I have an embroidery machine. It’s OLD and the hoops are small. At work, I was told that I needed to learn to use the embroidery machine. A big one. It’s nice. But I don’t have it at home. I can work my way around it and have designed several things, using the designs that are build in.
But I wanted to try appliqué in the hoop, on my machine. There is a real cute pattern at Sweet Pea, an Australian company. It’s a free pattern. “Learn in the Hoop.”
This picture is perfect for my husband … he’s always working with tools of some sort and figuring things out! Continue reading
I’m leaving this morning for a retreat! Here is an early morning picture taken last year from one of the bedrooms at “Over the Rainbow Lodge” on Camano Island.
I’m going to be sewing with friends from British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. A true west-coast group of ladies.
Sew … I’m planning on working on lots of my UFO projects …
I may take one new project to work on … Dr. Suess quilt, a bag, or something using some fat quarters or a layer cake or ??? (hmm that’s more than one) … but I wouldn’t want to run out of projects, would I? And, I am going for a week!
Week 2 is in progress. If you hopped to all the blogs last week, I’m sure that you saw lots and lots of wonderful eye candy. I promise that you will see more again this week.
Here are the list of blogs to hop around this week:
Yes, I know I mentioned at the beginning of this post that there are give-aways available. You will get an entry for each blog comment you leave. The hosts use a tool called a “Rafflecopter” for choosing the winners of the give-aways. So visit one of the following co-host’s blogs and enter to WIN!!! The sponsors are in the picture below the list of blogs.
Tish is the wonder-gal that designed the logo below with all of the give-aways that are happening.
Remember, I said I was going to play with these left-over blocks from the Orca Bay Quilt?
I made 3 zipper bags with the left-over blocks from Orca Bay. It was a project I started this year and I finished it this year! They didn’t turn into UFOs!
My design wall now has a secret project on it. I can show you the material for the back. And no, the picture does not give the true colour! I told you, it’s a secret project – so you won’t be able to see it until May. It is a UFO that is for a secret exchange … I can tell you that it will be a table runner and the theme is winter.
Orca Bay has all the borders on it!
No shopping – nothing added. Yes, I was at Tradex at the Creative Festival and I only bought 2 sided fusible pellon. No fabric. To be honest – I didn’t take a good look at the fabric and so I didn’t buy any. I did see a quilt panel that was fractured at the Quilted Bear booth and the same panel that was not fractured at the Needle & I booth. They were both wonderful! Beautiful colours and great quilting. But I was only tempted to admire, not buy!
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 94.1 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 14 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 84.1 yards
For the past 2 months, the guild Quilting 101 class has worked on baby quilts. We choose a simple pattern and made 7 quilts. It was good learning … how to make large half-square triangles, How to trim them easily and then arranging the blocks. This month we did quilting with the walking foot. Organic waves. I thought it was fun to quilt! Unfortunately, I only have pictures of the one I did. Next month, the group will be putting binding on and I will try to get more pictures of the quilts then.
Silly me, I went ahead and put the binding on this one – so I’ll need to find another project to demonstrate binding next month. That shouldn’t be too hard! .
This quilt finishes about 37 x 37″. The 2nd picture is from the back with the sun shining through … fun.
The white Ohio stars are done. About ¾ of the black ones are done. And about ½ of the red string triangles with black and white “wings” are done. I need to make a zillion more “wings”, but they are not as tedious as the hourglass blocks to make. (In my opinion).
Then there is the assembly of the quilt, then adding borders, then quilting, making and adding the label and then binding. Believe it or not … I think I see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just a glimmer.
All of the straight line “in the ditch” quilting has been done. I think I have decided what to do in the big negative rectangle spaces: a feather arch. The big floral-type squares will likely be a flower made with what I call “C”. And the checkerboard section … who knows.
I used guild fabric for the above pink quilt – so nothing deleted from my stash. No shopping, so nothing added!
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 94.1 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 14 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 84.1 yards
The weather yesterday was definitely like a lion! We saw snow, sleet, hail, and the sun was shining when the ground was turning white with hail. I’m hoping for spring … warmth … sun …
I don’t know if it’s the weather or not, but it just seems like my quilting is progressing very slowly!
Quilting: I’m still quilting in the ditch to section off parts of this quilt … I like the quilt, but every single time I decide to stitch in the ditch, I remind myself that it would be much much faster to free motion.
Piecing: I’m slugging away at Orca Bay … the only step I’ve completed is the blue string blocks which will be part of the sashing – and they were completed sometime last year, along with the red string triangles. All of the other units are in progress. It seems like it’s taking forever … and I’m not enjoying the hourglass blocks … lots and lots of them to do. I have no idea how many more I need to make … who counts when you have a billion to make?
The first picture is the pile of blue string blocks. The 2nd picture is some of hourglass blocks – waiting to be sewn. The last picture is some of the hourglass blocks joined to the red centres of what will eventually become Ohio Star blocks.
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
I was wandering around blog-land when I came across “The Free-motion Challenge Quilting Along” by Angela Walters of Quilting is My Therapy.
If you don’t know who Angela Walters is – she’s a fantastic quilter! She has a quilt show “The Midnight Quilter.” Well – go look for yourself! HERE
Anyhow .. the Challenge … “The Free-motion Challenge Quilting Along”
Yes, I signed up …
The first video talks about what you need for the Challenge … the necessities and the “nice-to-have.” There is even a free quilt pattern to do the quilting on.
Am I going to make the free quilt? Yes & No.
I’m going to take fabric – draw some boxes on it (roughly the same size as the boxes on her free quilt pattern). Sandwich the quilt and start practicing.
I’ve already watched the first video … now I’m ready for Week 2.
And the best part: all the videos will be on YOUTUBE … so if you’re like me and already a week or 2 behind, you can still follow along. And it’s FREE!!!
And the very next BEST part is: this is learning … it’s like going to a free motion class with a bunch of 12″ squares sandwiched together … and they don’t count as UFOs or anything … so this won’t count towards my UFO list or influence my PHD in 2018.
And the very next BEST BEST part: I will learn a LOT about free motion quilting! YES!!!
Hole in the Barn Door Wall Hanging used 2 yards.
And, I needed backing for a quilt, so I bought 4 yards.
Fabric Used this Week: 2 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 94.1 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 4 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 14 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 84.1 yards
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
I have belonged to Kathy Tracy’s “Small Quilt Talk” yahoo group for simply ages. They have recently moved to a different platform and I joined. While looking around the new site, I saw the photos and files of the new MYSTERY quilt. I ♥ LOVE ♥ mystery quilts. They stretch me. You don’t have to join the group – her mystery is available FREE (until it’s over) if you click HERE. And then click on the Mystery Quilt tab.
Of course, since I’m working on my Quilting PHD in 2018, everything I start in 2018, has to be finished this year. So, if I was to start this Mystery quilt – I’d have to finish it. It’s small 30″x 30″. I could rationalize it … my need to start something NEW … to use up some of my stash. I’m sure I could come up with lots of other reasons to start this quilt!
Of course, I’m going to resist this temptation. I’m just writing about it on my blog in case **YOU** want to participate.
Quilting: This is the Queen Size Beginner mystery quilt that we did with the guild. The bobbins are wound – I’m going to stitch in the ditch around the multitude of 4 patches … I’ll decide later what I’ll put in the negative spaces.
After debating which quilt I wanted to finish piecing, I decided to work on Orca Bay #2. Mostly because it has the most piecing left to do and it is still February. That gives me 10 months to finish the top, sandwich it, quilt & bind it. The worst parts are already done (the blue and red string blocks). If I calculate correctly, I think I have 6 billion more pieces to sew together for this quilt. (Yes, that is a slight exaggeration!) I originally did Orca Bay #1 as a mystery quilt in 2011. That quilt was gifted and I want one of my own. And, I want it bigger … This quilt can be found in Bonnie Hunter’s book, “String Fling” available at the Quiltville website.
You can see a picture of Orca Bay HERE.
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
We had a bit of snow Saturday night & I wanted to get a picture of ORL on the snow yesterday. You can tell we didn’t have a lot of snow as the grass is showing!
This is UFO #11 for this year! I’m HAPPY! And, the 16 yards for the top and the 7 yards for the back all came from my stash!!!
Please, please tell me: Since I used 23 yards of fabric – all from my stash – why oh why are the bins still full?
Quilting: “Like Gina’s Comma” – will be an easy quilt to quilt – spirals and spirals and
spirals. Gina is my daughter and I made the quilt below for her in 2015 using a jelly roll called “Comma” by zen chic. The coloured portion fits the top of a queen sized bed. She asked that the borders be wide and plain and she requested spirals all over. I liked how it turned out. “Like Gina’s Comma” is the same pattern, using “Nature’s Chorus” by April Cornel.
Here is a picture of the quilt just starting the quilting … and a picture with the trimmings from On Ringo Lake … I might use it for binding. Time will tell.
Piecing: I’m debating between finishing “Ode to 30’s.” A quilt that I started around 2009 or earlier. [Is anyone from Krazy Kwilters following my blog and can you tell me?] Anyhow – when I started it, I didn’t realize what 30’s fabrics were and chose a pretty fabric and tons of coordinating fabric to go with it. I’m not too fond of the pattern anymore, so, I won’t be making all of the little blocks – I think I’ll just finish the 12″ blocks, maybe make some other 12″ blocks, sash them and call it “done.” There are a few crap-lique (appliqué) blocks that I’m not keen on doing.
My other option is to work on Orca Bay #2. I gave away my first Orca Bay to a very loving home, but I’ve since realized that I want one of my own. And, of course, I want to make it bigger than the 75 x 85″ that the original pattern calls for.
Sew … the debate is on … stay tuned to find out which I choose.
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
Registration is now OPEN!
If you are a new Quilt blogger (less than 3 years), go and register. They are limiting registration to 100 … so register soon!
This is what it’s about: The goal of the 7th annual New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop is to provide advice, tech help, and introduce new quilters to the online community.
I joined this last year. It was a great experience! I learned a ton. I’m joining again this year as I still have a ton to learn!
if you want to register go HERE.
I’ve started quilting my Carol Doak paper pieced quilt. This is one of the quilts that was on top of my filing cabinet and I was reluctant to tackle them. I made the pieced back and sandwiched it in early January. I’m looking forward to having this UFO done! So why am I FMQ stitch in the ditch? Its so slow … but then again, it’s what this quilt is calling me to do.
I’m sewing with friends today! YEAH!!! I will be working on more of these blocks. The pattern is “Fractured Paint Box” by Judy Niemeyer. It’s a paper-pieced pattern that I’m doing without sewing on the papers. I started on this one in 2016.
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
I’m working on another retreat bag. A large one this time. I had a honey bun and wanted to quilt as you go. I finished the quilt as you go and then went and cut the “fabric” too short … groan … sew, I had a wide enough piece cut from the bottom and added it to the side. (see the top piece) Hopefully it will turn out!
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
This is the project that I’m working on today. I’m starting to quilt this wall hanging. Mostly it will be stitch in the ditch … but I might change my mind and do something else as well. 
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
There’s nothing new on my design wall.
I am going to visit my sister for a couple of weeks. She’s going to be recovering from surgery and I’m going to be her nurse and help. Mmmm … not sure what kind of help I’ll be – but I can be bossy and get her moving and on the road to recovery!
I’m taking a few small projects with me. I hope to complete at least 7 UFOs while I’m gone. This is half of my suitcase (the other half is for clothes)
The UFO’s I have packed are:
Ha! Wish me luck with all that! My sister has a Janome 8900, so it should be easy to sew/quilt on since I have the same machine.
UFO #2
The fat 1/4 flannel quilt that was sitting on top of my filing cabinet is DONE! The sun was shining for a few minutes after the quilt came out of the dryer. I quickly hung the quilt on the line an snapped a photo.
The picture on the left is a picture from the back of the quilt and sort-of shows the quilting pattern.
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
As I wrote the title for this post, the song started singing in my head! The Mamas & The Papas … you can hear it on YouTube HERE. But, I can guarantee that my quilts will still be with me!
The start of the layout for “On Ringo Lake”. This quilt is on point and will be impossible to “web” so there will be a lot of careful sewing to ensure things stay in the correct position.
Interesting that in this picture a lot of the pinks look like coral … a few are, but most of them are pink.
My cousin Terry is showing off her organizational skills and sent me a link to her PHD update: Sew Sunday @ My Quilting Legacy Give her a visit and say “hi”.
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links
As 2017 comes to an end, I’m thinking over the past year. Lots of ups and downs – with a needle and thread. I want to thank all of YOU for visiting my blog, commenting and supporting me in my quilting endeavours. I’m looking forward to a fun year in 2018 as I, and others, work on completing their PHDs!
The list of participants in the PHD in 2018 challenge is at the top of my blog. Including me, there are 5 of us aiming for the certificate. You can see the details HERE. You have until January 10 to join and send me your list via instagram, Pinterest or Blog.
Here is the list:
Terry is working on a project and would like some advice. Visit her latest post and give your opinion. Here post is HERE.
In the last few days, I managed to get 2 quilts sandwiched. As you see below, my daughter’s dog “Fergie” decided that she wanted to help sandwich it.
This quilt was made from 2 packages of flannel fat quarters that I bought a LONG time ago at Craft Warehouse (?) near Portland, Oregon. I always planned to make a rag quilt with the fabric, but wasn’t impressed with the work it would take to cut the “rags”. Even with the Accuquilt – each block would have had to be done separately because of the heaviness of the flannel, Sew – the plan changed and this became a disappearing 4 patch. The backing is also flannel. I can’t wait until it’s finished! It should be nice and cozy.
This quilt is under the machine right now. It is primarily made with scraps from other people. It did nothing to reduce MY own scrap pile. In making this quilt, I realize that I don’t WANT any more scraps! But I must admit, it’s fun to sew with other peoples fabrics! 
It will take a bit of time to get this one quilted. I’m doing small feather wreaths in the white blocks and outlining the coloured blocks. Slow going!
The other day, I was almost caught up with “On Ringo Lake” and thought I had a week to finish Clue 6. But, to my surprise and likely everyone else’s – Clue 7 came out yesterday and Clue 8 came out today … Needless to say – I am not caught up! And, I suspect the final reveal will come out tomorrow. The picture on the left is the remaining Clue 6 to sew together. At the top of the picture is a few Clue 7. The picture on the right is the Clue 8 – the block … And I just noticed that the middle bottom block is upside down! Good thing it’s not sewn together yet!
Well, I’ve got a lot of sewing to do and absolutely nothing will be finished before the New Year rings in.
As of tomorrow, January 1, I’m starting off my Stash Report at “0”
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 0 yards
I have 57 UFOs … SEW – to get my PHD this year, I will complete 1/2 of the UFOs and finish all new projects that I start in 2018.
Total finished: 0
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
As promised, I said I would show you this quilt once it was gifted. It spent a bit of time in transit and I found out this week that little E now has her quilt.
I’m going to be working on my PHD this year. Are you going to join me?
PHDs are Projects Half Done … and I aim to get half of mine DONE.
Check out this post HERE for details.
Here is the start of Clue 5. If you want to join in this Bonnie Hunter mystery – there is a button on my side-bar. You can always download the clues to do the mystery at a later date.
I find that doing the mystery quilts are a fantastic way to learn new and faster techniques. Her mystery quilts are like taking a course in making the quilt. The directions are superb!
I will continue doing this in 2018.
Nothing bought – but I did finish my charm pack runner, candle mat & co. 
These are my 2017 year end numbers:
Fabric Used this Week: 1.5 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 172.5 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 110.5 yards
My 2017 UFO record.
| January | 2 | July | 0 |
| Feb | 0 | Aug | 1 |
| Mar | 0 | Sept | 2 |
| April | 0 | Oct | 5 |
| May | 2 | Nov | 1 |
| June | 4 | Dec | 0 |
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
On Ringo Lake: Clue 4 is DONE!!! (it was an easy clue) And bit’s and pieces of Clue 1, 2, & 3 are done … still sewing away at them! I’d sort of like to get them done so I can possibly get at least one UFO done & increase my fabric used numbers a bit! And also decrease the numbers of UFO’s I’m entering into 2018 with.
I do know that I need to get the Christmas decorations out and decorate the tree … hopefully in the next few days.
Are you going to join me? Check out this post HERE for details.
Nothing bought – nothing finished! So my total stays the same!
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 171 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 109 yards
UFOs completed:
| January | 2 | July | 0 |
| Feb | 0 | Aug | 1 |
| Mar | 0 | Sept | 2 |
| April | 0 | Oct | 5 |
| May | 2 | Nov | 1 |
| June | 4 | Dec | 0 |
17 UFOs completed! There are 27 UFOs left to complete
My big toe on my right foot is broken – in 2 places. Groan. That is my machine-driving foot. Yes, I can use my left foot – but it’s not as good as my right foot. However, I have managed to start the “On Ringo Lake” mystery! When there is a will, there is a way! Here is 10 of each of the first 3 clues done. Many many more to do! They just won’t all get done in a day!
If you want to join in the fun – there is a link to the mystery in the right side-bar. If you want to see what others are doing – there is a linky part on Bonnie’s blog. Click HERE.
Nothing bought – nothing finished!
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 171 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 109 yards
UFOs completed:
| January | 2 | July | 0 |
| Feb | 0 | Aug | 1 |
| Mar | 0 | Sept | 2 |
| April | 0 | Oct | 5 |
| May | 2 | Nov | 1 |
| June | 4 | Dec | 0 |
There are 27 UFOs left to complete
Quilting Gail 