Sunday Synopsis: Nov. 5

Yes, I finished 2 UFOs. I had listed it as one in my chart … Upholstery wallets. I attempted to finish these when I was at the retreat, but I had neglected to take some extra lining fabric. Once home, I found the fabric I needed and cut out the pieces. then it was a matter of finishing them. The pattern is The Necessary Clutch from Emmaline Bags. I have made this wallet twice before out of cork. So far, it’s my favourite wallet!

The outside fabric is upholstery fabric from samples I had from … when I worked at a fabric store in Courtenay? That’s over 20 years ago. The stripy fabric on the inside of the left one is from my stash and the lining of the one on the right is from my Island Batik stash. I used the same Aurifil thread #2325 (Linen) on both of them.

WIP-B-Gone

Leanne, of Devoted Quilter is hosting a WIPS-B-Gone ’23 challenge. This fun challenge started October 1, 2023! It’s not too late if you want to join! You still have most of November to do it! It’s totally up to YOU as to how you want to use the challenge.

I’m not running out of things to tidy … it’s definitely an on-going job! However, it’s really nice to have several thread drawers tidy! Embroidery, Aurifil, CanSew, Glide, serger and miscellaneous thread (Metler / Gutterman) drawers are organized! Yes, I do have a stash of threads … but for some reason, I never have the exact colour of thread that I need! LOL

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 –October:  287 / 304
  • November:  5 / 5
  • Total: 292 / 309
  • Percentage: 94%

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 Upholstery Wallets used a total of 1 yard each, for a total of 2 yards. The Boxy Zipper tote used 1 yard of fabric. No shopping, no buying.

I was gifted a stack of Shweshwe blue & white fat quarters and a yard of white at the retreat. It was a gift, I did not buy it. They are indigo blue and one white one! (in the pic, the white looks beige, but it is the same white in the prints below!!) LOVE 💙 them. Since they were a gift, I’m not adding them in … but I wanted to show you the beauties!

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used since the last report: 3 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    182 yards  from non-IB: 81
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    17.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             173.5 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 hosting “To Do” every week.

The To Do list from last week: 

  1. Finish Upholstery Wallet. √   DONE
  2. Work on “Turkey Trot” project. progress, but not finished
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics. Not done
  4. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snowstarted quilting, nowhere near finished
  5. Complete next “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” clue. √   DONE and the post is ready for Wednesday!
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Work on “Turkey Trot” project
  2. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics
  3. Finish quilting and bind “Dashing Through the Snow
  4. Complete next “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” clue.
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Design Wall

Judy, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week. Sorry, no pictures to share!

Piecing projects:

  1. Work on “Turkey Trot” project
  2. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics

Quilting:

Dashing Through the Snow

Upcoming Blog Hops

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Turkey Trot (November 13 is my day)

Just Let Me Quilt: Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange and Christmas Blog Hop (December 4)

Just Let Me Quilt: White Rabbit (January 23. 2024)

Are you following along with Island Batik’s November Blog Hop? This past weeks hop was short, with 3 different bags shown. My bags were one of them. It’s a byAnnie pattern “Take a Stand.”

Next week’s giveaway is already live! Go to Island Batik’s blog (click HERE) and follow the Rafflecopter prompts. YOU could win a Fat Quarter Bundle of Limerick or Country Charm.

Here is the Schedule for Week 2 of the Blog Hop:

November 6:

November 7:

November 8:

November 9:

November 10:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

PHD in 2023: August Report

Did you decide to join us with PHD in 2023???

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!!!

Last month I talked about Celebrating the little things … When we celebrate the little things, the bigger goal becomes a closer goal. It is progress … and progress is good!

I must admit, when I look back at the sewing I’ve done in August, I’m feeling a bit discouraged. I had hopes to finish at least one UFO … but alas, with all that was happening around here and going on holidays, that didn’t happen. However, I need to take my own advice and celebrate the little things: the small amount of progress that I did make.

  • My Island Batik September project is moving along
  • I did a small amount of work on my Upholstery wallet (UFO #11).
  • Part of the Colour Challenge (UFO #10) is being done as a leader and ender

SEW, I’m going to celebrate this little bit of progress! These projects will be finished eventually!

Keep on Celebrating and progressing!

My Tally Sheets

This month, I finished the “Call Me” pouch, my housecoat/robe for August’s Island Batik project and the Composition Cover. You can read more about them Call Me HERE, Housecoat/robe HERE and the Composition Cover HERE.

I didn’t finish any UFOs this month.

Here’s my tally sheet:

If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.

template-2023Download

Here’s my Task Sheet of my UFOs. This helps me keep track of what I’ve accomplished and what I need to do. This hasn’t changed since last month.

You can download your own Task list from Ms P Designs HERE.

Show us your progress with your PHD in 2023! Or show us what YOU are celebrating in the quilting realm!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

Favourite Finish of the Month

Cheryl, from Meadow Mist Designs hosts a monthly linky party where you post your favourite quilt of the month.

I’m loving my housecoat / robe. It’ll be so nice and cozy in the cooler weather!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Linking to:

PHD in 2023: May Report

Did you decide to join us with PHD in 2023???

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?

Last month, I talked about getting at least ONE UFO done before the end of May! How did you do??? Did you get started on one?? Did you even pull one out to start on it? Did you work on it for at least 15 minutes? Hmmm … so many “Did you” questions!

I did … but I can’t show you because I’m keeping it a secret until the “When Pigs Fly” blog hop! The project is done and the blog post is almost all written!! Woohoo!!

Shall we try for another UFO for June?

My Tally Sheets

I finished 3 New Starts this month. You can read about them here: Wedge Star, Retreat Bag, and Hugs & Kisses #1. The Wedge Star and Hugs & Kisses #1 were made with Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs 80/20 batting in the middle and pieced and quilted with Aurifil thread.

If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.

template-2023Download

Here’s my Task Sheet of my UFOs. This helps me keep track of what I’ve accomplished and what I need to do.

You can download your own Task list from Ms P Designs HERE.

Linky Party

Show us your progress with your PHD in 2023!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

FavouriteFinish of the Month

Cheryl, from Meadow Mist Designs hosts a monthly linky party where you post your favourite quilt of the month. This Wedge Star, using Studio 180 designs is my favourite for May!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

PHD in 2023: April Report & other stuff …

Did you decide to join us with PHD in 2023???

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!!!

Let’s Get ‘er Done!

So, we’ve all got this list of UFOs to do. And we have the list of “NEW Starts in ’23” … Are you feeling overwhelmed?

We’re a third of the way through the year! Do you have a third of your UFOs done? It’s OK if you don’t, this isn’t a challenge where you have to get one done each month, but it does help.

So, let’s take one of your UFOs. It won’t get done sitting in it’s box, or stashed under the bed, or in the back of the closet. Get it out!

Decide what do you need to do? Can you start where you left off? Do you need to figure out where you left off? Whatever it is, DO IT!!!

Your UFO will get finished the same as everything else … one stitch at a time. Take the time to do at least 15 minutes of stitching today … if you can stitch for 30 minutes, then that’s even better!

Let’s get at least ONE UFO done before the end of May! Sound good?

My Tally Sheets

I finished 2 UFOs this month. You can read about them here: Chilhowie // Meadow Mist Melodic Mystery Quilt.

Only 1 NEW starts was finished this month. It’s my April Island Batik challenge.

If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.

template-2023Download

Here’s my Task Sheet of my UFOs. This helps me keep track of what I’ve accomplished and what I need to do.

You can download your own Task list from Ms P Designs HERE.

Linky Party

Show us your progress with your PHD in 2023!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

A Gifted Quilt

My Brother in Law, Dale, LOVES puffy quilts! He Loves bright and cheerful quilts. I gifted him the puff quilt that I made for the February Island Batik challenge. Obviously, their little dog, Brûlée, loves it as well! You can read more about this Puff quilt HERE.

Stitching Stuff

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

I missed 1 days this week because I was travelling, so that was a total of 3 days missed so far this year!

  • January – March:  90 / 90
  • April: 27 / 30
  • Total: 117 / 120
  • Percentage: 97%

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!

This week’s finishes include:

  • Meadow Mist’s Mystery Quilt: Melodic Mystery (12 yards)

  • Fabric Used the past week:  12 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:        86 yards  from non-IB: 40
  • Fabric Bought this week:   yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     8.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              77.5 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 hosting “To Do” every week.

The To Do list from last week: I didn’t get a lot ticked off on my list … maybe this next week!

  1. Work on a couple of quilt tops for my sister. √   DONE
  2. Work on May IB Challenge. in progress √   DONE
  3. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing). Not done
  4. X’s & O’s: Add Border, Quilt & Bind Not done
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Finish IB Catalogue Quilt
  2. Finish May IB Challenge.
  3. Finish Mystery Quilt (making and writing).
  4. X’s & O’s: Add Border, Sandwich, Quilt & Bind
  5. Work on “Rose Coloured Glasses” blog hop project
  6. Gather projects to take to the next retreat!
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Design Wall

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

Piecing projects:

  1. May IB challenge : Sandelwood and the Wedge Star tool
  2. June IB challenge (The luscious teal and green 10″ stack)
  3. Xs & Os. #1 & #2. – cut with Accuquilt dies

Quilting: These are all sandwiched and ready to quilt …

  • IB Catalogue Quilt (not shown)
  • Nutcracker
  • Bird Panel

Current Blog Hop

Island Batik Blog Hop: Tool Craze: This Blog Hop starts TOMORROW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My day is May 9

Each Ambassador was given a 1/2 yard of each fabric in a collection, along with coordinating fabric, as well as a Studio 180 tool … It’s going to be fun to see what each person creates!

If you visit Island Batik’s blog, HERE, you have an opportunity to win some awesome fabric. These fat quarter bundles are soooooo beautiful!!!

Here’s the list of who’s participating in the blog hop this week:

May 1: Celebrate


May 2: Holiday at Home


May 3: Let It Snow


May 4: Make a Wish


Upcoming Blog Hops

Island Batik Blog Hop: Tool Craze: week 2 & 3. (my day is June 9)

Just Let Me Quilt: Sew It – Show It: Rose Colored Glasses (My day is May 16)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: When Pigs Fly (My day is June 9)

Just Let Me Quilt: Sew It – Show It: Picnic Party

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Call Me Crazy


One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

PHD in 2023: March Report

Did you decide to join us with PHD in 2023???

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!!!

Let’s re-visit Procrastination!

OK … this is me … today

This week I’ve been SEW busy, I honestly can’t believe where the time has gone!

First, it was working with the hosts of the SAHRR to choose the winners, contact the sponsors and just get everything organized. Finally, on Wednesday, the last piece was put into place. (see the list of winners below).

Then, I was attempting to finish 2 quilts before I leave for the retreat. Neither will get totally finished.

Next, I need to gather all the junk wonderful fabric and supplies that I want to take.

  • Project #1: cutting fabric, counting blocks, making sure that I have enough pieces (baby stars #2)
  • Same for Project #2. (X & Os)
  • Project #3 is ready. (haven’t touched it since I went to the last retreat!) (UFO – wallet)
  • Project #4 I need to figure out what thread I’m going to use for quilting … (Melodic Mystery)
  • Project #5. …. Really Gail, do you NEED to take 5 projects? But I will take the Island Batik catalogue quilt … just in case I run out of things to do!

This retreat has us doing our own cooking … so there was baking involved … and gathering food items.

I need clean clothes to take to the retreat – so there’s laundry to do …

So … what do I do now?

First, I need to take a deep breath and realize that I can’t do everything!!!

Prioritize what NEEDS to be done.

  • First, I can’t possibly finish the 2 quilts before I go. So they will have to wait.
  • My laundry must be done. I can’t take dirty clothes to a retreat when I’m surrounded by other people!
  • Do I really need to do the baking? Can I buy what I was going to bake? Of course I can!
  • Do I need to gather food items? Yes.
  • Do I need to prepare projects for the retreat? Absolutely!!!

My Tally Sheets

I finished 1 UFOs this month. It’s my SAHRR ’23!!! I’m in LOVE with this quilt! (it used Island Batik fabrics, Aurifil thread and Hobbs batting). You can read more about it HERE.

4 NEW starts were finished this month. The Little Green Apple Clam-Up bags, the bags for the guild, the Ruler Quilting Quilt and the Bargello Quilt. All used Island Batik fabrics, except for the bags for the guild.

If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.

template-2023Download

Here’s my Task Sheet of my UFOs. This helps me keep track of what I’ve accomplished and what I need to do.

You can download your own Task list from Ms P Designs HERE.

Linky Party

Show us your progress with your PHD in 2023!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

SAHRR Winners!

Here’s a list of the winners! Congratulations to each one! And a special “Thank YOU” to all of the sponsors! We couldn’t have done it without your generous gifts!

  • Island Batik fat quarter bundle:  Mari @ Academic Quilter
  • Island Batik fat quarter bundle: Julie Ann @ Quilts and Costumes
  • Island Batik fat quarter bundle: Janice @ Sing Read Sew.com
  • Hobbs Wool Batt: Bernie @ Needle & Foot
  • Aurfil Thread:  Heather F
  • Oliso Mini Iron : Laura Kate @ Daily Fiber Fun
  • Pattern from For the Love of Geese (Denise): Dawn at Quilting by Dawn
  • Prairie Spirit Alpaca Pressing Mat: Diann at Little Penguin Quilts
  • Gift Certificate of choice from Chris: Carol @ Quilt Schmidt
  • Fat Quarter Shop Gift Certificate: Gretchen from Gretchen’s Little Quilts
  • MSQ Gift Certificate from Roseanne: Joy at The Joyful Quilter

And again, the picture of Roseanne, Anja, Gail & Emily doing the draw! We had the list, a random number generator and a fun time!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 
PHD

Linking to:

PHD in 2023: February Report

Did you decide to join us with PHD in 2023???

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.

template-2023Download

Here’s my Task Sheet. This helps me keep track of what I’ve accomplished and what I need to do.

You can download your own Task list from Ms P Designs HERE.

Linky Party

Show us your progress with your PHD in 2023!

Edit: This link should work!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Another February Friday Finish!

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!!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

PHD in 2023: January Report

Did you decide to join us with PHD in 2023???

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.

template-2023Download

Here’s my Task Sheet. This helps me keep track of what I’ve accomplished and what I need to do.

You can download your own Task list from Ms P Designs HERE.

Linky Party

Show us your progress with your PHD in 2023!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

PHD in 2022: December Report

December’s Accomplishments!

  • Island Batik Lone Star – December’s challenge
  • Left-overs from Lone Star
  • Colour BOM – from patterns by Jen (made with Island Batik scraps) (a UFO)
  • Necessary Clutch wallet (a UFO)
  • Pencil Cases (free pattern byAnnie)
  • Missouri Star Mini Quilt
  • Winter Branches Table Runner

The Tally Sheets

I managed to get 12 UFOs completed this year. The New Starts in 2022 have been completed, except for the ones that won’t finish until 2023 and projects that I started in December … and just didn’t have enough time to complete … (and that’s allowed! – They will be on the 2023 UFO list!)

My Task sheet has not changed … And here is the link where you can find the colourful Task Sheet at Ms P Designs.

The Linky Party

Show us your PHD in 2022 Progress!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

Favourite Finish of the Month

This month, my favourite is the Lone Star quilt!!! I was pretty intimidated with this challenge, but in the end, following the directions (who me?) made it easy! It was so much fun!! Check out Meadow Mist Designs for more “Favourite Finishes”.

DrEAMI

DrEAMI stands for Drop Everything And Make It.

PHD in 2023

Yes, there is a PHD in 2023 … see THIS POST for details

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Do you have too many UFOs?

UFOs are all those UnFinished Objects – usually quilts and small projects that are hanging around your sewing area, or under the beds, or tucked into closets, or stuffed behind the couch or … well, you get the picture!

Join me in 2023 for PHD in 2023. To join in, you must have at least 12 UFOs you want to complete AND … here’s the clincher, because we don’t want to increase our UFO list, you need to complete EVERY. SINGLE. PROJECT. you start in 2023!

By the way: PHD is quilt-speak for “Projects Half Done.” My definition for the purpose of the PHD in 2023 is every project that was started before January 1, 2023 counts as an UFO and therefore fits into the PHD!

As for EVERY. SINGLE. PROJECT. ???? Well, there are a couple of exclusions … like a BOM that starts in September and won’t finish until the next year or something that it’s impossible to finish before the end of the year.

At the end of each month, there will be a linky party where you can share your PHD in 2023 progress.

Here’s what you have to do:

  • Select 12 UFOs (or more) that you want to finish in 2023
  • Join, with the linky party (below) and tell us about your UFOs
  • Grab a Template (or make your own) to keep track of your UFOs
  • Plan to FINISH every single quilty project that you start in 2023. And keep track of them. This keeps your UFO list from increasing!
  • You have until January 15, 2023 to officially join in!

You’ll notice that my PHD list has 13 UFOs on it. And I forgot to include the Appliqué BOM that I’m doing for 2023 … that’s OK … I just need to finish 12 UFOs … and it doesn’t matter which 12. Who knows, I might unearth another UFO that is hiding in some obscure place and finish it instead of one on the list …

Here’s a Template

You can Download the Template below and use it to keep track of your UFOs and New Starts.

Linky Party

Here’s the Linky Party for you to show us your UFOs as you begin your PHD in 2023!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

My UFOs

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Monday Moments: Dec 19 ’22

The Mystery Quilt is done!!!

If you missed the parade, it’s worth taking a look! See THIS POST.

Lone Star Blog Hop: Week 3

This blog hop is pretty fantastic!!!! Lots and lots of eye candy !!!! Make sure you visit each of the bloggers to see their wonderful creations!

December 19:

Mania Hatziioannidi

Michelle Roberts


December 20:

Pamela Boatright

Connie Kauffman

Sandra Stanfield


December 21:

Jane Hauprich

Lisa Pickering


December 22:

Brianna Roberts


Elizabeth DeCroos

Anorina Morris

December 23:

Visit Island Batik’s Blog for your opportunity to win!

Another Finished Branches Table Runner

I decided that I needed another table runner for the top of my piano. I chose a beautiful dark blue Island Batik fabric called “Ravine” and paired it with “Rice. This was also a DREMI: DRop Everything And Make It. This is the result:

Another DREAMI

I received a lovely charm pack and pattern from Missouri Star Quilting … and I just had to make it! Yup, it was a DRop Everything And Make It project! Such a fun project.

Another UFO Finish

The Spicy Colour Challenge quilt was started last December and I finally got it finished this month! You can read about it HERE. That makes 12 UFOs that I’ve finished this year. SEW … I will be getting my PHD in 2022. However, I still have a list of UFOs that need to be finished, so I will be having PHD in 2023!

  • Island Batik Fabric
  • Hobbs 80/20 on the inside
  • Aurifil thread (to piece and quilt)

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!

Lots of stitching in the past week!

  • January – November: 288 / 333
  • Dec:  18 / 18
  • Total:  306 / 351
  • Percentage = 87% 

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!

However, this week, I went out to Chilliwack to Cozy Cotton Quilting to pick up some quilts, deliver patterns and give her another quilt for display. Angela had recently received a lot of Island Batik bolts (mostly from the Pumpkin Spice collection) and I just couldn’t resist … so I had 3 fabrics cut for me! Aren’t they beautiful ???? I will definitely be making the trip out to Cozy Cotton just to buy Island Batik fabric!!!

The Spicy BOM used 4.5 yards of fabric. The newest branches table runner used 1 yard. And the mugs / snowflake used 1.5 yards

  • Fabric Used since the last report    yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       109.5 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:  3.5 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    33 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:                76.5 yards 

To Do

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

The To Do list from last week:

  1. Finish my Winter Branches Table runner. √   DONE,
  2. Work on and Finish a UFO (a wallet). √   DONE,
  3. Finish Clue #3 Chilhowie. √   DONE,
  4. Write blog post : Spicy BOM. √   DONE,
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Finish Clue #4 Chilhowie
  2. Start Classic Cars Colour Challenge BOM – Jan / Feb
  3. Start colouring the Nutcracker
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

Judy, at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, hosts a linky party for “What’s on your Design Wall” every week. I must apologize, I’ve been calling Judy by the wrong name !!! I’m so glad that she let me know and now I’m calling her by the correct name!

Piecing:

  1. Classic Cars Colour Challenge BOM
  2. Chilhowie – Clue #4 in progress

Quilting:

Once I do some colouring with Inktense pencils, I’ll start quilting the Nutcracker. Here he is on my window for tracing.

Upcoming & Current Blog Hops

Island Batik‘s December’s Lone Star Blog Hop. Week #3 is started! LOTS and LOTS of fabulous quilts!

Creatin’ in the Sticks: Sew It – Show It: Shades of Blue (January)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Sweet on You (February)

Plans for 2023

There are a few things I’m planning for 2023. More details in the coming weeks.

  • PHD in 2023
  • 2023 SAHRR (with some wonderful sponsors this year!)
  • 2023 Appliqué  BOM (I bet this surprises a LOT of people!)
  • Winter 2023 Mystery Quilt

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Spicy Block of the Month!

This year, I participated in the Spicy Block of the Month, hosted by Patterns by Jen.

I used scraps of Island Batik fabrics to make the blocks.

Each month, Jen provides free directions for a 6″ and a 12″ block. When the month is over, you need to purchase the block for a minimal price.

Here is my December block: And yes, I goofed up and had to make adjustments, so it’s not exactly like Jen’s directions …

Here are the blocks in order …

And here is my finished quilt … I used Island Batik’s solid black for the sashing, 2 1/2″ squares of fabric left-over from the blocks for the corner stones.

And … with the quilt being a bit busy, I used wild quilting and thoroughly enjoyed quilting it!

2023 Colour Challenge

The 2023 Monthly Colour Challenge will be based on Classic Cars! Will you join me with the different monthly blocks? Make sure you follow Patterns by Jen and myself so you don’t miss a month! Jen will be posting the new blocks at the beginning of the month – me? I’ll be posting later in the month except for December, when I will post on the 1st!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Sunday Summation: December 11 ’23

My Finished Branches Table Runner

I taught the “Winter Branches” Table runner at Essem and I worked on my own table runner, but didn’t get it finished in class. But, it’s finished now!  I used an Island Batik fabric from the Napa Valley collection along with Custard. There is Hobbs 80/20 on the inside and I quilted the straight lines with a walking foot and Aurifil #2311 (Muslin).

A UFO Finish

I finally finished this wallet! The outside is Cork and the inside is Island Batik fabric from the Napa Valley collection. The pattern is “The Necessary Clutch” by Emmaline Bags. For the twist clasp, the pattern said to follow manufacture’s directions. HUH!!! There were none!!! A friend of mine, Irene, told me to look at Spenser Ogg’s tutorial, How to Apply a Twist Lock. Spenser is brilliant. Her tutorial is great! This wallet would have been thrown in the trash if I hadn’t been able to do the twist lock. Thanks, Irene!!!

Now I can finally use this wallet! The cork on my current Necessary Clutch is falling apart. I’ve sprayed the new wallet’s cork with leather conditioner, so hopefully it will last longer than the first one. But really, 5 years isn’t too bad!

This is the wallet I made in 2018 … almost 5 years ago! And how it looks today. You can see how the cork is wearing at the edges and some of it is peeling off.

The Mystery Quilt is done!!!

This is a super simple mystery quilt! It is my own design. I designed it for the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild, but I’ve shared it with YOU as well!

The Parade is on Tuesday, Dec. 13, so be sure to come and see the wonderful quilts!

Here are 8 clues.

  • Oct 18: Clue #1: Fabric Requirements and Cutting HERE
  • Oct 25: Clue #2: HERE
  • Nov 1: Clue #3 HERE
  • Nov 8: Clue #4 HERE
  • Nov 15: Clue #5 This Post
  • Nov 22: Clue #6 HERE
  • Nov 29: Clue #7 this post
  • Dec 6: Clue #8. – HERE
  • Dec 13: Mystery Quilt Parade

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!

Lots of stitching in the past week!

  • January – November: 288 / 333
  • Dec:  11 / 11
  • Total:  299 / 344
  • Percentage = 86% 

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!

  • Back of Lone Star Quilt – 4 yards
  • Back of Fall Mystery Quilt – 3.5 yards
  • Back of Left-over from Lone Star 3.5 yards
  • Back of Branches Table Runner – 1 yard
  • Fabric Used since the last report   12  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       102.5 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:                73 yards 

To Do

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

The To Do list from last week:

  1. Finish my Winter Branches Table runner. √   DONE,
  2. Work on and Finish a UFO (a wallet). √   DONE,
  3. Work on Melodic Mystery Quilt finish fixing all the mistakes! √   DONE,
  4. Finish Clue #2 Chilhowie  √   DONE
  5. Write blog post : Spicy BOM in progress
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!  √   DONE
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

This week’s list:

  1. Start colouring the Nutcracker
  2. Finish Clue #3 Chilhowie
  3. Write blog post : Spicy BOM
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

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

Piecing:

  1. Chilhowie – Clue #3 in progress … and they are on my Prairie Spirit Alpaca/wool pressing mat!!! LOVE the mat!

Quilting:

Once I do some colouring with Inktense pencils, I’ll start quilting the Nutcracker. Here he is on my window for tracing.

Upcoming & Current Blog Hops

Island Batik‘s December’s Lone Star Blog Hop. Week #1 is done! What a fabulous collection of Lone Stars. Week #2’s schedule is below.

Creatin’ in the Sticks: Sew It – Show It: Shades of Blue (January)

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Sweet on You (February)

December 12:

Reed Johnson

Suzy Webster


December 13:

Jennifer Fulton

Gail Renna


December 14:

Denise Looney

Claudia Porter


December 15:

Leah Malasky

Andi Stanfield

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

PHD in 2022: September Report

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September’s Accomplishments!

Well, I didn’t finish ANY UFOs this month. None, Nada, not a one …

However, I did finish 3 new starts … I finished my October Island Batik project … which you will see in October. I also finished the Pinktober quilt for the blog hop happening in October to honour breast cancer patients. My day is October 13th. As well, my gadget quilt was finished. It was a fun quilt to make. You can read about it HERE.

I have 2 more UFOs to finish before the end of the year and 3 new starts … for me, I think it’s doable! I hope!

Earlier in the month, I posted my September Island Batik project using a Studio 180 tool, Corner Pop, along with a few other tools that I own. I LOVE Studio 180 tools! You can read more about this quilt HERE.

The Tally Sheets

Here is an Excel File for you to use (if you want). PHD Tally 2022- with formulas

My Task sheet has not changed … And here is the link where you can find the colourful Task Sheet at Ms P Designs.

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The Linky Party

Show us your PHD in 2022 Progress!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

The Quilt Keeper

Did you see my post about the Quilt keeper? (See HERE.)

They contacted me to say that my readers can have a 10% discount if they use this code:  QGAIL So, if you order, be sure to use the code!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Friday Finishes

I don’t have anything new that is finished … but I have had a couple of finishes in the last week or so.

The first finish was my July Island Batik project that used the Accuquilt Tree of Life Block on Board. The 73 pieces of the block can be cut in one run through of the die. But of course, I had to do it differently and make it scrappy. You can read more about the quilt at this BLOG POST.

I must admit that I am very pleased with how this quilt turned out.

Yes, this quilt used Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs batting and Aurifil thread for the quilting.

Oh, and Cheryl at Meadow Mist Designs hosts a favourite quilt of the month linky party, and this happens to be mine!

My 2nd finish is my post for the UFO blog hop. This kit had been languishing in my “To Do” box and was on my UFO list both last year and this! You can read about it HERE. Here’s a picture:

Monthly Colour Challenge

Jen, of Patterns by Jen holds a monthly colour challenge. This month’s challenge is purple.

Here is my purple block, made with the rich colours of Island Batik fabrics!

And all of my 7 blocks so far for this year … I think it will be a very pretty quilt when it’s finished!

I don’t have a lot of purple quilts … but these are a few that I’ve done in the past couple of years.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

UFO Blog Hop

This blog hop came from the creative mind of Joan at Moose Stash Quilting!

Many of us have lots of UFOs ! These are known in the quilting world at UnFinished Objects. In the past I had over 100 UFOs. I thought I only had 80-something, but I kept finding more and more! On my blog, I run a PHD in (the year). PHD stands for Projects Half Done, but is a cute play on the academic PhD. The idea is to complete at least 12 UFOs and finish every project you start that year. This Blog Hop fits nicely into my PHD in 2022 and I managed to get another UFO finished!

One of my UFOs on the list was called “Kit – Narrows.” This was a Row by Row kit from Fiber Lilly in St. John’s, Newfoundland. I bought the kit 5 years ago when my husband and I were there. Fiber Lilly is a lovely quilt store, and one I would frequent if I lived nearby!

I know that I’ve been frequently known to call applique “CR-APplique.” I have hated applique. But, I am determined to do more and hopefully, one day, I might even like it!

I used Hobbs Thermore for the batting. It is a thin polyester batting that is low loft and does not beard. I find it is perfect for small projects!

Here is the quilt, after the pieces were fused on and before the quilting.

Then, it needed quilting and the button houses attached. The land, and boat were all outlined with an applique stitch. I did a large meander for the clouds in the sky and waves in the water. The iceberg is easy to see, but can you spot the whale’s tale?

I took my time with the quilting and used the following Aurifil Threads:

  • # 5004 – Grey Smoke (land, whale & motor)
  • # 2311 – Muslin (Iceberg, boat, fisherman)
  • # 4655 – Storm @ Sea – variegated (sky)
  • # 4669 – Stonewash Blues – variegated (water and binding)

In my latest Island Batik box, I received a lovely pressing mat from Prairie Spirit Alpacas. I’ll talk more about it in a future post, but I LOVED using it !

Visit the other UFO bloggers:

Monday July 25

Tuesday July 26

Wednesday July 27

Thursday July 28

Friday July 29

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Friday … the end of the week …

It has been a busy week … yesterday, I zoom quilted with several guild members … it’s always a LOT of fun and I managed to get 2 tops to flimsy stage. One is next month’s Island Batik challenge and the other is my Squirrel Attack quilt! Both are now waiting to be sandwiched.

I do have a finish to show … one of my blog followers suggested that I finish the baby panel with the kitty on it. I listened to her … and here it is! It was a LOT of fun to quilt … and miraculously the green for the binding was just the right amount! This UFO has Hobbs batting and was quilted with Glide thread.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Monday’s Manifesto

Garage Sale

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

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

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

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

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

Overhauling the Craft Room

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stitching Time

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

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

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

Stash Report

Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!

Finishing this baby quilt used 2.5 yards of fabric.

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

To Do

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

The To Do list a week ago:

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

Here’s the UFO Baby Quilt I finished.

This week’s list:

  1. Quilt & Bind at least 2 more Baby Quilt Panels
  2. Work on Foodie Blog Hop project
  3. Clear Cutting Table and Ironing Board for Craft Room Overhaul
  4. Work on May Island Batik challenge.
  5. Work on Pop Star Quilt
  6. Work on Squirrel Attack Quilt (see below).
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes

Design Wall

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

Piecing:

1. Foodie Blog Hop: These fabrics are from my stash. You’ll just have to wait until May 24th to see what is happening with this fabric!

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

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

Quilting:

I still have several baby quilts left to quilt!

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

A Finish for Friday

Here’s a picture of the latest baby quilt panel. It was a fun quilt to quilt! Of course, I adore Winnie the Pooh – so that just made it even more fun! And yes, this is a finished UFO!

I’ve spent the last few days gathering and gathering and pricing things for our guild’s garage sale tomorrow! I even broke down and went through some of my fabric bins!!! I can’t believe I did that! But, I did find fabric that I have had for ages … and even though I know I would use them in some project in the future, I do have a a LOT more fabric that I love more. So, I figured that was the fabric to keep, right?

This is most of it … but there is a couple more boxes …

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Meeting a New Friend

A blog follower contacted me and said she would be in the neighbourhood, “Would I like to meet up?” Well, YES, I would!!! We met at Essem Textiles. She had ordered some sweatshirt fleece from Essem and brought in her sweatshirt jackets … they were pretty cool! Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of them. However, when she told the owners who she was and they knew where she was from! They didn’t realize that she was a quilter as well as a garment sewer.

We met and talked about quilts and quilting. She is one talented quilter! Here’s a picture of us – but look at her quilt! Isn’t it absolutely fabulous? If I remember correctly, she said it’s 110″ x 110″. HUGE!It’s a mariner’s compass with lots of other blocks. She designed the quilt. I was in awe!

Here we are taking a closer look at the quilt:

Aurifil Color Builders

Aurifil has a great page out … showcasing the Italian Cities Color Builders and all of the challenges that the Island Batik Ambassadors made. It’s well worth going and taking a look at the fabulous talent that my fellow Ambassadors have! Click HERE.

Wonderful World of Color Blog Hop

This week is this Colourful Blog Hop! Come back on Wednesday and see what I made!

You can see the complete schedule HERE.

Overhauling the Craft Room

Last week, I showed you pictures of my room. There is one surface tidied up and cleared off (well, 2, if you count the little tv tray that I use as an extra space when I’m piecing!) All of the fabric was put into appropriate bins, not just moved to another spot!

Here’s a Before and After picture of the same space!

I have ALMOST finished going through every container … a few more to go!

This will get DONE!!!

Stitching Time

Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!

  • January – Mar:  90 / 90
  • Apr 1 – 17: 17 / 17
  • Total: 100 / 100
  • 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 teddy bear quilt used 4.25 yards.

  • Fabric Used this week      4.25  yards
  • Fabric Used this year:       29.75 yards
  • Fabric Bought this week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    4.25 yards 
  • Net Fabric used                 25.5 yards 

To Do

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

I had month to work on my previous To Do list … let’s see how I did …

The To Do list 2 weeks ago:

  1. Quilt & Bind Teddy #3 √   DONE
  2. Quilt & Bind at least 2 Baby Quilt Panels √   DONE
  3. Work on Foodie Blog Hop project not done
  4. Go through the Fabric and Project containers. in progress
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! √   DONE
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes √   DONE

Here’s the 2 baby quilt panels that are quilted and bound. The one on the left was partially hand quilted and I machine quilted it to its finish!

This week’s list:

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

Design Wall

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

Piecing:

1. Foodie Blog Hop: These fabrics are from my stash. You’ll just have to wait until May 24th to see what is happening with this fabric!

Quilting:

The following baby panels still need to be completed.

I’m counting the 2 baby quilt panels as 1 UFO that is finished. That means that I only have 6 more UFOs to finish this year! Sigh … I thought I had found ALL of the UFOs before, but alas … there are likely more hidden away! I was secretly hoping that this would be the last year for me to host PHD in 202? But, if I keep discovering more – I’ll be hosting PHD for many years to come!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

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