Quilt-a-long

Sunday Summary: March 8

/ quiltinggail / 4 Comments

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 – February: 38 / 59
  • March: 8 / 8
  • Total: 46 / 66: 69%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Toni’s Garden – is a sew-a-long that started in January … It looks pretty, so I decided to join in! (check it out HERE). All I’ve done so far is download the patterns for the first 2 blocks … hopefully I’ll be able to show you my first block soon!
  • Patterns by Jen – 2026 Monthly Colour Challenge
  • Rainbow Scrap Challenge: Red for March

Quilting Projects:

Sunday Stash

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!

No shopping so far this year!

The Magnificent Mystery used up 12.5 yards from my stash!!! I love using up my stash!

  • Fabric used this week: 12.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2026:     56 yards (43 yards from non-Island Batik)
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:   0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             56 yards

Rainbow Scrap Challenge

March’s colour is RED . I have one 9 patch block sewn, using scraps of Island Batik (Lumin Fabrics):

Monthly Colour Challenge

I have participated in the monthly colour challenge with Patterns by Jen in past years. There was a break last year, but Jen is back with the monthly blocks this year. The theme is frogs … here is what Jen says about the theme: This year our color inspiration is coming from the amazing frog. I was a little concerned as I started researching frog colors that there wouldn’t be enough colors for the year, I mean, they are all green, right? 😉 Imagine my delight when I found frogs of (almost) every color of the rainbow, as well as a black frog that makes me want to take him home and love him.

Each month, the patterns are free, but when the month is over, there is a small fee to pay for the pattern. I got behind on sewing the blocks, but did download the patterns for the first 3 months this year. As with all my previous monthly colour challenges, I am using scraps of Island Batik (Lumin Fabrics). Here is my January block:

Meadow Mist: Magnificent Mystery

You can access all the clues at THIS BLOG POST. Here it is, all quilted and bound! I didn’t have much of the red/burgundy fabric left. The binding fabric was cut at 2″ and I had a total of 14″ left when it was finished! Yup, I was playing binding chicken! and I WON!!

And a close up of the quilting:

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 60″ x 72″
  • Block size: 12″
  • Fabric: from my stash … most of it was bought at Wild Rose (in Orting, WA) years before they closed.
  • Hobbs Batting: Heirloom 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread: 50 weight
    • Piecing: #2600 (Dove Grey)
    • Quilting: #2000 (light sand mako)
  • Silly Moon Rulers: Rocket, Beanie, and Charming
  • Schmetz Needles: Universal 80/12
  • Oliso Iron

To Do

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

To Do from last week:

  1. Quilt Magnificent Mystery √   DONE.
  2. Work on Songbird Designs Dancing Shadows
  3. Work on Toni’s Garden – piece January block NOT DONE
  4. Piece January, February and March’s blocks: Jen’s Colour Challenge in progress
  5. Work on Baby Challenge Quilt for Boundary Bay’s Quilt Show (theme is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star) in progress
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE.
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for this week:

I have my list, but I’m not going to stress about getting it done! There’s too much to get done in a week!

  1. Sandwich and Quilt Songbird Designs Dancing Shadows
  2. Work on Toni’s Garden – piece January block
  3. Piece February and March’s blocks: Jen’s Colour Challenge
  4. Work on Baby Challenge Quilt for Boundary Bay’s Quilt Show (theme is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Blog Hop – has started!!

My day is on Wednesday, March 11!

The websites:

Claudia is having a give-away, so make sure you check in with her! Create with Claudia

SAHRR 2026

SAHRR 26

The SAHRR is almost finished for 2026. If you want to join in (better late than never!) the links are below. There will be a parade of all of the assembled quilts on March 25 at Kathleen McMusing‘s blog.

My SAHRR, top completed:

Don’t Forget

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Other’s Round #6 for the 2026 SAHRR

/ quiltinggail / 14 Comments

This is my SAHRR ’26 with all the rounds on. It will be quilted and ready for the parade on March 25.

Other’s Round #6

For those of you that don’t have social media, I will post pictures of your quilts. Please send me your picture by noon (Pacific time) on March 23.

Jan W:

Jan H:

Rosie said,  I used leftovers from hourglass round to make stars for the corners. It looks finished but still need to add something to bring it to QOV size.

Robin’s:

Donna R says she was away at a conference and put Round #6 together in a morning!

The Schedule

  • January 14   Each of the co-leaders will be sharing their centre blocks (you will have to visit each of their blogs to see them). I will host the first linky party where you can show your centre block.
  • January 21:  1st Round:    Brenda @ Songbird Designs
  • January 28:  2nd Round: Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
  • February 4: 3rd Round: Emily @ The Darling Dogwood
  • February 11: 4th Round:   Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
  • February 18: 5th Round:  ME!!! @ Quilting Gail 
  • February 25: 6th Round:  Anja @ Anja Quilts
  • March 25:   Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!

We have Sponsors!

We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2026!!! (That means prizes for YOU!!!). We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win! If you don’t have a blog or Instagram account, contact me, or one of the other co-hosts, and we will post your SAHRR on our blog. This way you still have an opportunity to win!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Sunday Summary: March 1

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

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!

As I was doing the numbers for this week, I realized that I had goofed the % for last week. It’s fixed now!!

  • January – February: 38 / 59
  • March: 1 / 1
  • Total: 39/ 59: 66%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Toni’s Garden – is a sew-a-long that started in January … It looks pretty, so I decided to join in! (check it out HERE). All I’ve done so far is download the patterns for the first 2 blocks … hopefully I’ll be able to show you my first block soon!
  • Patterns by Jen – 2026 Monthly Colour Challenge
  • Rainbow Scrap Challenge: Red for March
  • Test Quilt for Songbird Designs: Dancing Shadows
SAHRR 26

Quilting Projects:

Sunday Stash

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!

No shopping so far this year!

I finished quilting my SAHRR, but I won’t count the yardage until I post it (on March 25)

  • Fabric used this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2026:     43.5 yards (30.5 yards from non-Island Batik)
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:   0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             43.5 yards

Rainbow Scrap Challenge

March’s colour is RED Nothing sewn yet … haven’t even attacked my scrap bag! But soon!

Leader and Ender Scrappy continues …

When I finished my Irish Chain with stars, there were several partial components, so I’m going to continue to use the same blocks for my next leader and ender project.

Meadow Mist: Magnificent Mystery

The blocks are being webbed together. Ready to quilt … sorry, no picture.

To Do

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

To Do from last week:

  1. Finish Webbin Magnificent Mystery and sandwich it. √   DONE.
  2. Work on 2026 SAHRR √   DONE.
  3. Work on Toni’s Garden – piece January block NOT DONE
  4. Piece January & February’s blocks: Jen’s Colour Challenge NOT DONE
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE.
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for this week:

I have my list, but I’m not going to stress about getting it done! There’s too much to get done in a week!

  1. Quilt Magnificent Mystery
  2. Work on Songbird Designs Dancing Shadows
  3. Work on Toni’s Garden – piece January block
  4. Piece January, February and March’s blocks: Jen’s Colour Challenge
  5. Work on Baby Challenge Quilt for Boundary Bay’s Quilt Show (theme is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

SAHRR 2026

SAHRR 26

The SAHRR ’26 is almost finished. All of the rounds have been announced and participants have until March 25 to assemble (and possibly quilt) their projects!

My SAHRR, top completed:

Blog Hop – Coming Soon!

My day is March 11!

Claudia is having a give-away, so make sure you check in with her! Create with Claudia

Don’t Forget

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Other’s Round #6 for the 2026 SAHRR

/ quiltinggail / 20 Comments

This is my SAHRR ’26 with all the rounds on. It will be quilted and ready for the parade on March 25.

Other’s Round #6

For those of you that don’t have social media, I will post pictures of your quilts. Please send me your picture by noon (Pacific time) on March 23.

Jan W:

Jan H:

Rosie said,  I used leftovers from hourglass round to make stars for the corners. It looks finished but still need to add something to bring it to QOV size.

Robin’s:

Donna R says she was away at a conference and put Round #6 together in a morning!

The Schedule

  • January 14   Each of the co-leaders will be sharing their centre blocks (you will have to visit each of their blogs to see them). I will host the first linky party where you can show your centre block.
  • January 21:  1st Round:    Brenda @ Songbird Designs
  • January 28:  2nd Round: Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
  • February 4: 3rd Round: Emily @ The Darling Dogwood
  • February 11: 4th Round:   Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
  • February 18: 5th Round:  ME!!! @ Quilting Gail 
  • February 25: 6th Round:  Anja @ Anja Quilts
  • March 25:   Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!

We have Sponsors!

We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2026!!! (That means prizes for YOU!!!). We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win! If you don’t have a blog or Instagram account, contact me, or one of the other co-hosts, and we will post your SAHRR on our blog. This way you still have an opportunity to win!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Sunday Summary: February 22

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

Leader and Ender Scrappy Finish

Last week, I showed you my leaders and enders project in progress …

Well, with a destination in mind, it became my focus: piecing, quilting and scrappy binding. No pattern is available at the present time, but I’m willing to teach it in person or by zoom.

Here are some close ups! All over swirls on my domestic sewing machine.

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 50″ x 70″
  • Block size: 10″ x 10″
  • Fabric:  Scraps of Island Batik fabric with Island Batik’s solid White
  • Binding: Scraps of binding strips left over from Island Batik projects
  • Hobbs Batting: Heirloom 80/20
  • Thread:
    • Piecing: Aurifil 2600 Dove Grey
  • Schmetz Needles: Universal 80/12
  • Oliso Iron

A Super Quick Finish

Essem was having a ‘soft opening’ prior to their “Official Re-Opening” on Saturday, Feb. 22. So wanting to see their new space, I stopped in. I needed NOTHING and had no intention of buying anything … and I didn’t! Although they have LOTS of new and wonderful fabric in!!!

However, I ended up walking to my car with components for a cute and quick panel quilt. The panel was super narrow, compared to most panels, so I added a 6″ border on the sides and 3″ borders top and bottom. It didn’t take long to do! And it was quilted with my latest favourite, swirls.

The panel is “Willow’s Farm” and the borders are “Organic Gingham.” This baby quilt was backed with a fabric called “Teddy Plush” in beige. It’s 100% polyester and I wasn’t sure how it would quilt. It quilted like a dream!!! The quilt slid under my foot with ease. The binding was cut on the bias, using left-overs from the borders. If you go into Essem, I’m sure Simina will make up a kit for you!

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!

Oh, it is so very nice to be sewing each and every day!

  • January 16 / 31
  • February: 22/ 22
  • Total: 38 / 53: 71%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Meadow Mist Magnificient Mystery: Finish Webbing the quilt together
  • Toni’s Garden – is a sew-a-long that started in January … It looks pretty, so I decided to join in! (check it out HERE). All I’ve done so far is download the patterns for the first 2 blocks … hopefully I’ll be able to show you my first block soon!
  • Patterns by Jen – 2026 Monthly Colour Challenge
  • Rainbow Scrap Challenge
SAHRR 26

Quilting Projects:

  • SAHRR ’26

Sunday Stash

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!

No shopping so far this year!

I estimated that the Scrappy Irish Chain was approximately 9 yards … 4 yards for backing and at least 5 yards for the scraps and binding. It probably used more, but I’ll leave it at 9.

Even though I came out of Essem with fabric, I didn’t buy any and the sample was back in the store in a couple of days. So, I’m not counting it as fabric bought, nor fabric used.

  • Fabric used this week: 9 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2026:     43.5 yards (30.5 yards from non-Island Batik)
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:   0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             43.5 yards

Rainbow Scrap Challenge

February’s colour is GREEN. I’ve sewn (8) 9 patch blocks … using scraps of Island Batik fabric. I showed this last week, there’s nothing new this week.

Leaders and Enders

OK … confession here. Once I put the above Scrappy Irish Chain with Stars together, I had several more components of the blocks made. So I’m going to continue to make even more to make another quilt.

Meadow Mist: Magnificent Mystery

The blocks are being webbed together.

To Do

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

To Do from last week:

  1. Work on Magnificent Mystery: February’s clue in progress
  2. Work on 2026 SAHRR √   DONE.
  3. Work on Toni’s Garden – piece January block NOT DONE
  4. Piece January & February’s blocks: Jen’s Colour Challenge NOT DONE
  5. Leader’s & Enders Scrappy Irish Chain with Stars √   DONE.
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE.
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for this week:

I have my list, but I’m not going to stress about getting it done! There’s too much to get done in a week!

  1. Finish Webbin Magnificent Mystery and sandwich it
  2. Quilt 2026 SAHRR
  3. Work on Toni’s Garden – piece January block
  4. Piece January & February’s blocks: Jen’s Colour Challenge
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

SAHRR 2026

SAHRR 26

The SAHRR ’26 has started!! It’s not too late if you want to join in. We’re only half way done! See these posts for more details:

My SAHRR so far:

Don’t Forget

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Round #5 for the 2026 SAHRR

/ quiltinggail / 36 Comments

Did you see all the Round #4s from last week’s Link Party? You can see them at Pieceful Thoughts

It’s my turn this week. I have chosen 2 colours. I figure after a few of the comments I received about last week’s curves, you needed something simple!

This week, we’re going to use 2 colours and you can make anything you like, but you’re going to use 2 colours.  If you want, you can add in a neutral, which some would say is 3 colours.  However, the SAHRR does NOT have quilt police, so you can do it YOUR way!  There are probably over a million different blocks out there, so you can choose.  I’m going to keep it simple and use a 4 patch.

Would you believe that I neglected to take pictures as I made my 4 patches. Gee … you’d think that I’d learn to consistently take pictures, but I didn’t. I strip pieced the blue and purple fabrics with Egg White. The strips were all cut at 2 1/2“. I had to fudge a little along the top and bottom borders, the the sides fit perfectly!

My SAHRR measures 37″ x 48.” Here it is:

Be sure to link up your Round #5 below.

The fabric I am using for this years SAHRR is Lumin Fabrics (Island Batik) “Radiant Burst” by Jerry Khiev, along with the Egg White neutral and solid white.

The Schedule

  • January 14   Each of the co-leaders will be sharing their centre blocks (you will have to visit each of their blogs to see them). I will host the first linky party where you can show your centre block.
  • January 21:  1st Round:    Brenda @ Songbird Designs
  • January 28:  2nd Round: Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
  • February 4: 3rd Round: Emily @ The Darling Dogwood
  • February 11: 4th Round:   Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
  • February 18: 5th Round:  ME!!! @ Quilting Gail 
  • February 25: 6th Round:  Anja @ Anja Quilts
  • March 25:   Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!

We have Sponsors!

We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2026!!! (That means prizes for YOU!!!). We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win! If you don’t have a blog or Instagram account, contact me, or one of the other co-hosts, and we will post your SAHRR on our blog. This way you still have an opportunity to win!

The Link Party

This is where you can Link up and show us your SAHRR as it is with Round #5 added!

The Link Party will be open until midnight (Pacific time) on February 23.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party! Click here to enter

Other’s Progress

Gail H’s 2 quilts, the curves are in the fabrics! She says, “Easy curves in the borders following round 3 flying geese.“

Robin says her curves look crooked, but I think they look fine!

And here’s Donna R’s with her orange peel blocks!

Katie says, “I had trouble with curves this week–I was going for a scalloped border, but it didn’t quite work.”

Whether Katie thinks they didn’t work, I think they look fine!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary: February 15

/ quiltinggail / 14 Comments

Such a cute pin cushion! I love the pun!

Laundry Basket Mystery Quilt

I thought I had shown you this quilt already, but I can’t find it in my feed. Did I delete the post? I don’t know … but, you get to see it again! It was the fall mystery from Laundry Basket Quilts, but I changed the star blocks and didn’t do a couple of the final rounds.

There is a mixture of ruler quilting and free motion. Here are some close up pictures of the quilting. I really enjoyed quilting this one!! There’s a LOT of ruler quilting! And all quilting is done on my domestic machine (Janome M7).

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 66″ square
  • Block size: mostly 6″ x 6″
  • Fabric:  Fat Quarter pack bought eons ago
  • Hobbs Batting: Heirloom 80/20
  • Thread:
    • Piecing: Aurifil 2600 Dove Grey
    • Quilting: Glide: Linen
  • Silly Moon Rulers: Rocket, Charming
  • Schmetz Needles: Universal 80/12
  • Oliso Iron

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!

Oh, it is so very nice to be sewing each and every day!

  • January 16 / 31
  • February: 15 / 15
  • Total: 31 / 46: 67%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Meadow Mist Magnificient Mystery: Starting to sew the blocks
  • SAHRR ’26
  • Toni’s Garden – is a sew-a-long that started in January … It looks pretty, so I decided to join in! (check it out HERE). All I’ve done so far is download the pattern … hopefully I’ll be able to show you my first block soon!
  • Patterns by Jen – 2026 Monthly Colour Challenge
  • Rainbow Scrap Challenge
  • Leader’s & Enders Scrappy Irish Chain with Stars
SAHRR 26

Quilting Projects:

  • None at the moment!

Sunday Stash

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!

No shopping so far this year!

I think the fabric from Laundry Basket quilt was already included in these totals.

  • Fabric used this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2026:     34.5 yards (26.5 yards from non-Island Batik)
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:   0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             34.5 yards

Rainbow Scrap Challenge

February’s colour is GREEN. I’ve sewn (8) 9 patch blocks … using scraps of Island Batik fabric.

Leaders and Enders

I’ve been working on a Scrappy Irish Chain with Stars as my Leaders and Enders … I’m using scraps of Island Batik fabric and solid white to make the blocks …

Well, as with all Leaders and Enders, there comes a point when it all of a sudden becomes a current work in progress.

I started with lots of squares and made the chain rows, and smaller squares and half-square triangles for the stars and viola, I have 2 blocks.

Hopefully, it will be a quilt soon!

Meadow Mist: Magnificent Mystery

The final clue came on Feb. It was a few days before I could start assembling it. I’m liking it so far! Here are the first 2 blocks:

To Do

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

To Do from last week:

  1. Work on Magnificent Mystery: February’s clue in progress
  2. Work on 2026 SAHRR in progress
  3. Work on Toni’s Garden – piece January block NOT DONE
  4. Piece January & February’s blocks: Jen’s Colour Challenge NOT DONE
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE.
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for this week:

I have my list, but I’m not going to stress about getting it done! There’s too much to get done in a week!

  1. Work on Magnificent Mystery
  2. Work on 2026 SAHRR
  3. Work on Toni’s Garden – piece January block
  4. Piece January & February’s blocks: Jen’s Colour Challenge
  5. Leader’s & Enders Scrappy Irish Chain with Stars
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

SAHRR 2026

SAHRR 26

The SAHRR ’26 has started!! It’s not too late if you want to join in. We’re only half way done! See these posts for more details:

My SAHRR so far:

Don’t Forget

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Round #4 for the 2026 SAHRR

/ quiltinggail / 27 Comments

Did you see all the Round #3’s from last week’s Link Party? You can see them at  The Darling Dogwood

This week is Round #4. Wendy has chosen “Curved Block.”

This is what she says, “This week let’s show off our curves! Curved blocks, that is! Make a curved block border for your quilt this week. Curved blocks can be intimidating, but they really are easier than they look. Here are just a few ideas for constructing your blocks: 

  • Use templates to cut and piece
  • Use the improv method (no templates, just your rotary cutter)
  • Use applique method
  • Think out of the box – fabrics with a curved print? Bias tape curves? 

Once the blocks are done, there are several ways they can be arranged into a border, so play with them a bit before you sew up your border. Have fun!

I chose to make circles … lots of circles and put them on a curved line on each side of the quilt. I don’t have an accuquilt die that cuts circles, so I used a plastic template and cut circles 1 1/4” in size. Because I did them by hand, they are not perfect … but they are close enough. I glued them on the border with a dab of Elmer’s Disappearing Purple glue, but I didn’t trust them to stay in place. I used the largest stitch on my machine and basted them in place. Once I quilt the quilt, they will be well secured!

And here is my SAHRR so far:

Be sure to link up your Round #4 on Wendy’s blog: Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts

The fabric I am using for this years SAHRR is Lumin Fabrics (Island Batik) “Radiant Burst” by Jerry Khiev, along with the Egg White neutral and solid white.

You can see my previous SAHRR ’26 posts at these links:

The Schedule

  • January 14   Each of the co-leaders will be sharing their centre blocks (you will have to visit each of their blogs to see them). I will host the first linky party where you can show your centre block.
  • January 21:  1st Round:    Brenda @ Songbird Designs
  • January 28:  2nd Round: Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
  • February 4: 3rd Round: Emily @ The Darling Dogwood
  • February 11: 4th Round:   Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
  • February 18: 5th Round:  ME!!! @ Quilting Gail 
  • February 25: 6th Round:  Anja @ Anja Quilts
  • March 25:   Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!

We have Sponsors!

We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2026!!! (That means prizes for YOU!!!). We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win! If you don’t have a blog or Instagram account, contact me, or one of the other co-hosts, and we will post your SAHRR on our blog. This way you still have an opportunity to win!

Other’s Progress

Robin added cats to her quilt … why am I not surprised? She will fill in the middle once she finds out what this week’s prompt is!

Donna added 2 moose to the side of her quilt:

Dena Emeneau posted this on IG, but sent the link to me. (Dena, could you please send me your email address – thx!)

Katie said, “I had a hard time with the animal theme–I finally decided on a fish, but had trouble making one small enough–this one finishes at 1-1/2″ high and it stll looks huge compared to the sailboat”

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary: February 8

/ quiltinggail / 6 Comments

Another Finish this week

Sedona Starburst is a pattern by Songbird Designs. Isn’t it fantastic? I used an older fat quarter pack to make this quilt. I have no idea what the line of fabric is … but I know I got it around 2017 or earlier. If you would like the pattern, visit Songbird Designs and she will tell you how to get the. pattern for yourself!

There is a mixture of ruler quilting and free motion. Here are some close up pictures of the quilting. I really enjoyed quilting this one!! There’s a LOT of ruler quilting! And all quilting is done on my domestic machine (Janome M7).

For the back, I used the left-over fat quarters. I love how the quilting shows up on the back!

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 64″ square
  • Block size: mostly 12″ x 12″
  • Fabric:  Unknown fat quarter packs
  • Hobbs Batting: Heirloom 80/20
  • Thread:
    • Piecing: Aurifil 2600 Dove Grey
    • Quilting: Glide: Linen
  • Silly Moon Rulers: Rocket, Beanie 4″, Charming & Cheesie 1 1/2“
  • Schmetz Needles: Universal 80/12
  • Oliso Iron

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!

Oh, it is so very nice to be sewing each and every day!

  • January 16 / 31
  • February: 15 / 15
  • Total: 31 / 46: 67%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Meadow Mist Magnificient Mystery: Starting to sew the blocks
  • SAHRR ’26
  • Toni’s Garden – is a sew-a-long that started in January … It looks pretty, so I decided to join in! (check it out HERE). All I’ve done so far is download the pattern … hopefully I’ll be able to show you my first block soon!
  • Patterns by Jen – 2026 Monthly Colour Challenge
  • Rainbow Scrap Challenge
SAHRR 26

Quilting Projects:

  • None at the moment!

Sunday Stash

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!

No shopping so far this year!

Sedona Starburst used 6 yards from my stash.

  • Fabric used this week: 12.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2026:     34.5 yards (26.5 yards from non-Island Batik)
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:   0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             34.5 yards

Rainbow Scrap Challenge

February’s colour is GREEN. I’ve sewn (3) 9 patch blocks … the top right block is actually a dark dark green. These are from my Island Batik scraps.

To Do

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

To Do from last week:

  1. Work on Magnificent Mystery: February’s clue in progress
  2. Quilt Sedona Starburst: Test quilt for Songbird Designs √   DONE.
  3. Work on 2026 SAHRR in progress
  4. Work on Toni’s Garden – piece January block NOT DONE
  5. Piece January & February’s blocks: Jen’s Colour Challenge NOT DONE
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE.
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for this week:

I have my list, but I’m not going to stress about getting it done! There’s too much to get done in a week!

  1. Work on Magnificent Mystery
  2. Work on 2026 SAHRR
  3. Work on Toni’s Garden – piece January block
  4. Piece January & February’s blocks: Jen’s Colour Challenge
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

SAHRR 2026

SAHRR 26

The SAHRR ’26 has started!! It’s not too late if you want to join in. We’re only half way done! See these posts for more details:

My SAHRR so far:

Don’t Forget

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Round #3 for the 2026 SAHRR

/ quiltinggail / 33 Comments

Did you see all the Round #1s from last week’s Link Party? You can see them at Songbird Designs.

This week is Round #3. Animal Kingdom. Emily says, “This week, we’re taking inspiration from the animal kingdom!  Any animal counts, from the smallest ant to the biggest of sharks. There are lots of ways to interpret Animal Kingdom.  Here are some ideas:

  • Block named after an animal: Bear Paw, Monkey Wrench, Snail’s Trail, Birds in the Air, Shoo Fly, Puss in the Corner, etc.
  • Applique of an animal
  • Pieced block that looks like an animal
  • Fabric that contains animals

I googled “Butterfly” blocks. Lots came up, but nothing was quite ‘right.’ Then, I went to Quilt Blocks Galore and found this 6″ paper pieced Butterfly block. (HERE). I admit, that I wasn’t thrilled with the sample butterfly, but my imagination took the block, added in my glorious “Radiant Burst” fabrics and I KNEW it would work!

I made 6 paper pieced butterflies. Put 3 on the top and 3 on the bottom. I just want to make sure that the quilt is a rectangle! The next round will be on the sides.

Be sure to link up your Round #3 on Emily’s blog: Emily @ The Darling Dogwood

The fabric I am using for this years SAHRR is Lumin Fabrics (Island Batik) “Radiant Burst” by Jerry Khiev, along with the Egg White neutral and solid white.

The Schedule

  • January 14   Each of the co-leaders will be sharing their centre blocks (you will have to visit each of their blogs to see them). I will host the first linky party where you can show your centre block.
  • January 21:  1st Round:    Brenda @ Songbird Designs
  • January 28:  2nd Round: Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
  • February 4: 3rd Round: Emily @ The Darling Dogwood
  • February 11: 4th Round:   Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
  • February 18: 5th Round:  ME!!! @ Quilting Gail 
  • February 25: 6th Round:  Anja @ Anja Quilts
  • March 25:   Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!

We have Sponsors!

We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2026!!! (That means prizes for YOU!!!). We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win! If you don’t have a blog or Instagram account, contact me, or one of the other co-hosts, and we will post your SAHRR on our blog. This way you still have an opportunity to win!

Other’s Progress

This is Robin’s Double Wrench

Gail H has decided to do 2 quilts:

Katie Y: She says, “Here are my first two rounds–I started with an orphan block–the sailboat and added the hour glasses at the top–thought they looked kind of like clouds, and then double four patches at the bottom to resemble waves.”

Donna R says, “I know it’s lopsided, but this will get me to a rectangle shape rather than a square.  The block is Double Spinwheel from Quilter’s Cache.“

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Sunday Summary: February 1

/ quiltinggail / 22 Comments

How true is that? But, I haven’t bought any fabric yet this year.

One Finish this week

I finished quilting the “Arabesque” Pattern from mmmquilts. I used 2 different sized Silly Moon Beanies and Rocket for the ruler work. The swirls were all free motioned without rulers.

This quilt pattern was Sandra’s (mmmquilts) SAHRR from 2025. If you take a look at my SAHRR (HERE) you would NEVER ever guess that she used the same prompts! If you want the pattern, you can purchase it from Sandra at mmmquilts etsy site.

And here is the back! And yes, the top left corner has the label for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild, so it’s destined as a donation quilt.

Quilt Stats:

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!

Oh, it is so very nice to be sewing each and every day!

  • January 16 / 31
  • February: 1 / 1
  • Total: 17 / 32: 53%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Meadow Mist Magnificient Mystery: I’m all caught up, just waiting for February’s clue. Apparently we’ll be told which blocks to make and how to finish the quilt … I’ll find out on February 5
  • SAHRR ’26
  • Toni’s Garden – is a sew-a-long that started a couple of days ago … It looks pretty, so I decided to join in! (check it out HERE). All I’ve done so far is download the pattern … hopefully I’ll be able to show you my first block soon!
  • Patterns by Jen – 2026 Monthly Colour Challenge
SAHRR 26

Quilting Projects:

  • Sedona Starburst: Test quilt for Songbird Designs
  • Laundry Basket Quilts: Mystery

Sunday Stash

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!

No shopping so far this year!

The Arabesque quilt used 6 yards from my stash.

  • Fabric used this week: 6 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2026:     14 yards (6 yards from non-Island Batik)
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:   0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             14 yards

Rainbow Scrap Challenge

January’s colour is BLUE. Usually with blue, I would make at least a baby quilt, but I just made 7 nine patch blocks. The Island Batik 2.5″ squares were in my stash, no cutting involved! Just 3 different ways to do 9 patches with blues and a neutral.

To Do

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

To Do from last week:

  1. Laundry Basket Mystery: Sandwich and Quilt in progress
  2. Continue to work on a Test quilt for Songbird Designs Sandwich and Quilt. in progress. sandwiched and binding made!
  3. Sandwich and Quilt Arabesque Quilt for mmmquilts √   DONE
  4. Work on Magnificent Mystery: November & December √   DONE. All caught up!
  5. Work on 2026 SAHRR in progress
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE.
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for this week: needs to be updated.

I have my list, but I’m not going to stress about getting it done! There’s too much to get done in a week!

  1. Laundry Basket Mystery: Quilt and Bind
  2. Work on Magnificent Mystery: February’s clue
  3. Quilt Sedona Starburst: Test quilt for Songbird Designs
  4. Work on 2026 SAHRR
  5. Work on Toni’s Garden – piece January block
  6. Piece January & February’s blocks: Jen’s Colour Challenge
  7. Prepare fabrics for Rainbow Scrap Challenge
  8. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  9. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

SAHRR 2026

SAHRR 26

The SAHRR ’26 has started!! It’s not too late if you want to join in. See these posts for more details:

My SAHRR so far:

Don’t Forget

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Round #2 for the 2026 SAHRR

/ quiltinggail / 35 Comments

Did you see all the Round #1s from last week’s Link Party? You can see them at Songbird Designs.

This week is Round #2. Kathleen says: Make it a Double!  It is week 2 and I challenge you to use a  double block.  Here are a few examples:   

  • Double Z
  • Double 4 patch
  • Double Irish Chain
  • Double Cross
  • Double Hour Glass
  • Double Pinwheel
  • Double Wedding Ring (that would be ambitious) 
  • Double Wrench 
  • Double X

I wasn’t inspired by any of the Double blocks. I find this unusual as usually I am able to find something that works. I went to Quilt Blocks Galore for more inspiration. As I went through the list of “double” blocks, Nothing was saying “do this.”

And then … I was wandering around the Internet and came across Jenny Doan’s “Double Churn Dash” quilt. Now, I’m not about to make a whole quilt, but it inspired me to use 2 of the fabrics from the Radiant Burst collection and frame Round #1 with a Double Churn Dash. Yes, I know that a Churn Dash is basically the same as a “Wrench” block … but I’m also a bit of a rebel!

This is my finished Round #2 … This block is now 22 1/2” x 26 1/2“.

How I made this double Churn Dash: The strips of red, blue and neutral were all cut at 1 1/2” and the half-square triangles were cut at 21/2“, and will finish at 2” in the quilt.

Be sure to link up your round #2 on Kathleen’s blog: Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing

The fabric I am using for this years SAHRR is Lumin Fabrics (Island Batik) “Radiant Burst” by Jerry Khiev, along with the Egg White neutral and solid white.

The Schedule

  • January 14   Each of the co-leaders will be sharing their centre blocks (you will have to visit each of their blogs to see them). I will host the first linky party where you can show your centre block.
  • January 21:  1st Round:    Brenda @ Songbird Designs
  • January 28:  2nd Round: Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
  • February 4: 3rd Round: Emily @ The Darling Dogwood
  • February 11: 4th Round:   Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
  • February 18: 5th Round:  ME!!! @ Quilting Gail 
  • February 25: 6th Round:  Anja @ Anja Quilts
  • March 25:   Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!

We have Sponsors!

We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2026!!! (That means prizes for YOU!!!). We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win! If you don’t have a blog or Instagram account, contact me, or one of the other co-hosts, and we will post your SAHRR on our blog. This way you still have an opportunity to win!

Other’s Progress

If you want me to put your picture on my blog, the deadline is Monday noon (Pacific Time).

Here’s Gail H’s Round #1

Robin’s

Fauntie’s

Donna’s

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary: January 25

/ quiltinggail / 22 Comments

This is true!

I’ve been MIA for awhile

I know that I have not posted much in the last month … I’ve had that horrid flu / cold that was going around. I’m finally on the mend and feeling much much better! So, I’ll try to catch you up to what’s happening!

For each of my weekly updates, I’ll be starting fresh!

Two Finishes

I have 2 finishes this month:

The quilt I made for the Starry Seas Blog Hop, along with the magnetic bowls see THIS POST.

And the Helen Godden Countdown to Christmas ’25. (See all the youtube videos HERE.) I have been doing her countdowns for several years. This was the 3rd year that my sister and I have done it together. We often do it between Christmas and New Years, but this year we did it this past week. As we are zooming, we watch the videos together and then quilt the various components.

I used Island Batik (Lumin Fabrics) solid white fabric. The project was traced onto the fabric using a Sharpie “Stained” marker (doesn’t bleed like a regular sharpie). The lines were all stitched with Aurifil #2692 (black). The various sections were coloured with Inktense pencils and Aloe Vera. Hobbs 80/20 was used as the batting. All of the micro quilting was done with black Aurifil thread. The quilt was bound with Island Batik’s solid black fabric.

And here is the finished project!

I always learn a LOT when doing these projects! It’s a LOT of fun and it doesn’t matter if it’s not perfect! It just gets 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!

I know that for at least 2 weeks, I didn’t go into my sewing room. I was too sick. And the rest of the time was hit and miss, so I’m going to take a wild guess that I have probably sewed for 30 minutes at least 10 days so far this month. I know it’s a low percentage for me, but it will get better!

  • January 1 – 25: 10 /25
  • Total: 10 / 25: 40%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Meadow Mist Magnificient Mystery: I’m all caught up, just waiting for February’s clue. Apparently we’ll be told which blocks to make and how to finish the quilt … I’ll find out on February 5
  • SAHRR ’26

Quilting Projects:

Sunday Stash

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!

No purchases so far this year!

The Starry Seas quilt and magnetic bowls used 7.5 yards and the Helen Godden Christmas used half a yard.

  • Fabric used this year: 8 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2026:     8 yards
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:   0 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             8 yards

Rainbow Scrap Challenge

January’s colour is BLUE. Usually with blue, I would make at least a baby quilt, but I just made 3 nine patch blocks. The Island Batik 2.5″ squares were in my stash, no cutting involved! Just 3 different ways to do 9 patches with blues and a neutral.

To Do

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

To Do from last year ago:

  1. Laundry Basket Mystery: Finish Week 7 √   DONE. It’s ready to be sandwiched and quilted
  2. Continue to work on a Test quilt for Songbird Designs get the quilt webbed together. √   DONE. It’s ready to be sandwiched and quilted
  3. Sandwich and Quilt Arabesque Quilt for mmmquilts in progress
  4. Finish Quilting Friend’s Quilt √   DONE.
  5. Work on Magnificent Mystery: November & December √   DONE. All caught up!
  6. Work on 2026 SAHRR in progress
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE.
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for this week:

I have my list, but I’m not going to stress about getting it done! There’s too much to get done in a week!

  1. Laundry Basket Mystery: Sandwich and Quilt
  2. Continue to work on a Test quilt for Songbird Designs Sandwich and Quilt
  3. Finish Quilting and bind Arabesque Quilt for mmmquilts
  4. Work on 2026 SAHRR
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

SAHRR 2026

SAHRR 26

The SAHRR ’26 has started!! It’s not too late if you want to join in. See these posts for more details:

My SAHRR so far:

Don’t Forget

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary: August 31

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

This is actually the week’s forcast!

Oh NO!!! A Squirrel …

That’s right a squirrel invaded my sewing space. I did NOT need a squirrel to come worming its way into my life! But it promises to be a beautiful squirrel. You probably all know that I LOVE 🩷 LOVE mystery quilts. Laundry Basket Quilts is hosting a Mystery Quilt. You can access Week 1 on their blog HERE. Lately, I’m on a mission to use up my regular stash … not my Island Batik stash. I find that my regular stash is more difficult to work with, it doesn’t retain the shape easily and frays. BUT … I have it and I need to use it up … so I chose one of my older Fat Quarter Bundles … It was bundled with twine and no tag … but a couple of the fat quarters have a selvage that says “Judie Rothermel Presents Textiles inspired by the Old Sturbridge Village Collection for Marcus Brothers Textiles, Inc. I know that I bought it at a quilt store in Stanwood WA that no longer exists …

A Finished Quilt

I finished this quilt this week. It’s “Bloomers,” designed by Denise Looney. You can read more about it HERE.

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 – July: 207 / 211 days
  • August: 31 / 31 days
  • Total: 238 / 242 98 %

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Rainbow Scrap challenge, Teal fabrics: making Jacob’s Ladder blocks … so pretty!
  • I’ve cut out the pieces for the Magnificent Mystery by Meadow Mist Designs (See HERE … it’s definitely NOT too late to join!). I used fabrics from my stash … they are OLD. I bought them at the Wild Rose Quilt store in Orting, WA, many many years ago!

Quilting projects:

  • Splish Splash is webbed together and needs a backing, sandwiching and quilting.

Sunday Stash

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 at least 8.5 yards of fabric for “the Butterfly Quilt.”Bloomers.”

  • Fabric used in the last week: 8.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2025:     172 yards. {56.5 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    24.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              147.5 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last week:

  1. Finish “Sliver of Silver” (this is a project for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild’s 25th Anniversary.) XX NOT DONE XX
  2. Piece backing, sandwich and quilt Jelly Roll Twist / Splish Splash. XX NOT DONE XX
  3. Finish quilting  Purple for Rainbow Scrap Challenge & bind √   DONE. 
  4. Continue to work on Bloomers – get to flimsy stage √   DONE and finished!!!
  5. Cut out Finish blocks for Rainbow Scrap Challenge – Teal √   DONE. 
  6. Start on October Island Batik Challenge. XX NOT DONE XX
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! XX NOT DONE XX
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for this week:

  1. Finish “Sliver of Silver” (this is a project for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild’s 25th Anniversary.)
  2. Piece backing, sandwich and quilt Jelly Roll Twist / Splish Splash.
  3. Piece together Rainbow Scrap Challenge – Teal blocks
  4. Make a decision regarding September’s Scrap Challenge: Pastel blue & green
  5. Start on October Island Batik Challenge.
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Don’t Forget

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary: July 13

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No quilting finishes

I didn’t finish any quilting stuff this week … except for my unboxing video that I showed last week … you can see it HERE.

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 – June: 176 / 180 days
  • July: 13 / 13 days
  • Total: 183 / 187 97 %

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Purple for Rainbow Scrap Challenge
  • “Bloomers:” I decided to use fabric from the Island Batik (Lumin Fabrics) Radiant Burst collection! And the main blocks are started with Eggwhite and Solid White and the first block is done. The Hexi and half Hexi blocks are started …
  • Island Batik’s September Challenge is the Threaded Chaos Blog Hop – a Crazy Quilt using Aurifil thread … It’s in progress, but I can’t show you YET … but I can show you a picture of the fabric I’m using …

Quilting projects:

  • Splish Splash is webbed together and needs a backing, sandwiching and quilting.
  • Disappearing 9 patch using “ORANGE” and Island Batik’s solid grey for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

Sunday Stash

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 bought 2 yards of fabric for the backing of Splish Splash, but nothing was finished this week.

Fabric used in the last week: 8.5 yards

  • Fabric Used in 2025:     144 yards. {45 yards of non Island Batik fabric}
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 2 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    19 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              125 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last week:

  1. Sandwich and quilt Disappearing 9 patch: “ORANGE” XX NOT DONE XX
  2. Make backing, sandwich and quilt Jelly Roll Twist / Splish Splash. …. bought the backing … but need to piece it (GROAN!!!)
  3. Work on getting scraps for placemats completed … there are at least 6! XX NOT DONE XX
  4. Work on Purple for Rainbow Scrap Challenge in progress
  5. Work on Bloomers – make Hexi and half-Hexi blocks in progress
  6. Think about Island Batik September challenge. Started. in progress
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE. 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for this week:

  1. Make backing, sandwich and quilt Disappearing 9 patch: “ORANGE”
  2. Piece backing, sandwich and quilt Jelly Roll Twist / Splish Splash.
  3. Finish piecing Purple for Rainbow Scrap Challenge
  4. Continue to work on Bloomers – make Hexi and half-Hexi blocks and other embroidery blocks
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Free Sew Along

Denise at Quiltery has done a fantastic job of designing this beautiful quilt! The 1st block for appliqué is now available HERE OR … if you want to purchase the embroidery designs, they are also available to purchase for some formats. (That’s what I’m doing!)

Here’s block #1 with the first half-hexi!

Don’t Forget

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Canuck Quilter’s Mystery Quilt

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This quilt is FINALLY done!!!

Joanne Kerton from Canuck Quilter Designs offered a mystery quilt this spring. I’m a sucker for mystery quilts and couldn’t resist doing it! She called it a “Colour Value Mystery” and offered 2 options: Modern or Traditional. I opted for the Traditional. I’ve done a few of Canuck Quilter’s Designs and they are always well written!

Here’s a few of the progress pictures: Fabric cut out, blocks ready to assemble and on the design wall prior to sandwiching.

And the Finished Quiilt:

Close up of the Quilting: A little free motion, but mostly ruler quilting.

Thanks Joanne for the fantastic mystery sew-along!

Quilt Stats:

Don’t Forget:

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Glowing Hearts

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I joined Sandra Walker’s (MMM Quilts) Glowing Heart Quilt-a-long this spring. I originally was going to make a baby quilt, then I changed my mind and made it bigger. I used 7 fat quarters from a bundle of “Bluebird” by Editya Sitar for the hearts. 3 for the background of the hearts and 3 for the sashing. My intention was to alternate the ‘backgrounds’ with light and dark, but I wasn’t paying attention when I cut the darks and all of a sudden, I had enough for all the backgrounds. The light fabrics then became the sashing. The extra pieces were used for the scrappy binding!

To quilt this quilt, I used Silly Moon’s 4″ Cupid ruler. I started off in the middle, doing half hearts in a vertical row. It was OK … but once I got back to the top, I decided ‘enough of that!’ Then I filled out the sides of the quilt with random hearts. I did a heart, back-tracked on the ruler and started the next heart. In a few spots, I used the 3″ Cupid to fill in.

I’m joining in the Glowing Hearts Parade! There are already several quilts posted … it’s quite the variety and well worth going to check it out. HERE. Thank you Sandra for the easy paced, wonderful sew-along!

Quilt Stats:

Don’t Forget:

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Monday’s Manifesto

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Garage Sale

I believe the guild Garage Sale was a success. I got rid of a LOT of stuff! It was great! I was very happy to only bring a small amount home!

I also was able to donate about 10 quilts to the baby quilt and comfort quilt guild charities! That also freed up a bunch of space!

As my dear hubby was helping to load the car, he gently told me that perhaps I might not want to bring home as much stuff as I took! I had to laugh, as I had absolutely NO intention of shopping at the garage sale …

However, when things are staring you in the face, you HAVE to shop! The blue fleece was at the table next to me and after an hour, I broke down and bought it. It will back 2 baby donation quilts. And the ruler handle … oh yes, the ruler handle. Whenever I’m at a retreat with Patti, she always has a long ruler with a fantastic handle on it. I gravitate to that ruler and absolutely LOVE the extra stability the handle adds. So, of course, I HAD to have it!!!

Now … to get things back in order in my sewing studio!

Overhauling the Craft Room

For awhile this past week, my studio looked WAY worse than it did when I first posted pictures … but that’s OK … sometimes, you have to make a mess to clean up, right? Anyhow … here is the progress this week:

Here’s Before and After pictures of the same spaces!

It looks a little cluttered behind the sewing machine on the right … but that’s my leader & ender project … and it’s allowed to stay there – ready for sewing! Yes, several rulers hang behind this machine.

Another area … The bags on the floor were emptied and things put away. The sandwiched quilts and various other things are in appropriate spots. Finally, there is a permanent home for my Accuquilt … with the Island Batik scraps ready for cutting … much better than putting it away all the time!

My quilting area … the SAD light stays and the laptop gets moved so I can view whatever as I’m quilting or zoom quilting or ??? Another leader and ender project ready when I piece on this machine and the area is clear for quilting. So, hopefully, I won’t quilt spare pieces of fabric into the back of whatever I quilt!

All that is left is my ironing board, cutting table and computer desk! GROAN …. but I will work on them …

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!

I missed 3 days of sewing this week. Two because I was getting ready for the garage sale and one on the day of the garage sale …

  • January – Mar:  90 / 90
  • Apr 1 – 24: 21/24
  • Total: 111 / 114
  • Percentage =97% 

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!

Finishing this baby quilt used 2.5 yards of fabric.

  • Fabric Used this week      2.5  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       32.25 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   2 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    6.25 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                 26 yards 

To Do

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

The To Do list a week ago:

  1. Quilt & Bind at least 2 more Baby Quilt Panels only 1 done
  2. Work on Foodie Blog Hop project not done
  3. Finish going through the Fabric and Project containers. √   DONE
  4. Work on May Island Batik challenge. not done
  5. Clear at least one more surface in the sewing studio. √   DONE
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!  not done
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

Here’s the UFO Baby Quilt I finished.

This week’s list:

  1. Quilt & Bind at least 2 more Baby Quilt Panels
  2. Work on Foodie Blog Hop project
  3. Clear Cutting Table and Ironing Board for Craft Room Overhaul
  4. Work on May Island Batik challenge.
  5. Work on Pop Star Quilt
  6. Work on Squirrel Attack Quilt (see below).
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. 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. 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!

2. A Squirrel Attack: As I was going through my containers … I found left-over strips from a jelly roll quilt … well, they spoke very loudly to me and said, “USE ME NOW.” Well, I have learned that it’s usually worth listening to fabric when it speaks to you. This is one half of them and there will be sashing added between the rows.

3. I have started Sandra Walker’s Pop Star Quilt … Sandra is a fabulous designer and I absolutely LOVE making her quilts. This one is a sew-a-long … Each week, there are directions on what to do. I have chosen some Island Batik fabrics and they are cut out and waiting. The first sewing directions are available … so I need to work on it. You can access the steps at MMM Quilts HERE.

Quilting:

I still have several baby quilts left to quilt!

Since I have several baby panels to quilt and last week I counted 2 as 1 UFO. I’m going to continue that. It’ll be at least another week or 2 before I get another one finished! So the only change is that I’ve added my new starts.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Winnie the Pooh Quilt A Long: Day 16

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Winnie the Pooh Quilt A Long

Day 16

Here’s my quilt … all quilted …

There are swirls in all of the white (background) areas as well as the sashing and borders.  Then on the heads, I used a ruler and quilted ½” lines.  The quilting threads matched the fabric – or was a close match.

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Here’s a close-up of Eeyore:

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And, as I posted this picture, I realize that I need to quilt the white of his eyes.  The weird area on the right grey part is just the shadow from taking this picture while the wind was blowing!

Thank you for sewing along on this Quilt Along!  If you’ve kept up, you now have a wonderful Winnie the Pooh Quilt top!

Here is a Linky Party for you to show your Winnie the Pooh quilt.  You don’t need to have a blog to post a picture.  But you do need a link to either an Instagram or Pinterest page.  I’d LOVE to see all the quilts that you’ve made!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Design Wall

Piecing:

I made a bunch of “DOVE” bags (simple drawstring bags) and some masks.  I’ve changed the pattern that I use for masks … my son’s girlfriend asked if I could replicate a mask she really likes … sew, I used it as a pattern, added a seam allowance and viola!  They’re a LOT faster to make and there’s no fiddling with those fussy pleats.

Summer Solstice: I’m back to thinking about working on my Summer Solstice quilt.  These are pictures from March and February … sew … I need to sew, not just think about it.

Quilting: 

Nothing being quilted right now!

Stash Report

SS yellow

No shopping.  Dove bags used up about 1 yard of fabric and the masks used up about 1/2 yard …  Winnie the Pooh used 5.5 yards from my stash.  Stitchin’ Sunshine used 2 yards for the back. (See HERE).

  • Fabric Used this week      9  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:        190.5 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      20
  • Net Fabric used                    170.5  yards

Stitchin’ Time

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

  • 15 minute days:  January – May:  151 / 152
  • 30 min days/  June:  21 / 21
  • Total days in 2020: 172/ 173
  • Percentage = 99% 

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:

  1.  Finish Winnie the Pooh    √   done
  2. Finish  “Stitching Sunshine”     √   done  You can see the quilt HERE.
  3. Prepare materials and make “Retreat” Bag.     √   done  I’ll show you the bag in a future post.
  4. Spend at least 30 minutes this week CLEANING/ TIDYING my sewing room.  √   done

This week’s list:

  1. Work on UFO, Summer Solstice
  2. Finish watching a video on how to digitize an In the Hoop Zipper Pouch.
  3. Make a Zipper pouch from my own digitized design.
  4. Spend at least 30 minutes this week CLEANING/ TIDYING my sewing room.

Screen Shot 2019-12-06 at 11.47.00 AM

 

I did start # 27 in Starts in 2020 and I finished it.  I will show you in a future post!

No UFOs are finished …

Screen Shot 2020-06-22 at 4.35.41 PM

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

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Winnie the Pooh Quilt A Long Day 15

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Winnie the Pooh Quilt A Long

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Day 15.

Time to add the sashing and borders.

The measurements for these are on the last page of the instructions.

I sewed the shorter (BS) sashing strips between Pooh & Piglet and then between Tigger and Eeyore.  Next, the RS, and 2 SB strips were attached.  The final border strips were attached.

IMG_6668

Come back tomorrow and I’ll show you how I quilted this quilt.  And, there will be a Linky party … so you can show off your quilt!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!  
Gail 

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