Monday’s Design Wall

Monday’s Studio Update …

/ quiltinggail / 25 Comments

Ultimate Home Decor Blog Hop

Is still happening!!  Lots of beautiful projects coming from wonderful fabric collections!

Two people have an opportunity to win fabric … either a FQ pack of Smooch or Sundance.  Both are pretty awesome!!!  Click on the Rafflecopter giveaway link below.

Screen Shot 2020-05-18 at 9.39.34 PM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here’s the links for this week’s blogs:

May 18
Joanne Hart ~ Unicorn Harts
Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
May 19
Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for Quilts
Sally Manke ~ Sally Manke
May 20
Jennifer Fulton ~ Inquiring Quilter
Jennifer Strauser ~ Dizzy Quilter
May 21
Sharon Riley ~ Sew Riley Designs
Alison Vermilya ~ Little Bunny Quilts
May 25
Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads

Finishes

I have 2 finishes this week!!!

Florabunda #1 is quilted, label on and binding complete! This is the one with blue floral fabrics.

WtUT66iYTdCX3MC+xLX23Q_thumb_3800UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_37ea

The 2nd finish is the Guild’s Ugly Fabric where I used the fabric on the left,  following this YouTube Video.

It was a fun and fast quilt to make!

The hardest part was laying out the blocks so that the same fabric didn’t touch!

wb2tj2JeRDuqJ6M5+nhfqw_thumb_3802

Design Wall

Piecing:

I need to make 2 quilts. One for a baby born about 2 weeks ago and another for the baby’s big brother.  I’m using these fabrics … one of the quilts will have half square triangles.  Hopefully, I can show you the quilts next week!UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_380a

Quilting:

Florabunda Quilt # 2 is in progress …

TO DO 

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

Last week’s list:

I feel like I got a lot done!

  1. Finish quilting Scrappy Squares     √   done:  You can see it HERE.
  2. Finish Island Batik May project      √   done:  You can see it HERE.
  3. Sandwich Florabunda quilts            √   done:  One is even quilted!
  4. Start June Island Batik project – maybe …

This week’s list:

  1. Finish the 2 new quilts!
  2. Finish Quilting Florabunda #2
  3. Piece June’s Island Batik project

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AM

Screen Shot 2020-05-18 at 10.15.41 PM

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

*****************************

Linking to:

 

Moving through Monday …

/ quiltinggail / 14 Comments

Island Batik Blog Hop

Screen Shot 2020-05-01 at 10.45.00 PM… is in it’s 2nd week, starting tomorrow!  Did you check out last week’s hoppers?

This week Island Batik is giving away 2, yes, 2!  Fat Quarter bundles of “River Valley.”  There is a link below for you to click on for your entry for a chance to win.

Screen Shot 2020-05-08 at 4.55.43 PM.png

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here is the list of Ambassadors that are Hopping this week:

May 11
Pamela Boatright ~ Pamela Quilts
Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde
May 12
Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
Sandra Walker ~ mmm! quilts
May 13
Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail   YES this is ME
Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack’s Blog
May 14
Vasudha Govindan ~ Storied Quilts
Carla Henton ~ Create in the Sticks

Design Wall

Piecing:

I’m still working on an Island Batik challenge –I’ll show you the results on Wednesday! In the meantime … the pictures below relate to the challenge: Can you guess what it will be?

Make sure you come back on Wednesday because I will also be offering a give-away!

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_37ea.jpgUgly fabric quilt Guild challenge: We are to use the quilt pattern in this video:  Here is the fabric that I’ve pulled from my fat quarter bin.  Some of them aren’t even a full fat quarter … and that’s perfect.  They only need to be at least 14″ square.  This is suppose to be done on Tuesday!  Ha! Ha!  Somehow I don’t think it’ll be completely done … maybe, just maybe a top.

IMG_6288Florabunda:  The blocks are now sewn into 3 tops … They need to be sandwiched and quilted … in due time.

IMG_6409

Quilting:

This scrappy squares quilt in progress … I’m having fun coming up with different motifs for each of the white squares!

TO DO 

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

Last week’s list:

I easily managed to get everything on my list done … and more!

  1. Finish Island Batik May project  – almost done
  2. Finish Flower Power –  √   done  You can see it HERE.
  3. Scrappy Squares: Quilt  partially done
  4. Florabunda:  lay out & piece at least one top – 3 pieced!

This week’s list:

  1. Finish quilting Scrappy Squares
  2. Finish Island Batik May project
  3. Sandwich Florabunda quilts
  4. Start June Island Batik project – maybe …

Stash Report

SS yellow

The Flower Power quilt was all Island Batik.  However, I did buy the Island Batik fabric that I used for the back and sashing … so, I’ll count that as 1 yard.  No other finishes this week.

  • Fabric Used this week       1  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        139.5  yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      9.5
  • Net Fabric used                    130  yards

Stitchin’ Time

I am aiming for 30 minutes/day – at least!  I switched to 30 minutes/day from 15 in April!

  • 15 minute days:  January – Apr. 120 / 121
  • 30 min days/  May – 10/10
  • Total days in 2020:  130 / 131
  • Percentage = 99% 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AM

Flower Power was finished … and I haven’t cut the fabric for the Ugly Challenge … so it’s not considered a new start – yet.  No UFOs were finished this week.

Screen Shot 2020-05-10 at 4.20.15 PM.png

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

*****************************

Linking to:

 

 

Monday in the Studio

/ quiltinggail / 23 Comments

Sew … what’s been happening around here?

Well, Helen Godden (on Facebook Helen Godden Quilts) had a Flower Power Quilt-a-long.  I was thinking of doing it for a future Island Batik challenge, but all of the specifics for the challenge are not available, yet.  SEW … I thought I’d share it with you.  If you are on Facebook, you can go to her page and download all of the pictures.  She has directions on how to do each of the blocks with a Youtube video for each block.  It’s fantastic for practicing free motion quilting!

These were done on an Island Batik neutral fabric … with Hobbs 80/20 batting, Aurifil black thread and Schmetz microtex needle.  (All of the supplies were given to me via Island Batik).

I have done 8 of the 9 blocks … They are SEW fun to do.  I LOVE the zen doodling!  And I’ve learned a few new-to-me patterns.

The other thing, is that I ventured into the world of colouring fabric.  Helen talks about “Inktense” pencils and how you colour your fabric with them.  From another Youtube video, I learned that you colour, spray with water and then press with an iron to stop the spread of colour or bleeding.  That’s how my blocks got their colour!  I was able to get a set of Inktense pencils at a near-by store that does curb-side service!  (Opus, in Langley).

I will show you the finished wall hanging … hopefully it’ll be done soon!

BLOG HOP 

Screen Shot 2020-05-01 at 10.45.00 PMDon’t forget to visit the Island Batik Blog Hop that is featuring all the NEW fabric!!!  And visit the Island Batik blog for a chance to win Cascadia Precuts!  Screen Shot 2020-05-01 at 10.43.01 PM

 

 

 

This week is the following Blogs:

May 4
Janet Yamamoto ~ Whispers of Yore
Carol Moellers ~ Carol Moellers Designs
May 5
Carolina Asmussen ~ Carolina Asmussen
Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt
May 6
Megan Best ~ Best Quilter
Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
May 7
Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs
Denise Looney ~ For the Love of Geese

Design Wall

Piecing:

I’m working on an Island Batik challenge – so no photos yet!

IMG_6288Florabunda:  Do you remember when I was working on these blocks? Well, they are all done and I have way more than enough for one quilt … so there are at least 2 quilts to be made.  I need to lay them out and decide on which ones will go into which quilt.

IMG_6409

Quilting:  

This scrappy squares quilt is sandwiched and ready to quilt!

TO DO 

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

Last week’s list:

I easily managed to get everything on my list done … and more!

  1. Quilt Blue Round Robin  √  done    
  2. Bind Purple Round Robin √  done
  3. Finish 7 masks  √  done
  4. Finish 7 pillow cases  √  done

You can see the Blue & Purple Round Robin quilts HERE.

I completed 18 masks and 12 pillow cases.  When I went to originally take a picture of the 7 pillow cases that were started, I realized they were mostly all “girl” types.  Sew … back to the stash and I made 5 that are more suited for the male gender.

p3hXDqLGSkuNEYXX1fAvIQ_thumb_37d2.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_37d8

This week’s list:

  1. Finish Island Batik May project
  2. Finish Flower Power
  3. Scrappy Squares: Quilt and possibly get the binding on.
  4. Florabunda: lay out & piece at least one top

Stash Report

SS yellow

The fronts of the Round Robins were Island Batik – so I don’t count that.  But the backs took 3 yards.  The pillow cases used up 12 yards.  The masks used up 3.5 yards … for a total of 18.5 yards!

  • Fabric Used this week       18.5  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        138.5  yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      9.5
  • Net Fabric used                    129  yards

Stitchin’ Time 

I am aiming for 30 minutes/day – at least!

  • 15 minute days:  January – Apr. 120 / 121
  • 30 min days/  May – 3 / 3
  • Total days in 2020:  123 / 124
  • Percentage = 99% 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AM

Screen Shot 2020-05-03 at 11.27.24 PM

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

***************************** 

Linking to: 

 

April 27 Monday Report

/ quiltinggail / 23 Comments

I have no finishes this week …  except for this one mask.  My daughter asked me to make it for a coworker of hers … his nick-name is Plant Dad … so, via messenger, we picked out the fabric and she asked that Plant Dad be stitched in their company’s pink colour.  Apparently he said, “I really love this.”  IMG_0036.jpg

Design Wall

Piecing:

Masks:  lots in progress.  I started serging the ties – much easier!!!  And a friend gave me some florist wire – much nicer for the nose & should hold up better than pipe cleaners!UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_37be.jpg

Pillow Cases:  Some in progress … for a guild charity  …  It was an opportunity to go through my stash and pick out some fabric …

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_37c0.jpg

Quilting:  

The blue round robin is ready to quilt … machine set up, bobbins wound …

IMG_6505

TO DO 

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

Last week’s list:

  1. Round Robin: add the last borders: maybe finish the purple one since it’s a quilt-as-you-go.    √  done … well at least the star borders are done
  2. Masks: being made as leaders & enders … pull out the serger and serge the ties.  partially done … ties are serged … only one mask completed
  3. Scrappy 4 patch 2″:   No quilting done … and now it’s 2nd in line for quilting

This week’s list:

  1. Quilt Blue Round Robin
  2. Bind Purple Round Robin
  3. Finish 7 masks 
  4. Finish 7 pillow cases

Stash Report

SS yellow

Nothing finished, no shopping, no changes …

  • Fabric Used this week       30.5  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        120  yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      9.5
  • Net Fabric used                    110.5 yards
  • –
  • Husband’s Purchases           0

Stitchin’ Time 

I am aiming for 30 minutes/day – at least!

  • 15 minute days:  January – Mar. 90/91
  • 15 min days/  April= 26/26
  • Total days in 2020:  126/127
  • Percentage = 99% 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AM

Nothing completed … no change

Screen Shot 2020-04-20 at 11.05.14 AM

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

***************************** 

Linking to: 

UFOs … just keep getting done!

/ quiltinggail / 27 Comments

Yes, Another UFO Finish!

Frolic is finished!  Borders on, label on, quilted and binding!  Done Done DONE!!!   It usually takes me 4-5 days to quilt a full sized Bonnie Hunter quilt, but with my new machine (Janome M7), the quilting was done in less than 2 days!  Those extra stiches / minute really do make a HUGE difference!!!

I’m loving how using mostly whites for the neutrals, along with the colours make for a nice cheery summer quilt!  This will be on a bed as soon as it’s washed!

IMG_6484.jpeg

The batting is Hobbs 80/20.  For quilting, I did a large swirl, with echoed flower petals around it.  I was amazed at how this pattern caught all of the 1″ squares quite nicely! A light grey CanSew thread was used for the quilting.

IMG_6495

Design Wall

Piecing:

Stay at Home Round Robin:  squares … were added this week.  I’m loving the Island Batik fabrics!

Masks: More made, but no picture …

Quilting:  

Just finished Frolic – as above!

TO DO 

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

Last week’s list:

  1. Finish up a UFO …  Actually finished 2!!!  Frolic (above) and Fr.Gen #2  √  done
  2. Round Robin: add the next borders  √  done
  3. Masks:  Make some more  √  done

This week’s list:

  1. Round Robin: add the last borders: maybe finish the purple one since it’s a quilt-as-you-go.
  2. Masks: being made as leaders & enders … pull out the serger and serge the ties.
  3. Scrappy 4 patch 2″: Quilt

Stash Report

SS yellow

Frolic used 17½ yards (12 ½ for the top & 5 for the backing)

French General #2 used  10 yards

I didn’t include the fabric used for masks …  I figure about 6 masks / yard … with ties … so 3 yards of fabric .

  • Fabric Used this week       30.5  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        120  yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      9.5
  • Net Fabric used                    110.5 yards
  • –
  • Husband’s Purchases           0

Stitchin’ Time

I am aiming for 30 minutes/day – at least!

  • 15 minute days:  January – Mar. 90/91
  • 15 min days/  April= 19/19
  • Total days in 2020:  119/120
  • Percentage = 99% 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AM

2 UFOs completed this week!!  WHOO HOO!!!

Screen Shot 2020-04-20 at 11.05.14 AM

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

***************************** 

Linking to: 

First Monday in April Report

/ quiltinggail / 11 Comments

Curved Piecing

I did a quilt with curved piecing for my April Island Batik Challenge.  I’m LOVING, yes, LOVING sewing curves now!!!  Isn’t it amazing how, once you are competent at something you loathed, the relationship becomes a good one?  You can read about this quilt in THIS POST.

IMG_6384

Design Wall

Piecing:

Stay at Home Round Robin:  The 2nd row, Pinwheels was put on last week.  I’m currently working on “Arrows” for this week.

IMG_6401

Guild Challenge: This week’s challenge is to make a heart quilt.  People here are putting hearts in their windows … so I’m making a heart baby quilt … later, it can be donated … The top is done, but I’m having to be creative to piece the back!

Quilting:

I have a few quilts to quilt … All but the guild heart quilt are sandwiched.

  • Guild heart quilt
  • Elvira (2)
  • Scrappy

TO DO 

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

Last week’s list:

  1. Round Robin: add the next borders     √  done
  2. Donation Quilt:      √  done
  3. Sandwich Elvira #1  & #2    √  done
  4. Frolic: get the borders on!!!!  NOT done

This week’s list:

  1. Round Robin: add the next borders
  2. Guild Heart Quilt: Sandwich & Quilt
  3. Masks:  The Canadian health officials are now suggesting that people wear masks when out shopping or taking transit.  Therefore, I will be making a few masks. At this time, I do not know which pattern I will be using.  I do know that the mask will have 2 layers and the ability to insert a filter of some sort.

Stash Report

SS yellowIMG_6413

I completed the above quilt …  3.25 yards for the top and binding & 1.25 yards for the back … for a total of 4.5 yards

  • Fabric Used this week       4.5  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        71  yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      9.5
  • Net Fabric used                    61.5
  • –
  • Husband’s Purchases           0

Stitchin’ Time

When I started this in January, I was aiming for at least 15 minutes /day.  With social isolating, I am aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.  And yes, on most days, it’s usually at least a few hours.  But, I don’t want to put myself under pressure saying that I will do a few hours each day!

  • 15 minute days:  January – Mar. 90/91
  • 15 min days/  April= 5/5
  • Total days in 2020:  95/96
  • Percentage = 98% 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AM

No UFOs finished since March.  I did finish the Donation challenge quilt.

The Heart Quilt challenge is a new start.  It will be done by Friday when I need to post a picture on Facebook.

Screen Shot 2020-04-06 at 9.37.29 PM

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

*****************************

Linking to: 

Dust bunnies?

/ quiltinggail / 15 Comments

Nothing too exciting this week.  I did finish my April Island Batik challenge … but of course, I can’t show you until April.

How am I?

I’m feeling a bit unfocused!  The other day, I sewed for about 10 minutes and then I HAD to organize my zippers [i don’t know why – i’ve never done so before]…  Then I sewed for about 5 minutes and then I HAD to tidy up a box of fabic [OK … it was a huge mess and needed to be cleaned up] … Then I sewed for about 3 minutes and then HAD to sweep the floor and gather the dust bunnies … Then, it was time for a break … Sigh … but the zippers are still organized, as is the box I tidied … but the dust bunnies escaped and multiplied and are taking over!!!!  Thankfully, this is from the floor and not from inside a sewing machine!!!  And this is just today’s bounty … and I did sweep yesterday as well!  fullsizeoutput_c9e

ANYHOW … enough of my First World Problem!   On to quilting!

Design Wall

Piecing:

Donation Quilt:  On Facebook, I challenged the guild members to make a donation quilt by next Friday … the inspiration for this came from the cancelled Baby Quilt Kit Making day that had been scheduled for Saturday.  There are a few that have taken up the challenge, and some are almost finished!  Me?  Well, I haven’t even started.  Do I make a quick baby quilt? Finish a flimsy for donation?  I’m un-decided … but I better make up my mind soon, eh?

Frolic:  One border is done on 1 side … 

IMG_6321.jpegFlorabunda:
10 blocks completed this week … the picture on the left is not from this week … I have a sneaking suspicion that I will be making more than one quilt from these blocks.

Stay at Home Round Robin:  The 2nd row (piano keys) is on and you can read about it / watch the video about it HERE.   And, below is a picture of the 2 quilts with their piano key borders on.

Quilting:

No quilting happening right now.

TO DO 

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

Last week’s list:

  1. Round Robin: add the next borders    √  done
  2. (Maybe) finish quilting April Island Batik    √  done
  3. Make Elvira into a flimsy    √  done
  4. Summer Solstice: Complete next step  NOT DONE
  5. Frolic: get the borders on!!!!   only side of one border on

This week’s list:

  1. Round Robin: add the next borders
  2. Donation Quilt: ???
  3. Sandwich Elvira #1  & #2  (need to piece the backing)
  4. Frolic: get the borders on!!!!

Stash Report

SS yellowAn Island Batik project was completed … but that’s not counted in my stash.

  • Fabric Used this week       0  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        66.5  yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      9.5
  • Net Fabric used                    57.75
  • –
  • Husband’s Purchases           0

Stitchin’ Time

I’m aiming for at least 15 minutes / day.   Even with a sore back, I’m managing 15 minutes a day …

  • 15 minute days:  January – Feb  59 / 60
  • 15 min days/ March = 29/29
  • Total days in 2020:  88/89
  • Percentage = 98% 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AM

To be honest, I had hoped that with self-isolation, I’d get more UFOs done.  But I guess, I’m just too busy chasing dust bunnies!Screen Shot 2020-03-29 at 2.39.23 PM

 

Another Blog Hop this week!

Scrap Everything

 

I’ll be posting on April 2 … so stay tuned!

 

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

*****************************

Linking to:

Did you see it?

/ quiltinggail / 20 Comments

All the posts on Facebook for International Quilt Day!!  It was a lot of fun!

I think I’m the only one in the neighbourhood that had quilts out … but that’s OK …

IMG_6368.jpeg

I just grabbed a few small quilts that were handy and made in the last year … no digging through the camper to find more … and yes, I have more, LOTS more!

It was a BEAUTIFUL spring day!  Sunny (although not very warm) … you can see purple hyacinths blooming and the magnolia tree on the left is just starting to bloom!

I have a finish!!

Yes, my “Circles” quilt is finished.  The quilting is finished, the binding is finished AND the label is on!

This quilt was started at a guild workshop on curves.  The circles were all cut with a large and a small Accuquilt die. (The guild owns them).  The instructor was fabulous and the die-cut pieces made for almost perfect piecing.   I say almost, because nothing I do is perfect!IMG_6336.jpeg

And here’s a close-up of the quilting: A biggish swirl with smaller swirls on the outside of the biggish swirl …

IMG_6337.jpegIMG_6338.jpeg

And, it seams like flange binding is all I do these days!  But, I do like the look.IMG_6340.jpeg

Design Wall

Piecing:

Summer Solstice:   The next step is completedIMG_6322.jpeg

Frolic: didn’t work on it this week …

IMG_6321.jpegFlorabunda:
Only one block completed this week

 

Stay at Home Round Robin:  I started 2 … you can read about them HERE.  You can still join in, if you want … there will be a linky party on Friday for you to post pictures.

IMG_6377.jpeg

Elvira: This as a “Quarantine Quilt Along”  with GE Quilt Designs.  The temptation to spend the day quilting with others was too much …  SEW, I dug into my stash of Reproduction fabrics and cut the amounts I needed.  For some reason, the bins are still just as full!!!

Quilting:

April’s Island Batik is being quilted … sorry no pictures until April!

TO DO 

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

Last week’s list:

  1. (Maybe) Finish quilting “Circles“  √  done
  2. Summer Solstice: Complete next step  √  done
  3. Round Robin: Make block  √  done
  4. Make “Making us Laugh”   —  almost there
  5. Sandwich April Island Batik    √  done
  6. Get bordrers on Frolic!  Not done

This week’s list:

  1. Round Robin: add the next borders
  2. (Maybe) finish quilting April Island Batik
  3. Make Elvira into a flimsy
  4. Summer Solstice: Complete next step
  5. Frolic: get the borders on!!!!

Stash Report

Circles used up 14.25 yards … and since I didn’t leave the house and didn’t shop on-line, there were no fabric purchases.

  • Fabric Used this week       14.25  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        66.5  yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      9.5
  • Net Fabric used                    57.75
  • –
  • Husband’s Purchases           0

Stitchin’ Time

I’m aiming for at least 15 minutes / day. 

  • 15 minute days:  January – Feb  59 / 60
  • 15 min days/ March = 22/22
  • Total days in 2020:  81/82
  • Percentage = 98% 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AM

Screen Shot 2020-03-21 at 8.32.50 PM.png

Quilt Qwazy Queens Blog Hop

It stated on Wednesday … and here are the participants for this week.  These are FUN!!!  I will be sharing mine on Tuesday!

Qwazy Monday, March 23

Qwazy Tuesday, March 24

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

*****************************

Linking to:

A Stay-at-home Round Robin

/ quiltinggail / 18 Comments

With all the stuff happening in the world right now, I’m electing to self-isolate.  Yes, that means I’ll be staying home, not going out and will have lots of time to sew.

Well, I will go out.  I was signed up to do the 10 km SunRun, and that is now cancelled.  However, I’m still going to continue training for it.  I no longer run, but I walk.  I walk a LOT.  So, going outside and walking will still be a constant in my life. Unless I’m told to stay home.

Screen Shot 2020-03-14 at 4.34.42 PMRound Robin

Have you ever wanted to do a round robin?  I’ve been interested, but have huge BUTs surrounding them.  Well, I’m going to do a Stay-At-Home Round Robin here on my blog.  Beginning instructions will be given  on  Friday, March 20th.

For those of you that don’t know what a Round Robin is … here’s how it usually works:

  • Each participant makes a block … usually you are given a size.  Sometimes participants have the fabric they want used placed in the bag that the block is in.  Sometimes a little notebook is with the block and states the block owner’s preferences, notes are added as the block is passed along.  Then the original block is passed to another participant.
  • Directions are given as to what to add as a border onto the block.  Sometimes it’s all 4 sides … sometimes only one side …
  • Then the block is passed on to the next participant and there are different directions as to what to add as a border.
  • This carries on until the quilt is deemed “finished” and the original with all the borders are returned to the original block owner.

There are many advantages of doing a Stay-at-Home Round Robin

  • you use the fabrics that YOU want to use
  • you don’t have to sew on someone else’s quilt
  • you make the decisions
  • it’s your quilt
  • it doesn’t need to leave your home (which is a HUGE thing right now with all the media attention of COVID-19)

Here’s how it’s going to work.  

This Friday, I will post the beginning instructions.  What size centre block (if you follow what I do) and approximately how big the quilt will be.

By March 27th, you will have your centre block done.  There  will be a linky party on the 27th, and you can share your block then.  With the linky party, you can share a blog post, an instagram post, a pinterest page.  Your choice!  You don’t need a blog to do this!  And, with the Linky party, we get to see what everyone is working on.

There are no hard and fast rules … this is meant to be fun and to occupy your mind as we live in this chaotic time!

A New Blog Hop starting this week

Quilt Qwazy Queens!

It starts on Wednesday … and here are the participants for this week.  It should be FUN!!!  I will be sharing mine the following week!

Wednesday March 18 
Thursday March 19
Friday March 20

Design Wall

Piecing:IMG_6319.jpeg

Summer Solstice:   I made myself complete these blocks.  Yeah, they got done!

Frolic: The centre is trimmed.

IMG_6321.jpegFlorabunda:
This is a free pattern from Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville.com  You can access the pattern HERE.  This is being used as a “Leader & Ender” project and 12 blocks were completed in the last week.

 

April Island Batik Challenge is ready for sandwiching

Quilting:

IMG_6323.jpegCircles is being quilted

TO DO 

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

Last week’s list:

  1. Time to pull this back out and work on Summer Solstice: ½ hour / day √  done
  2. Finish March Island Batik √  done
  3. Finish piecing April’s Island Batik √  done
  4. Trim Frolic and get the borders on  Partially done … Trimmed but no borders on it.

This week’s list:

  1. (Maybe) Finish quilting “Circles“
  2. Summer Solstice: Complete next step
  3. Round Robin: Make block
  4. Make “Making us Laugh” wall hanging
  5. Sandwich April Island Batik
  6. Get bordrers on Frolic!

Stash Report

IMG_6320.jpeg

There was this sale at “Dinkydoo” … a friend had never been … so off we went.  Inspite of the strict fabric diet that I have put myself on, I fell into temptation … 7 yards worth of temptation …  but aren’t they pretty?   The plan is to use some of them for guild pillowcases …

  • Fabric Used this week       0  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        52.25  yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   7  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      9.5
  • Net Fabric used                    42.75
  • –
  • Husband’s Purchases           0

Stitchin’ Time

I’m aiming for at least 15 minutes / day. 

  • 15 minute days:  January – Feb  59 / 60
  • 15 min days/ March = 15/15
  • Total days in 2020:  74 / 75
  • Percentage = 98%

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

 

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

*****************************

Linking to:

 

Yeah! Daylight Savings!

/ quiltinggail / 11 Comments

What a joy it is to have daylight later in the day!!!  I LOVE it!

Design Wall

Piecing:

IMG_6139.jpegCircles – borders on and it is sandwiched ….

IMG_6189.jpeg

 

Frolic: All the rows are joined and trimming is the next step.  I do need to do the trimming Continue reading →

Progress

/ quiltinggail / 6 Comments

First:  Week 3 Island Batik Blog HOP!!!

If you want to see a recap of Week 1, click HERE.  Week 2, click HERE.  If you haven’t seen the fabulous Log Cabin quilts, it will be well worth your time to visit the 2 Island Batik blog posts … beautiful eye candy!!! Here’s who’s in line for this week!  I can’t wait to see what they create! Continue reading →

Island Batik “Log Cabin Blog Hop”

/ quiltinggail / 17 Comments

Island Batik Blog HOP!!!

Island Batik “Log Cabin Blog Hop” Starts Today!   Be sure to visit Island Batik Blog each week to enter to win a pre-cut of one of the fabric collections highlighted that week.   These fabric collections are from the Fall 2019 line-up and should be available in quilt stores shortly.

I have seen a few of the quilts finished and a few in progress … oh my!!!  Fantastic eye candy for sure!!! Be sure to visit each of the blogs!

Here is the schedule for this week: Continue reading →

Keeping Records

/ quiltinggail / 11 Comments

Every Sunday, or Monday, I post a bit about what I’m working on.  It’s my way of keeping records, keeping on track and getting a LOT of quilting done!

Here’s an explanation of all the blogs that I regularly link up to have a category for them every Sunday or Monday.

  • Judy’s “Design Wall Monday” to show you what I’m piecing and quilting.  I think it’s fun to show you progress …
  • Roseanne & Sue’s “To Do” Tuesday“, to publicly say what I hope to do in the coming week.  I find it’s OK to have a list and it’s perfectly OK to not get everything on the list done.  It’s all progress and that’s what counts!
  • Donna’s “Stash Report” has really helped me to cut down on my fabric buying binges.  Very seldom do I ever buy “just because,” or “it’s on sale,” or “it’s pretty”  or whatever reason I can dream up at the time!!!  I’m not saying that I never make these types of purchases, but knowing that I need to report what I buy, makes me think twice … and those that follow my blog, know very well that I make frivolous purchases sometimes.
  • Kate’s “Stitchin’ Time” helps pull me to the sewing machine on those days that I’ve been too busy to sew, or just don’t feel like it.  Sometimes, I even set an alarm for 15 minutes and actually get up to turn the alarm off and also turn off my machine.  Other times, I get up and turn off the alarm and sit back down to sew … I never know which will happen!

And of course, I alway have my own PHD in 2020 report!

Design Wall

Piecing:

Summer Solstice:    I’ve started piecing the lone star.  Row 1 – 4 are completed.  Now to sew each of the 8 star points.   I think it’s going to be a pretty quilt! Continue reading →

What do you do when you hate …??

/ quiltinggail / 15 Comments

 I Hate sewing curves.

I Hate sewing circles.  

Last year, I got a Block on Board die from Accuquilt … Cleopatra’s Fan … it had curves.  I perservered, and made several blocks.  I was not happy.  I liked the block in the end, but I was not happy sewing it!

This year, I received another Block on Board die … it has CURVES.  (Can you hear the loud groan??? !!!)

The guild was offering a one day workshop on sewing circles.  SIGH!!!   I figured that I better take the workshop.  Here’s a sample of what happened at the workshop.  Lots of curved piecing.

Continue reading →

Monday, Monday …

/ quiltinggail / 11 Comments

Yesterday, I showed what I got done at the retreat and I just knew you’d want to see more details!  

Ode to 30’s

IMG_2178.jpeg

When I started this quilt … a long time ago … I wasn’t aware that there was a quilt genre called “30s.”  I just picked the pink fabric (1st border) and picked out complementary colours.

I did a diagonal backing on Ode to 30’s.  I love how some of the blocks really shine through with the sun shining!  When I made the back, I was tired of putting a stripe vertical or horizontal … I’d worry about it looking crooked.  SEW,  I made sure that the diagonal did not reach the corners … this way, if the diagonal was off a degree or 2 (or 10!), it wouldn’t matter.  I think it worked!

IMG_2170.jpg

Some custom quilting in Ode to 30’s … and some blocks just had an all-over motif in each block.

IMG_2176.jpg

My husband loved the birds in the tree!IMG_2219.jpg

Details:

  • 58″ x 66″
  • Hobbs 80/20 batting
  • Pieced with Aurifil thread
  • Quilted with Glide thread
  • Binding is 2 colour/flange binding (1¼” dark & 1½” light)

Design Wall

Piecing:

Summer Solstice:  I did not work on this at the retreat.  Pat, one of the other retreaters, helped me get my head around the lone star piecing, so I hope to make some progress on that this week!

IMG_5973

Frolic: Bonnie Hunter’s Mystery:   The reveal came out on Friday … I have some cutting to do before I can start putting the blocks together.  I think I will like it when it’s done!

52 Blocks in 52 weeks:  Need to make the last 4 blocks.

Quilting:

Hope to sandwich and start quilting Bento Box  “Rag Log Cabin.”

TO DO

I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”

A Gladys Taber quote  “Contentment is a list with half of it crossed off.”

This week my list is ALL crossed off!

Last week’s list:

  1. Finish Ode to 30’s    √  done  
  2. Work on Bento Box  Rag Log Cabin  UFO  √  done  
  3. Make Maple leaf block for Australia   √  done  

This week’s list:

  1. Sandwhich Rag Log Cabin
  2. Start Quilting Rag Log Cabin
  3. Make at least 2 “Frolic” blocks
  4. Make the last 4 “52 blocks in 52 weeks”
  5. Put “52 blocks in 52 weeks” on design wall and arrange
  6. Start the lone star portion of Summer Solstice.

Stash Report

The 2 finished quilts used 21 yards of fabric, plus ½ yard for the maple-leaf blocks for Australia.  I did go shopping at the retreat but only bought zippers and a thingy-ma-jig to hold stuff at my machine.  No fabric added.

  • Fabric Used this week        21.5 yards
  • Fabric Used this year:         21.5  yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      0
  • Net Fabric used                    21.5
  • –
  • Husband’s Purchases           0

Stitchin’ Time

  • January 1-19  : 12 out of 19   100% 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

 

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AM

 

I finished 2 UFOs.  And I’ve finished 2 of my 2020 starts.  There’s another 2020 start for Island Batik that I’ve put in the sheet, but I actually haven’t started it yet.

If you are working on your PHD in 2020, be sure to link up to the mid-January linky party and show us your progress! (HERE)

Screen Shot 2020-01-18 at 4.30.25 PM

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

*****************************

Linking to:

Monday … and I’m off to a retreat!

/ quiltinggail / 15 Comments

YEAH, I LOVE retreats!!!  They are always lots of fun!  Lots of chatting and laughing and eating and sewing and laughing and eating and … oh ya, lots of fun!

I hope to work on a few UFOs … we’ll see how that goes!

Design Wall

Piecing:

Summer Solstice:  This section of 8 is done!  Spending 15 min / day worked!  Often it turned out to be closer to an hour … it takes a LOT of time when you need to take out the little tiny stitches that you can barely see!IMG_5960

Frolic: Bonnie Hunter’s Mystery:   All caught up .. and everything fits in this container. I suspect that the reveal may come soon … either this week or next … and I’ll be ready! Continue reading →

First Monday of the Roaring 20s

/ quiltinggail / 21 Comments

OK … so things are NOT roaring around here … they are plodding along … slowly …

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AMIf you want to decrease your UFOs … and not make your UFO list any bigger, Join me for your PHD in 2020!  Check out this blog post for details … and scroll WAY down for the linky party so that you can join in!  You can join in on the PHD in 2020 until Jan. 14.  Then on the 1st and 15th of each month, there will be a linky party for you to show your progress. Continue reading →

Last Monday of 2019! Plans for 2020!

/ quiltinggail / 19 Comments

Plans for 2020

I don’t make resolutions … they never work for me.  However, I do make PLANS.  Plans can be changed … in my mind, resolutions are sort-of set in stone and unchangeable.

My plans for 2020 include:

  • Obtaining my PHD in 2020 (obviously, eh?)
  • Learn how to sew curves!!! I’ve signed up for a class in January!  I want to master, or at least feel more comfortable sewing curves!
  • Use up my stash!!!  Dare I aim for using at least 100 yards?  Can I avoid purchasing fabric???  Lofty plans … but I’ll try!
  • Having a Baby Quilt Marathon on the blog … likely in July – but subject to change.  And, same as last year, if participants want to work on specific projects and not baby quilts- that’s fine!  All that is required is a concentrated effort to work on a project for 26 hours during the time from ?? date to ?? date.   See HERE, HERE and HERE for some posts about the 2019 Baby Quilt Marathon.
  • Have a Baby Quilt Sew-a-long … the EQ picture is done, just need to write out the pattern and figure out the details.  This may happen during the marathon, I haven’t decided yet.

OK … OK … I know you’re wondering, why so many Baby Quilts?  The quilt guild I belong to makes baby quilts for several different charities.  I have TONS of fabric and it’s fun to make small quilts.  Usually they are pretty quick to make.  Occasionally, I practice a different free motion motif on them, sometimes it’s just straight stitching.  Anything goes.

PHD in 2019: Quilting UFOs and Finishing New Projects

YES!!!  I have completed my PHD in 2019!!!!

Emily, from The Darling Dogwood, also completed her PHD in 2019.  YAY, Emily!!!

I haven’t heard from the others, so am not sure if anyone else has completed their PHD in 2019. Continue reading →