Dove Grey
Quilting: #2835 Medium Mint
At the moment, I’m debating whether to donate it or keep it for a special baby that I know nothing about … he or she may not even be conceived at this time. Time will tell.
The Blog Hoppers
Make sure you visit the following bloggers to see their “Give it a Whirl” quilts!
For the SAHRR ’24, I used Island Batik fabrics: a 10″ stack of Limerick in addition to “Teal”, “Egg Shell” and “Cherio-Iris.” For more information on a SAHRR, see THIS POST.
Here is my finished SAHRR … all quilted and bound.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 56″ x 72″
Fabric: Island Batik
Hobbs Batting: Heirloom 80/20
You can read about the progress of my SAHRR on these POSTS:
March 18: Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
Other Participants
These are the SAHRR in progress by those who do not blog or have IG.
Stella, Regina, Heather F., Rosie, Kathy R., Jacomina, Kathleen, Judy B., Robin B.
Link Party
Link your SAHRR (finished or flimsy) at the linky party. This will be open until March 24 at 11 PM (Pacific Time). After that, the hosts and I will be choosing the winners. Don’t forget to link up!
We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2024!!! We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win!
I was intrigued when I heard about this blog hop. It’s organized by Villa Rosa. You have probably seen them, even if you don’t recognize the name!! They are the patterns that are printed on post-card sized cards. I have made several of their quilts or table runners, more or less, using the directions given.
Here’s a bit of history about Villa Rose Designs:
We call Pat Fryer, the owner and the creator of the Villa Rosa Designs brand, our Rose Queen, because she absolutely adores roses. In fact, her love of roses helped her name her new venture in 2010. When she designed her first Rose Cards, she had a brilliant and unique idea to name ALL of her VRD patterns after Roses (also why we call them Rose Card patterns). For many years, all of the patterns were named after roses. Now we have a collection of talented designers who all have their own covers and logos, but Pat’s quilt designs are still named for roses. If you look at the Villa Rosa Designs patterns, you will see a rose in the top right corner on the cover of the pattern. That is the specific rose the pattern is named for.
Tricia sent me a zip of 5 patterns for the blog hop. I doubt very much that you could purchase this set of 5 in Canada for $8.95. I’ve seen individual ones priced at anywhere between $2 – $5! HOWEVER … keep reading and you can have an opportunity to WIN these 5 patterns!
I choose Gypsy Rose.
This was in February, just after I had posted my Island Batik Log Cabin quilts. I was about to put the extra “Heavy Metal” fabric away but instead, I immediately started cutting for this quilt. Now, I didn’t have all 20 skus left, but I cut from what I did have! I just love the blues and purples in this fabric collection!
This was an easy and fast quilt top to put together! I completed the top in an afternoon while I was also piecing a couple of other projects!
I used Silly Moon‘s “Charming” ruler to do all the quilting! It’s simple, but effective!
Update: In order for me to pick YOU to be selected by me, You need to leave a comment on my blog. If you also choose to follow me on Instagram, you will be entered into my draw twice.
Sponsors (for the Prizes!)
Many companies have donated prizes for this blog hop!
March’s Island Batik challenge was to make what we wanted. I have LOTS of Island Batik scraps and I am really a fan of scrappy quilts. I also like to have two colour quilts … so these 3 quilts were born. I had a lot of fun making them!! You can read about the process HERE.
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 had some wonderful company this past week and missed one day of sewing! Oh, but it was a ton of fun catching up!!
Island Batik April project. Here’s a picture … yes, it’s going to be blue!
Quilting:
Fast and More Fun: blog hop project – almost done!
2023Fall Mystery Quilt. I have the backing now … no excuses! Yes, I know I’ve said this for a few weeks now!
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Binding:
Give it a Whirl: blog hop project
Sunday Stash
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!
No shopping this week, so nothing added! My 3 Island Batik quilts used a lot of fabric. Even though I used scraps, it’s still counted as fabric!
Fabric Used this week: 17yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 45 yards from non-IB: 17
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 8 yards
Net Fabric used: 37 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” sandwiched, not quilted
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 finish quilting and binding √ DONE
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“. not done
Finish IB March project √ DONE
Finish Fast and More Fun: blog hop project. in progress.
Finish Give it a Whirl: blog hop project. in progress.
Start IB April project in progress.
Think about April Showers: blog hop project √ DONE The thinking was easy … but no decision is made yet!
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Finish Fast and More Fun: blog hop project.
Finish Give it a Whirl: blog hop project.
Work on IB April project
Make a decision on April Showers: blog hop project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
I decided I would make a scrappy quilt for the March challenge. I had have a large bag of green Island Batik scraps. I started out making 4 x 4 blocks with 2 1/2” squares all from the scrap bag. But, I didn’t count very well and made way too many blocks.
I didn’t like the look of the 16 patch blocks with a plain block in between. I know I had seen a quilt with 16 patches, alternating with a plainer block using half-square triangles. Do you think I could find it? Nope. Not a hope. So, I went to EQ8 and designed the first 2 blocks. I quickly realized that I could cut the 3rd block with my Accuquilt Cube 8″ dies (#5 for HST & #10 from Corners) and eliminate making a ton of half square triangles.
And this quilt was born.
Once I had the blocks up on the design wall, I decided I didn’t like it. It almost seemed unfinished to me. So I added half blocks all the way around with a 4 patch in each corner. The alternating blocks use a soft green called ‘mint.’ It’s an Island Batik basic and was the perfect choice for this quilt!
By the time I finished the above quilt, I still had lots of 2 1/2” squares left, many in 16 patch blocks. So, I pulled out ‘Ghost’ to make the neutral blocks and this quilt was born. I added a 4 1/2” border around it using Vegi Garden – Green Gr from the Fruit and Veggies collection. I used this collection last year for my Puff Quilt (see HERE). There was the perfect amount of this fabric for the borders and to bind the 2 quilts with about1/2 yard left.
Then, I started to tidy my sewing room and guess what I found? MORE 2 1/2” squares!!! a couple of 16 patch blocks!!!! and a few of the neutral blocks using ‘Mint.”!!! I guess that’s what I get for not being consistent in my cleaning!!! So, there was enough to make Quilt #3! And just the right amount of the green fabric for a border … This quilt was destined to have a scrappy border. I just did plain straight line quilting in this one. It’s OK … but it again showed me that I much prefer to do custom quilting as seen in the 2 quilts above.
When this quilt was complete, I did have a few stray neutral blocks and some green 4 patches, but not enough to do much with. I still have a fairly big bag full of green scraps, but they are all smaller than 2 1/2” square.
Here’s a picture of all 3 of them on the clothesline. A couple of them will definitely be donation quilts.
Quilting Gail 