This picture is perfect for my husband … he’s always working with tools of some sort and figuring things out! Continue reading
Stash Report
Getting back into sewing …
With travelling, working at Quilt Canada and my job, it’s been a bit of a struggle to get back into sewing / quilting.
Quilt-as-You-Go table runner
Mar. 25 Stash Report & Design Wall
Design Wall
My design wall now has a secret project on it. I can show you the material for the back. And no, the picture does not give the true colour! I told you, it’s a secret project – so you won’t be able to see it until May. It is a UFO that is for a secret exchange … I can tell you that it will be a table runner and the theme is winter.
Orca Bay has all the borders on it!
PHD in 2018 Update
No, No, No // Yes, Yes, Yes
No, No, No
- No finishes
- No change in PHD & Stash numbers
- No quilting done on the Beginner Mystery
Yes, Yes, Yes
- Yes: Saturday was International Quilting Day. This weekend The Quilt Show has 23 free shows to watch and prizes to win (if you live in the USA). Click HERE for details and take advantage of the free shows.
- Yes: Spring is coming!
- Yes: Orca Bay – the centre is done. Just need to add borders.
PHD in 2018 Update
No finishes towards my PHD because there was nothing finished this week! So the numbers stay the same.
Stash Report
No shopping – nothing added. Yes, I was at Tradex at the Creative Festival and I only bought 2 sided fusible pellon. No fabric. To be honest – I didn’t take a good look at the fabric and so I didn’t buy any. I did see a quilt panel that was fractured at the Quilted Bear booth and the same panel that was not fractured at the Needle & I booth. They were both wonderful! Beautiful colours and great quilting. But I was only tempted to admire, not buy!
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 94.1 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 14 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 84.1 yards
Linking to:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts or Linky Party
- Mali Sparkles @ Sunday Stash
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- Moving it Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag
- Main Crush Monday @ Cooking up Quilts
Happy Quilting!
Gail
A Cute Finish
BBQG Donation Quilt
For the past 2 months, the guild Quilting 101 class has worked on baby quilts. We choose a simple pattern and made 7 quilts. It was good learning … how to make large half-square triangles, How to trim them easily and then arranging the blocks. This month we did quilting with the walking foot. Organic waves. I thought it was fun to quilt! Unfortunately, I only have pictures of the one I did. Next month, the group will be putting binding on and I will try to get more pictures of the quilts then.
Silly me, I went ahead and put the binding on this one – so I’ll need to find another project to demonstrate binding next month. That shouldn’t be too hard! .
This quilt finishes about 37 x 37″. The 2nd picture is from the back with the sun shining through … fun.
Design Wall
Piecing
The white Ohio stars are done. About ¾ of the black ones are done. And about ½ of the red string triangles with black and white “wings” are done. I need to make a zillion more “wings”, but they are not as tedious as the hourglass blocks to make. (In my opinion).
Then there is the assembly of the quilt, then adding borders, then quilting, making and adding the label and then binding. Believe it or not … I think I see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just a glimmer.
Quilting
All of the straight line “in the ditch” quilting has been done. I think I have decided what to do in the big negative rectangle spaces: a feather arch. The big floral-type squares will likely be a flower made with what I call “C”. And the checkerboard section … who knows.
PHD in 2018 Update
No finishes towards my PHD because there were no UFOs finished this week. So the numbers stay the same.
Stash Report
I used guild fabric for the above pink quilt – so nothing deleted from my stash. No shopping, so nothing added!
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 94.1 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 14 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 84.1 yards
Linking to:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts or Linky Party
- Mali Sparkles @ Sunday Stash
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- Moving it Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag
- Main Crush Monday @ Cooking up Quilts
Happy Quilting!
Gail
A New Quilting Challenge
I was wandering around blog-land when I came across “The Free-motion Challenge Quilting Along” by Angela Walters of Quilting is My Therapy.
If you don’t know who Angela Walters is – she’s a fantastic quilter! She has a quilt show “The Midnight Quilter.” Well – go look for yourself! HERE
Anyhow .. the Challenge … “The Free-motion Challenge Quilting Along”
Yes, I signed up …
The first video talks about what you need for the Challenge … the necessities and the “nice-to-have.” There is even a free quilt pattern to do the quilting on.
Am I going to make the free quilt? Yes & No.
I’m going to take fabric – draw some boxes on it (roughly the same size as the boxes on her free quilt pattern). Sandwich the quilt and start practicing.
I’ve already watched the first video … now I’m ready for Week 2.
And the best part: all the videos will be on YOUTUBE … so if you’re like me and already a week or 2 behind, you can still follow along. And it’s FREE!!!
And the very next BEST part is: this is learning … it’s like going to a free motion class with a bunch of 12″ squares sandwiched together … and they don’t count as UFOs or anything … so this won’t count towards my UFO list or influence my PHD in 2018.
And the very next BEST BEST part: I will learn a LOT about free motion quilting! YES!!!
PHD in 2018 Update
UFO #13 Hole in the Barn Door
Stash Report
Hole in the Barn Door Wall Hanging used 2 yards.
And, I needed backing for a quilt, so I bought 4 yards.
Fabric Used this Week: 2 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 94.1 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 4 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 14 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 84.1 yards
Linking to:
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts (Click on the blue frog to see other links).
- Mali Sparkles @ Sunday Stash
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Sunday Stash – Feb. 25, ’18
Summer Envy is complete! Including label and binding! The quilting was pretty quick – just an easy swirl. I used 6 ½ bobbins of thread and while watching 7 episodes of “When Calls the Heart” on Netflix. Season 3 is now available in Canada. And – just for the non-Canadians reading my blog who have watched this series: the Mounties (also called RCMP: Royal Canadian Mounted Police) do NOT wear their red serge outfits for normal work, only for special ceremonies.
The binding is the left-over trimmings from the back of “On Ringo Lake.” It is a perfect match! (Probably because it’s from the same fabric line! ~grin~ )
PHD in 2018 Update
On Ringo Lake and Summer Envy were both completed this week! WhooHoo!!! That makes for a total of 12 UFOs completed this year. And 2 big quilts this week! (Yes, I did complete a retreat bag, but that was started this year, so it’s not a UFO and doesn’t count towards my PHD in 2018!)
Stash Report
- On Ringo Lake: Used 23 yards
- Retreat bag: 1.25 yards
- Summer Envy: Used 16 yards
I went shopping yesterday … just for some med-heavy weight interfacing. I’m out and there’s a sale on. Of course, I had to check what else is in the store and ended up buying 1 ½ yd of flannel for backing and ½ yd for accent. This is for a baby quilt that I NEED to make. I hope the baby is a girl, ’cause I bought pink. If the baby turns out to be a boy, I will have to
go shopping again, uh, shop my stash!
Fabric Used this Week: 40.25 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 92.1 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 1.5 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 10 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 82.1 yards
Linking to:
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts (Click on the blue frog to see other links).
- Mali Sparkles @ Sunday Stash
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Sunday Stash – Feb. 18, ’18
The binding is going on “On Ringo Lake.” It should be finished later toady!
Yes, the binding is glued down and has dried – so it’ll be an easy finish! I hope!
It snowed last night, so if I hurry, I might get a picture of the quilt with some snow!
PHD in 2018 Update
I have completed 10.5 UFOs this year! (The 0.5 is for On Ringo Lake). 
And once On Ringo Lake is finished – that will be 11 UFOs. AND there will still be 1 ½ weeks left in Feb.! My initial goal was to complete 3 UFOs in the first few months of the year and then complete 2 a month for the rest of the year. If I keep this up – I should be able to get more than 28 done! Which will lower my UFOs for next year! WooHoo! But, I should quit talking, about what might happen and get on with what is happening! (More quilting!)
Stash Report
There was no pop-up store at the retreat – so I wasn’t tempted to shop. A couple of the ladies drove out to Hamels in Chilliwack … now that was tempting! And another group went to A Great Notion in Abbotsford … I stayed at the retreat and sewed and resisted temptation! The Charming Bag used 2.6 yards of material
Fabric Used this Week: 2.6 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 41.85 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 8.5 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 33.35 yards
Linking to:
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts (Click on the blue frog to see other links).
- Mali Sparkles @ Sunday Stash
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Sunday Feb 11
I’m off to a retreat again! I am so blessed to be able to attend retreats! They are a lot of fun! And I get lots done. Usually, as long as I sit and sew! Ummm …. ya right … hmmm : there’s the visiting, the eating, the games and all sorts of other distractions!
As usual, I’m taking way more than I can possibly get done! Here’s what I’ve packed and am dreaming of completing. All, except for one are UFOs.
- On Ringo Lake – quilt & bind it
- Charming bag – get it completed
- Retreat bag (new project, but like the one I left for my sister) starting from the beginning
- Fractured Paint Box – get blocks completed and top assembled.
Another finish!!! WooHoo!!!
This was a quilt that was languishing on top of my filing cabinet. I was not wanting to deal with it because I had to piece the back. (See HERE.) Well, it got quilted this week. I had to make an adjustment to one of the corner blocks … the flying geese are suppose to be pointing into the quilt, not at this angle. I realized it when I was quilting these 4 corner blocks. Thankfully, it was an easy fix as I hadn’t quilted the border yet. It was fun to do the quilting in the negative space.
This is a pattern by Carol Doak … it was a mystery quilt in 2012/13 … but I didn’t do it as a mystery. A friend had shown me how to paper piece without sewing on the paper and I figured this was a good quilt to try it out on. I started this quilt in 2014. I’m not a huge fan of purple, but I do like this quilt!
Sandwiching Marathon!
My husband helped me sandwich 5 quilts over the last couple of days. I spray baste and since I’m using Hobbs 80/20, I have some pins in each one. (I find that with the big quilts – the batting shifts way more than when I use warm and natural – but I like how the Hobbs drapes).
From Top to bottom they are:
- Guild Mystery Quilt – Queen
- Scrappy Bargello
- Labyrinth #2
- “Like Gina’s Comma” (don’t have a better title yet)
- On Ringo Lake
I’m thinking that if they are sandwiched and the labels made – they may get quilted. Ha! Ha! Ha!
PHD in 2018 Update
Stash Report
No shopping = no fabric added!!! And 2 finishes this week : the Charm Star and the Carol Doak purple quilt.
Fabric Used this Week: 15.5 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 39.25 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 8.5 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 30.7 yards
Linking to:
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts (Click on the blue frog to see other links).
- Mali Sparkles @ Sunday Stash
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- Moving it Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag
- Main Crush Monday @ Cooking up Quilts
Happy Quilting!
Gail
PHD Update – Feb. 4, 2018
Well, as much fun as it was being at my sister’s. I’m glad to be home. It was -20 C and snowing when I left Edmonton. +9 C and raining when I landed in Abbotsford! (Need I say more about that?)
My sister is working very hard on her physio. It takes her about 5 hours a day to run through all the exercises and leg elevation ice treatments. And she has hourly exercises as well. She’s a busy gal! I know that my sister will be well taken care of with me gone. She has a friend (who is a quilter), that is willing to drive my sister to appointments – so now that she’s well on the way to recovery – it’s about all she needs now.
And the Super Bowl is on today. I’m not a sports fan. There will be eating and yelling downstairs, but I’ll be happily listening to the hum of my sewing machine.
Striped Retreat Bag (Large)
This was finished before I left my sisters. I gifted it to her. She then said, “why do I need to learn to quilt if you are going to give me everything I need?” Ha! She’ll catch the bug and be addicted pretty soon. 
Necessary Clutch
The button is now on the Necessary Clutch. I realize that I should have put the magnet in before I sewed the flap together. Lesson learned. Anyhow, my husband and I tried threading thread through under the magnet. That did”t work. So, he got out some epoxy glue … it seems to have done the trick. It should hold since it can glue steel, glass, wood and a million other things together.
PHD Update
So far this year, I have completed 7 UFOs. That is way more than I expected by this time of year! Now, I do realize that I took a lot of small projects to my sister’s – so progress will slow down now as I work on bigger projects.
PHD in 2018 Participants’ Progress
As I compiled the following list, I was thrilled and excited and overwhelmed by the progress that each participant has made. You have all worked extremely hard! Well done ladies! Here’s Snoopy doing a Happy Dance in the snow!!
- Terry has 3 quilts done! Check it out @ Quilting a Legacy
- Roseanne @ Homesewn by Us has her update for January posted
- Elizabeth (Beth) has her list and goals updated on her blog Appliqué and ...
- Kate @ Life in Pieces has complete her OMG for January.
- Ann @ Laughing Gas Quilts has her list updated! She’s hoping that she doesn’t get in trouble for changing a table runner into a tote. To me it doesn’t matter – it’s off the UFO list – so therefore it’s DONE.
- Emily also has 3 projects done. You can check out her post @ The Darling Dogwood
- Deana’s finishes and goals are posted at Dreamworthy Quilts. She made Bonnie Hunter’s “Grand Illusion” and I LOVE how she finished it! (The checkerboard blocks were suppose to be the sashing … she used it for a top and bottom border! Great idea!)
Stash Report
I haven’t been diligent at adding up my fabric used. So, here’s a list to make sure I’ve got it correct.
- Scrappy Irish Chain – 7
- Flannel Fat Quarter – 9
- House Quilt – 2.5
- Small retreat Bag – 1.25
- Large retreat bag- 1.5
- Mice – 0.5
- Necessary Clutch – 1
Fabric Used this Week: 3 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 23.75 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 8.5 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 9 15.25 yards update: my math was out the window with “9” yards … sheesh …
Linking to:
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts (Click on the blue frog to see other links).
- Mali Sparkles @ Sunday Stash
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Sewing at my Sister’s
Necessary Clutch
I have gotten a little sewing done. The Necessary Clutch is done except for the button. I put a magnetic snap on because I wanted to use this fantastic hand-painted button. Then I realized that it’s near to impossible to sew the button in place because of the snap. The needle is now stuck in place. Groan. This is going to have to wait until I get home, get my husband to help and apply some crazy glue. If anyone has any other suggestions, I’m open to them!
The exterior of the wallet is cork. It’s the first time I’ve sewn with it. It sews like a dream – just like everyone says it does!
If you are interested in really neat buttons, visit The Steam Trunk Craftworks, click on “SHOP”, then “Handmade buttons.” She also has fabric, kits, trims and all sorts of other stuff!
House Wall Hanging
My husband bought me this kit when we were in Pennsylvania. I decided it was a perfect project to bring with me. The houses are almost finished. After I took this picture, I realized that one roof had one chimney in the wrong place. My sister said I could leave it as a “design element.” I decided with only 4 houses, it needed to be fixed. However, if I was doing a bigger quilt with lots and lots of houses, I would likely have left it and made more “design elements.”
PHD Update
So far this year, I have completed 2 UFOs. My goal for the year, for my PHD, is 28, that means I have 26 left to complete. There is a total of 58 UFOs left.
The 2 completed UFOs, Scrappy Irish Chain and Fat 1/4 Flannel quilt can be seen by clicking on the name of the quilt. And yes, as I typed this, I realize that Fat 1/4 Flannel quilt is not a great name for the quilt, but that’s it’s name, for now.
Stash Report
No shopping means no buying of fabric.
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0.5 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 6.5 yards
Linking to:
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts (Click on the blue frog to see other links).
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Fabric Anorexia?
Stash Report
I HAD to go to a store and buy binding. Yes, binding. I found the perfect binding. And while I was in the store, I looked and looked and looked around. The lady cutting fabric was busy with a lady having tons cut … so, I looked around some more and there was absolutely NOTHING that said, “Buy me!” or “take me home” except for the 1/2 yard of binding fabric. I’m afraid that I might be getting sick. Seriously. Is there something called fabric anorexia?
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0.5 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0.5 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 6.5 yards
Binding
Quilting is finished and binding is happening on this quilt:
Another OH NO!!!
As I was searching through my stash looking for something I know I have. I found another UFO. Probably from 2008 or 2009. It was started at a murder mystery retreat. The quilt was a mystery and there was a murder mystery at the same time. It was sort of fun. One of the owners of the quilt shop / retreat centre was “killed” with a wavy rotary cutter. The evidence was clear: The “murder” weapon was near the “victim” with the red rick-rack circling his neck and a piece of red fabric (indicating blood) by his head. We were given clues throughout the weekend. Unfortunately, at the end, the rational for “who” the murderer was included a lot of clues that we were not given. So that part was frustrating! And the quilt … yes, the quilt! I finished the top with grandiose ideas to piece the back … and so it has sat and sat and sat … languishing … ignored and totally forgotten – until today! That brings my total UFOs at the start of 2018 up to 60. I’m still going to stick with finishing 28 for my PHD.
PHD in 2018 // UFO tally
With my latest UFO find – the number of UFOs left to complete has increased by 1. I certainly hope I do not find any more UFOs. If I do … I might just pretend that I didn’t find them.
Linking to:
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts (Click on the blue frog to see other links).
- Mali Sparkles @ Sunday Stash
Happy Quilting!
Gail
Rainy Sunday
PHD in 2018
Oh me, oh my … Ann @ Laughing Gas Quilts has finished her first UFO of the year!!! Check it out HERE. At this rate, she may achieve her PHD by the end of the month, or maybe February! 
Susan – is joining via Instagram … I will post details when I have them.
Two of my friends want to join in PHD in 2018. Marie has an Instagram account and I’m just waiting for her to approve me. Diane says she does Pinterest enough and is going to follow along at home. Ha! I know they just want that (now) coveted certificate of PHD in 2018!
First Finish of 2018
Here it is: my scrappy Irish Chain. As I mentioned before, most of the 2″ squares in this quilt came from other quilters. People that lovingly don’t want to deal with their own scraps, so they handed them to me. But, NO MORE!!! As fun as it was to sew with other people’s fabric – this did nothing to decrease my own pile of scraps. At any rate, I’m quite happy with how this quilt turned out! It’s 68x 82″.
Stash Report
Since most of the scraps from the above quilt came from others (and not added into my “Fabric Added” calculations), I estimate that approx. 7 yards of my fabric was used (backing, white background & binding).
Fabric Used this Week: 7 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 7 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 7 yards
PHD in 2018 // UFO tally
I thought I had 56 UFOs … but NO … oh NO …. I found 3 more … Yes 3!!! That brings my total UFOs to 59! 
SEW – Since I originally said that in order to get your PHD you had to finish at least half of your UFOs or a maximum of 28, I will stick to completing 28 UFOs and finish all new projects that I start in 2018. I’m finding that 28 is stressful enough, 30 would be over the top for me!
Linking to:
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- WIPs on Wednesday @ Esther Quilt Blog
Happy Quilting in 2018!
Gail
PHD in 2018 – update
As 2017 comes to an end, I’m thinking over the past year. Lots of ups and downs – with a needle and thread. I want to thank all of YOU for visiting my blog, commenting and supporting me in my quilting endeavours. I’m looking forward to a fun year in 2018 as I, and others, work on completing their PHDs!
Update
The list of participants in the PHD in 2018 challenge is at the top of my blog. Including me, there are 5 of us aiming for the certificate. You can see the details HERE. You have until January 10 to join and send me your list via instagram, Pinterest or Blog.
Here is the list:
- Terry, my cousin from Ontario, has 12 projects that she wants to work on this year. Her blog is Quilting a Legacy
- Roseanne, from “Home Sewn By US” has 12 projects that she wants to complete.
- Elizabeth, from “Appliqué and …. knitting, stitchery, genealogy, food” has 12 quilting projects she wants to finish!
- Kate from “Life in Pieces” has her list and is hoping to sew for 15 minutes a day on the month’s priority project.
- Me – and my tentative list is HERE.
Terry is working on a project and would like some advice. Visit her latest post and give your opinion. Here post is HERE.
Preparation
Sandwiching
In the last few days, I managed to get 2 quilts sandwiched. As you see below, my daughter’s dog “Fergie” decided that she wanted to help sandwich it.
This quilt was made from 2 packages of flannel fat quarters that I bought a LONG time ago at Craft Warehouse (?) near Portland, Oregon. I always planned to make a rag quilt with the fabric, but wasn’t impressed with the work it would take to cut the “rags”. Even with the Accuquilt – each block would have had to be done separately because of the heaviness of the flannel, Sew – the plan changed and this became a disappearing 4 patch. The backing is also flannel. I can’t wait until it’s finished! It should be nice and cozy.
Quilting
This quilt is under the machine right now. It is primarily made with scraps from other people. It did nothing to reduce MY own scrap pile. In making this quilt, I realize that I don’t WANT any more scraps! But I must admit, it’s fun to sew with other peoples fabrics! 
It will take a bit of time to get this one quilted. I’m doing small feather wreaths in the white blocks and outlining the coloured blocks. Slow going!
Piecing
The other day, I was almost caught up with “On Ringo Lake” and thought I had a week to finish Clue 6. But, to my surprise and likely everyone else’s – Clue 7 came out yesterday and Clue 8 came out today … Needless to say – I am not caught up! And, I suspect the final reveal will come out tomorrow. The picture on the left is the remaining Clue 6 to sew together. At the top of the picture is a few Clue 7. The picture on the right is the Clue 8 – the block … And I just noticed that the middle bottom block is upside down! Good thing it’s not sewn together yet!
Well, I’ve got a lot of sewing to do and absolutely nothing will be finished before the New Year rings in.
Stash Report
As of tomorrow, January 1, I’m starting off my Stash Report at “0”
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 0 yards
PHD in 2018 // UFO tally
I have 57 UFOs … SEW – to get my PHD this year, I will complete 1/2 of the UFOs and finish all new projects that I start in 2018.
Total finished: 0
Linking to:
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts
- WIPs on Wednesday @ Esther Quilt Blog
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- Moving it Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag
- Main Crush Monday @ Cooking up Quilts
Happy Quilting in 2018!
Gail
End of Year Report
As promised, I said I would show you this quilt once it was gifted. It spent a bit of time in transit and I found out this week that little E now has her quilt.
PHD in 2018
I’m going to be working on my PHD this year. Are you going to join me?
PHDs are Projects Half Done … and I aim to get half of mine DONE.
Check out this post HERE for details.
On Ringo Lake
Here is the start of Clue 5. If you want to join in this Bonnie Hunter mystery – there is a button on my side-bar. You can always download the clues to do the mystery at a later date.
I find that doing the mystery quilts are a fantastic way to learn new and faster techniques. Her mystery quilts are like taking a course in making the quilt. The directions are superb!
Stash Report
I will continue doing this in 2018.
Nothing bought – but I did finish my charm pack runner, candle mat & co. 
These are my 2017 year end numbers:
Fabric Used this Week: 1.5 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 172.5 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 110.5 yards
UFO tally
My 2017 UFO record.
| January | 2 | July | 0 |
| Feb | 0 | Aug | 1 |
| Mar | 0 | Sept | 2 |
| April | 0 | Oct | 5 |
| May | 2 | Nov | 1 |
| June | 4 | Dec | 0 |
Linking to:
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts
- On Ringo Lake Mystery @ Quiltville’s Quips & Snips
- WIPs on Wednesday @ Esther Quilt Blog
Happy Quilting
Gail
Getting ready to start my PHD 2018
My list is ready …
I pulled out the quilts and took pictures of what’s in the tote. This is the tote that I use for my “big” machine (Janome 8900). It’s usually only used when I’m going to a retreat. It’s full quilts that are ready to be pressed, sandwiched and quilted. 2 of them have backings ready. These are the first 7 that will be quilted.
There are 8 quilts in progress on top of my filing cabinet and 6 in bins on the top shelf of the closet:
Then – there is the 4 mystery quilts I’m working on – 3 with the guild. (no pictures yet) and the Bonnie Hunter mystery.
Then there are 3 baby quilt projects for the guild …
That’s a total of 28 projects … Which will be enough to complete my PHD! However, I do reserve the right to switch things around and finish some other project(s).
Interesting … these are only half of my UFOs. As I contemplate the projects that I’ve listed here … the ones on the filing cabinet are the ones that I have the least interest in finishing. So, I should start on them first, right?
Now, I’m going to need motivation and encouragement to get these done, so I can complete my own PHD! (see details HERE).
Unfortunately, I realize that I have at least 3 other projects that I want to get done this year. One is a t-shirt quilt, another is a quilt for my son (requested a few years ago) and I also need to repair his very first quilt. It’s falling apart. Literally.
PHD in 2018
If you want to join in the fun finishing PHD (Projects Half Done), you can see the details HERE. Add the link to your blog, Instagram, or Pinterest board and you can join in the fun!
Stash Report
I did this last year and am pleased with the amounts that I used. This year, (so far), I used 171 yards of fabric and bought 62 yards. I definitely used up way more fabric than I bought! And that’s a good thing! Sew … I’m going to keep doing my Stash Report. I found that when I was tempted to buy with no purpose, I would often think, “I have to report this on my blog.” And, sometimes, it worked and I wouldn’t buy any fabric!
Planning Party
Yvonne, from quiltingjetgirl is having a Planning Party. I emailed Yvonne, just to make sure that it was OK to join the 2018 Planning Party while I host “PHD in 2018”. She said, “yes.” I first met Yvonne in the spring when she was one of the hosts for the “2017 New Quilt Blogger’s.” This group experience where I received valuable feedback about my blog and met some awesome quilters as well!
Link-ups
To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:
- Let’s Bee Social @ Sew Fresh Quilts
- Planning Party @ Quiltingjetgirl
Happy Quilting
Gail
Sewing, sewing …
On Ringo Lake: Clue 4 is DONE!!! (it was an easy clue) And bit’s and pieces of Clue 1, 2, & 3 are done … still sewing away at them! I’d sort of like to get them done so I can possibly get at least one UFO done & increase my fabric used numbers a bit! And also decrease the numbers of UFO’s I’m entering into 2018 with.
I do know that I need to get the Christmas decorations out and decorate the tree … hopefully in the next few days.
PHD in 2018
Are you going to join me? Check out this post HERE for details.
Stash Report
Nothing bought – nothing finished! So my total stays the same!
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 171 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 109 yards
UFO tally
UFOs completed:
| January | 2 | July | 0 |
| Feb | 0 | Aug | 1 |
| Mar | 0 | Sept | 2 |
| April | 0 | Oct | 5 |
| May | 2 | Nov | 1 |
| June | 4 | Dec | 0 |
17 UFOs completed! There are 27 UFOs left to complete
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- Moving it Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag
- Main Crush Monday @ Cooking up Quilts
- On Ringo Lake Mystery @ Quiltville’s Quips & Snips
Happy Quilting
Gail
Broken Toe
My big toe on my right foot is broken – in 2 places. Groan. That is my machine-driving foot. Yes, I can use my left foot – but it’s not as good as my right foot. However, I have managed to start the “On Ringo Lake” mystery! When there is a will, there is a way! Here is 10 of each of the first 3 clues done. Many many more to do! They just won’t all get done in a day!
If you want to join in the fun – there is a link to the mystery in the right side-bar. If you want to see what others are doing – there is a linky part on Bonnie’s blog. Click HERE.
Stash Report
Nothing bought – nothing finished!
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 171 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 109 yards
UFO tally
UFOs completed:
| January | 2 | July | 0 |
| Feb | 0 | Aug | 1 |
| Mar | 0 | Sept | 2 |
| April | 0 | Oct | 5 |
| May | 2 | Nov | 1 |
| June | 4 | Dec | 0 |
There are 27 UFOs left to complete
To see what other’s in the quilting world are working on – click on the following links:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- Moving it Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag
- Main Crush Monday @ Cooking up Quilts
- On Ringo Lake Mystery @ Quiltville’s Quips & Snips
Happy Quilting
Gail
Quilting Withdrawal
I have been away – without Internet connection and have done absolutely no sewing in the past 3 weeks! Yes, I am going through quilting withdrawal! At least it will be an easy fix!
A creation like this was on our beds each night!
SEW …. How do I know I was going through quilting withdrawal?
- I didn’t get to talk about quilting on the cruise …I would mention that I was a quilter and I would get polite smiles and comments like “my ancient great grandmother was a quilter.”
- THEN, on the LAST day, the LAST time I was in the elevator, just before we got off the ship and one lady mentioned that she hadn’t met a quilter on board and there were THREE of us in the elevator! GROAN – missed opportunities!
- My sewing machines are feeling neglected … I can tell – there is dust near the needles! (Dust on the top is normal around here!) And – they are calling out to me … SEW, SEW, SEW
- When I did have Internet connection, (for about 10 minutes in each port), I diligently downloaded the clues to the new Bonnie Hunter mystery. I think I must have read each clue at least 4 times …
- I’m still debating about the mystery … not whether or not I’m going to do it – but which colours I will use …. usually by this stage, I would have both clues in progress ….
- I’m really missing my quilting buddies … a LOT! It seems like ages since we’ve sewn together
- I’m a bit annoyed that I have laundry and more laundry and even more laundry to do …
- I’m annoyed that I have to go to the gym before I can sew (my own rule!) And aren’t rules meant to be broken?
Stash Report
Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 171 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 109 yards
UFO tally
UFOs completed
Jan: 2
Feb: 0
Mar: 0
Apr: 0
May: 2
June: 4
July: 0
Aug: 1
Sept: 2
Oct: 5
Nov: 1
Dec: 0
There are 27 UFOs left to complete
Linking to:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- Moving it Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag
- Main Crush Monday @ Cooking up Quilts
Happy Quilting
Gail
Labyrinth Completed
UFO: Labyrinth
I was happily working away on my Labyrinth quilt while I was at the retreat. When the quilting was done, I, as normal, trimmed off the batting and extra backing. The there was a HUGE loud swear word that came out of my mouth. I had somehow gotten a corner of the quilt under what I was trimming and I cleanly sliced a wedge about 2″ x 7″ out of a corner (sorry, no picture) … GROAN … A lot of people came to my rescue and provided me with a ton of suggestions … ♥ quilting friends ♥ calmed me down and gave me viable solutions. I hand stitched the wedge into place. You can’t see it in the border, but it does show on the back. One suggested I add an additional label over the wedge once I know who it will be gifted to. I am just very thankful that it was in a corner and not in the middle of the quilt! Here’s a picture of the finished quilt, followed by close-ups of the quilting:
More Retreat Photos: Works in Progress
Here’s a few more pictures of works in progress at the retreat.
Design Wall
Benartex had a contest on Facebook and I entered a quilt that I had made years ago with their fabric. No, I didn’t win. I didn’t even come in the top half. But that’s OK. Just for entering, I received a very cute charm pack. It’s called “A Moose for Christmas.” It’s in the process of becoming a table runner. This is the first design / fabric placement layout … there’s likely to be many more before I start sewing it together. It’s fun to work with these fabrics because they are so very cute! And the colours suit me and my house.
Stash Report
I fell off my fabric diet wagon this weekend. In fact, the wagon broke.
I went into one store and managed to leave with only buying a few notions. But the 2nd store, Needle & I, I went into buy micro brushes. They are intended for applying 
adhesives etc. but they are fantastic for cleaning your machine. They were on sale … so was some fabric and I looked at the fabric and quickly looked away. And then I was chatting with the gals in the shop and I looked some more and then the wagon broke! In my defence, the neutral fabric is for backing a quilt! The colour is not true in the picture. The top fabric is actually a beige/cream and the bottom is a pretty blue. A VERY pretty blue. A lovely lovely blue. Did you know that blue is my favourite colour? 
Fabric Used this Week: 8.5 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 171 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 8 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 62 yards
Net Fabric used for 2017: 109 yards
UFO tally
2017 UFO’s completed
Jan: 2
Feb: 0
Mar: 0
Apr: 0
May: 2
June: 4
July: 0
Aug: 1
Sept: 2
Oct: 5
Nov: 1
27 UFO’s left to complete. (3 UFO’s have been given away)
Linking to:
- Sunday Stash @ quiltpaintcreate
- Oh Scrap @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
- Peaceful Sunday @ Janda Bend Quilts
- Monday Making @ Love, Laugh, Quilt
- Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
- Moving it Forward Monday @ Em’s Scrapbag
- Main Crush Monday @ Cooking up Quilts
Happy Quilting
Gail
Quilting Gail 