Whether you celebrate Easter, in prayer, song, bunnies or eggs, I wish you all a blessed Happy Easter!
Continue readingEaster Sunday
Monday’s Design Wall
Almost the end of March
I had a fun day today, sewing and chatting with other Island Batik Ambassadors. It’s certainly fun getting to know each other! To discuss what we’re working on, what concerns us, and what’s new!
Design Wall
Piecing
Last week, I said that I had nothing on my design wall. Well, that wasn’t exactly the truth … I just had nothing NEW on the design wall … I did have the pieces from the class “Speed Dating with Improv.”
And, they have changed a bit … they are now sewn into a block and need borders.
As we were taking the course, Krista (the instructor) told us to think of a story to help with the assembly. Some of the ladies had fabulous stories and you could see it in their quilt layout. Me? I couldn’t think of a story. On a Zoom chat, (as this was being assembled, someone suggested that I had an apple in the middle. OK … I guess so, if you use your imagination … So, the final title of this little sampler might just be, “Maybe it’s an apple?” OR … what do you see in this sampler? PLEASE tell me …
Quilting:
My April Island Batik challenge is being quilted. (Sorry – no pictures until April
Stash Report
The SAHRR is finished and although the top is all Island Batik, the back was from my stash … so that used 4.5 yards of fabric. You can read about it on tomorrow’s post!
- Fabric Used this week 4.5 yards
- Fabric Used this year: 35 yards
- Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
- Fabric Added this year: 9 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
- Net Fabric used 25 yards
- Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
I have stitched for over 30 minutes each day
- January – February – 59 / 59
- March – 28 / 28
- Percentage = 100 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
Chris from ChrisKnits is hosting it “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
Last week:
I accomplished everything on my To Do List!!!
- Finish SAHRR √ done
- Borders on Healthcare Hero’s Mystery (this is for the guild …) √ done
- Start putting Speed Dating top together √ done
- Make Table Runner for the Scrap Challenge – green this month √ done and posted about HERE.
- Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √ done
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ done
This week’s list:
- Finish quilting and binding April Island Batik Project
- Start A&A’s quilt
- Sandwich Healthcare Hero’s Mystery (this is for the guild …)
- Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
I will post more about PHD in 2021 on Wednesday with a linky party for YOU!
What’s coming up on the blog in March and April and May?
Tomorrow!!!!! March 29 – SAHRR parade … there will be a linky party for all the SAHRR quilts
And … I’m waiting to find out what colour April will be! Then I’ll think about a table runner!
In April, there’s the “In the Kitchen” blog hop happening!!
Doesn’t this sound like a fun fun, FUN blog hop??? And … I just might have an idea of what I’m going to do!
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Linking to:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces
- Frédérique @ Quilting Patchwork Applique
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- To-Do Tuesday @ Chris Knits
Middle Monday in March
Lots of things happening here. All in my studio … no travelling …
Teaching
On Friday, I taught a Scrappy Irish Chain class. It’s the first class I’ve taught by Zoom. It was a lot of fun! And the ladies were wonderful!
There are 2 things that I did not like about teaching via Zoom and both of these help me in reducing my own stash!
- I couldn’t walk around the group with a bunch of my own 2″ or 2.5″ squares and give them to everyone to include in their own quilt.
- I couldn’t take a huge box of scraps and tell everyone that I wanted the box empty after the class.
I make 4 patches as leaders and enders … and occasionally, they work into a quilt. I have a lot of Irish Chain pieces and they were put back in the box until I teach this class again.
As I was demo-ing various parts, I managed to get some of the components sewn. This is 9 completed blocks.
Design Wall
Piecing
Then on Saturday, I took a class “Speed Dating with Improv” with Krista Hennebury @ Poppyprint. I don’t do Improv … I’ve not been too interested in Improv … but … it doesn’t hurt to learn something new, right? But, to be brutally honest: I was scared!!! Improv is so out of my box!!!
However, I certainly felt a LOT different after the class!!! We cut things free hand. Yes, straight lines and curves!!! With NO rulers!!!! The piecing doesn’t have to match!!! Woo Hoo!!! After years of attempting to get great points and to match corners … it didn’t matter!!! It was a LOT of fun!!!! If you’re interested in Improv, check out Krista’s classes @ Poppyprint.
I used Island Batik solids: black, white and turquoise.
Here’s a picture of what’s on my design wall. Now, to organize and arrange and put all the fillers in.
Quilting:
The T-shirt quilt is now a pieced top … and is sandwiched. There is a TON of stretch with the T-shirts – even though they all have interfacing on the back. They still stretch! Sew, I thought I’d use Hobbs fusible batting with the hopes that it would decrease the stretch. However, there is the issue of using heat on top of the logos. Sew, I used a pressing cloth. It took 2 full days to press everything … and it didn’t always stick very well. Sew, a lot of pins were inserted!
I started out with a Schmetz 90/14 quilting needle. It didn’t like it. Then, once I re-thought what I was sewing through … T-shirt material, iron-on interfacing, fusible batting and cotton backing … a light bulb went off in my brain and I switched to a ball point needle (Janome blue-tip). Much better!
Then there was issues with the thread. I started off with Glide … it bunched up above the needle and broke a ton!! Then I switched to the same colour in a CanSew polyester thread … same problem. Finally, I switched to Aurifil and viola! It’s the perfect thread for this quilt.
Here’s some pictures of me quilting the quilt! It’s big … it’s over 6′ x 8′. It will be a wall hanging / banner.
Stash Report
The Moorewood Mystery is finished. It used 12 yards from my stash. You can read about it HERE.
- Fabric Used this week 12 yards
- Fabric Used this year: 18.5 yards
- Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
- Fabric Added this year: 9 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
- Net Fabric used 9.5 yards (YAY … no longer in the red!)
- Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
I have stitched for over 30 minutes each day
- January – February – 59 / 59
- March – 14 /1 4
- Percentage = 100 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
Chris from ChrisKnits is hosting it “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
Last week:
I accomplished everything on my To Do List!!!
- Pick out a backing for SAHRR √ done
- Finish quilting Moorewood Mystery √ done
- Get the Echo Lake T-shirt top completed √ done
- Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √ done
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ done
This week’s list:
- Get Echo Lake T-shirt quilt finished.
- Sandwich SAHRR
- Borders on Healthcare Hero’s Mystery (this is for the guild …)
- Arrange Speed Dating top
- Work on Salt and Sand project!
- Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
One UFO completed … but the list in Starts in 2021 is getting longer …
What’s coming up on the blog in March?
Salt and Sand Blog Hop … Just thinking of this blog hop makes me want to travel and visit someplace warm! But alas, I’ll be staying home for now. But, I’m positive when we get to travel, I will appreciate it much much more!
March 29 – SAHRR parade … there will be a linky party for all the SAHRR quilts
And … I need to think of my project for the Table Runner Scrap Challenge:
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Linking to:
- So Scrappy @ Scrap Happy
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces
- Frédérique @ Quilting Patchwork Applique
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- To-Do Tuesday @ Chris Knits
- Colour Inspiration Tuesday @ Clever Chameleon Quilting
PHD in 2021: February Report
How are you doing with your PHD in 2021. So far I have 4 UFOs completed, but I still feel like I’m cheating. Three were started in December and were easy finishes. All of these were made with wonderful Island Batik fabrics. The 4th was a panel, so that was also a quick finish.
I have started working on the Echo Lake T-shirt quilt. The T-shirts are cut and interfacing is on each piece. Now, to decide the layout and how to piece it together!
Linky Party
Link up and show us your PHD in 2021 Progress.
Do You need Help?
A fellow candidate for PHD in 2021, Sheila from “So This is Kentucky” posted about using Trello. It’s free to start with and gives you a visual of what projects you have going. See Sheila’s post HERE. You may also find it helpful!
Rainbow Scrap Table Topper
February’s colour is Yellow. I made another coaster. Again, I used Island Batik fabrics. The yellow fabric is “butter” that is available year round. I’m not sure what the beige is (but it is Island Batik) and the green was in a stash buster bundle. The pattern is a free embroidery design from Kreative Kiwi – the Mother’s Day coaster. Obviously, I omitted the writing. On the rose, I used my yellow and oragne inktense pencils to add a little more colour.
A Book Review
The guild librarian, asked me to have a look at a new book they got in the library.
“The Big Book of Little Quilts” by Martindale.
This book is jam packed with a variety of small quilts. They range from a fresh, modern look, to homespun and many can be scrappy or controlled scrappy. Some of the patterns are pieced, some are paper pieced, some have applique and some have hand embroidery. There is something in this book that will appeal to you! It is a book I will definitely take out from the library when I’m looking for something small and a little different.
DrEAMI
This month I had a DrEAMI project. DRop Everything And Make It. I will be linking to Sandra @ MMMQuilts. These little baskets were quick and easy to make! You can read more about them HERE.
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
******************
Linking to:
- Tish @ Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland
- So Scrappy @ Scrap Happy
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces
- Frédérique @ Quilting Patchwork Applique
- Table Scraps Runner / Topper @ The Joyful Quilter
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- To-Do Tuesday @ Chris Knits
SAHRR – Round #6
Just to remind you … SAHRR is Stay At Home Round Robin. If you missed the previous posts about this year’s SAHRR – you can see them
- Intro
- Centre block
- Round 1 Piano Keys
- Round #2 Plus Signs
- Round #3 Flying Geese
- Round #4 Checkerboard
- Round #5 Wonky Stars
Today is the day that Susan told us to add Log Cabin blocks. Again, I’m rebelling! I am not going to do the blocks all around the quilt. Just in the middle of the next round. This quilt is getting bigger than I had planned and this will keep the size down. The logs started out at 1.5″ wide strips and finished at 1″ wide. As you can see, I paired the colours with the white fabric.
Again, I continued to use a variety of fabrics from Island Batik’s Ohana collection.
Next week will be our final round!!! I’m loving the variety of quilts that are being made!!! Aren’t they wonderful? MARK you calendars for March 29th !!! I will have a linky party for everyone to show their final quilts or tops!
Make sure to visit all of the other co-leaders and link up to Susan’s linky party to show us your blocks! HERE
Here’s their links:
- Chris @ Chrisknitssews
- Emily @ The Darling Dogwood
- Anja @ Anja Quilts
- Roseanne & Sue @ Home Sewn by Us
- Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
- Susan @ Quilt Fabrication
Island Batik’s blog hop “Create for a Cause” is over. I hope you enjoyed it!!! If you want a lot of wonderful eye candy – you can go HERE to see all of the quilts in one place!
As well, one of our ambassadors has put together a wonderful video that shows all of the beautiful quilts. You can view it HERE.
AND … just in case you forgot – I had a giveaway on my blog when I posted my “Create for a Cause” quilt (see HERE.) And the winner is …. drum roll … Donna H. She has sent me her address and I hope to get it in the mail soon!!!
Design Wall
Piecing:
I’ve started the Echo Lake t-shirt quilt that has been on my UFO list for … well, um … ah … yes … well … It’s about time I started on it!!!!
There’s a huge pile of t-shirts. I’ve cut some and I’ve learned 2 things.
- Use a pressing cloth when ironing the interfacing on. Fortunately, I realized that the interfacing would stick to my iron if I didn’t use a pressing cloth!!!
- It’s best to iron on the interfacing right after the shirt is cut. When I didn’t, the edges started to curl in. I’m cutting the shirts much larger than the logos so that when I lay it out, I can trim them down.
Quilting:
I’m working on my March Island Batik project. Sorry, no pictures yet!
Stash Report
I finished the guild’s Jan / Feb mystery quilt. I used Island Batik fabrics for the top, but I did back it with flannel from my stash. So that fabric will be included as “used this week.”
You can read more about this quilt HERE.
- Fabric Used this week 1.5 yards
- Fabric Used this year: 6.5 yards
- Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
- Fabric Added this year: 9 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
- Net Fabric used – 2.5 yards
- Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
I have stitched for over 30 minutes each day
- January – 31 / 31
- February – 21 / 21
- Percentage = 100 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
Chris from ChrisKnits is hosting it “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.
Last week:
Well, I worked on everything that didn’t get done, but I was successful with a few things! And, even a little progress is moving forward!
- Work on final round of SAHRR partially done
- Start quilting Moorewood Mystery not done
- Work on March Island Batik challenge √ done
- Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √ done
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ done
This week’s list:
- Complete final round of SAHRR
- Finish March’s Island Batik challenge
- Start quilting Moorewood Mystery
- Cut all the t-shirts and iron on interfacing for the Echo Lake t-shirt quilt.
- Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Linking to:
- Tish @ Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland
- So Scrappy @ Scrap Happy
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces
- Frédérique @ Quilting Patchwork Applique
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- To-Do Tuesday @ Chris Knits
SAHRR – Round #5
Just to remind you … SAHRR is Stay At Home Round Robin. If you missed the previous posts about this year’s SAHRR – you can see them
Today is the day that Wendy told us to add wonky stars. I’m a rebel … and I did friendship stars instead! I used the Accuquilt to cut the half-square triangles. Do I ever enjoy using it for those!
However, I didn’t do the math very well and I have extra stars left over. I wanted to leave the cornerstone as a plain white block, so … who knows what will happen with those extra stars?
Again, I continued to use a variety of fabrics from Island Batik’s Ohana collection.
Make sure to visit all of the other co-leaders and link up toWendy’s linky party to show us your blocks! HERE
Here’s their links:
- Chris @ Chrisknitssews
- Emily @ The Darling Dogwood
- Anja @ Anja Quilts
- Roseanne & Sue @ Home Sewn by Us
- Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
- Susan @ Quilt Fabrication
Design Wall
Piecing:
I’m working on my March Island Batik project. Sorry, no pictures yet!
Quilting:
I took a Silly Moon Ruler Quilting class on Saturday by Zoom. It was fun and I learned some things. Believe it or not – the fabric is dark blue and the thread is light grey . Obviously, my phone did not pick up the true colours!
Stash Report
No change from last week!
- Fabric Used this week 0 yards
- Fabric Used this year: 5 yards
- Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
- Fabric Added this year: 9 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
- Net Fabric used – 4 yards
- Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
I have stitched for over 30 minutes each day
- January – 31 / 31
- February – 14 / 14
- Percentage = 100 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday is no longer. However, Chris from ChrisKnits is going to be hosting it from now on. Her blog is HERE.
Last week:
Total success this week!
- Work on next round of SAHRR √ done
- Sandwich Moorewood Mystery √ done
- Work on March Island Batik challenge √ done
- Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √ done
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ done
This week’s list:
- Work on final round of SAHRR
- Start quilting Moorewood Mystery
- Work on March Island Batik challenge
- Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Linking to:
- Tish @ Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland
- So Scrappy @ Scrap Happy
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces
- Frédérique @ Quilting Patchwork Applique
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- To-Do Tuesday @ Chris Knits
- Colour Inspiration Tuesday @ Clever Chameleon Quilting
SAHRR – Round #4
Just to remind you … SAHRR is Stay At Home Round Robin. If you missed the previous posts about this year’s SAHRR – you can see them
Today is the day that Roseanne & Sue instructed us to add checkerboards … These took me forever to make. I used scraps, 1.5″ squares, no strip piecing … uggg … it took forever! But I like it! Here it is … !
Again, I continued to use a variety of fabrics from Island Batik’s Ohana collection.
Make sure to visit all of the other co-leaders and link up to Roseanne’s linky party to show us your blocks!
Here’s their links:
- Chris @ Chrisknitssews
- Emily @ The Darling Dogwood
- Anja @ Anja Quilts
- Roseanne & Sue @ Home Sewn by Us
- Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
- Susan @ Quilt Fabrication
Design Wall
Piecing:
#1 I’m working on my March Island Batik project. Sorry, no pictures yet!
#2 Moorewood Mystery: You can find out more about the mystery and all the clues HERE at Meadow Mist designs. I have the top pieced together. I like it!!! Now to decide how I’m going to quilt it!
Quilting:
I finished quilting the current guild mystery quilt. Sorry, but until the guild members have the final clue, I can’t show it to you.
Stash Report
Nothing finished, nothing bought! No change from last week!
- Fabric Used this week 0 yards
- Fabric Used this year: 5 yards
- Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
- Fabric Added this year: 9 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
- Net Fabric used – 4 yards
- Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
I have stitched for over 30 minutes each day
- January – 31 / 31
- February – 7 / 7
- Percentage = 100 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”
Last week:
Total success this week!
- Finish piecing the current round of Stay at Home Round Robin √ done
- Start on the next round of Stay at Home Round Robin not done
- Work on the next Moorewood Mystery clue √ done
- Work on March Island Batik challenge. √ done
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ done
This week’s list:
- Work on next round of SAHRR
- Sandwich Moorewood Mystery
- Work on March Island Batik challenge
- Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Linking to:
- Tish @ Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland
- So Scrappy @ Scrap Happy
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces
- Frédérique @ Quilting Patchwork Applique
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- To-Do Tuesday @ Home Sewn By Us
- Colour Inspiration Tuesday @ Clever Chameleon Quilting
Moving Along in January
Last week I said that the Winnie the Pooh quilt needed some more quilting, specifically Winnie, Eeyore and the moon. A loving friend told me that if I left it, they would pop. So, I’m going with her advice and am considering this a UFO finish! That made for a super quick finish!!! This will be another donation quilt for the guild. It was a fun quilt to quilt. There is Hobbs 80/20 batting in it. It was quilted with CanSew beige thread.
Another Holiday Seclusion Quilt
Somehow, I missed putting Valda’s quilt on my blog last week. It’s a beauty!!! You can see all the other ones from my guild HERE.
Design Wall
Piecing:
#1 I’m still working on the SAHRR but can’t show you any current pictures. Want to know more about the SAHRR? check it out HERE. We started the reveal of our centre blocks last week. See my centre block and the centre blocks that many others have made HERE! Tomorrow, we’re showing the 2nd round! Be sure to check out all of the bloggers that are co-hosting with me! We’re taking turns hosting and having a linky party. It’s Emily’s turn this week!… here’s the list:
- January 18: 1st Round: Chris @ Chrisknitssews
- January 25: 2nd Round: Emily @ The Darling Dogwood
- February 1: 3rd Round: Anja @ Anja Quilts
- February 8: 4th Round: Roseanne & Sue @ Home Sewn by Us
- February 15: 5th Round: Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
- February 22: 6th Round: Susan @ Quilt Fabrication
- February 28: 7th Round ME!!! @ Quilting Gail
#2 The fabric is stilled pulled for the RSC21 Table Scraps Challenge table runner. I have an idea of what I’m making, but I haven’t gotten any further than that!!
#3 The February Island Batik challenge is up on my design wall. I’m using some wonderful fabrics and they are all so pretty!!!
#4 Moorewood Mystery : Half of Block A are pieced. I’m doing them as leaders and enders … so they will be done before the next clue comes out on Feb 4.
Quilting:
Nothing being quilted at the moment …
Stash Report
Winnie the Pooh was 2 yards of fabric
- Fabric Used this week 2 yards
- Fabric Used this year: 5 yards
- Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
- Fabric Added this year: 9 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
- Net Fabric used – 4 yards
- Husband’s purchases: 0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
I have stitched for over 30 minutes each day
- January – 24 / 24
- Percentage = 100 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”
Last week:
Even with sewing a LOT this past week, I didn’t get much on my list completed. But I’m fine with what I DID get done!!
- Finish current round of Stay at Home Round Robin √ done
- Finish next round of Stay at Home Round Robin partially done
- Piece Moorewood Mystery Block A partially done
- Make the PINK table topper not done
- Start cutting for February’s Island Batik Challenge! √ done
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes not done !!! I have been doing SEW well with this – except for this week!! And this week I was Zoom sewing with other Island Batik ambassadors and we showed our studios … mine was a total mess!
This week’s list:
- Finish piecing the current round of Stay at Home Round Robin
- Start on the next round of Stay at Home Round Robin
- Finish Piecing Moorewood Mystery Block A
- Make the PINK table topper
- Web the top for February’s Island Batik Challenge!
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
OK … the Winnie the Pooh quilt was a quick finish this week. All it took was a decision! (grin)
I KNOW that not all my UFOs will be finished this quickly. But it is nice to have 3 considered done!
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
*****************************
Linking to:
- Tish @ Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces
- Frédérique @ Quilting Patchwork Applique
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- To-Do Tuesday @ Home Sewn By Us
- Colour Inspiration Tuesday @ Clever Chameleon Quilting
Grey and Dull Sunday
The perfect day to stay inside and quilt … or write blog posts!
I have another UFO finish!
This is my Holiday Seclusion Mystery … scrappy Island Batik fabrics (from Stashbuilder bundles) and Island Batik solid grey. Graffiti or Wild quilting was done … lots of different motifs, swirls, feathers, flowers, vines, McTavishing, pebbles … It was SEW fun to quilt! Hobbs fusible batting was used. I LOVE it! No shifting at all. This will be a comfort quilt, so I backed it with a grey flannel … so cosy!
Yes … I made this bigger … However, I started planning the design with 9″ blocks and quickly realized that most people would not want to make a quilt with smallish pieces in such a short time frame. I then switched the pattern to a 12″ block for the mystery. But of course, I didn’t want the work I had done to go to waste, so I just continued piecing the smaller blocks. Same pattern, different size!
For Instructions on the Holiday Seclusion Mystery, see the Holiday Seclusion Mystery tab at the top of my blog HERE.
January Stitchin’
I’ve been working on a few things … A few Zoom quilting days keep me focused! And steadily sewing away!
Design Wall
Piecing:
I’m still working on the SAHRR but can’t show you any pictures. Want to know more about the SAHRR check it out HERE. We start the reveal of our centre blocks tomorrow. So make sure you return and visit each of the SAHRR co-hosts!
AND … Hearts on Fire quilt just needs borders and the RSC21 Rainbow Scrap Challenge table runner needs to have a fabric pull!
Quilting:
January Island Batik project is almost done! Pictures to follow later in the week!
A Winnie the Pooh panel is in the process of being quilted. I thought I was done with the quilting – but there’s a few areas that need something.
Holiday Seclusion #1 Mystery was finished this week:
How were my 2020 stats?
Every Sunday or Monday, I give a recap of what’s on my Design Wall, a Stash Report, Stitchin’ Time, a “To Do” list and my PHD … SEW … here’s what’s happening in the studio and a summary of 2020.
Design Wall
Piecing:
First off, one person asked me how I was doing with Bonnie Hunter’s Mystery Quilt. The answer is simple. I’m not doing it this year. I felt that I had too much on my plate. I think this is the first time in 17 years that I’ve not done the mystery. In some ways I feel guilty for not doing it, but I also feel a great relief that I don’t have to sew like crazy to try to keep up! And, it’s also one quilt that isn’t on my 2021 UFO list!
I’m adding borders to the scrappy Holiday Seclusion Mystery. Borders are also being added to the guild mystery quilt. Sorry, no pictures. It’s a surprise for the guild mystery quilters.
I Won!!!
I won fabric and a book! I donated several quilts last year to the Charity Baby Quilt program. Usually in June, they draw names for prizes. Of course, with Covid, and no in-person meetings, that did not happen. At the last Zoom guild meeting, my name was drawn. I received these in the mail. I love that the grey and pink fabrics are so “not me!” It’s going to be fun to play with them … and yes, there will likely be a baby quilt or two made from them. There’s a total of 4 yards – which I will add to my “bought” amount below. Thank you Nora and Carol for facilitating the Baby Quilt Program!
Design Wall
Piecing:
I showed you this last week … it’s still in the same state.
Hopefully, I can start on my SAHRR.
I did make a few Covid ornaments: They are approximately 2″ x 4″ with small pieces of elastic on each end and “2020” embroidered on them. I plan to stick them in a few Christmas cards.
Quilting:
Scrappy 4 patches: Is still waiting to be quilted.
Stash Report
Nothing finished. No shopping and nothing added.
- Fabric Used this week 0 yards
- Fabric Used this year: 292.5 yards
- Fabric Bought Gifted this week: 4 yards
- Fabric Added this year: 66.5 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
- Net Fabric used 226 yards
- Husband’s purchases: 17 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
- January – Nov: 320 / 334
- 30 min days/ Dec: 13/13
- Total days in 2020: 333 / 347
- Percentage = 95 %
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”
Last week’s list:
- Work on SECRET project √ done
- Work on Mystery (Dec 26-31) √ done
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ done
This week’s list:
- Finish SECRET project top
- Finish on Holiday Seclusion Mystery (Dec 26-31)
- Make a Christmas gift
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
I have ONE UFO to finish and I’ll have completed my PHD in 2020. YEAH!!! However, I have made no progress on it … So the chart below is exactly the same as last week.
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
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Linking to:
- Tish @ Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- To-Do Tuesday @ Home Sewn By Us
Some things are not meant to be.
Sometimes things don’t work out.
Last week I said I was going to work on an “After Quilt.” Well, I did, I was trying to turn a piece into a cute stuffed animal. It was a piece of fabric that I glued hearts and teardrops on. Then I free-motioned them down. My plan was to make a cute elephant stuffy. When I sewed a couple of pieces together, it became obvious that it wasn’t going to work. The hearts and teardrops were sticking up and looked ugly. It did not work out … it couldn’t be fixed … (and some of my virtual retreat buddies agreed with me) … so into the trash it went. GASP!!!! I don’t do that! But there was no saving this one! So it died. But have no fear, it’s not going to the landfill! The useless fabric was used in stuffing another stuffy – that I will show you soon.
What’s in the Future?
Yup, I have some plans …
Mystery Quilt: Between December 26 and 31, I plan to have a mystery quilt … right here on the blog. It’ll be a smallish quilt (43″ x 43″) and it’ll be easy to have at least the top done before 2021 becomes a reality! I’ll give the fabric requirements in the near future.
Stay at Home Round Robin: Some blogging friends and I will be doing this, starting in January. More information to come.
I can show you!
This is the mystery quilt that we did at the guild! I was the “lead” for the quilt, so I HAD to make it ahead of time. But, until the guild was given the solution, I couldn’t show you. All of the fabrics were from my stash.
This is not my pattern design: it is from a book. We have permission from the author to use the patterns for the guild. If you are interested in the name of the book – contact me and I’ll tell you. I won’t say the name of the book here because I plan to do more mystery quilts for the guild from the book. And I want it to be a mystery for them!!!
Catching Up
Now that some self-imposed deadlines are met, I feel like I’m catching up.
Connected Project
I haven’t mentioned this project before. Our guild decided to do the “Connected Project.” A fun project where it connects various guild members together. We’re not suppose to know what the finished block is like and although I’ve seen a Youtube videos, I don’t know exactly what my block will look like. The idea is that we are divided into groups of 8. Each of us is given a paper pieced block (with various options from simple to complex) and we make the block in the colours that are chosen by my group mates. It was fun to go through my scraps and use some of them up! I can’t show you yet … but I will show you what I’ve done when I’m allowed to.
On the right is s a picture of the scraps of fabric left after I cut the blocks into their finished sizes.
Below is the 7 envelopes all ready for the mail. AND, they are nestled into a UFO that is NOT even on my list. It was just sitting there when I was looking for something to show off the envelopes. OH my … how many more UFOs will I find when I’m not even looking for them???
If you look closely at my PHD list, you’ll see “connected” is not considered “Finished.” I have done my part for now. I’ve got 7 envelopes from other quilters that I get to open Dec. 1. Then I’ll be putting my block together.
Hanging Sleeve
In my last post (HERE), I showed you a B&W photo of a hanging sleeve using a blind hem. One lovely person asked if either Kathleen or I had a tutorial on it. Well, Kathleen, the very smart quilter that she is, has a tutorial on it. You can check out her blog post HERE. While you’re visiting Kathleen, check out her tons of tutorials. Well worth the visit!
Morewood Mystery
You can find details of the mystery quilt HERE. I’m all caught up. This is November’s clue.
Inspired by Nature Blog Hop
This week you have the opportunity to win a fat quarter bundle of Venetian Marble or Tiki Punch! Both are wonderful collections!
Design Wall
Piecing:
After Quilt: This term is new to me … but I completely understood it when I heard it. It’s those bits and pieces that are left over when you finish a quilt. SEW … I’m going to be working on an After Quilt.
Scrappy 4 patches: This is in the same state that it was last week. It hasn’t moved off the design wall.
Quilting:
Nothing happening … yet
Stash Report
A sad week in this department. A local quilt store was closing their doors … with some good sales. When I went, everything was 65% off. Can’t complain about that! One good thing: a quilting friend was right behind me in line … we chatted up a storm and the wait went quickly then!
Here’s a picture of the damage. My husband was with me when I bought the first pieces of John Deere fabric and he “ordered” me to buy more (6.5 yards). He has a plan for them … of course I’ll be doing the sewing! The blue with white polka dots is for backing baby quilts (4.5 yards). A total of 11 yards will be added into Fabric Added this year.
And yes, I bought some quilting rulers, glass head pins in a tin, and (2) 4 yard zippers by Annie (with zipper pulls).
- Fabric Used this week 0 yards
- Fabric Used this year: 279.5 yards
- Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
- Fabric Added this year: 61.5 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
- Net Fabric used 229.0 yards
- Husband’s purchases: 17 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track!
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
- January – Sept: 290 / 304
- 30 min days/ Nov: 22 / 22
- Total days in 2020: 312 / 325
- Percentage = 96%
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”
Last week’s list:
- Secret project #3 : finish quilting, bind and photos √ done
- Work on UFO (Scrappy 4 patches) (to flimsy stage) not done
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √ done (did this when Secret Project #3 was complete and I could put all the stuff away!)
Even though I didn’t get my Scrappy 4 patches to flimsy stage, I did get a couple of things completed that weren’t on the list:
- Connected Project
- Morewood Mystery
This week’s list:
- Work on UFO (Scrappy 4 patches) (to flimsy stage)
- Work on an After Quilt
- Make Pillow Cases with John Deere fabric
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes
No UFOs finished.
Eekes … I didn’t add the UFO that my envelopes are nestled in … perhaps it’ll be a finish next week!
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
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Linking to:
- Tish @ Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces
- Scrappy Happy @ So Scrappy
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- Main Crush Monday @ Cooking Up Quilts
- To-Do Tuesday @ Home Sewn By Us
The Latest about Masks
Did any of you see this article from CBC Marketplace about masks? Click HERE.
After reading this article, I asked Island Batik what the thread count is for their fabric. Here’s what Elizabeth Phillips (Marketing and Graphic Design) said, “Our greige goods are the highest quality we can purchase. The thread counts are stated a little differently when buying the prepared for dyeing cotton but It’s a little higher than 600.”
So there you have it! If you’ve been making masks with Island Batik fabrics … you’ve been doing the best you can.
And yes, I’ve made masks with Island Batik fabric … here’s a picture of my purse with the matching masks!
Design Wall
Piecing:
Scrappy 4 patches: The setting triangles are added as well as the first border. I need to dig out some fabric and audition it for the 2nd border. This needs to be bigger. At the moment, it’s 38″ x 44″ … if I add a 4″ border, that will make it 46″ x 52″. I’ll be happier with that size!
Quilting:
About the secrets … Secret #1 & #2 are done … #3 is almost finished. Then I’ll add the hanging sleeves (with a blind hem and invisible thread) to #2 and #3.
Stash Report
No finished projects, no shopping …
- Fabric Used this week 0 yards
- Fabric Used this year: 279.5 yards
- Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
- Fabric Added this year: 50.5 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
- Net Fabric used 229.0 yards
- Husband’s purchases: 11.5 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year).
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
- January – Sept: 290 / 304
- 30 min days/ Nov: 15 / 15
- Total days in 2020: 305 / 318
- Percentage = 95%
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”
Well, I got the priority quilting done: IB November will be showcased on Tuesday as part of Island Batik’s “Inspired by Nature” Blog Hop. I was privileged to work with a fantastic fabric collection! Come back on Tuesday to see the quilt!
Last week’s list:
- IB November: Quilt and Bind √ done
- Work on Secret projects: Finish #3 not done
- Work on UFO (Scrappy 4 patches) (to flimsy stage) not done
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √ done
This week’s list:
- Secret project #3 : finish quilting, bind and photos
- Work on UFO (Scrappy 4 patches) (to flimsy stage)
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √
No UFOs finished. One Start in 2020 finished.
I did add the remaining UFOs to my list … just so that you KNOW I have more! (grin)
Inspired by Nature Blog Hop
Click HERE to see this week’s awesome Ambassador quilts!
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
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Linking to:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- To-Do Tuesday @ Home Sewn By Us
- Colour Inspiration Tuesday @ Clever Chameleon Quilting
Busy week
Yes, I’ve had a busy week. Since Covid started, my calendar has been pretty blank. A couple of weekly Zoom things, daily walks and not much else, you tend to get use to it! Then BAM … all of a sudden, I had 2 dentist appointments (cleaning and fillings), a blood work appointment, a doctor’s appointment, a short guild Zoom meeting, a family Zoom quilting day, as well as the usual 3 weekly Zooms … Oh me, oh my … I felt almost overwhelmed. And to think, I used to have all those appointments, work full time and still managed to get a lot of quilting done! Sigh … Enough of my week … back to what’s important to me: Quilting!
Design Wall
Piecing:
Scrappy 4 patches: On point was the final decision on making this little quilt. I know it looks like a mess at the moment! I have some of the setting triangles sewn on … some are pinned and one row ready to be sewn together. I got most of this done at the family Zoom quilting day!
What’s happening?
There’s a LOT happening in my studio … but most of it I can’t show you yet.
This month is an “Inspired by Nature” Blog Hop with Island Batik. That project is now sandwiched and needs quilting. This Blog Hop promises to be another amazing one! Everyone is making a project “Inspired by Nature” and is using awesome fabric that will be available in stores later this month!
Of the other secret projects:
- Secret Project #1 is done.
- Secret Project #2 is being quilted
- Secret Project #3 is ready to begin …
Design Wall
Piecing:
Scrappy 4 Patches: I have a bunch of 4 patches … these were started from a charm pack at some unknown date in the past. I found them when going through my stash. They were tied up with 2 semi-coordinating fabrics and I don’t know what my plan was or is …
Do I make another bag similar to THIS one, only with smaller squares?
Last Monday in October
How can this be? Sometimes it seems like the days take their sweet time … and I turn around and it’s close to the end of another month!
SEW – What’s happening?
Design Wall
Piecing:
I’ve been slowly working on my Charming Bag. The last picture I showed was of it pieced together. (HERE). If you go back to the last picture, you’ll notice that the ties are not in the picture. That’s because I forgot them. Thankfully, I remembered before it was quilted … it was a simple matter of taking about 3/4″ stitching out and inserting the ties.
It is now quilted. Nice simple 1/4″ lines. I like the look … and it’s what the pattern suggests. Aurifil # 2625 (grey) was used for the quilting and the edges of the ties.
Quilting:
Quilted the above bag …
Stash Report
No finishes … no shopping …
- Fabric Used this week 0 yards
- Fabric Used this year: 277 yards
- Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
- Fabric Added this year: 50.5 yards (my husbands amounts as well)
- Net Fabric used 260 yards
- Husband’s purchases: 11.5 yards
Stitchin’ Time
I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
- January – Sept: 260 / 274
- 30 min days/ Oct: 25 / 25
- Total days in 2020: 286 / 299
- Percentage = 95%
For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces
TO DO
I’m linking up to Roseanne & Sue’s “TO DO” Tuesday. Their blog is “Home Sewn by Us.”
Last week’s list:
- IB November: Sandwich not done
- Work on Secret projects √ done
- Work on Charming Bag √ done
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √ done
This week’s list:
- IB November: Sandwich
- Work on Secret projects
- Finish Charming Bag
- Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
From the Heart Blog Hop
Did you see the post HERE? It’s a wonderful blog hop that’s happening now. Make sure you check it out. Plus … I want to know what YOU are going to make from all the inspiration!
Here’s what I made:
Are you interested?
If you’re interested in applying click HERE. You can read all about the program and what is involved. It’s a fun program to be in and one that has expanded my quilting abilities! I LOVE being an ambassador!
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
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Linking to:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- To-Do Tuesday @ Home Sewn By Us
- Colour Inspiration Tuesday @ Clever Chameleon Quilting
Ruler dislike!
I have the cutest ruler by Omnigrid. It’s 4″ x 8″ and I’ve had it for simply AGES. I went to trim some squares, using the 45o angle to centre the half square triangle. It just wasn’t working for me. Then I looked at the ruler … the 45o line ends up 1/4″ from the corner. Now, if I were to use this ruler, I would have to move it 4 times to get it correct. Not happening.
I pulled out my 6″ x 12″ Olfa ruler and look where the 45o angle is … right in the corner. I’m a much happier quilter!
I’ve looked at my other rulers, including a 2.5″ and 6.5″ Omnigrid square rulers, and the 45o ends in the corners! Is it me, or is this weird?
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Quilting Gail 