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
I have been away – without Internet connection and have done absolutely no sewing in the past 3 weeks! Yes, I am going through quilting withdrawal! At least it will be an easy fix!
A creation like this was on our beds each night!
SEW …. How do I know I was going through quilting withdrawal?
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
Jan: 2
Feb: 0
Mar: 0
Apr: 0
May: 2
June: 4
July: 0
Aug: 1
Sept: 2
Oct: 5
Nov: 1
Dec: 0
There are 27 UFOs left to complete
I was happily working away on my Labyrinth quilt while I was at the retreat. When the quilting was done, I, as normal, trimmed off the batting and extra backing. The there was a HUGE loud swear word that came out of my mouth. I had somehow gotten a corner of the quilt under what I was trimming and I cleanly sliced a wedge about 2″ x 7″ out of a corner (sorry, no picture) … GROAN … A lot of people came to my rescue and provided me with a ton of suggestions … ♥ quilting friends ♥ calmed me down and gave me viable solutions. I hand stitched the wedge into place. You can’t see it in the border, but it does show on the back. One suggested I add an additional label over the wedge once I know who it will be gifted to. I am just very thankful that it was in a corner and not in the middle of the quilt! Here’s a picture of the finished quilt, followed by close-ups of the quilting:
Here’s a few more pictures of works in progress at the retreat.
Benartex had a contest on Facebook and I entered a quilt that I had made years ago with their fabric. No, I didn’t win. I didn’t even come in the top half. But that’s OK. Just for entering, I received a very cute charm pack. It’s called “A Moose for Christmas.” It’s in the process of becoming a table runner. This is the first design / fabric placement layout … there’s likely to be many more before I start sewing it together. It’s fun to work with these fabrics because they are so very cute! And the colours suit me and my house.
I fell off my fabric diet wagon this weekend. In fact, the wagon broke.
I went into one store and managed to leave with only buying a few notions. But the 2nd store, Needle & I, I went into buy micro brushes. They are intended for applying 
adhesives etc. but they are fantastic for cleaning your machine. They were on sale … so was some fabric and I looked at the fabric and quickly looked away. And then I was chatting with the gals in the shop and I looked some more and then the wagon broke! In my defence, the neutral fabric is for backing a quilt! The colour is not true in the picture. The top fabric is actually a beige/cream and the bottom is a pretty blue. A VERY pretty blue. A lovely lovely blue. Did you know that blue is my favourite colour? 
Fabric Used this Week: 8.5 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 171 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 8 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 109 yards
2017 UFO’s completed
Jan: 2
Feb: 0
Mar: 0
Apr: 0
May: 2
June: 4
July: 0
Aug: 1
Sept: 2
Oct: 5
Nov: 1
27 UFO’s left to complete. (3 UFO’s have been given away)
Am preparing a few Christmas placemats for a binding demo / class later this week. Later, the guild will be donating them to Meals on Wheels for Christmas. Here’s a picture of one of them and it will have a flange binding on it. These placemats will help my fabric numbers, but since I started them yesterday, they definitely are not UFOs!
I finished the quilt that needs to be gifted before I show a picture. It was a UFO and I bought the backing and fabric for the appliqué. (Which I included in my purchases a few weeks ago.) It used a total of 4.5 yards of fabric.
The other is a simple flannel quilt that has already been donated to the guild. It used 4 yards of fabric. It also was a UFO that was languishing in the baby quilts bin.
Total yards used this week: 8.5 yards.
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 149.5 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 54 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 95.5 yards
2017 Completed
Jan: 2
Feb: 0
Mar: 0
Apr: 0
May: 2
June: 4
July: 0
Aug: 1
Sept: 2
Oct: 2
33 UFO’s left to complete.
My leader & ender has become the main project. It’s a scrappy Irish Chain with
everything, except the kitchen sink. That’s right – I don’t have fabric with a kitchen sink on it! I have about 6 more scrappy blocks to make and then I can web the whole thing 
together! Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s put a dent in my 2″ square box. Hmmm, I think that what they say about scraps having sex and multiplying must be true!
This UFO is next to be quilted … it should be a quick finish … I hope! I’m thinking of doing serpentine diagonal lines in both directions … will see what happens …
Fabric Used this Week: 15 yards (Irish Chain, Kansas Troubles)
Fabric Used year to Date: 136.75 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 49.5 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 80.45 yards
I started the year with 47 UFO’s. I got the Irish Chain done … a whopping 15 yards of fabric … and it was an UFO.
2017 Completed
Jan: 2
Feb: 0
Mar: 0
Apr: 0
May: 2
June: 4
July: 0
Aug: 1
Sept: 1
37 UFO’s left to complete. Oh dear … I do hope I get this number way down before the end of the year!
My Ribbon quilt is now a flimsy. It’s a pretty simple pattern and you can use fat quarters. The pattern is free and available here. Be warned: Friends of mine ordered the kit and are totally disappointed with the fabrics (quality and colour). This quilt is from a collection of fabrics (mostly fat quarters) that I bought eons ago. I had a plan for it – but it was not to be. As soon as I saw this pattern, I knew this was THE pattern for the fabrics … There is enough of the remaining fat quarters and additional fabric that I might even be able to make another quilt with the fabric. 
To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:
At the moment, only this ribbon quilt is in progress … It’s a free pattern found here. It’s a fairly easy pattern, but make sure that you label all your fabrics as you cut them out. But be warned: Friends of mine ordered the kit and are very disappointed in the fabric quality and colour that was in the kit.
The guild’s show is over … This is the first time I’ve been involved in a quilt show and I am amazed at how everything just fit together and ran smoothly! The organizers did an excellent job! So pictures … lots of pictures! Today just one display … later … more pictures …
A few of us were involved in setting up a display “150 years of Quilting in Canada” … 
Various guild members lent 26 heritage quilts to the display. The quilts had stories behind them … wonderful stories. Some of the members included pictures of the quilt makers. (Now that was a fantastic idea!) There were 2 hand crank machines that people were able to try. A toy machine dating 1860 had a place of honour in the middle of the table. The feed sacks you see in the last 2 pictures were from my cousin Dennis in Ontario. There was an old ironing board with a collection of antique irons (no picture, sorry!) As well as many other items.
There were lots and lots of interesting stories as people came by. Many items evoked memories of “when I was a child …” or “I learned to sew on a hand crank.” It was such fun listening to the stories.
To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a “Design Wall” post. So here goes!
I’m in the process of quilting “Love Letters.” I’m entering it in the show this coming weekend – sew …. the quilting needs to be finished. I did some ruler work (see in the pink triangles?) and that took a LOT of time. Quilting the swirls is going much faster! However, if I quilt for too long, my thumb on my right hand hurts. So, I’m trying to quilt this in 10-15 minute segments. The border and binding are already done – so it’s just the blocks that I need to finish. I’m hopeful that it will be finished by Wednesday!
This is one of my UFO’s in progress. It’s a Judy Niemeyer pattern. This is my 4th quilt using this pattern. Yes, it’s a paper piecing pattern, but a dear friend taught me how to paper piece without sewing on the paper … and so I can re-use the pattern. And I must admit – this pattern is very easy to adapt to this method of non-paper-piecing. This pattern also uses a jelly roll – so it’s a wonderful way to use my beautiful batik jelly rolls that are languishing in my stash! 
To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:
As I was getting the picture ready for this blog post. I was happy to have a flimsy completed! However, the picture showed me that I have a bit of unstitching to do.
Do you see the mistakes? I have no idea how the green squares on the left and right borders got there. And there is a blue and white half-square triangles on each side that needs to be re-oriented (again!). The sides should look exactly like the top and bottom … sigh …
Now, the search is on for the white fabric … where did I put it? 
To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:
I’ve been away and we now have company – so very little sewing is happening.
This was a kit from Heart & Soul Quilts in Grand Forks … I changed the background fabric … need to add borders … Oops, I see a mistake … will need to take out a couple of blocks and change the orientation … glad I caught it now!
It’s being quilted … still … almost 1/2 done!
It’s sandwiched … need to quilt and bind it. Hoping for a finish in the coming week …
To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:
Happy Quilting
Gail
It’s being quilted …
Is sandwiched and still waiting for inspiration on how to quilt it.
Last week I went a guild charity baby quilt making day! What a lot of fun! And, I managed to get this quilt top together … I had thought I would add a border, but if I do that the backing will be too narrow. Sew … all I will do is add binding – after I quilt it.
To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:
Happy Quilting
Gail
I went to a fantastic workshop this weekend. It was called “Zendoodling” with Wilma Brock. It was a lot of fun and I learned tons! Here is a picture of what I did at the workshop. I did find it hard to quilt “small” … I’m so used to quilting big quilts, quilting ‘small’ is not an option for me!
Is sandwiched and I’ve quilted 2 snail trail blocks … only 23 left, 16 large star blocks and all the little star blocks and border … it won’t be done in the next few days!
Is sandwiched and waiting for inspiration on how to quilt it.
No progress.
To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:
Happy Quilting
Gail
The back got pieced together today!!
I didn’t take a picture because it is HUGE and is put away until I sandwich the quilt later this week.
Sorry, no pictures because the result is a secret. The table runner is for an exchange at a retreat at Over the Rainbow Lodge in April. Once the exchange has happened, I will post a picture of the runner.
No progress.
To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:
Happy Quilting
Gail
Only one more big star block completed this week. Slow progress on this one!
3½” blue string blocks are completed. And here is a picture of the start of my “yardage” for the red string blocks.
To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:
Happy Quilting
Gail
Quilting Gail 