Quilting

Storm at Sea Blog Hop!

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This month, the Island Batik challenge was to make a Storm at Sea quilt with the following guidelines:

  • Project Type: Quilt
  • Size: Lap size or larger
  • Must use the Summer 2021 bundle, wrapped and labeled “Surprise”
  • Any technique

My Surprise package in Box #2 was Bellingham Bay. I was in LOVE immediately!!!! I LOVE the colours … the rich greens paired with a few deep purple … just wonderful!!! These should be available in stores soon!

I searched for a Storm at Sea that was a bit different. I found several quilts with diagonal waves and I really liked them. I went to my EQ program and came up with this:

I know that I would easily become confused with which piece of fabric went where … so I printed out the quilt outline and numbered the main fabrics. I was hoping that if I took my time, I’d be able to paper piece the quilt with the correct fabrics in the correct spots.

In order to keep all of the fabrics in the correct wave, that’s how it was pieced … one wave at a time. I knew that I would get it all mixed up if I did it by blocks …

Each element is paper pieced – without sewing on the paper. I really dislike removing the papers after I’ve sewn on them.

Here’s a picture of my piecing without sewing on the paper.

The quilting was done on my domestic sewing machine, with a walking foot and a Schmetz quilting needle.

I used Aurifil #2600 (Dove) for the quilting and the scrappy binding was attached with Aurifil #5012.

This quilt is 57″ square. And, I LOVE it!!!

For some reason, I didn’t use all of the fabrics in the main quilt. I have no idea why. So, I made a 2nd quilt using Coconut as the background and 4 of the lightest coloured prints from Bellingham Bay.

You could win …

That’s correct, you have an opportunity to win some wonderful Bellingham Bay fabric … Click on the Rafflecopter link and follow the instructions.

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

The Photo Shoot

Bellingham Bay is just a short drive from my house. However, since the USA border is closed to Canadians driving down, I had to content myself with going to a local beach to take pictures. It was a blustery windy day … very windy … but I did manage to get some shots!

The Blog Hop

Pretti, from Sew Preeti Quilts also made a Storm at Sea quilt using the Bellingham Bay fabric collection. Make sure you visit her blog!

Here is a list of all the ambassadors participating in the Storm at Sea Blog Hop. I’ve already had a sneak peek of some of them – they are all pretty awesome! Make sure you follow along!!!

November 1:

Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail 

Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts

November 2:

Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts

Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting

November 3:

Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese

Megan Best, Bestquilter

November 4:

Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia

November 8:

Mania Hatzioannidi, Mania for Quilts

Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter

November 9:

Joanne Hart, Unicorn Harts

Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs

Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting

November 10:

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations

Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore

November 11:

Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood

Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine

November 15:

Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio

Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts

November 16:

Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky

Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde

November 17:

Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist

Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights

Suzy Webster, Websterquilt 

Thank you!

The making of my Storm at Sea quilts would not be possible without the generosity of Island Batik, Hobbs Batting, Aurifil Thread, and Schmetz Needles!!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

PHD in 2021: October Report

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How are you doing with your PHD in 2021?

Are you slugging away at a project that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight? We’ve all been there. Did you know that as you’re slugging away, it’s OK to switch to something else for a short time, or take a break. If you know me at all, squaring up HST or blocks is NOT my favourite thing. I know it gives good results, but taking those slivers off of a HST is just plain boring. So, one of my tactics is to do 10 and then do something else. Then do another 10. Pretty soon, all 2000 (an exaggeration) are done! And it feels good to have that task completed.

Here’s my tally for the year so far. I have completed 12 UFOs and I just need to finish all of the projects that I started and I’ll have achieved my Phd in 2021! I’ve got 2 months left, so I’m hoping it’s a good 2 months of sewing!

Linky Party



Link up and show us your PHD in 2021 Progress.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

Blog Hop

Island Batik’s November Blog Hop starts tomorrow!!! Come back tomorrow to see my beautiful quilts made with the Bellingham Bay Fabric collection!

In the meantime, you have an opportunity to win either a strip pack or a stack of Bellingham Bay fabric!

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

I have a Finish!

I did finish one of the guild baby mystery quilts … I used it when I took a “Beanie” ruler class from Silly Moon. Nope, I’m not going to show you the front, but here is the back. There is NO way you can tell what the front is! (chuckle) But I learned how to easily make concentric circles, clam shells, circles, and baptist fans. And I played with the ruler in the in the border.

My Favourite Quilt this month!

My favourite quilt has got to be the Pangolin that I made for October’s Island Batik challenge. I absolutely loved doing all the zen-doodling in the scales! This piece is 20″ square and you can read about it HERE. I will be linking to Meadow Mist Designs.

Design Wall

#1 Scrappy Improv Quilting …

I’m still working on a Hot Air Balloon quilt from Kelly Young’s “Scrappy Improv Quilting” Book. I decided that I would use different techniques for making slabs and have 4 balloons … I haven’t gotten too far … Obviously my balloons need baskets and the sky around them … And my Island Batik scraps isn’t much smaller!

#2.  Scrappy Improv Quilting …

This is from the pattern “Prismatic.” I had some scrappy Island Batik log cabin blocks that were languishing in a pile. What to do with them? I sewed them all randomly together and made a large slab. Then I cut it up. The log cabin blocks were 3/4″ finished … so there are a LOT of tiny pieces in these blocks. They will be sewn together with white fabric surrounding them.

#4, #5, & #6 Secret Sewing: Island Batik

I’m happy to report that all of the patterns have been written. 2 of them are tested and ready to roll. And 2 of them are still being tested.

Quilting: 

#1 Secret Island Batik project is being quilted

Stash Report

I got “paid” in fabric for the class that I taught. Even though I didn’t “buy” it, it still adds to my stash. I added 11 yards of flannel … all for backing baby quilts. And I did use 1.25 yards on the back of the mystery quilt (see the purple above?)

  • Fabric Used this week     1.25 yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       100.25 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:  11  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      50. 75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
  • Net Fabric used                  49.5 yards 
  • Husband’s purchases:  0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!

Stitchin’ Time

I have been sewing for at LEAST 3-4 hours each day … deadlines add pressure, you know! So my stitchin’ time is good!

  • January – October –  292/ 272
  • Total: 292 / 303
  • Percentage = 96 % 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

To Do

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.

The last To Do list: (from AGES ago)

OK … even though I had a LOT of time to complete everything, pattern writing and making the secret quilts took a LOT of time!

  1. Continue working on Island Batik’s November project DONE!!!
  2. Work on 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv Nope … in progress
  3. Work on Island Batik’s December project ... in progress
  4. Complete top for Secret Sewing BBQG mystery quilt #2 All 3 quilt tops are done, one is quilted.
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   DONE 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes       I need to start doing this daily!  

This week’s list:

  1. Sandwich BBQG Guild Mystery #2 & #3
  2. Sandwich Island Batik Secret #4
  3. Sew top together  Prismatic from Scrappy Improv
  4. Work on Island Batik’s December project
  5. Finish Island Batik Secret #2 top
  6. Finish Quilting Island Batik Secret #3
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

******************

Linking to:

Teaching fun!

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For the last 2 Thursdays, I was teaching at Essem Textiles. We were using the book, “Scrappy Improv Quilting” by Kelly Young.

The first week we made slabs … Kelly discusses one method in the book, but we covered about 6 different methods of making slabs.

Everyone got busy making their slabs … there were all sorts of slabs happening … blue, teal, purple, pink, and a whole mixture of fabrics …

Making slabs can be very freeing when you haven’t done it before! I “caught” one lady using her seam ripper and told her to put it away and just cut off the offending piece of fabric … so she did! There is NO place for a seam ripper when making slabs!

Here’s a few pictures from the first week ….

The “homework” was to finish the slabs and cut them to size as per the instructions in the book. Some of the slabs were easy to cut, and others had a LOT of cutting … but everyone came back ready to roll.

Karen was going to make a large version of the hot air balloon, but didn’t like the way her slab was going, so she decided on making 4 hot air balloons and putting them in one quilt! I like all the polka dots and the blue grunge she choose for the sky!

Prismatic was a popular mini that Robin, Judy, Sue and Joan worked on. Purple, blues and teals were the popular colours for this mini!

Sue managed to get her top completed by the end of the 2nd day! Isn’t it great? I like how she mixed up her colours in her slabs and just went with it!

Robin was also working on the ornament quilt in traditional Christmas colours … red & green. She had completed 2 ornaments before class and worked on the 3rd ornament, using Tri Rec ruler, in class. It’s going to be a beauty!

Cathy, was super keen, and made the hot air balloon before the first class, worked on the Heartstruck quilt during the first class and finished it at home. When making Heartstruck, she used a variety of neutrals – so it made it super scrappy! Which looks great! At the 2nd class, she worked on the Churn, Churn, Churn mini. It was fascinating to have a glance at her book. She had followed along with the blog hop (see HERE) and wrote down how different quilters made the different mini quilts. Oh, and she’s also started on the houses for Funky Town. (hmmm, I think she LOVES this fantastic book!)

Here’s some pictures of her work!!! Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture of the houses she’s started.

Yes, I worked on a couple of mini quilts as well, but didn’t make much progress on them! It was too much fun visiting and seeing what everyone else was making!

Oh ya, and the venue! Essem has a cosy spot at the back of the store. It is absolutely lovely!

But here are the 2 quilts I made prior to the class! You can read more about them HERE and HERE.

I was Featured

Jennifer, from Inquiring Quilter featured the 2 birds I was given at the retreat. You can read about it HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Island Batik … what you want to know

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Island Batik Ambassadors

For those of you that have been following my blog for awhile, you’ve heard me talk about being an Island Batik Ambassador. Twice a year we get fabulous Island Batik fabric and lots of goodies from Industry Partners (Aurifil, Hobbs batting, Schmetz needles, Accuquilt, Studio 180, byAnnie). Then, once a month, we are given a specific challenge to complete using the fabric and/or tools that we have received. It is a lot of fun to create and make items to address the challenges. An added bonus this year was that a few of us organized a few Zoom sewing days! Talk about a lot of fun! And a great way to get to know each other!

Here are the main challenges that I’ve completed so far this year: (I have also made many other projects using Island Batik fabric, but that’s for another post!

You could become an Island Batik Ambassador!

If you would like to become an Island Batik ambassador, click HERE.

Island Batik Fabric

But, what is Island Batik? It is a company in California that distributes the fabulous fabric around the world.

This is from their website: Island Batik is a manufacturer, importer and distributor of cotton batik, rayon batik and hand-printed cotton from Indonesia. Originally established in 1997, Island Batik’s mission is to share the ancient cultural art of batik and hand-dyed fabric with our many valued customers around the world. You can read more about it HERE.

Here is a video that explains the process of how the fabric is dyed:

Island Batik Designer

I am one of several designers. I don’t design any of the fabric, but I do get a sneak peak of the upcoming fabrics for the next catalogue. Then I design quilts using the new fabric collections. The Island Batik design team chooses which quilt designs will be in their next catalogue and then the fabric is shipped to the designers. We usually have a short time frame to make the quilts and send them to California for their professional photography shoot.

These 3 quilts were in the Spring / Summer 2021 catalogue. You can see it HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Retreat Fun!

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Oh yes, the retreat was a LOT of fun! It was great to get together with like-minded people and sew, sew, sew. And eat and laugh and play games!

I managed to finish one quilt – but I can’t show you until Nov. 1. Yes, it is for an Island Batik Blog Hop, featuring all the new fabrics that will be in stores SOON!

But here’s a sneak peak:

And here’s a bunch of pictures of some of the creativity that happened!

As you can see, there were a few card trick quilts happening … So fun to see the how different colours make the quilts look so different! That never ceases to amaze me!

This one got a laugh out of me! It’s called a “Toilet Topper.” You guessed it – it’s for the top of a toilet back!

I’m not sure how I missed getting a picture of all the birds that Laura had made. There was a wall of Sue Spargo birds … absolutely lovely!!! Laura said she didn’t know what she was going to do with them … someone jokingly said she could give them to us! And she did!!! I plan to frame mine and put them up in my sewing room. They are not something I would ever do, but I LOVE admiring the work that goes into them! I’m sure that each one takes a zillion hours with all the details! Thank you very much, Laura!

And, when it wasn’t raining, there were walks through the woods. Judy managed to get these awesome pictures of the fungi …

I was Featured

Both Kelly, from My Quilt Infatuation, and Jennifer, from Inquiring Quilter, featured this quilt. You can see my original post HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

A Private Personal Quilt Show

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In September, when I was in Edmonton, I had the great pleasure of visiting the home of Elizabeth Penttinen. She is an art quilter extraordinaire! I was blown over by her talent and the variety of quilts that I saw. And, I know that there were many more that I didn’t see.

The photos were taken with my Iphone and at night, indoors, so the photo quality is not the best.

Obviously, this one is ready for quilting … but look at all the greens, the curves, the straight lines …

This one has an organic wavy binding … and if I remember correctly, it is not cut on the bias.

And a close up of the quilting … all hand guided …

All different leaves in this one …

I see the wind blowing in this one … great movement!

Look at the beautiful thread painting! And beads, buttons and shells … (I think!)

Fun collage quilts … made from t-shirts, sheets, and other fabric things.

Elizabeth has spent a lot of time in Africa … I can’t help but think that this definitely influenced this collage quilt.

Cows anyone?

Sons of Anarchy

I absolutely LOVE giraffes and I think this is my favourite by far!!! She was going to be teaching this at her guild … how I would have loved to have taken this class!

Beautiful flowers!

Fall still life …

Mixed media … from Disney!

Thank you, Elizabeth, for the privilege of seeing your beautiful quilts!

Many of these quilts are for sale, if you are interested, contact Elizabeth e_penttinen@hotmail.com and she can give you more information.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

A Busy Thursday and Friday

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Do you know what it’s like to get ready for a retreat? Oh ya! On Thursday, I managed to get borders on 2 quilts and they are sandwiched and hopefully will be quilted at the retreat … bobbins are wound.

And then there is the last minute gathering of STUFF … yup, all sorts of STUFF. When you’re one of the co-organizers, there is a LOT of details to attend to. Last minute emails to send out …

I haven’t been on a retreat for almost 2 years. That’s a LONG time for a retreat junkie!

It’s all good!!! I will get it done. Well, most of it anyhow. And of course, I doubt that I’ll finish all 5 or 6 projects that I’m taking with me … but it’s always good to have a variety to choose from! I’ll tell you all about it next week!

A Friday Finish

I made this quilt earlier this year, thinking it would be good for a fat-quarter quilt and a mystery quilt … and then I changed my mind and went in a bit of a different direction for the Summer Mystery. I still like this quilt … and perhaps one day, I’ll write up the directions for it … but not now … not yet … But it did use 7 fat quarters … with little fabric to spare …

I Was Featured

Photo credit: Jerry Khiev, Island Batik

I was featured on the following blogs … Check them out!

My Quilt Infatuation

For the Love of Geese

This quilt is in the Spring Summer 2021 Island Batik Catalogue. It uses the fabric line “Flutter Fly.” And You can order the pattern from me!

For more information on this quilt, click HERE.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:


Midweek Makers @  QuiltFabrication
Wednesday Wait Loss @  Inquiring Quilter
Off the Wall Friday @ Creations – Quilts, Art, Whatever
Happy Needle  and Thread @  My Quilt Infatuation
Andrée / Free Motion Mavericks @ Quilting & Learning – What a combo!
Put your Foot Down @ For the Love of Geese

Sherry @  Powered by Quilting
Can I get a Whoop Whoop? @  Confessions of a Fabric Addict

TGIFF @ Devoted Quilter
Finished or Not Friday  @ Alycia Quilts
Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty
Peacock Party @ Wendy’s Quilts and More
 

Scrappy Improv Quilting Blog Hop

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In July, Kelly, of My Quilt Infatuation, emailed me and asked if I would be willing to participate in a blog hop promoting her new book. I felt honoured and of course, I said, “YES.”

She asked me to make an improve ornament mini quilt! This is the quilt she asked me to make! Isn’t it cute?

Sew … I gathered a bunch of blue and purple Island Batik scraps.

Then I sewed them together sort-of following the directions in the book. A lot of my scraps had weird angles in them … so mine aren’t totally square … more improv!

I followed the directions for making the ornaments. They were very clear and easy to follow. As directed, I did use my Tri-Recs rulers for making the purple ornament.

I used Island Batik solid “Turquoise” on the purple ornament and “Amethyst” on the blue ornaments. The strings were made with “Dark Grey.” And the background is “Rice.” I absolutely LOVE Rice!!!

This mini quilt is quilted the same as in the book … stippling in the background and organic straight(ish) lines on the ornaments. I used Aurifil 2600 – Dove to quilt it. And yes, I did stitch in the ditch around the strings and the ornaments.

This was such a fun quilt to make! I’m sure I will be making more mini quilts from this blog!

I have already made “Up, Up and Away,” using Kelly’s instructions on enlarging the quilt. I made it baby sized. I posted about it, and your can read about it HERE.

To me, Kelly’s “Scrappy Improv Quilting” book is one that EVERYONE should have in their book collection! There is a HUGE variety of mini quilts and you can make them bigger as well! I know I already said this, but the book is very well written. The directions are clear and easy to follow!

I actually have 2 more quilts from this book in progress … and I will show you them when they are completed!

If you want to buy the book, I know that Essem Textiles has a few in stock. As well, I will be teaching several quilts from this book at Essem later this month. Contact them to sign up for the class.

Blog Hop

Here is the Schedule for the Blog Hop: (All links up to Oct 11 are direct links to the original post, so you won’t have to hunt through the blogs! … you’re welcome!)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

What’s Happening?

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What’s happening?

I’ve been madly sewing on things I can’t show you and writing patterns to go with the quilts I’m making. But, this post is about what I CAN show you!
Design Wall

Design Wall

Piecing:

#1 Scrappy Improv Quilting …

I’m working on another quilt from Kelly Young’s book “Scrappy Improv Quilting”. I’m doing it as a leader and ender with all the Secret Sewing I’m doing

#2. Secret Sewing: Island Batik

#3. Meadow Mist’s Macaroon Mystery.

I’m a bit behind on this mystery. I have the pieces all cut. Yes, it’s all reproduction blues with an off white for the background. If you LOVE mystery quilts … Cheryl’s quilts are a dream to make! You can see all the clues HERE.

Quilting: 

#1 November Island Batik project is being quilted

Stash Report

No shopping, no finishes that used stash!

  • Fabric Used this week     0 yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       99 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week: 0  yards
  • Fabric Added this year:      39.75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
  • Net Fabric used                  58.25 yards 
  • Husband’s purchases:  0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!

Stitchin’ Time

While away, I managed to sew for 5 days … and for 6 days, I did not sew.

  • January – August –  261 / 272
  • Oct –  10 / 10
  • Total: 265 / 278
  • Percentage = 95 % 

For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

TO DO 

Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.

The last To Do list: (from weeks ago)

OK … so I had over 2 weeks to accomplish my To Do list – a little bit of everything got done!

  1. Finish quilting Island Batik’s November project sort-of done
  2. Work on 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv in progress
  3. Work on Island Batik’s December project in progress
  4. Quilt Secret Sewing BBQG mystery quilt #1  Sandwiched
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   done 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes      √   done  

This week’s list:

  1. Continue working on Island Batik’s November project
  2. Work on 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv
  3. Work on Island Batik’s December project
  4. Complete top for Secret Sewing BBQG mystery quilt #2
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Even though I’ve been working like a mad woman in the sewing room, there is no change to my UFO list.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Announcing Flutterfly Stars: for Island Batik

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Photo credit: Jerry Khiev, Island Batik

Please contact me if you would like to purchase the pattern. This quilt uses a Tri-Recs or a Deb Tucker V-block ruler. There is an option of using a pre-cut Stack (10″ squares) to make this quilt.

Flutterfly Stars appeared in Island Batik’s Spring/Summer catalogue. You can see it HERE. Check out page 9 for a close-up and page 56 for the whole quilt. And there are tons of other beautiful quilts in the catalogue … lots of quilty eye candy!

This quilt used the awesome collection, Flutter Fly, by Kathy Engle and is available at select stores now.

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 65” x 83”
  • Hobbs 80/20 batting
  • Pieced and Quilted with Aurifil thread

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

  • Midweek Makers @  QuiltFabrication

  • TGIFF @ Rebecca Grace Quilting

  • Wednesday Wait Loss @  Inquiring Quilter

  • Happy Needle  and Thread @  My Quilt Infatuation

  • Andrée / Free Motion Mavericks @ Quilting & Learning – What a combo!

  • Put your Foot Down @ For the Love of Geese

  • Can I get a Whoop Whoop? @  Confessions of a Fabric Addict

  • Finished or Not Friday  @ Alycia Quilts

  • Sherry @  Powered by Quilting

  • Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty

  • Peacock Party @ Wendy’s Quilts and More 

    • Island Batik: Endangered Species

    / quiltinggail / 33 Comments

    This year, Aurifil Thread has a Color Builder program. It is a total of 12 different mini-collections that, for 2021, are based on Endangered Animals. Aurifil’s goal is to “Increase sustainability and positive environmental impact.” (source: Island Batik).

    For the October challenge, Aurifil is asking you to create a piece inspired by the endangered animal featured on your assigned Color Builder box. Use each one of the 3 provided colors somewhere in the challenge piece, how the thread is used is up to you! (source: Island Batik)

    I received the Pangolin bundle. The 3 threads in this collection are: #2312 – Ermine, #6010 – Toast, #2360 – Chocolate. They are all 40 weight.

    I had to look it up …

    Photo “Borrowed” from Aurifil: https://www.aurifil.com/pangolin

    The Pangolin is sometimes used for it’s meat, but mostly the scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine. There is a huge amount of illegal trafficking and the pangolin is considered Critically Endangered. Source.

    I literally spent a few months thinking about what I would do.

    I finally decided that I would go to the Internet and search for royalty free colouring book pages and pangolin. Bingo! I found one at THIS SITE.

    Below is the pangolin print out and fabric (Buttermilk) on my light board. My light board happens to be a window. You can see where the pages are overlapping and taped together. The Buttermilk fabric is taped on top.Then a picture of me tracing it out with a brown sharpie. (Inspired by Helen Godden and the Flower Power Quilt-a-long)

    I used Hobbs Polydown batting and Odif 505 temporary adhesive spray and got to work. First I stitched over the brown sharpie lines with #2360 – Chocolate.

    I quickly realized that I needed to have a fabric on the back: the polydown was catching on the lowered feed dogs. Previously, when I used this technique, I was able to use Hobbs 80/20 with no difficulty.

    Then, I was not pleased with how it was stitching out! So, I cleaned my machine (it needed it) and changed to a Schmetz needle. That helped a bit, but then I took off my ruler quilting foot and put on the regular free-motion quilting foot. I’m not sure why, but my quilting was WAY better.

    The pangolin is outlined with Aurifil #2360 – ChocolateI. The Zendoodling is Aurifil #2312 – Ermine. Aurifil #6010 – Toast, was used for the organic echoing around the pangolin. It took 3 full days of zendoodling to get to this point. Then I needed a break!

    For the spikes around the border, I used several pieces from the Autumn Wings collection, along with Large Netting-Sand (a blender) and Citrine (Marvelous Multis). The spikes were all fused with steam-a-seam light. And appliqued in place with #6010 – Toast. Then the feet were “coloured” in using Aurifil #2360 Chocolate. It is bound with Wavy Dots – Cappuccino.

    Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies:

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    PHD in 2021: September Report

    / quiltinggail / 15 Comments
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is phd-in-2021.png

    How are you doing with your PHD in 2021?

    I was reading a post from Bustle: “Ways To Get Things Done When You Don’t Wanna” The title certainly caught my eye! There were lots of tips on “How To.”

    Here’s my comments on some of the points as it relates to me and quilting

    • Think of the end goal. Remember that wonderful feeling when a quilt project is finished? It feels pretty good, right?
    • Focus on what you can control. OK … so you might not be able to finish your project today, but you can sew a few seams, cut out some of the fabric … That’s doable, right?
    • Start With The Most Loathed Bits First. You might as well get it out of the way and then the rest will be easy. (Well, this won’t work if binding is what you loath, but I’m sure you can find something!
    • Work Out What You’re Afraid Of. Cut out the excuses and just get started.
    • Bribe Yourself Shamelessly. I’m on a serious fabric diet, but maybe I could go shopping. At least I need thread, right?
    • Do It For Just 10 Minutes. We can all work on a project for 10 minutes … set your timer if you need to!

    Here’s my tally sheet. You’ll notice that I have 3 Island Batik Secret projects to work on. I actually had 4, but one is completed. These include writing patterns, organizing pattern testers and making the quilts. I’m going to be busy for the next while!

    Linky Party

    Link up and show us your PHD in 2021 Progress.

    You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

    Click here to enter
    https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

    My Favourite Quilt this month!

    Meadow Mist Designs hosts a link up for a Favourite Quilt each month. My favourite is from a new book “Scrappy Improv Quilting” by Kelly Young. You can read about it HERE. I will be teaching this quilt (and others) at Essem Textiles later this month. Contact Simina at Essem to book your spot!

    This quilt used Island Batik fabrics, Aurifil thread and Hobbs batting!

    So Scrappy

    My Scrappy Table Topper for September was 2 – both featuring orange … you can read about them HERE. October’s colour is Lime Green. Hmmm … wonder what I’ll make?

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    ******************

    Linking to:

    Favourite Quilt of the Month @  Meadow Mist Designs

    So Scrappy @ Scrap Happy

    Sunday Stash @  quiltpaintcreate

    Oh Scrap @  Quilting is More Fun than Housework

    15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces

    Frédérique  @ Quilting Patchwork Applique

    Monday Making @  Love, Laugh, Quilt

    Design Wall Monday @  Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

    To-Do Tuesday @ Texas Quilt Gal

    TGIFF … Oct 1.

    / quiltinggail / 14 Comments

    How did it get to be October already???? I know they say that time goes faster as you get older – but this is ridiculous! The leaves are turning colour, it’s getting colder and … yes, fall is definitely here! But … sigh …

    So my finish for this week is to show you another of my secret sewing from last fall. Yes, it was finished last fall, but I couldn’t show you then! You can see all of the catalogues HERE. This quilt is in the Spring/Summer 2021 catalogue and the fabrics are available now.

    This quilt uses the wonderful Island Batik fabric collection “Midnight Dazzle” along with a solid grey and solid white. Midnight Dazzle is a fantastic collection designed by Kathy Engle. It is 63.5″ x 63.5.”

    • Size: 63.5″ x 63.5″
    • Batting: Hobbs 80/20
    • Thread: Aurifil
    • Quilting: Free Motion Quilted on my domestic Janome sewing machine.

    Please contact me if you would like to buy the pattern. 

    TGIFF Link Up

    Here’s your opportunity to show us your finish for this week:

    You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

    Click here to enter
    https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    Catching up …

    / quiltinggail / 11 Comments

    I was away on holidays … did a bit of sewing then, but most of it is secret sewing … so no pictures.

    Design Wall

    Piecing:

    #1. Secret Sewing: Island Batik

    #2 Secret Sewing: BBQG mystery quilt

    #2. Scrappy Improv … another variation of the hot air balloon quilt

    Quilting: 

    #1 November Island Batik project is being quilted

    Stash Report

    I was in Edmonton while I was away … Lori’s Country Cottage had a 40% sale on selected fabrics … I did not behave myself … It was fun to be in a fabric store … it was fun to shop … here’s a picture of the damage ….

    I could justify each purchase … the fabrics on the left were for one of the guild’s mystery quilts and the fabrics on the right were all flannels … necessary for backings …

    • Fabric Used this week     0 yards
    • Fabric Used this year:       99 yards
    • Fabric Bought this week:  12  yards
    • Fabric Added this year:      39.75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
    • Net Fabric used                  58.25 yards 
    • Husband’s purchases:  0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!

    Stitchin’ Time

    While away, I managed to sew for 5 days … and for 6 days, I did not sew.

    • January – August –  235 / 242
    • Sept –  20 / 26
    • Total: 255 / 268
    • Percentage = 95 % 

    For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

    TO DO 

    Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.

    The last To Do list: (from weeks ago)

    OK … so I had over 2 weeks to accomplish my To Do list – a little bit of everything got done!

    1. Finish quilting Island Batik’s November project Partially done!
    2. Finish 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv Partially done!
    3. Work on Island Batik’s December  project Partially done! 
    4. Write the directions for the guild’s Fall Mystery quilt √   done
    5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   done 
    6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes      √   done  

    This week’s list:

    1. Finish quilting Island Batik’s November project
    2. Work on 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv
    3. Work on Island Batik’s December project
    4. Quilt Secret Sewing BBQG mystery quilt #1
    5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
    6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

    PHD in 2021

    Table Scraps

    I have 2 Table Scraps for this month … First is my table runner and 2nd is the coaster.

    This Table runner was made with scraps of Island Batik fabric … mostly from the Autumn Wings collection. Quilted with Aurifil thread, Hobbs Batting and Schmetz needles.

    This coaster was made with a free pattern from Kreative Kiwi … Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs Batting and made in the hoop on my embroidery machine.

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    Linking to:

  • So Scrappy @ Scrap Happy

  • Sunday Stash @  quiltpaintcreate

  • Oh Scrap @  Quilting is More Fun than Housework

  • 15 minutes to Stitch @ Life in Pieces

  • Frédérique  @ Quilting Patchwork Applique

  • Monday Making @  Love, Laugh, Quilt

  • Design Wall Monday @  Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

  • To-Do Tuesday @ Texas Quilt Gal

  • Table Scraps @ Joyful Quilter

    • A Secret Sewing Showing #1

    / quiltinggail / 29 Comments

    Last fall, I did some secret sewing and I couldn’t show you. The quilts were all made for the latest Island Batik catalogue. You can see all of the catalogues HERE. This quilt is in the Spring/Summer 2021 catalogue and the fabrics are available now.

    This first quilt is made with the Fancy Feathers collection, by Kathy Engle along with the basic, Rice. Aren’t these fabrics absolutely wonderful?????

    This quilt is called “Feather’s Chain.” Please contact me if you would like to buy the pattern. You could use a strip set (jelly roll) to make this quilt. The pattern also includes instructions on how to make the flange binding.

    Quilt Stats:

    • Size: 68″ x 68″
    • Batting: Hobbs 80/20
    • Thread: Aurifil
    • Quilting: Free Motion Quilted on my domestic Janome sewing machine.

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    Linking to:

    Oh yes, I’m spoiled rotten!

    / quiltinggail / 10 Comments

    As an Island Batik Ambassador, I feel spoiled every time a box comes. In July, we received a ton of awesomeness (you can see that post HERE) and Island Batik informed us that the precuts would come at a later date. While I was away on holidays … a package arrived! Oh, it was extremely hard waiting until I got home!!! I know the neighbour wouldn’t have minded opening it for me and sending me a picture, but it was more fun to wait and open it myself! And here are the precuts I received:

    The strip pack is “Midnight Dazzle” along with coordinating fabrics, Backberry and Begonia. The package of 10″ squares on the right is “Constellations” and the coordinating fabrics are Ice and Harbour. The coordinating fabrics are 2 yard cuts.

    I am over the moon with these awesome fabrics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Now … what do I make with them???? I only have about 2,000 ideas … I think I might need to narrow it down a bit! What a joyful dilemma!

    Do you have some great ideas of what to make?

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    I’m Falling for You Blog Hop

    / quiltinggail / 52 Comments

    This blog hop is organized by Calico Joan of Moose Stash Quilting!

    In January, my Island Batik box contained this fantastic maple leaf die from Accuquilt. I made 2 different quilts with it.

    And now, I’m using it again to make a table runner for the I’m Falling For You blog hop. What is more FALL than Fall leaves??? As well, the scrap table runner challenge for this month is Orange … so I’m making a 2-fer.

    We’ve been away for almost 2 weeks. I took this with me to finish while we were travelling. (Yes, I take my featherweight and sew when I can and when we have power.) Well, I definitely was NOT meant to finish this on our trip! I didn’t take enough of the background fabric AND … once I finished the top, earlier today, I realized that I did not take enough batting or backing … groan … Anyhow, thankfully I was able to find everything I needed and get this table runner done! I stippled the background and did straight lines on the coloured portions of the leaves.

    Table runner stats:

    • Fabric: Island Batik – from the Autumn Wings collection, background is Custard
    • Batting: Hobbs fusible
    • Quilting & Piecing: Aurifil thread
    • Size: 19″ x 37″
    • Accuquilt die: Maple Leaf

    Here is the Full Schedule for the blog hop:

    Be sure to visit all of the bloggers and be inspired by their “I’m Falling for You” creations!

    Monday September 20

    Creatin’ in the Sticks

    Samelias Mum

    Quilting Gail

    Vroomans Quilts

    Quilt Schmilt

    Tuesday September 21

    Just Let Me Quilt

    Just Sew Quilter

    Days filled with Joy

    Kathy’s Kwilts and More

    The Morning Latte

    Wednesday September 22

    Elizabeth Coughlin Designs

    Beaquilter

    Inflorescence

    Selina Quilts

    Sew Many Yarns

    Thursday September 23

    Karrins Crazy World

    Words and Stitches

    Patchouli Moon Studio

    Karen’s Korner

    That Fabric Feeling

    Scrapdash

    Friday September 24

    QuiltFabrication

    Mrs P Designs USA

    Lianne Makes Stuff

    Quilted Delights

    MooseStashQuilting

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    Scrappy Improv Blog Hop is happening!

    / quiltinggail / 5 Comments

    This is a Blog Hop that I’m super excited about!!! Kelly, of My Quilt Infatuation, has a wonderful book out and it is absolutely wonderful!!! My official day is Oct. 11. But, I am too excited to wait that long (well, I’ll wait for that day for my assigned mini quilt!

    Yesterday, Sandra @ mmm…quilts! posted her Up, Up and Away Quilt! Isn’t it great???

    So, I’m going to show you my Up, Up and Away quilt. Kelly has instructions in her book on how to make the mini quilts larger. So, I followed her instructions to make this into a baby quilt. However, I must confess, I had to fudge a bit because I didn’t have quite enough background fabric.

    The fabrics are all from Island Batik. But for some reason, the scraps didn’t decrease at all!! (Ya, I know, scraps multiply when you have your back turned! )

    I quilted wavy up and down lines on the balloon and wavy organic lines on the background (sky).

    This is one of the quilts I’ll be teaching at Essem Textiles in Cloverdale in October! Make sure you sign up and join in the fun!

    Here is the full Schedule for the Blog Hop:

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting!    
    Gail 

    byAnnie Challenge

    / quiltinggail / 23 Comments

    This month, the Island Batik challenge is to make a bag. I choose to make the “Round Trip Duffle.” It is a pattern byAnnie. Island Batik and byAnnie made a kit with everything I need to make the Round Trip Duffle … I mean EVERYTHING!

    The Island Batik fabrics that I chose for the bag – from top to bottom are:

    • Peacock Feather – Teal (from the Proud Peacock collection)
    • Whip Cream (from the Neutral collection)
    • Peacock Mardigras (from the Proud Peacock collection)
    • Paisley Dot Celery (from the Proud Peacock collection)

    The key to making byAnnie bags is organization. A list of everything you need to cut is included in the pattern. I copied the list and attached it to each item as it was cut. Then I put it all up on my design wall so that it would be handy and easily found. The quilted pieces were on my ironing board.

    The next step involved making all the bag components … the straps, the pockets, and so on … I’m using Aurifil thread #1148 – Light Jade with Schmetz Needles.

    It’s getting exciting to see all the parts coming together!

    Once it was completed, my daughter had to put her dog, Daphne, in it … believe me, that didn’t last long! (The dog in the bag … the bag was not harmed!)

    I am very very happy with how this bag turned out! A friend of mine said, “It looks so professional.” That’s because byAnnie patterns are so well written! I hope to use this bag when I go on my next quilt retreat!

    Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies:

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    School supply and Dollar Store shopping

    / quiltinggail / 21 Comments

    It’s September and most kids are back to school … or not.  At any rate, the stores have all their “back to school” sales on.  Do you take advantage of these sales for your sewing room?

    I do.  Here are some of the products I use in my sewing room and some are suggestions from other bloggers and quilters.

    • A flannel back tablecloth is great for a design wall … especially if I’m going sewing somewhere besides in my home.
    • Hair clips are great for clipping labels onto fabric
    • Spray bottle for water (I always use a dry iron … and I spray the fabric if I want steam)
    • Shelf liner … will hold your sewing machine foot in place, add it to the back of pincushions to prevent them from slipping around, and in a pinch, you can use a couple of pieces (3″x 3″) to place under your hands when you free motion quilt
    • Put a small square between your small rulers and your fabric – it’ll prevent the ruller from shifting
    • Hair ties – place them around the thread and the bobbin and you know which bobbin goes with which thread … plus it keeps the thread from unwinding

    These are the small hair ties … they are cloth covered elastics. You can see in the picture how small they are. When my thread and bobbins are in the drawer, it’s super easy to figure out which bobbin goes with which spool of thread. Plus there isn’t miles of thread all over!

    • Notebook with grid lines … for planning that next quilt and Pencil crayons to colour your quilt
    • Mechanical pencils for fine lines (on the back of HST or to mark the centre of a block
    • Elmer’s School Glue … I use this a LOT … dilute it 4 parts water to 1 part glue and it’s perfect for gluing down binding or whatever needs to stay in place.

    Binder clips – they are perfect to supplement your smaller clips … great when you have a large number of pieces or ???

    Flag post-its, or just plain post-it notes are perfect for short-term labels.

    Disappearing Elmer’s Glue Stick. These have MANY uses. I often use it to pre-baste my binding. Then when I get to the sewing machine, binding is done in a flash.

    Coloured Sharpies … OK … confession here … these are great for colouring that white thread that is showing, or for outlining shapes (as per Helen Godden).

    Design Wall

    Piecing:

    #1. The project for the “Falling for You” Blog Hop. My day is Sept. 20.

    #2. Third project from Scrappy Improv … which I can’t show you until after the blog hop

    Quilting: 

    #1 November Island Batik project is being quilted

    Stash Report

    No finishes this week … no stash yardage used.

    • Fabric Used this week     10 yards
    • Fabric Used this year:       99 yards
    • Fabric Bought this week:  0  yards
    • Fabric Added this year:      27.75 yards  (my husbands amounts as well)
    • Net Fabric used                  70.25 yards 
    • Husband’s purchases:  0 yards (which are added into my total amount of Fabric added this year). For those of you who don’t know … my husband often buys more fabric than I do … so, I’m keeping track! Unfortunately, he doesn’t sew!

    Stitchin’ Time

    I’m aiming for at least 30 minutes a day. Many days there are more than a few hours spent in my studio. We were away this past weekend, so there was 2 days that I did not sew.

    • January – August –  235 / 242
    • Sept – 5 / 5
    • Total: 240 / 247
    • Percentage = 97 % 

    For more Stitchin’ Time, you can check out Kate’s blog: Life in Pieces

    TO DO 

    Linda from Texas Quilt Gal is now hosting “To Do” every week. You can check out her blog HERE.

    The last To Do list: (from weeks ago)

    OK … so I had 2 weeks to accomplish my To Do list. I kept the list light because I want some more time to enjoy the summer! Consequently, it was easy to get it done. I’m keeping this week’s list light as well!

    1. Complete Island Batik’s November project Partially done!
    2. Complete 2nd Project from Scrappy Improv √   done
    3. Prepare more fabric for Island Batik’s December project √   done
    4. Write the directions for the guild’s Fall Mystery quiltDo NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS!   √   done 
    5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes      √   done  

    This week’s list:

    1. Finish quilting Island Batik’s November project
    2. Finish 3rd Project from Scrappy Improv
    3. Work on Island Batik’s December project
    4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
    5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

    One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

    Happy Quilting! 
    Gail 

    ******************

    Linking to: