A Fun Retreat!

We were at Over The Rainbow Lodge on Camano Island for almost a week. It’s a beautiful place to retreat! And, since we’re an established group, we’re booked in until 2030!!!! WOOHOO!!!

I think all 12 people that attended the retreat enjoyed themselves … lots and lots of sewing and laughter!

We took turns cooking supper and had fabulous gourmet meals!!! DELICIOUS!!!

As I was preparing this blog post, I realized that I didn’t get any pictures of the food, the snack counter (TONS!), or of the 12 people sewing in one room and having fun!

I didn’t get a picture of each of the projects that people were working on … there was a great variety and a LOT of creativity happening! Here’s a few pictures of what was happening:

Pillow cases, kits from quilts, jelly roll quilts, quilts using templates, hand sewn hexi quilt, tiny tiny pieces, 3 yard quilts, scrappy quilts, coordinated quilts …. so many different things happening!

I know someone is going to ask … the dog chart was found on Pinterest and Kandy used 5″ blocks to make the quilt.

What did I work on?

I attempted to quilt my Melodic Mystery, but it was difficult on a smaller machine, eventually I gave up. The Black & white photo is of an Island Batik catalogue quilt and the top is completed! The blocks for the X’s & O’s were completed and the top is almost done. I just need to add the border …

The Melodic Mystery is made with Kansas Troubles fabric. The other 2 quilts are Island Batik fabric. The X’s & O’s were cut with Accuquilt

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Sunday Summation: January 15, ’23

Starts tomorrow!!! Be sure to come back and see all the wonders that are happening!!! If you need some incentive to join in the fun, we have a lot of wonderful sponsors!!! and you could win some fantastic quilting goodies!

Stitching Stuff

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

  • January: 15 / 15
  • Percentage: 100%

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!

In 2023, I haven’t finished any projects, so haven’t used any fabric, but I haven’t bought any either!

  • Fabric Used this week:    yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:       0 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:                0 yards 

Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.

To Do Tuesday

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is now hosting “To Do” every week.

The To Do list from a last week:

  1. Start Clue #7 Chilhowie. √   DONE
  2. Classic Cars Colour Challenge BOM – July / Aug √   DONE
  3. Start colouring Nutcracker. √   DONE
  4. Work on Naturescape Lone Star. √   DONE
  5. Start Island Batik February project
  6. Pack for retreat! √   DONE
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE
  8. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Finish the sashing and borders fClue #7 Chilhowie
  2. Classic Cars Colour Challenge BOM – Sept / Oct
  3. More Nutcracker colouring.
  4. Sandwich Naturescape Lone Star.
  5. Work on Shades of Blue Blog Hop project
  6. Continue working on Island Batik February project
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

Judy, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week. Piecing:

  1. Classic Cars Colour Challenge BOM
  2. Chilhowie – Clue #7, sashing and borders picture shows most of the sashing blocks ready to sew …
  3. Island Batik February project – isn’t the fabric beautiful?
  4. Shades of Blue Blog Hop project

Quilting:

Nothing … I need to colour the Nutcracker before I can start quilting!

Naturescape Lone Star is ready for sandwiching …

Maybe I’ll get Chilhowie to the flimsy stage!

The Quilt More just needs to be trimmed and bound.

The bird panels are ready for sandwiching.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Creatin’ in the Sticks: Sew It – Show It: Shades of Blue (January) My day is January 26!

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Sweet on You (February)

Island Batik: February Blog Hop!

Just Let Me Quilt: Little Green Apples (March)

Plans for 2023

There are a few things I’m planning for 2023. More details in the coming weeks.

  • PHD in 2023 – come and join us! It’s a great way to decrease your UFOs!
  • 2023 SAHRR – starts January 16!!! TOMORROW!! And we have some fantastic sponsors!
  • 2023 Appliqué  BOM (I bet this surprises a LOT of people!) – This will start later in January … I’m still working out the details!
  • Winter 2023 Mystery Quilt – probably start in February or early March

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Monday Moments: Dec 19 ’22

The Mystery Quilt is done!!!

If you missed the parade, it’s worth taking a look! See THIS POST.

Lone Star Blog Hop: Week 3

This blog hop is pretty fantastic!!!! Lots and lots of eye candy !!!! Make sure you visit each of the bloggers to see their wonderful creations!

December 19:

Mania Hatziioannidi

Michelle Roberts


December 20:

Pamela Boatright

Connie Kauffman

Sandra Stanfield


December 21:

Jane Hauprich

Lisa Pickering


December 22:

Brianna Roberts


Elizabeth DeCroos

Anorina Morris

December 23:

Visit Island Batik’s Blog for your opportunity to win!

Another Finished Branches Table Runner

I decided that I needed another table runner for the top of my piano. I chose a beautiful dark blue Island Batik fabric called “Ravine” and paired it with “Rice. This was also a DREMI: DRop Everything And Make It. This is the result:

Another DREAMI

I received a lovely charm pack and pattern from Missouri Star Quilting … and I just had to make it! Yup, it was a DRop Everything And Make It project! Such a fun project.

Another UFO Finish

The Spicy Colour Challenge quilt was started last December and I finally got it finished this month! You can read about it HERE. That makes 12 UFOs that I’ve finished this year. SEW … I will be getting my PHD in 2022. However, I still have a list of UFOs that need to be finished, so I will be having PHD in 2023!

  • Island Batik Fabric
  • Hobbs 80/20 on the inside
  • Aurifil thread (to piece and quilt)

Stitching Stuff

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

Lots of stitching in the past week!

  • January – November: 288 / 333
  • Dec:  18 / 18
  • Total:  306 / 351
  • Percentage = 87% 

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!

However, this week, I went out to Chilliwack to Cozy Cotton Quilting to pick up some quilts, deliver patterns and give her another quilt for display. Angela had recently received a lot of Island Batik bolts (mostly from the Pumpkin Spice collection) and I just couldn’t resist … so I had 3 fabrics cut for me! Aren’t they beautiful ???? I will definitely be making the trip out to Cozy Cotton just to buy Island Batik fabric!!!

The Spicy BOM used 4.5 yards of fabric. The newest branches table runner used 1 yard. And the mugs / snowflake used 1.5 yards

  • Fabric Used since the last report    yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       109.5 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:  3.5 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    33 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:                76.5 yards 

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is hosting “To Do” every week.

The To Do list from last week:

  1. Finish my Winter Branches Table runner. √   DONE,
  2. Work on and Finish a UFO (a wallet). √   DONE,
  3. Finish Clue #3 Chilhowie. √   DONE,
  4. Write blog post : Spicy BOM. √   DONE,
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Finish Clue #4 Chilhowie
  2. Start Classic Cars Colour Challenge BOM – Jan / Feb
  3. Start colouring the Nutcracker
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

Judy, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week. I must apologize, I’ve been calling Judy by the wrong name !!! I’m so glad that she let me know and now I’m calling her by the correct name!

Piecing:

  1. Classic Cars Colour Challenge BOM
  2. Chilhowie – Clue #4 in progress

Quilting:

Once I do some colouring with Inktense pencils, I’ll start quilting the Nutcracker. Here he is on my window for tracing.

Upcoming & Current Blog Hops

Island Batik‘s December’s Lone Star Blog Hop. Week #3 is started! LOTS and LOTS of fabulous quilts!

Creatin’ in the Sticks: Sew It – Show It: Shades of Blue (January)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Sweet on You (February)

Plans for 2023

There are a few things I’m planning for 2023. More details in the coming weeks.

  • PHD in 2023
  • 2023 SAHRR (with some wonderful sponsors this year!)
  • 2023 Appliqué  BOM (I bet this surprises a LOT of people!)
  • Winter 2023 Mystery Quilt

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Fall 2022 Scrappy Mystery Quilt: The Parade!

The Quilts

This is Patti’s. I love the scrappiness and the dark background!

Here’s Dawn’s. She used 2 fabrics and the background. Doesn’t it look great?

Susan has the top together. It was a sunny day, so she was able to get a picture with true colours! And yes, you can see her shadow! She’s used ‘plane’ fabric! Very cute!

Jill has pulled fabric for her quilt … with those blues and greens against the grey – it’ll be lovely!

Isabelle says she still needs to add the border – and that will happen after Christmas.

Lynn K has the blocks laid out for one row. She says that she loves the scraps, but has very few left! That is amazing! And the background it totally scrappy – awesome!

Heather also did a scrappy background. And why not? Here it is with the rows ready to put together!

Irene ‘s inspector (Miss Hamish) obviously likes the blues in this quilt!!!

And here’s mine. The one with the dark background was the inspiration and the one with the light background was the one that I made while writing the pattern! Both are made with Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs batting on the inside and Aurifil thread for the quilting.

The Linky Party

Show us your quilts, or quilts in progress!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

You can access all the clues HERE

  • Oct 18: Clue #1: Fabric Requirements and Cutting HERE
  • Oct 25: Clue #2: HERE
  • Nov 1: Clue #3 HERE
  • Nov 8: Clue #4 HERE
  • Nov 15: Clue #5 This Post
  • Nov 22: Clue #6 HERE
  • Nov 29: Clue #7 this post
  • Dec 6: Clue #8. – HERE

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Fall 2022 Scrappy Mystery Quilt: Clue #8

This is a super simple mystery quilt! It is my own design. I designed it for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild, but I’ve shared it with YOU as well!

Here is my finished quilt! This week’s clue will explain the quilting to you. I used scraps of Island Batik fabrics for this quilt – along with “Linen” for the background. Hobbs 80/20 batting and Aurifil thread were also used.

Clue #8

Send me a Picture!

Send me a Picture of your finished quilt … or what you’ve got done so far and I’ll post it next week in the Parade! quiltinggail@yahoo.ca

The Schedule and Previous Clues

  • Oct 18: Clue #1: Fabric Requirements and Cutting HERE
  • Oct 25: Clue #2: HERE
  • Nov 1: Clue #3 HERE
  • Nov 8: Clue #4 HERE
  • Nov 15: Clue #5 This Post
  • Nov 22: Clue #6. HERE
  • Nov 29: Clue #7. This post
  • Dec 6: Clue #8
  • Dec 13: Mystery Quilt Parade

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Fall 2022 Scrappy Mystery Quilt: Clue #7

This is a super simple mystery quilt! It is my own design. I designed it for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild, but I’m going to be sharing it with YOU as well!

There will be 8 clues. This quilt will finish at 43″ x 53″ … unless you decide to make it bigger or smaller.

Clue #7

The Schedule & Previous Clues

  • Oct 18: Clue #1: Fabric Requirements and Cutting HERE
  • Oct 25: Clue #2: HERE
  • Nov 1: Clue #3 HERE
  • Nov 8: Clue #4 HERE
  • Nov 15: Clue #5 This Post
  • Nov 22: Clue #6 HERE
  • Nov 29: Clue #7
  • Dec 6: Clue #8
  • Dec 13: Mystery Quilt Parade

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Fall 2022 Scrappy Mystery Quilt: Clue #6

This is a super simple mystery quilt! It is my own design. I designed it for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild, but I’m going to be sharing it with YOU as well!

There will be 8 clues. This quilt will finish at 43″ x 53″ … unless you decide to make it bigger or smaller.

Clue #6

The Schedule

  • Oct 18: Clue #1: Fabric Requirements and Cutting HERE
  • Oct 25: Clue #2: HERE
  • Nov 1: Clue #3 HERE
  • Nov 8: Clue #4 HERE
  • Nov 15: Clue #5 This Post
  • Nov 22: Clue #6
  • Nov 29: Clue #7
  • Dec 6: Clue #8
  • Dec 13: Mystery Quilt Parade

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Fall 2022 Scrappy Mystery Quilt: Clue #5

This is a super simple mystery quilt! It is my own design. I designed it for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild, but I’m going to be sharing it with YOU as well!

There will be 8 clues. This quilt will finish at 43″ x 53″ … unless you decide to make it bigger or smaller.

Clue #5

The Schedule & Links to Previous Clues

  • Oct 18: Clue #1: Fabric Requirements and Cutting HERE
  • Oct 25: Clue #2: HERE
  • Nov 1: Clue #3: HERE
  • Nov 8: Clue #4: HERE
  • Nov 15: Clue #5
  • Nov 22: Clue #6
  • Nov 29: Clue #7
  • Dec 6: Clue #8
  • Dec 13: Mystery Quilt Parade

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Fall 2022 Scrappy Mystery Quilt: Clue #4

This is a super simple mystery quilt! It is my own design. I designed it for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild, but I’m going to be sharing it with YOU as well!

There will be 8 clues. This quilt will finish at 43″ x 53″ … unless you decide to make it bigger or smaller.

Clue #4

The Schedule

  • Oct 18: Clue #1: Fabric Requirements and Cutting HERE
  • Oct 25: Clue #2: HERE
  • Nov 1: Clue #3 HERE
  • Nov 8: Clue #4
  • Nov 15: Clue #5
  • Nov 22: Clue #6
  • Nov 29: Clue #7
  • Dec 6: Clue #8
  • Dec 13: Mystery Quilt Parade

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Fall 2022 Scrappy Mystery Quilt: Clue #3

This is a super simple mystery quilt! It is my own design. I designed it for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild, but I’m going to be sharing it with YOU as well!

There will be 8 clues. This quilt will finish at 43″ x 53″ … unless you decide to make it bigger or smaller.

Clue #3

The Schedule

  • Oct 18: Clue #1: Fabric Requirements and Cutting HERE
  • Oct 25: Clue #2: HERE
  • Nov 1: Clue #3
  • Nov 8: Clue #4
  • Nov 15: Clue #5
  • Nov 22: Clue #6
  • Nov 29: Clue #7
  • Dec 6: Clue #8
  • Dec 13: Mystery Quilt Parade

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Fall 2022 Scrappy Mystery Quilt: Clue #2

This is a super simple mystery quilt! It is my own design. I designed it for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild, but I’m going to be sharing it with YOU as well!

There will be 8 clues. This quilt will finish at 43″ x 53″ … unless you decide to make it bigger or smaller.

Clue #2

The Schedule

  • Oct 18: Clue #1: Fabric Requirements and Cutting HERE
  • Oct 25: Clue #2
  • Nov 1: Clue #3
  • Nov 8: Clue #4
  • Nov 15: Clue #5
  • Nov 22: Clue #6
  • Nov 29: Clue #7
  • Dec 6: Clue #8
  • Dec 13: Mystery Quilt Parade

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Monday Moments: October 17 ’22

Helping at a Class

On Saturday, the guild had Carola from Carola’s Quilt Shop come and teach a free motion class. Amy & I were asked to help. Carola didn’t need our help … but, we pretended to assist!

I had a good chuckle when I saw Nora’s “speed control” for her machine! Isn’t it a great idea?

It was a great class and everyone learned a LOT!

There was a small “pop-up” store … with fabric and notions. But, I was almost good, and only bought a “Silly Moon” ruler! Although, some of the beautiful wide back fabrics were to die for!

New Fabric Sewn!

The Fabric I showed you last week was sewn into buckets! The pattern is “Storage Solutions Bucket Bags” by Among Brenda’s Quilts.

Upcoming Mystery!

This is a super simple mystery quilt! It is my own design. I designed it for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild, but I’m going to be sharing it with YOU as well!

This starts on Tuesday, October 18!

This quilt will finish at 43″ x 53″

There will be 8 clues. They will all come out on Tuesdays, starting October 18.

  • Oct 18: Clue #1: Fabric Requirements and Cutting
  • Oct 25: Clue #2
  • Nov 1: Clue #3
  • Nov 8: Clue #4
  • Nov 15: Clue #5
  • Nov 22: Clue #6
  • Nov 29: Clue #7
  • Dec 6: Clue #8
  • Dec 13: Mystery Quilt Parade

New Classes

I will be teaching several classes at Essem in November. You can register for them HERE.

Stitching Time

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

With company here, very little stitching happened!

  • January – September: 234 / 272
  • Oct :  16 / 16
  • Total:  245 / 290
  • Percentage = 84% 

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!

I used the 2 yards I reported last week to make the buckets and there was 4 yards used for the backing of my Pinktober quilt (HERE).

  • Fabric Used since the last report   6  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       83 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    20 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:                63 yards 

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is hosting “To Do” every week.

The To Do list from several weeks ago:

  1. Finish Secret Quilt (I have quilting and binding to do) √   DONE and mailed to Colorado!
  2. Winter Branches table runner – if I finish Secret Quilt, I’ll work on this! not DONE
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Winter Branches table runner – MUST do
  2. Work on and Finish a UFO
  3. Quilt the Fall Mystery Quilt
  4. Work on Melodic Mystery Quilt!
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

Donna, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week.

Piecing:

  1. Melodic Mystery Quilt
  2. Spicy BOM: Nov & Dec blocks

Quilting:

Winter Branches table runner

Current and Upcoming Blog Hops

Pinktober is hosted by Brianna of Sew Cute and Quirky and Island Batik … my day was October 13! You can see my quilt HERE.

Creatin’ in the Sticks: Music Blog hop

Here are the links to the various PINKtober blogs:

DateWhoCollectionWhere to find them
Monday, October 3Jennifer ThomasPositively Pinkhttps://curlicuecreations.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, October 4Lisa PickeringHope and Heartlisascompassion.wordpress.com
Thursday, October 6thMaryellen McAuliffePositively Pinkhttps://www.marymackmademine.com
Monday, October 10Emily LeachmanPositively Pinkhttp://thedarlingdogwood.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 11Jane HauprichPositively Pinkwww.stitchbystitchcustomquilting.com
Wednesday, October 12Marlene OddiePositively Pinkwww.kissedquilts.com
Thursday, October 13Gail SheppardPositively Pinkhttps://quiltinggail.com

Friday , October 14
Jerry StubeHope and Hearthttps://www.facebook.com/TheQuiltersQuarter
Monday, October 17Brianna RobertsHope And Hearthttps://www.quirkyb.com/blog
Tuesday, October 18Terri Vanden-BoschHope And Hearthttps://lizardcreekquilting.com/
Wednesday, October 19Mania HatziioannidiHope And Heartwww.maniaforquilts.com
Thursday, October 20Laura PilandHope And Hearthttps://www.sliceofpiquilts.com/

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Monday Moments: June 13

I have a finish to show you. I finished this quite a while ago, but couldn’t show you. It was the latest mystery quilt that the guild did! The pattern is from a book, but I re-wrote the instructions to use strip piecing. It makes it so much easier to construct the quilt. And because the original directions were from a “Mystery Quilt” book, I cannot share them with you! Sorry!

This quilt was made with fabrics from my stash. And I only put on the one border … the original directions called for 3 borders.

Here’s a close-up of the quilting … it sort-of looks like feathers, but in reality, it’s just an elongated swirl – way easier than feathers to do!

Stitching Time

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

Not many days of sewing this week.

  • January – May:  119 / 150
  • June 1 – 13:  9 / 12
  • Total: 128 / 162
  • Percentage = 79% 

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!

The guild mystery quilt used 9.25 yards

  • Fabric Used since the last report      9.25  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       52.25 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    6.25 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                 43. yards 

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is hosting “To Do” every week.

The To Do list from 3 weeks ago:

  1. Quilt Pop Star Quilt √   DONE (you’ll see this on the 15th!) access the steps at MMM Quilts HERE.
  2. Work on Here Comes the Sun Pop Star Quilt blog hop project √   DONE
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Work on Here Comes the Sun Pop Star Quilt blog hop project
  2. Finish 2 quilts for an upcoming Island Batik Catalogue … I’ll show you once the catalogue is out.
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

Donna, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, host a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week.

Piecing:

  1. Here Comes the Sun project

2. Island Batik Catalogue quilts (2)

Quilting:

  1. Squirrel is sandwiched and I have a plan for the quilting!

2. Once the Island Batik Catalogue quilt tops are done – they need to be quilted.

Island Batik Blog Hop

Have you been following the latest Island Batik Blog Hop? With quilts featuring the New York Beauty pattern? It’s been quite a variety of wonderful quilts!

I posted mine on June 6 … you can read about it HERE.

June 13:

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations
Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine

June 14:

Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts
Anorina Morris, Samelia’s Mum

June 15:

Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde Gifts
Lisa Pickering, Lisa’s Quilting Passion

June 16:

Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese
Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs

Opportunity to win!

You can win a fat quarter bundle of Savannah or Santorini … both wonderful collections! Just follow the prompts in the Rafflecopper giveaway below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Some of my followers tell me that the Rafflecopter doesn’t work for them … if that’s you, go to Island Batik’s blog and enter there.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Saturday 

Monday’s Status

I’ve had a busy week! And I have gotten lots done! My Macaron Mystery is completed. This was a mystery quilt from  Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs. I love her mystery quilts! You can be sure I’ll be following and quilting when she starts the Melodic Mystery in July!

And … did you see Gracie the Gorilla? A Funky Friends pattern for Island Batik’s April challenge. She was so much fun to make! I used Island Batik fabrics, Schmetz needles, and Aurifil thread to make her!

Overhauling the Craft Room

Kim of Persimon Dreams and Kim of Gogokim have joined together and created this Overhaul. If you saw my room, you would KNOW that I NEED to do an Overhaul!!! In a couple of weeks, our quilt guild is having a garage sale … a perfect opportunity to get rid of some quilting junk useful items … I’m not totally following their direction, but I am in the process of going through EVERY container. And I’ll tackle every surface!

Here’s some pictures … as the room was before I started going through things: What a mess, eh? Every available surface cluttered with projects and fabric I need to put away, some baby quilts to be quilted, things to be unpacked from my latest class, fabric to be sorted through, papers cluttering up my computer desk, and left-over batting and fabric on my cutting table!

I’ve already gone through my books … and they’ll be on the free table at the garage sale. I don’t expect the guild library will want them … some are quite old!

Stitching Time

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

  • January – Mar:  90 / 90
  • Apr 1 – 10: 10 / 10
  • Total: 100 / 100
  • Percentage =100% 

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!

Macaron used 12 yards of stash. I was thrilled to pieces when I realized that I had the perfect backing! It’s nice to be using up my stash.

  • Fabric Used this week      12   yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       25.5 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    4.25 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                 21.25 yards 

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is hosting “To Do” every week.

I had month to work on my previous To Do list … let’s see how I did …

The To Do list 2 weeks ago:

  1. Bind Macaron Mystery √   DONE
  2. Bind BBQG mystery quilt √   DONE
  3. Teddy #3 – Finish top √   DONE
  4. Complete Colour Your World Blog Hop project √   DONE
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √   DONE
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Quilt & Bind Teddy #3
  2. Quilt & Bind at least 2 Baby Quilt Panels
  3. Work on Foodie Blog Hop project
  4. Go through the Fabric and Project containers.
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

Donna, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, host a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week.

Piecing:

1. Foodie Blog Hop: These fabrics are from my stash. You’ll just have to wait until May 24th to see what is happening with this fabric!

Quilting:

I have 5 Baby Quilt panels lined up to be quilted and 2 that need binding. Boy, will I ever be glad when I no longer have cute panels in my stash! Some of these were panels that were given to me … I sandwiched them ages ago, but the quilting didn’t happen! And, I did find some of them when I went through a container – part of the Overhaul! 2 of the Baby Quilt panels are partially hand quilted … they will have machine quilting for the finish!

One UFO was finished: Macaron Mystery! That leaves me with 7 more to complete for my PHD in 2022. The New Starts are gradually getting completed! Personally, I really like how completing the New Starts does NOT add to the UFO list! And it is gradually getting smaller!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Macaron Mystery is Complete

This is a mystery quilt that was offered by Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs. This is the 2nd mystery I’ve done of hers and I have LOVED doing each one. I know that some of you highly dislike doing mystery quilts, but she offers to give you a sneak peak – so you’re not totally doing a mystery. However, since I LOVE mystery quilts, I do it as a mystery! No peeking for me.

Cheryl’s directions are very clear and easy to follow! Here’s a few of the progress pictures of this mystery:

The fabric all came from my stash. As did the backing fabric. It has Hobbs 80/20 batting and I used Glide thread (Mercury) to quilt it. The binding is the medium blue print.

And the completed quilt! (And yes, I did alter some of the setting triangles to make the quilt symmetrical. The quilt insisted on it!)

And some quilting close-ups! Some free motion and some ruler work.

And … Cheryl has announced that there will be another mystery quilt starting in July! I already know that I’m going to join in! It’s called the Melodic Mystery! Are you going to join?

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Boundary Bay’s Fall Mystery Quilts

This fall, I supplied numerous members of our guild with weekly clues for the fall mystery.

Some of the quilters sent pictures … Enjoy!

This is Alice C’s. She said, “It was great to finally use the fall fabric I had for years.” Isn’t it a beautiful fall quilt?

Here are Fran’s … both are the baby quilt size and are still in progress. I love how the fabric makes each one very different from the other, yet the pattern is exactly the same!

This is Heather’s! … she says “I love the pattern. I’m going to do a quilt for my grandson And I love this!  It’s simple but looks complicated!!!!”

This one is Bonnie K’s, she made the baby sized quilt. What a wonderful soft quilt. Some baby is going to love it!

Here’s Patricia’s: she calls it a “floppy.” The purple is so vibrant!

Here is Dawn’s: along with a picture of the beautiful feature fabric she used! It’s a great way to use that fabric that you really don’t want to cut into!

This is Kathy S’s. I love the bold blue and grey against the light background / focus fabric!

Here’s Patti’s. Isn’t that dark burgundy border just perfect?

This one is from Dawn W. It’s a super cute baby quilt!

This is Carol R’s … with no borders, yet! Of course, I LOVE the Blues!!!

I love how Jill used stripes!!! People are often afraid to use stripes, but this is proof that you can use them and be successful!!

Here’s Heidi’s. I love the solids amongst the busy print!

These are the ones that I made:

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

A Wintery Finish!

I have a UFO finish! It is the Any Which Way Mystery Quilt … it was finally trimmed and the binding was added! The first picture was taken in the sun … and the 2nd picture was taken on the snow – just because I could!

The binding was finished today while I was Zoom quilting with fellow Island Batik Ambassadors! It’s so fun to get together and see what everyone is working on!

This quilt used Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs 80/20 batting and was quilted with Aurifil thread using Schmetz needles. It finishes at 44″ x 44.” It’s nice to have this UFO done!

Stitching Stuff

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

This week, I managed to only sew for 15 min a day …

  • January 1-9 – 9 / 9
  • Total: 9 / 9
  • Percentage =100% 

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks! However, I am human and I do break down and buy fabric!

I love this meme that I saw recently (but can’t find the source) …

I used 1.5 yards of fabric for the backing of the Any Which Way Mystery Quilt.

  • Fabric Used this week      1.5   yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        0 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                  1.5 yards 

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week.

I didn’t get a lot done this week. I’ve had a bad back and can only sit for very short periods of time.

The To Do list last week:

  1. Trim & bind “Any Which Way” Mystery√   DONE
  2. Finish Round 3 & 4 of SAHRR (yes, I want to work ahead) Decided I didn’t like Round 2 – so did some un-stitching and re-doing the round X not done
  3. Work on Polar Bear Plunge  √   DONE
  4. Work on Tickled Pink  √   DONE
  5. Work on January’s Island Batik project  √   DONE
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes: no cleaning or tidying done and boy does it show! X not done

This week’s list:

  1. SAHRR: Finish Round 2 & work on Round 3
  2. Work on Polar Bear Plunge: get the top done
  3. Work on Tickled Pink
  4. Work on Secret Project
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

There are a few things on my Design Wall and there is NOTHING I can show you … yet!

#1 SAHRR is in progress … Centre block comes out Tomorrow! Be sure to come back so you don’t miss it!!!


#2 Polar Bear Plunge: This is for a blog hop in January … it should be fun! Of course, I can’t show you until the blog hop!


#3 Tickled Pink: This is for a blog hop in February … and again, I can’t show you until then!


#4 … Island Batik January Gradation project is getting there! and it will remain a total secret for now!

#5 Macaron Mystery by Meadow Mist Designs I have printed off the January clue – but haven’t done any sewing … yet …

Quilting:

Nothing is being quilted at the moment!


One UFO done!

Ms. P. Designs has this nifty colourful tool that you can use to track the tasks you have to do for your PHD. You can access the tool HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Any Which Way Mystery Quilt: Clue #5

In this Clue, YOU decide “Which Way” you want your quilt to be. Here are 4 options:

My pattern tester added an 6 extra HST in each colour so she could do pinwheels: Her quilt measures 40″ x 52.”

Which one will you choose?

For an easy and accurate way to add your borders, see This Youtube video:

I always hated this direction … I never knew what to quilt. Well, here’s picture of my quilt – my chosen way. You should be able to see that I did simple brackets on each side of each triangle.

The binding is not on … I’ve got other things that are taking priority at the moment!

Once you have your top done, or even quilted, please send me a picture. I realize that not everyone who is doing the mystery has a blog – so pictures are great! If you have a blog, please send me the link along with your picture. I will post a parade of the quilts in the new year. My email address is quiltinggail@yahoo.ca

Having a blog costs money each year … and each year, the price goes up. If you have enjoyed the mystery and appreciate that you actually have at least 4 new quilt patterns, please consider giving me a small donation. At the top of the blog there is a page that says “Shopping and Donations.” You can go to that page and make your donation. Thank you!

Clue #1 is HERE.

Clue #2 is HERE.

Clue #3 is HERE.

Clue #4 is HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Any Which Way Mystery Quilt: Clue #4

Gather:  9 Contrast #2  Squares and 9 Background Squares

Make Half-Square Triangles.

Mark each background square diagonally down the centre.  (see Blue line on the diagram).

Place (1) Contrast #2 Square, right sides together with (1) Background square.

Sew ¼” away from the marked centre line.  (see Red lines on the diagram)

Cut down the middle – on the blue line.

Press towards the Background triangle.

Trim to 6 ½”  square.

Repeat with the other (8) Contrast #1 squares. Yield 18 Half-Square Triangles with Contrast #2

Clue #1 is HERE.

Clue #2 is HERE.

Clue #3 is HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Any Which Way Mystery Quilt: Clue #3

Gather:  9 Contrast #1 Squares and 9 Background Squares

Make Half-Square Triangles.

Mark each background square diagonally down the centre.  (see Blue line on the diagram).

Place (1) Contrast #1 Square, right sides together with (1) Background square.

Sew ¼” away from the marked centre line.  (see Red lines on the diagram)

Cut down the middle – on the blue line.

Press towards the Contrast #1 triangle.

Trim to 6 ½”  square.

Repeat with the other (8) Contrast #1 squares. Yield 18 Half-Square Triangles.

Clue #1 is HERE.

Clue #2 is HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!