Bea announced this annual blog hop in mid January and here’s what she has to say about it, “The theme is supposed to mean that you look at your shelf of quilt books and find an old one or one you haven’t used in a while and “dust it off” and then make something from the book, it could be that you like the block of a quilt but not the 80s colors or maybe you like the colors but not the quilt or the size or whatever, the book is just supposed to INSPIRE you to make something.”
By the way, I don’t know if any of you follow Bea Lee (@ Bea Quilter) but she is a fabulous designer! If you have any Accuquilt dies, she has a plethora of them and most of her designs use them! She’s well worth following!
Anyhow, back to the blog hop. I’m sure this is one of the first books that I purchased after I graduated from nursing school and was newly married. I’m sure I’ve looked at it several times, I’ve never made anything from it … until now!
This book was published in 1979. And the promise of an 8 Hour quilt was appealing.
I had a 10″ stack of this beautiful Island Batik fabric collection called “Constellation” and I’ve been dying to open it and start to use it! I was also given 2 yards of “Ice” that co-ordinated with this stack and I used it as well.
True to how I make quilts, I didn’t follow the directions … I made rectangles using the 10″ squares and squared them to 9″. I also did not sew a 3/8″ or 1/2″ seams … I sewed a 1/4″ seam. I didn’t miter the corners of the borders and I didn’t use muslin. I also did not ‘envelope’ the quilt … I sandwiched it in my usual manner.
However, this was used for inspiration for a quilt for this blog hop!
I have no idea if this quilt took me 8 hours to make! I usually work on a couple of projects at the same time, but I do know that the top was put together easily in an afternoon … along with other projects being sewn! It was quilted and bound in an afternoon … so it might have taken me less than 8 hours!
Close-ups of the quilting. I used Silly Moon “Twinkle” for ruler quilting the stars and meandered between them.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 42″ square
Fabrics: Island Batik “Constellation” and “Ice”
Piecing and Quilting: Aurifil #2600 (Dove Grey)
Quilting Rulers: Silly Moon “Twinkle”
Batting: Hobbs 80/20
Binding: Fabric: “Harbour” and Aurifil 2775 (Steel Blue)
Have you been following the Stay At Home Round Robin? Last week was Round #6: Pinwheels. I’m using fabric collection “Baby Bloomers” (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton). I absolutely LOVE the fabrics in this collection! On March 13, we will have a parade of all the SAHRR quilts! It’ll be fun to see all the different ones!
One Gift a Month Challenge
Days Filled with Joy is hosting this challenge. March’s gift is a Round Quilted Pot Holders. See HERE for the tutorial.
Here’s my January and February gifts:
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: 59/ 59
March: 5 / 5
Percentage: 100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
In the last 2 weeks, I’ve used 6 yards for the star quilt, 1/2 yard for the heart pouches and 2 yards for the bags …
I’d be lying if this meme was still true! I needed backing. I knew exactly what I needed an my husband went and picked it up … so (maybe) I could technically say I haven’t bought any fabric yet this year … but in reality, I did send my husband to the store for it!
Fabric Used this week: 8.5yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 18.5 yards from non-IB: 14.5
Fabric Bought this week: 3 yards
Fabric Added this year: 3 yards
Net Fabric used: 24 yards
Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.
To Do Tuesday
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is now hosting “To Do” every week.
The To Do list from last week:
Finish Gardenia to flimsy stage. √ DONE
Melodic Mystery: Finish top. √ DONE
Chilhowie: start quilting. Not Done
Quilt Bird PanelsNot Done
Quilt NutcrackerNot Done
Start March Island Batik Challenge.√ DONE
Start Dust off a Quilt Book project. √ DONE. and blog post written
Work on Little Green Apples blog hop project. √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
This week’s list:
For me, this list is big … it’s what’s on my To Do list, but the ones with purple text are my priority. If I get beyond those, I’ll be extremely happy!
Sandwhich Gardenia
Melodic Mystery: Sandwhich
Chilhowie: start quilting.
Quilt Bird Panels
Quilt Nutcracker
Finish March Island Batik Challenge.
Work on Little Green Apples blog hop project.
Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing)
Bind SAHRR ’23
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
I actually have 23 finishes for today! What???? 23 you ask???
Well, yes. The guild has requested that members make small bags for our guild show in 2024. I went through some of my stash and found fabric that absolutely does not go with any other fabric that I have. I cut out the bags, marked the opening lines and used the bags as a ‘leader and ender’ project. It actually didn’t seem to take long to make them as they were done while I was working on other projects!
Scissors
Do you have good sewing scissors? I used to, but over the years, they have become “not so good.” Maybe from cutting paper patterns when cutting out fabric? Maybe someone ‘borrowed’ them without my knowledge. Whatever the reason … they are not like they should be.
One day in January, I was teaching at Essem and they had received some scissors. The price was very good and I thought I’d give them a try! Well, they are absolutely FANTASTIC!!!! They cut through fabric, like butter. So very smooth and very sharp!
I don’t see the scissors on the website, but I know if you contact them, they can send you some!
I’ll be Teaching
On March 25, I’ll be teaching “Hugs and Kisses” at Essem. Phone or email them to reserve your spot in the class! You can read more about this quilt HERE.
Winner of Island Batik Fabric
When I posted my February Island Batik Puff Quilt, (see HERE), I said I would have a give-away.
Today, I used a random generator and it chose #33, which is Carol. I have sent her an email and the fabric will be shipped to her within the next week.
Are you determined to finish a bunch of UFOs and to NOT increase the number of quilts or projects on your UFO list???
Congratulations on making that choice!!!
Do you Procrastinate????
Procrastination is how I often approach UFOs. Hmmm … unfortunately, it doesn’t work very well! And the UFOs sit there (or hide – in some cases) and don’t get done.
SEW … how can I move along and avoid procrastination? One of the most common ways to help avoid procrastination is to set up small goals, or tasks.
Here is one way that it can be tackled:
Pull out ONE UFO, just one. It could be the one that just needs a little bit of work, or it could be one that needs a LOT of work. The rest of the UFOs can rest and take a vacation, for now!
Then, set your mind to work on it for 10 – 15 minutes a day. That’s all. Once I’ve worked on it for 10 minutes or so, I can put it aside and work on my latest “this is fun to do” project.
SEW … I want you to pull out ONE of your UFOs and work on it for 10 minutes today. That’s all, just 10 minutes. Then tomorrow, work on it for 10 more minutes!
I PROMISE you will see progress!!!
My plan is to finish the SAHRR ’23 (just binding to do) and the KT quilt – that is being made and written for an upcoming mystery! Those are the items I’ll work on for 10 – 15 minutes a day!
My Tally Sheets
I finished two UFOs this month. 1: the Naturescape Lone Star and 2: the Sweet on You quilt. You can read more about them HERE and HERE. (These used Island Batik fabrics, Aurifil thread and Hobbs batting).
6 projects were started this month. One project started in January was finished and 1 that was started in February. They are both Gifts of the Month projects. I also started and finished the “Dust Off a Quilt Book” project, but I can’t show you that until the blog hop on the 7th.
If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.
February 27: 6th Round: ME!!! @ Quilting Gail You’re HERE!!!
March 13: Parade – showing all of your finished SAHRRs! @ Quilting Gail
How I made my Pinwheel blocks
I used the Accuquilt 8″ Qube die #5 to cut all the half-square triangles. They finished at 4 1/2” x 4 1/2” and when sewn into the quilt will finish at 4″ x 4″. And yes, I twirled the centre seam!
The previous round, Square in a Square, blocks were all 4″ (finished), so the top and bottom rows fit perfectly!
Linky Party
Here’s the Linky party so you can see everyone’s 6th Round!
Here’s Kathy’s: She’s making a baby quilt with Dr. Seuss fabrics and says, “So I was pleased to see the flying geese suggestion and as I still have scraps of Dr Seuss fabric in the grab bag (even precut into triangles) I made a simple row of geese. I may need more later, but they will be different as all of those pieces are gone.”
Charlene’s flying geese became trees! Love it! Such creativity!
Ioleen has been posting on Instagram, but I know several of you do not have access to IG. If you do, you can access her account @ioleen.kimmel She sent me these pictures. I see a heart theme happening here!
This is Chere’s. Here’s what she says, “These are my flying geese and my square in a square. It’s been fun trying to figure this out. Looking forward to the next round.”
Here’s Sarah’s and she says, “Not sure what I’ll do with the hour glass blocks, but the square in a square are just what I needed for the flying geese border. “
In 2 weeks
In 2 weeks we’ll have the SAHRR Parade. I would love it if you could post your finished top there (quilted or not) or whatever progress you have made on your SAHRR ’22! If you are not able to post to a linky party, please email me your picture by 5 pm on Mar 12 and I’ll post it on the blog! email: quiltinggail@yahoo.ca (Please note, it’s .ca. not .com!)
Our Wonderful Sponsors
Here’s a list of the sponsors and their generous gifts!
A friend sent me this! It made me laugh out loud. It reminded me of when we first met when taking a Free Motion Quilting class! A few of the comments that were made (and will remain private for now) had us in stitches. That friend has become a fantastic Free Motion Quilter! So, I’d say it was a good class!!! And we have always encouraged each other to free motion quilt and try something new! This brings smiles to my face!
Yup, another February Finish!
It seems like I’m on a roll here!
I posted this quilt on Wednesday for the Sweet on You blog hop. You can read about it HERE!
I hope to be teaching a class at Essem for this quilt. It’s quick and easy, but I also have some tricks up my sleeve to make it even easier! We haven’t decided on a date yet, but once we do, Essem will be announcing it in their newsletter.
Quilt Stats:
Fabrics: Island Batik scraps paired with Island Batik’s solid white.
Size: 48″ x 48″
Pieced with Aurifil #2600 Dove Grey
Quilted with Glide thread “Peacock” using mostly 4″ Cupid ruler (Silly Moon) with the occasional 3″ heart.
Hobbs 80/20 on the inside
Scrappy binding
A DrEAMI as well
Sandra, from MMM Quilts, hosts a linky party every month for DrEAMI. If you’re not aware, DrEAMI stands from DRop Everything And Make It. So I did – sort-of.
Days Filled with Joy is hosting a “One Gift a Month” challenge. February’s gift is a Heart Shaped Zipper Pouch. See HERE for the tutorial.
It doesn’t use a lot of fabric! I used Island Batik fabric from a Stash Builder bundle. I also used scraps of Hobbs 80/20 batting and Aurifil thread for piecing and top stitching.
These are perfect for earbuds! And, I think they are super cute as well! These were both made in an afternoon – and I was also working on something else at the same time! So EASY PEASY!
Joan from Moose Stash Quilting announced this blog hop way back in December! I had an idea of what I wanted to do, so I signed up right away!
It was a fun and easy quilt to make! It is called “Hugs and Kisses Quilt” from Melissa Corry’s book “Charming Baby Quilts.”
All of the fabrics were from my Island Batik scraps and I only cut into pieces that were smaller than a fat quarter. Many were from various collections. And for something scrappy like this – they all work well together.
I finished quilting and binding this one day while sewing on Zoom with some friends. I rushed outside to attempt to take a picture in the sun, but the sun was gone and the wind had picked up. How I managed to get a still picture is amazing to me!
Quilt Stats:
Fabrics: Island Batik scraps paired with Island Batik’s solid white.
Size: 48″ x 48″
Pieced with Aurifil #2600 Dove Grey
Quilted with Glide thread “Peacock” using mostly 4″ Cupid ruler (Silly Moon) with the occasional 3″ heart.
Hobbs 80/20 on the inside
Scrappy binding
For quilting all the hearts, I would stitch a heart and then back-track to a spot, then start the next heart. This way, each of the hearts are joined together. And here are close-ups of the quilting:
Emily @ The Darling Dogwood has chosen Square-in-a-square blocks for the 5th round!
I continued to use Island Batik fabrics from the Baby Bloomers collection (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton).
With using a huge variety of fabrics from the Baby Bloomers collection, I felt that it needed a bit of a break, so I added a 3″ border. I may fill it in with appliqué or quilting later. Anyhow, here is my quilt with the Square-in-a-square blocks added. The quilt now measures 48.5″ x 52″
Now, you Need to go to the co-hosts blogs and see their first rounds! Their links are in the schedule below.
March 13: Parade – showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
How I made my Square-in-a-square blocks
I used the Accuquilt 8″ Qube die #6 and die #5 to make the Square-in-a-square blocks. They finished at 4 1/2” x 4 1/2” and when sewn into the quilt will finish at 4″ x 4″.
The math worked out perfectly as I added the coping border (plain white) so that both the sides and top were divisible by 4.
Linky Party
Emily @ The Darling Dogwood will have a linky party so you can see everyone’s 4th Round!
Non-blogger’s Rounds
Here’s Heather’s: I like how her flying geese point into opposite corners!
Here’s what Jacomina has to say, “I thought I should repeat the improv piecing of the center block in the geese. Not so sure yet how or even whether they will end up in this quilt. Let’s see next round.” I love the scrappy Improv!
Here’s what Sarah has to say, “It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do with the flying geese, but now I’m well on my way. “
Next week?
I will tell us what to do. See you then for the last and final round!
Our Wonderful Sponsors
Here’s a list of the sponsors and their generous gifts!
Have you been following the Stay At Home Round Robin? Last week was Round #4: Flying Geese! I’m using fabric collection “Baby Bloomers” (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton). I absolutely LOVE the fabrics in this collection! As you can see from the picture below, there’s a range of colours! Each one is SEW pretty!
Come back tomorrow and see what the latest prompt is!
One Gift a Month Challenge
Days Filled with Joy is hosting this challenge. February’s gift is a Heart Shaped Zipper Pouch. See HERE for the tutorial.
At first, I thought this little pouch is too small, and then I spotted my ear buds, lying there, the connecting wires spread here and there … they need somewhere safe to live! So I’m going to be making one for me! I think I’ll make 2.
Since, it calls for 5″ squares, I went to my Island Batik stash and found some beautiful heart prints from a stash builder roll! Perfect! Hearts for a Heart Shaped pouch! Aren’t these pretty fabrics?
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: 31 / 31
February: 19 / 19
Percentage: 100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
Lots of fabric used since last time I posted about my stash. The Lone Star Quilt Used 7.5 yards of fabric and the Puff Quilt used 6 yards
I can still brag … ! I’ve made it one month and a bit … can I make it for 2 months?
Fabric Used this week: 13.5yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 18.5 yards from non-IB: 9 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used: 18.5 yards
Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.
To Do Tuesday
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is now hosting “To Do” every week.
The To Do list from a few weeks ago:
of course, having 2 weeks, makes it easier to ‘get er done – grin!!!
Quilt Bird Panels not done
Quilt Naturescape Lone Star√ DONE. and posted!
Work on Gardenia.√ DONE
Work on Melodic Mystery: January’s clue √ DONE
Sandwich Chilhowie√ DONE
Work on February Sweet on You Blog Hop project. √ DONE
Sandwich Nutcracker√ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
This week’s list:
For me, this list is big … it’s what’s on my To Do list, but the ones with purple text are my priority. If I get beyond those, I’ll be extremely happy!
Finish Gardenia to flimsy stage
Melodic Mystery: Finish top
Chilhowie: start quilting
Quilt Bird Panels
Quilt Nutcracker
Start March Island Batik Challenge
Start Dust off a Quilt Book project
Work on Little Green Apples blog hop project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
There promises to be a lot of wonderful projects with this hop! Many of my blogging friends are participating and I know they do awesome work! Come and join in the fun and be inspired!
Anja @ Anja Quilts has chosen Flying Geese blocks for the 4th round!
I continued to use Island Batik fabrics from the Baby Bloomers collection (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton).
To be honest, I have NO IDEA how the math worked out on this!!! The hourglass blocks were 3″ finished and the flying geese are 2″ x 4″ … and it worked out on all sides! Boggles my mind!
Now, you Need to go to the co-hosts blogs and see their first rounds! Their links are in the schedule below.
March 13: Parade – showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
How I made my Flying Geese blocks
I used the Accuquilt 8″ Qube die #4 and die #5 to make the Flying Geese blocks. They finished at 2 1/2” x 4 1/2” and when sewn into the quilt will finish at 2″ x 4″.
Linky Party
Anja @ Anja Quilts will have a linky party so you can see everyone’s 4th Round!
Non-blogger’s Rounds
Here’s Heather’s:
Jacomina said, “I found these braids in the bags received from quilters going into retirement homes. A nice filler round. Now 23″ by 15.5”
This is what Chere has to say, “Playing catch up on this . My centre block is a Japanese Sashiko block which I did the running stitch in cream and red. Had purchased a few Japanese cotton fabrics to go with block, but not much. Hoping to keep it small so I’ll have enough fabric left .”
Great job catching up, Chere!
Next week?
Emily @ The Darling Dogwood will tell us what to do. Are you following her blog?
I hope you’re having fun!
Our Wonderful Sponsors
Here’s a list of the sponsors and their generous gifts!
A Puff Quilt??? A Bubble Quilt??? I’ve never made one before. It wasn’t even on my bucket list. I didn’t know where to start. Thankfully, many fellow Island Batik ambassadors were in the same boat! We discussed many options and had a lot of suggestions for each other!
I ended up looking at many you-tube videos and a few Instagram posts to figure out how to make my Puff Quilt. The video that made the most sense to me was this one: How To Make A Puff Quilt The Easy Way ~Bubble Quilt ~ Puffer Quilt. I didn’t use a minky on the back as the video suggested … I used more of the Island Batik fabric from the collection I was given.
I was given “Fruit and Veggies” collection by Kathy Engle. Along with 2 yards of Veggie Garden – Green (one of the collection fabrics) and 2 yards of Mint (a foundation fabric). Isn’t it a beautiful green & blue collection?
I started out using EQ8 to decide the placement of the fabrics. The final decision was this Trip Around the World.
I cut the fabric into 5″ strips and then squares to get my layout. Once on the design board, I webbed the quilt together. You can see the technique on my Youtube channel HERE.
I forgot to take a picture of it totally webbed together … this picture shows some of the rows sewn together with the bottom webbed.
Then I put a pleat or tuck on each side of the squares … in this picture you can see where I’ve pinned the squares so they could be sewn all the same size.
Here is the top with all the tucks/pleats sewn …
Then I needed to make the back … I only used 13 fabrics for the top, so the back uses the other 7 fabrics, plus the fabric that is in the centre of the front.
I used 10″ width of fabric slices and sewed them on the diagonal, thinking that the seams would not ‘clash’ with the seams on the front. It worked!
I lined up the top of the quilt front with the back and sewed them together. Then, I sewed down 2 blocks worth and started stuffing the squares. I used almost 2 bags of polyester fibre fill for the stuffing.
Here’s a picture of the puff quilt in progress as I’m sewing down the latest stuffed row.
I must admit that the binding was a bit difficult to put on. The blocks were all wavy and I had to straighten them while pushing the stuffing out of the way. It took a lot longer than I expected, but it slowly got done!
Here is the finished quilt from the front.
And a view from the back! The intent was to just have the puffs on the front, but the back also became a little puffy.
Blocks on front: started as 5″ squares. With pleats became 4.5″
Binding is Veggie Garden – Green.
2 Opportunities to win Island Batik Fabric!
Island Batik is giving away 2 fat quarter bundles! One of King’s Castle and the other Juicy Mosaics. Visit Island Batik’s blog for your opportunity to win this amazing fabric! Click HERE and follow the Rafflecopter prompts.
I am giving away over 1 yard of fabric from the Fruits and Veggies collection. Leave a comment on my blog stating what you like about this collection and what you might make with the fabric if you were to win. This is open to anyone in Canada or the USA.
Another Picture!
The lilac trees are no where near ready to bloom, but I just had to take a picture of this quilt in the garden!
Make sure you visit “The Quiltery, For the Love of Geese” to see Denise’s puff quilt. She used the same fabrics as I did and I bet they are totally different puff quilts!
In December, I needed to make a Lone Star Quilt for my Island Batik challenge. I made this pink Lone Star using Baby Bloomers (a signature collection by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton). You can read more about it HERE.
I LOVED this quilt SEW much, I went to my Island Batik pre-cuts and found a strip pack of Naturescape (by Jerry Khiev) which came with a 2 yard cut of “Large Netting – Pineneedle” (a dark green). It was the PERFECT fabric for my centre star and to radiate out to the star points.
Enter EQ8, to plan it! I downloaded the Naturescape fabrics and the dark green into the program. Paired it with the solid grey.
It’s a totally different look than the pink one, but I like it! Here are some pictures of the quilt in progress. I’m not a great pinner, but for this quilt, I measured and pinned EVERY. SINGLE. INTERSECTION. And, for the most part, the seams were pretty good. But I’d be lying if I told you that everyone was perfect!
And here’s a picture of it finished! I quilted it with Aurifil #2615
I quilted it the same as the previous lone star – with small arcs in the diamonds and fake feathers on the grey!
Quilt Stats
Fabric: Island Batik Naturescape strip pack, solid grey and Large Netting – Pineneedle
Size: 62″ x 62″
Hobbs 80/20 on the inside
I quilted it with Aurifil #2615 (Aluminium) on my Domestic Machine (Janome M7)
Bound with Large Netting – Pineneedle
Will I make another Lone Star Quilt? Probably, but not for awhile! LOL!!! You know … pinning all the intersections … (grin)
And, just for the record, this is my 2nd UFO finish for February! WooHoo!!
Have you been following the Stay At Home Round Robin? Last week was Round #2: Stars! I’m using fabric collection “Baby Bloomers” (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton). I absolutely LOVE the fabrics in this collection! As you can see from the picture below, there’s a range of colours! Each one is SEW pretty!
One Gift a Month Challenge
Days Filled with Joy is hosting this challenge. This month it’s a little basket that Pink Penguin has a tutorial for (See HERE).
I finished this basket and posted about it on Friday (see HERE).
February’s gift is a Heart Shaped Zipper Pouch. See HERE for the tutorial.
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: 31 / 31
February: 5 / 5
Percentage: 100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
The basket above used 1 yard of fabrics. Yes, many were scraps, but it still adds up.
I can still brag … ! I’ve made it one month … can I make it 2?
Fabric Used this week: 1 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 5 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used: 5 yards
Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.
To Do Tuesday
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is now hosting “To Do” every week.
The To Do list from a last week:
Sandwich Bird Panels√ DONE
Sandwich Chilhowie. not done
Work on February Sweet on You Blog Hop project √ DONE
Bind Island Batik’s February project √ DONE
Finish colouring Nutcracker√ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
This week’s list:
Quilt Bird Panels
Quilt Naturescape Lone Star
Work on Gardenia
Work on Melodic Mystery: January’s clue
Sandwich Chilhowie
Work on February Sweet on You Blog Hop project
Sandwich Nutcracker
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
This blog hop is starting Monday!!! The next 4 weeks have LOTS of eye candy for you!!! The Island Batik Ambassadors have mad a Puff Quilt from their assigned collections! I’ve seen glimpses of some of them … you are in for a treat!
And there’s already a chance for you to win some fantastic fabric. Visit Island Batik’s blog to enter! Island Batik is giving giving away a Fat Quarter bundle of the complete Island Batik collections – Broken Glass by Kathy Engle or Exuberance by Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 Design!
Take a look at the following snapshots of some of the fabrics in each collection. Which is your favourite?
I told you earlier this week that I was joining a challenge called “One Gift a Month.” I showed you the start of the project.
Well, I worked on it for a bit and finished it!
It was an easy project to make! If I were to make it again (if I remember this), I would make the boxed corners on the lining about 1/4″ larger so that the lining would be a bit smaller and fit into the main part of the basket without extra fabric floating around.
I used “Deco Revival” fabric from Island Batik. It was pieced, quilted and top stitched with Aurifil #2581 (Dark Dusty Grape).
Upcoming Blog Hops
Island Batik: February Blog Hop! (My day is February 13)
The next 4 weeks have LOTS of eye candy for you!!! The Island Batik Ambassadors have mad a Puff Quilt from their assigned collections! I’ve seen glimpses of some of them … you are in for a treat!
The pictures below give you a taste of some of the designs in each collection. Which is your favourite?
Are you determined to finish a bunch of UFOs and to NOT increase the number of quilts or projects on your UFO list???
Congratulations on making that choice!!!
Did you realize that each stitch you take is one stitch closer to finishing that project? Think about it … it’s the only way those projects are going to get done! You just need to take that first stitch, and then the next … and before you know it, that project will be done!!!
My Tally Sheets
I finished one UFO this month, my Shades of Blue project. You can read more about it HERE. (These used Island Batik fabrics, Aurifil thread and Hobbs batting).
Two projects were started this month, but I’ve also spent a lot of time working on the following (you can see my progress on my task sheet).
Panel Birds
Melodic Mystery
Chilhowie
Nutcracker
SAHRR ’23
Colour Challenge ’23
Sweet on You
If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.
Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life has chosen Stars for the 2nd round! I would usually piece stars for a round robin quilt, but since I had access to an accuquilt die with small stars, I opted to use them. I’m determined to get better at applique this year.
I continued to use Island Batik fabrics from the Baby Bloomers collection (by Kathy Engle for Karen Overton).
Now, you Need to go to the co-hosts blogs and see their star rounds! Their links are in the schedule below.
March 13: Parade – showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
More Round #1
Here’s Jacomina’s. Aren’t her improv blocks great?
Here’s Heather’s: I watched her work on some of these at the guild sew day!
Here’s Sarah’s. She says, “Resized the spools and changed the proportions” … looks great, doesn’t it?
Here’s Charlene’s. She says, “Spools are done, think I’m doing row by row, still deciding on end blocks for my snowman row.” It’ll be fun to see what she decides to do!
If you’re not on social media, send me a photo of your progress (quiltinggail@yahoo.ca) by noon on Sunday and I’ll post your photo on next week’s blog.
How I made my stars
I used an Accuquilt die and cut out the stars … at the moment they are ironed in place, but will be appliquéd when it’s quilted.
All 2023 Island Batik Ambassadors received 2 boxes of wonderful products!
For some reason, unknown to me, IMovie is not working on my mac. When I tried to download the videos, it told me I didn’t have enough space. So I tried to download a simple text picture and it said the same thing …
The end result is that you now have 2 un-edited videos to watch in order to see all the wonderful fabric and products I received!
Lots of AWESOMENESS in the boxes! Details of everything is below.
This fabric collection is called “Fruit and Veggies,” designed by Kathy Engle. It will be in shops in February. I will be using it for my February challenge. The 2 coordinating fabrics are “Veggie Garden – Green” (part of the collection) and Mint (a foundation.)
6 yards of the neutral “Ghost.”
1/2 yard cuts of basics. These fabrics are available at all times and go with many different fabric collections!
1st Column:
Amber – from Opulent Oranges
Chameleon – from Tantalizing Teals
Marble – Leprechaun – Blender
Marble – Aqua – Blender
Bubbles – Copper – Blender
Marble – Frog – Blender
2nd Column
Green Solid
Orange Solid
Lime Green Solid
Turquoise Solid
Oatmeal – from Opulent Oranges
Grass – from Glorious Greens
This is a “Maple Island” stack of 10″ squares. Paired with 2 yards of Seaweed (from Tantalizing Teals) and 2 yards of Dot-Sky (a blender). I can’t wait to start playing with these!!!
4 yards each of solid White, Grey & Black!!! Fantastic fabric!!
This stack of 10″ squares is called “Opulent Orange.” There are 20 different fabrics and 2 of each colour in the stack!
This strip pack of Prairie Dreams is paired with 2 yards of Chalk (a Naturally Neutral) and 2 yards of Slate (from the Bodacious Black collection).
Brilliant Blues!!! a 2 1/2” strip set. 20 different blues, 2 of each colour!!! How fun!!!
Island Batik ambassadors have been posting their Unboxing Videos on their blogs and social media! It’s a great way to “meet” the ambassador’s and see all the awesome fabric and goodies they have received from Island Batik and the industry partners. My day to post is tomorrow … so stay tuned!
Has started!!! Be sure to come back and see all the wonders that are happening!!! If you need some incentive to join in the fun, we have a lot of wonderful sponsors!!! and you could win some fantastic quilting goodies! You can see the beginning posts linked below.
Please note that I will be posting this week’s SAHRR on Tuesday!
One Gift a Month Challenge
Have you heard of this challenge? I’m a sucker for challenges and blog hops … they all keep my creative juices flowing and they also keep me busy in my quilting studio. OK, I admit it, sometimes they keep me TOO busy!
However, as quilters, we sometimes need to have small gifts on hand … those secret gift exchanges … something little to show someone they are loved … you get the idea.
Days Filled with Joy is hosting this challenge. This month it’s a little basket that Pink Penguin has a tutorial for (See HERE). Since I just found out about this challenge last week, I’m not sure I’ll get this basket done before the end of the month … but it might be done in February! However, I have started it! The fabric is cut out and I started sewing the little blocks together. The fabric is Island Batik from the Deco Revival collection.
Are you going to join me in this challenge????
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: 29 / 29
Percentage: 100%
Stash Report
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
I did finish 3 table toppers … They used Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs 80/20 batting and Aurifil thread #2600 (Dove Grey) for the piecing, quilting and binding.
I can still brag … !
Fabric Used this week: 3 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 4 yards
Fabric Bought this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used: 4 yards
Just an FYI: I do not count any fabric that is given to me (Island Batik), but this year, I am going to count it as fabric used.
To Do Tuesday
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is now hosting “To Do” every week.
The To Do list from a last week:
Finish the sashing and borders Clue #7 Chilhowie√ DONE
Classic Cars Colour Challenge BOM – Sept / Oct. in progress. (Just a note, I am working ahead on this so that the finished quilt is done in time for the final reveal. )
More Nutcracker colouring. in progress
Continue working on Island Batik February project in progress
Sandwich Bird Panels not done
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! not done I started the One Gift a Month challenge.
This week’s list:
Sandwich Bird Panels
Sandwich Chilhowie
Work on February Sweet on You Blog Hop project
Bind Island Batik’s February project
Finish colouring Nutcracker
Finish “One Gift a Month” project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
In November, Carla from Creatin’ in the Sticks announced the Sew It – Show It Challenge: Shades of Blue. How could I resist? Blue is my absolute favourite colour!!
I have a LOT of blue flying geese and half-square triangles that I have made as a leader and ender project. I put them together to make these 3 table toppers. (All different sizes since my table tops are different sizes!) They use all sorts of Island Batik fabrics from my Island Batik scraps. That means that they were left-overs from some projects and pieces from stash-builder rolls.
Hobbs batting (80/20) is in the middle and they are Free-motion quilted with Aurifil #2600 (Dove Grey).
I taught a binding class to a wonderful group of ladies this week and thought these 3 little table toppers would be perfect for demonstrating my easy method of machine binding!
Here’s a closeup of 2 different stitches that can be used for securing the binding down.
Here’s the list of all the “Shades of Blue” Blog Hoppers. They all have awesome “blue” projects and it’s well worth visiting each and every one of them!
March 13: Parade – showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
How I made my spool blocks
The half square triangles are tiny … they finish at 1″ …. so they are 1 1/2” unfinished … the blocks below the top HST are 1 1/2” square, unfinished and the center column is 1 1/2” x 3 1/2” unfinished … the whole block will finish at 3″ …
Linky Party
Roseanne & Sue @ Home Sewn by Us will have a linky party so you can see everyone’s 1st Round!
More Centre Blocks
Some people are participating in the SAHRR, but don’t do social media … so I and another hosting blogger are posting their blocks for them … It’ll be fun to see how these blocks grow into their own quilts!
Quilting Gail 