Joan, from MooseStashQuilting is the host/organizer for this hop and here’s what she has to say about it:
Challenge: Late snow showers, rain showers, baby showers, wedding showers. What do you like to shower everyone with?
I thought of lots of things … a cute baby quilt with umbrellas, spring flowers, showering people with love … so many ideas. It was hard to decide. Then I took a peek into my ‘child’ or ‘baby’ quilt bin and I saw these Dr. Seuss fabrics. Perfect for a baby shower gift!
I pieced them together and thought “what in the world have I done?” So, instead of taking it apart and adding some sashing between all the main blocks, I decided to use black thread and make a bit of a ‘thread’ sashing to break it up. It was fun to use different stitches and it worked!
Here is the finished quilt:
Quilt Stats:
Size: 34″ x 39″
Fabric: from a Dr. Seuss panel and scraps of Dr. Seuss fabric
Batting: Hobbs 80/20
Quilting:
Black: Aurifil #2692
White: Aurifil #2024
I don’t have a baby shower to go to in the near future, so this quilt will. be donated to the quilt guild. Make sure to visit all of the other blog participants and see what they made!
I have NO finishes to show you this week … Several things are being worked on, 2 things are finished, but I can’t show you yet. You’ll see one of them on Monday! promise!
The first is Taylor the Tiger, a Funky Friend pattern. It was challenging, but fun to make! You can read all about him/her 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!
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Visit Canuck Quilter HERE and shoot her an email if you want to join in the fun! I’m behind on the last clue … hopefully, I’ll catch up soon!
Quilting: to do
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
April Showers: blog hop
BBQG Baby Quilt Challenge: Sorry, no picture until after the show
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE)
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!
When I go to a retreat at Over the Rainbow, I really, really struggle to NOT buy fabric. And this year’s retreat was no exception! Although, I did resist going on the first day! However, on the 2nd day it was another story … and then I needed to go back to check on things for next years’ retreat … and then I needed to go back to pick up some thread. The picture below shows what I bought. The 2 fabrics on the right are Island Batik fabrics: Ravine and solid white. The 2 fabrics on the left are flannel. A total of 12 yards.
Fabric Used in the last week: 2.5yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 59.5 yards from non-IB: 26
Fabric Added this week: 12 yards
Fabric Added this year: 20 yards
Net Fabric used: 39.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish quilting “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”.√ DONE. I’ll show you this after the BBQG quilt show.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Commitment
This year, I am committed to finishing all the projects that I start, plus finished the 6 UFOs that I started the year with. From my chart it appears that I do have several projects that are started that I need to finish!! At least I only have 4 UFOs left!
A week-long retreat keeps one very busy!! There’s the prep to get to the retreat … and then there’s all the fun and sewing that happens at the retreat! So much fun!!! Twelve of us went to “Over The Rainbow Lodge” on Camano Island in Washington State. With all that time sewing, a LOT was accomplished!
Here’s a Slide Show of some of what was accomplished. I know that I also missed a lot of pictures. Judy sent me some of her pictures and they are included here! She even got the peacock at the store strutting his stuff!
The Seam Ripper board got passed around the room from time to time!!! LOL!!!
I did complete a secret top … but I’ll show you that when the time is right. I also managed to finish a wallet that I had started before when I was helping to teach a class. It’s the Necessary Clutch from Emmaline Bags. The outside of the wallet is from an upholstery sample that I’ve had for YEARS and the inside is batik fabric.
And I did a few items for a craft sale: Some Kleenex holders and a jar opener. The fabrics are all Island Batik fabrics, along with the shelf liner.
Something NEW
I LOVE ♥️ Star ⭐️ quilts and I LOVE ♥️ Sandra’s Quilt A Longs! I’m going to join in with her Luminous Layers!
I know, I know, I have so many things on my plate, I don’t need to add another … but that’s besides the point! I’m going to do this anyways. It’s not a race and there are steps that will come out once a week until June 15. Nice and easy – right?
Click HERE to see the fabric requirements. AND she talks about the fabrics you need with suggestions. And … there are prizes … what’s not to like? Are you going to join me?
I chose to make Taylor the Tiger. It wasn’t until I was downloading the pattern that I read, “This is an advanced pattern.” Oops – what have I gotten myself into? I’ve made 4 previous Funky Friends patterns, but I’m not so sure that I’m ready for the “advanced” part of it. But, if it’s like any of the other patterns I’ve made, it’ll be well written and if I take it slow, I should be ok. Right?
I don’t have any striped Island Batik fabric, but as soon as I saw the Marble Aqua blender, I knew it would be perfect for Taylor the Tiger. I paired it with Dots-Blue Cornflower.
The pieces were all cut out. So far, this is fairly easy.
Included in the pattern is a link to a photo tutorial that comes with the pattern. I don’t think I could have figured it out without the tutorial. Thank YOU, Pauline for the photo tutorial!!!
I embroidered the nose with Aurifil floss and inserted the safety eyes.
One thing that Pauline HIGHLY suggests is that you transfer ALL of the letters and pattern markings onto pieces. I didn’t do this at the start and was always having to pull out the pattern pieces to check what letter was where. THEN I did it. It didn’t take long and ultimately it was a definite time saver!! I don’t like to use Friction Pencils on fabric, (they’re great on the pattern instructions), but I put the letters inside the seam allowance on the wrong side of the fabric! They will never be seen! Please, pay close attention to this!!! It’s a lot easier to mark your pieces prior to sewing … don’t ask me how I know this!!! LOL!!! Well, I guess I just told you!
A note about Frixion pencils: I know a LOT of quilters love these pencils. I am not a fan. Yes, I have 3: a green, purple and teal. That’s all I need. I sew with batik fabrics a LOT. Occasionally, the Frixion pen will leave a thin white line on the fabric. That makes me annoyed. When used on non-batik fabric, the marks are erased. But let the fabric get cold and it reappears. These pencils are fantastic for marking on paper. That’s what they were designed for! You can mark up your pattern, and when you’re finished, iron the paper and the marks disappear! Perfect.
Here is Taylor the Tiger, pre stuffing …
Once Taylor was stuffed, I attempted to give her a pedicure and do her front toes. She cooperated – to a point and then she refused to have her back paws done. This could be because I ran out of floss … she’ll have to wait to have her back paws done.
Now, Taylor is a bit mischievous! The first thing she did was climb up on the piano. She does NOT know how to play and it sounded terrible. Just like an unruly 2 year old smashing on the keys!
Then she ran outside! I caught her sniffing at the tulips in the front yard and jumping up onto the hose holder.
Then Taylor ran across the street to the neighbour’s rock garden! Thankfully there were no cars coming!
And she tried to hide!
I was able to catch her and put her inside. She thought she could hide by the bears or with our granddog, Daphne.
Then, Taylor made it into the sewing room and posed near her other Funky Friends.
All of the winners have been contacted and each accepted their prize!
And yes, we are planning another SAHRR in 2025! I hope you join us as you make a totally unique quilt following the weekly prompts.
This is my SAHRR for this year. You can see the parade of quilts on THIS POST. There are several right on the post, then visit the Link party and you will find the links to other participants.
Villa Rose Design Winners
I went through all the comments left on my blog during the Villa Rose Fast and More Fun blog hop. (See my post HERE). Winners were chosen randomly. I attempted to contact all of the winners. Most responded and their addresses were sent to Tricia. She will be contacting the ones I did not hear back from and distributing the prizes!
April’s colour is Blue. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for April. It’s free for the month, then there will be a small charge for it! Or you can purchase the whole set right away!
I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks.
This block was fun to make. It was fun because I was able to use my favourite colour! And it was fun because I LOVE 🩵 star blocks. And it was fun. because I don’t think I’ve ever made this star block before (but alas, I could be mistaken!)
Here’s the 4 blocks (January – April) on my design wall!
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 had some wonderful company this past week and missed one day of sewing! Oh, but it was a ton of fun catching up!!
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Visit Canuck Quilter HERE and shoot her an email if you want to join in the fun!
Piecing the Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE)
Here’s the clues for Canuck Quilter’s 2 colour mystery. I’m actually all caught up!
And the Lone Star Left-overs up on the design wall
Quilting:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
2023Fall Mystery Quilt. I have started quilting this!
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 finishes, no shopping!
Fabric Used in the last week: 0yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 57 yards from non-IB: 25
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 8 yards
Net Fabric used: 49 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” in progress.
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Finish Fast and More Fun: blog hop project. √ DONE
Finish Give it a Whirl: blog hop project. √ DONE
Work on IB April project in progress.
Make a decision on April Showers: blog hop project √ DONE decision made!
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Finish quilting “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Finish IB April project
Finish piecing Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
Work on Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt
Start April Showers: blog hop project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Well, that is correct!! I have NO new finishes … but I’m plugging along at several projects … and attempting to get ready for a retreat!
My Lone-star Left-overs is now a flimsy (1st pic). It’s a sort-of finish. I do all my own quilting on my domestic machine, so I don’t consider flimsies as a finish. It’ll be done when I get a round-to-it! The 2nd picture is the Fall Mystery Quilt where I used Island Batik’s “Cheers” fabric collection. And, yes, I’m using Silly Moon‘s Kite ruler … as well as the smallest Drop ruler (not shown).
I’m sure that I had a wooden Round TUIT years ago … but I have no idea what happened to it! LOL!!!
Favourite Finish of the Month
Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl hosts a Favourite Finish of the Month Link Party. Oh, why is it SOOOO hard for me to choose just ONE favourite finish? Especially this month because I have so many that I LOVE.
However, I think that my SAHRR (Stay At Home Round Robin) is my absolute fav of the above quilts! You can read more about this quilt HERE. I used Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 batting.
I was Featured!
Both Andree and Jennifer featured my quilt from last week. This was from the Give It a Whirl blog hop. You can read more about it HERE.
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 had some wonderful company this past few weeks and missed one day of sewing! Oh, but it was a ton of fun catching up!!
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Visit Canuck Quilter HERE and shoot her an email if you want to join in the fun!
Piecing the Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE)
Here’s the start of the clues for Canuck Quilter’s 2 colour mystery.
And some of the Lone Star Left-overs up on the design wall
Quilting:
2023Fall Mystery Quilt. I have started quilting this!
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
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!
These 3 quilts were posted this past week. The purple/blue one was for the Villa Rosa blog hop (see THIS POST), the middle one is from the SAHRR ’24 (see HERE) and the 3rd one is Pinwheels for the Give it a Whirl blog hop (see THIS POST).
Fabric Used in the past 2 weeks: 12 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 57 yards from non-IB: 25
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 8 yards
Net Fabric used: 49 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” in progress.
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Finish Fast and More Fun: blog hop project. √ DONE
Finish Give it a Whirl: blog hop project. √ DONE
Work on IB April project in progress.
Make a decision on April Showers: blog hop project √ DONE decision made!
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Finish quilting “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Finish IB April project
Finish piecing Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
Work on Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt
Start April Showers: blog hop project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Carol from Just Let Me Quilt is the organizer and host for this Whirly Blog Hop.
Here’s what she had to say:
Challenge: Life can send us spinning sometimes, so let’s put those spins and whirls to good use in a quilt. Make something with pinwheel blocks, circle quilting, or whirly gigs. Try not to whirl out of control!
I went to EQ8 to figure out how many 8″ pinwheels, using 4″ HST, I would need for a decent size baby quilt. Here’s what I came up with: 15 pinwheel blocks and (15) 8 1/2″ unfinished squares.
Using Island Batik’s Sunny Meadow collection and solid white, I used the 8″ cube die to cut all of the triangles for the half square triangles. The cutting was done quickly, very quickly! I pieced it together and then had fun quilting! And yes, I just might have ‘whirled out of control‘ in the quilting. But I enjoyed every single minute of it!
Here are some close ups of the quilting:
Quilt Stats:
Size: 40″ x 48″
Hobbs 80/20 inside
Aurifil Thread:
Piecing: #2600 Dove Grey
Quilting: #2835 Medium Mint
At the moment, I’m debating whether to donate it or keep it for a special baby that I know nothing about … he or she may not even be conceived at this time. Time will tell.
The Blog Hoppers
Make sure you visit the following bloggers to see their “Give it a Whirl” quilts!
For the SAHRR ’24, I used Island Batik fabrics: a 10″ stack of Limerick in addition to “Teal”, “Egg Shell” and “Cherio-Iris.” For more information on a SAHRR, see THIS POST.
Here is my finished SAHRR … all quilted and bound.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 56″ x 72″
Fabric: Island Batik
Hobbs Batting: Heirloom 80/20
You can read about the progress of my SAHRR on these POSTS:
March 18: Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
Other Participants
These are the SAHRR in progress by those who do not blog or have IG.
Stella, Regina, Heather F., Rosie, Kathy R., Jacomina, Kathleen, Judy B., Robin B.
Link Party
Link your SAHRR (finished or flimsy) at the linky party. This will be open until March 24 at 11 PM (Pacific Time). After that, the hosts and I will be choosing the winners. Don’t forget to link up!
We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2024!!! 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!
I was intrigued when I heard about this blog hop. It’s organized by Villa Rosa. You have probably seen them, even if you don’t recognize the name!! They are the patterns that are printed on post-card sized cards. I have made several of their quilts or table runners, more or less, using the directions given.
Here’s a bit of history about Villa Rose Designs:
We call Pat Fryer, the owner and the creator of the Villa Rosa Designs brand, our Rose Queen, because she absolutely adores roses. In fact, her love of roses helped her name her new venture in 2010. When she designed her first Rose Cards, she had a brilliant and unique idea to name ALL of her VRD patterns after Roses (also why we call them Rose Card patterns). For many years, all of the patterns were named after roses. Now we have a collection of talented designers who all have their own covers and logos, but Pat’s quilt designs are still named for roses. If you look at the Villa Rosa Designs patterns, you will see a rose in the top right corner on the cover of the pattern. That is the specific rose the pattern is named for.
Tricia sent me a zip of 5 patterns for the blog hop. I doubt very much that you could purchase this set of 5 in Canada for $8.95. I’ve seen individual ones priced at anywhere between $2 – $5! HOWEVER … keep reading and you can have an opportunity to WIN these 5 patterns!
I choose Gypsy Rose.
This was in February, just after I had posted my Island Batik Log Cabin quilts. I was about to put the extra “Heavy Metal” fabric away but instead, I immediately started cutting for this quilt. Now, I didn’t have all 20 skus left, but I cut from what I did have! I just love the blues and purples in this fabric collection!
This was an easy and fast quilt top to put together! I completed the top in an afternoon while I was also piecing a couple of other projects!
I used Silly Moon‘s “Charming” ruler to do all the quilting! It’s simple, but effective!
Update: In order for me to pick YOU to be selected by me, You need to leave a comment on my blog. If you also choose to follow me on Instagram, you will be entered into my draw twice.
Sponsors (for the Prizes!)
Many companies have donated prizes for this blog hop!
I received a box of Hobbs Batting from Island Batik. Oh my, I am so spoilt!!!
The box contained 4 Queen size batts of
Heirloom Premium Wool
Heirloom Natural Cotton
Heirloom 80/20 Bleached
Poly Down
Now, I know you’re thinking “what if I don’t make a queen size quilt?” That’s no problem! I cut out the size of batting I need for any quilt and save the ‘left-overs’ for other quilts. I put them in the original bag so that I keep the types of batting separate. If the left-overs are not quite the correct size, I will join them together to make the appropriate size. Some quilters call this “Frankenbatting.” Seriously! I guess it reminds people of the monster, Frankenstein!
My method is super simple. I overlap the pieces by about 1/4” and use diluted Elmers glue to join the 2 pieces together. Once the glue is dry, I use a large zig-zag stitch and call it done! It doesn’t leave a lump and I challenge anyone to find the join in my finished quilts! I have searched for the joins in my quilts and I can’t find them!!
The box also had an information booklet about the different types of batting.
Obviously, I have not posted any pictures of quilts in this post, but there are a LOT of quilts coming! I use Hobbs batting in every single quilt I make!!! I absolutely LOVE ❤️ it! I actually buy it by the roll, so I always have lots on hand!
Upcoming Blog Hop
This Blog Hop runs from March 14 to the 21st. Everyone is using at least one of 5 patterns that was sent to us! I know at least one person is making all 5 patterns!! My day is the 17th. Check out Villa Rose Designs for the complete schedule! Many of my fellow blogging friends are participating! I’m positive that it will be a fantastic blog hop! And there are a TON of fabulous prizes!!!
March’s Island Batik challenge was to make what we wanted. I have LOTS of Island Batik scraps and I am really a fan of scrappy quilts. I also like to have two colour quilts … so these 3 quilts were born. I had a lot of fun making them!! You can read about the process HERE.
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 had some wonderful company this past week and missed one day of sewing! Oh, but it was a ton of fun catching up!!
Island Batik April project. Here’s a picture … yes, it’s going to be blue!
Quilting:
Fast and More Fun: blog hop project – almost done!
2023Fall Mystery Quilt. I have the backing now … no excuses! Yes, I know I’ve said this for a few weeks now!
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Binding:
Give it a Whirl: blog hop project
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 this week, so nothing added! My 3 Island Batik quilts used a lot of fabric. Even though I used scraps, it’s still counted as fabric!
Fabric Used this week: 17yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 45 yards from non-IB: 17
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 8 yards
Net Fabric used: 37 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” sandwiched, not quilted
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 finish quilting and binding √ DONE
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“. not done
Finish IB March project √ DONE
Finish Fast and More Fun: blog hop project. in progress.
Finish Give it a Whirl: blog hop project. in progress.
Start IB April project in progress.
Think about April Showers: blog hop project √ DONE The thinking was easy … but no decision is made yet!
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Finish Fast and More Fun: blog hop project.
Finish Give it a Whirl: blog hop project.
Work on IB April project
Make a decision on April Showers: blog hop project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
I decided I would make a scrappy quilt for the March challenge. I had have a large bag of green Island Batik scraps. I started out making 4 x 4 blocks with 2 1/2” squares all from the scrap bag. But, I didn’t count very well and made way too many blocks.
I didn’t like the look of the 16 patch blocks with a plain block in between. I know I had seen a quilt with 16 patches, alternating with a plainer block using half-square triangles. Do you think I could find it? Nope. Not a hope. So, I went to EQ8 and designed the first 2 blocks. I quickly realized that I could cut the 3rd block with my Accuquilt Cube 8″ dies (#5 for HST & #10 from Corners) and eliminate making a ton of half square triangles.
And this quilt was born.
Once I had the blocks up on the design wall, I decided I didn’t like it. It almost seemed unfinished to me. So I added half blocks all the way around with a 4 patch in each corner. The alternating blocks use a soft green called ‘mint.’ It’s an Island Batik basic and was the perfect choice for this quilt!
By the time I finished the above quilt, I still had lots of 2 1/2” squares left, many in 16 patch blocks. So, I pulled out ‘Ghost’ to make the neutral blocks and this quilt was born. I added a 4 1/2” border around it using Vegi Garden – Green Gr from the Fruit and Veggies collection. I used this collection last year for my Puff Quilt (see HERE). There was the perfect amount of this fabric for the borders and to bind the 2 quilts with about1/2 yard left.
Then, I started to tidy my sewing room and guess what I found? MORE 2 1/2” squares!!! a couple of 16 patch blocks!!!! and a few of the neutral blocks using ‘Mint.”!!! I guess that’s what I get for not being consistent in my cleaning!!! So, there was enough to make Quilt #3! And just the right amount of the green fabric for a border … This quilt was destined to have a scrappy border. I just did plain straight line quilting in this one. It’s OK … but it again showed me that I much prefer to do custom quilting as seen in the 2 quilts above.
When this quilt was complete, I did have a few stray neutral blocks and some green 4 patches, but not enough to do much with. I still have a fairly big bag full of green scraps, but they are all smaller than 2 1/2” square.
Here’s a picture of all 3 of them on the clothesline. A couple of them will definitely be donation quilts.
This Quilty Ode was on posted on Facebook by Fons and Porter. It was written by Eileen Fowler, the editor of Quiltmaker and Quick + Easy Quilts.
Monthly Colour Challenge
January’s colour is Red!!! Here is my March block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for March. It’s free until the end of the month.
I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks.
And, here’s my January, February and March blocks:
Temptations continue …
Last week, I posted about many temptations that were staring me in the face, making me think about new projects and how I was resisting! See THIS POST for details. Well, one project that I’m actually receiving emails for, but have not started yet is from Canuck Quilter.
I have had a great admiration for Joanne’s quilt designs for quite awhile. Since I usually design most of my own quilts, I often don’t use other quilter’s designs … HOWEVER, she is offering a MYSTERY quilt using 2 colours. If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE mystery quilts !!! As for making it in 2 colours … well, if you know me at all, you know that using just 2 colours is highly unlikely! So, I will probably choose one or 2 colours, along with a background …
That is IF, yup IF, I decide to make it! You’ll notice below that it’s not on my Design Wall list, nor is it on my “To Do” list. That just means that I haven’t made the final decision.
SAHRR Round #6 is released … now ready for finishing
The hosts have shown all of their many rounds, and other’s have joined in on the fun. See This Post for all the details! Here’s my centre block and all the rounds to #5! My blog post HERE has links to all of the participating bloggers. Round #6 is my 2 labels. Letters and Numbers!
The final parade is March 18. This gives participants (and hosts) time to complete their tops and if possible, have them quilted and bound!
SAHRR Participants
Several people have sent me their Round #6 pictures. Since I won’t be posting a SAHRR post tomorrow, I thought I’d enter them in here. I find it fascinating that even with the same prompts, the quilts have come out so different!!
Kathleen, Stella, Jacomina, Robin B., Rosie, Gail H., Judy B.
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!
Jan – Feb: 1-28: 51 / 60 days
Mar 1 – 3: 3 / 3 days
Total: 54 / 6385%
Design Wall Mondays
Judy, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week. Sorry, no pictures to share!
Piecing projects:
Island Batik April project
Fast and More Fun: blog hop project
Give it a Whirl: blog hop project
Quilting:
2023Fall Mystery Quilt. I have the backing now … no excuses!
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
IB March project
SAHRR 2024
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!
Nothing finished. No fabric added. A couple of friends took some of my fabric, I didn’t measure how much, but it was sure nice to see it walk out the door!
Fabric Used this week: 0yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 28 yards from non-IB: 10
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 8 yards
Net Fabric used: 20 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” sandwiched, not quilted
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 in progress. Round #6 completed, needs quilting
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Finish IB March project not done in progress.
Work on Fast and More Fun: blog hop project. in progress
Work on Give it a Whirl: blog hop project. in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 finish quilting and binding
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Finish IB March project
Finish Fast and More Fun: blog hop project.
Finish Give it a Whirl: blog hop project.
Start IB April project
Think about April Showers: blog hop project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
This Island Batik collection is absolutely gorgeous!
This collection is for Megan Best. She is an Island Batik Ambassador and we always had plans to meet. We only live about 17 miles apart … however, she lives in Washington State and I live in Canada 🇨🇦. I don’t need to tell you why it took over 3 years for us to meet in person.
Anyhow, last year, I needed to go down to Washington and I stopped by her place. She gave me a tour of her awesome studio! (Sorry, no pictures) and she showed me the beautiful quilts she has made with this collection. All of them are absolutely stunning! Then she asked if I’d like to make a quilt with this collection. Well, of course, I said “yes!!!”
I was gifted a fat quarter bundle … and then it was time to play. EQ 8 to the rescue!! But nothing said, “make me!” … So, I went to my Accuquilt dies and saw the Kite die in the 8″ Qube Angles box and paired it with the Triangles in a Square die. And I started cutting.
It’s such pretty fabric, it’ll make pretty blocks, right?
Well, no! It was too busy … and I hated it. And I didn’t take any pictures of the not-so-nice blocks. So I cut more triangle blocks out of white fabric and came up with this quilt:
The white set off the beautiful fabrics from the collection. I was happy! I used Hobbs 80/20 batting and quilted it with Silly Moon “Rocket” to make the straight lines. It is bound with a scrappy binding with left-over pieces. It is 44″ x 52.”
Then, I had the dilemma of what to do with the side pieces I had cut. I didn’t want the quilts to look the same, so I cut out lots of black triangles, using the Triangle in a Square die.
I add all of the side triangles I had cut with Pin Dot Floral and this quilt was born:
Such a different look with the same fabrics! For this one, I used Hobbs black batting. It’s perfect for dark quilts and doesn’t dull the beautiful colours! And again, I used Silly Moon’s “Rocket” for the straight line quilting. I love how the markings on the ruler make it super easy to have a pattern without marking the quilt! This quilt is 44″ square.
And a close up of the quilting:
I still have some left-overs of this beautiful fabric and I have a plan in mind!
Commitment
Do you remember, way back in January, I told you that my word for 2024 was Commitment? You don’t? Well, don’t worry … I had sort of forgotten as well.
I didn’t have enough UFOs to run the PHD in 2024 and Ms P Designs took it over. See HERE. But, I knew that I needed to be accountable and at least finish what I had started in 2024 … thus “Commitment.”
So far this year, I have started 10 projects and have completed half of them! I’m totally fine with that because I KNOW that none of them are being placed in a bin and hidden until who knows when! They will get done! Unfortunately, none of the UFOs have been completed – YET … but they are in the works … and the SAHRR ’24 needs to be completed for the SAHRR parade in March. It will get done!
Temptation!
Scrappy quilts have definitely been on my radar recently! The project I’m working on for March’s Island Batik challenge is definitely scrappy! Then our guild recently had Cheryl Arkinson speak. She’s all scraps and scrappy. And then I attended a Zoom presentation by Carola from Carola’s Quilt Shop and it was all about scrappy quilts. Carola’s blog has lots of ideas and easy to follow!
The problem: I now have TOO MANY ideas!!! I want to start at least 20 of them!!! How can I even resist starting half of them?????
Favourite Finish of the Month
Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl has a Linky Party at the end of each month where we are to choose our favourite quilt of the month!!! Oh me, oh my. How do I choose just ONE Favourite quilt? As an Island Batik Ambassador, I get to work with many, many beautiful fabric collections!!! They are all quite different and beautiful. Each has a unique beauty! I must admit, I LOVE my Island Batik quilts … and these 3 are the favourites for this month!
For the SAHRR ’24, I am using Island Batik fabrics: a 10″ stack of Limerick in addition to “Teal”, “Egg Shell” and “Cherio-Iris.” For more information on a SAHRR, see THIS POST.
Round #6 is hosted by Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing. We are to use letters and/or numbers. I debated long and hard about this one. At first, I was going to put a Bible verse in a wide border and have it circle the quilt … Then, in consultation with my husband, we debated on which verse to use. One of our favourites? one of the recipient’s favourites? We decided on Proverbs 3:5 a verse that is a favourite for all of us. But somehow, circling the quilt with the verse just didn’t feel right. Good idea, but not right for this quilt. And since all quilts need a label, it was decided on 2 labels … the Bible verse and my normal “made by …” The quilt isn’t quilted YET, but when it is, these will go in the 2 bottom corners on the back of the quilt.
January 15: I hosted the first linky party and you can see them all HERE.
March 18: Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
Other Participants
These are the SAHRR in progress by those who do not blog or have IG. The images must be sent to me by midnight on Saturday to make it into my blog post.
Heather F., Robin B., Jacomina, Judy B., Regina S., Kathy R. Kathy P. Judy B., Rosie
We have Sponsors!
We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2024!!! 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!
This is why some people figure quilting is HARD!!!
SAHRR Round #5 is almost done … ready for Round #6!
The hosts have shown their centre blocks, many rounds, and other’s have joined in on the fun. See This Post for all the details! Here’s my centre block with the rounds, including the last round #5! My blog post HERE has links to all of the participating bloggers. Tomorrow is the last round! Almost 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!
Jan 1-28: 22 / 31 days
Feb 1-25: 25 / 25 days
Total: 47 / 56.83%
Design Wall Mondays
Judy, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week. Sorry, no pictures to share!
Piecing projects:
Island Batik April project
Fast and More Fun: blog hop project
Give it a Whirl: blog hop project
Quilting:
2023Fall Mystery Quilt. I have the backing now … no excuses!
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
IB March project
SAHRR 2024
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!
This past week, I showed you this sweet baby quilt … You can read about it HERE.
Fabric Used this week: 2.5yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 28 yards from non-IB: 10
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 8 yards
Net Fabric used: 20 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” sandwiched, not quilted
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 in progress. Round #6 completed, needs quilting
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Finish IB March project not done in progress.
Work on Fast and More Fun: blog hop project. in progress
Work on Give it a Whirl: blog hop project. in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE I actually spent about 2 hours tidying and cleaning … what a difference it made!
To Do for next week:
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 finish quilting and binding
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Finish IB March project
Work on Fast and More Fun: blog hop project.
Work on Give it a Whirl: blog hop project.
Start IB April project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Quilting Gail 