Earlier this year, Joanne, of Canuck Quilter offered a free mystery quilt. I couldn’t resist! She offered 3 different sizes and I chose to make the baby size. Although she had a parade of finished quilts (see HERE), I missed the deadline. But I’m here to show you mine now!
Here are the progress pictures:
And the finished quilt:
Quilt Stats:
Size: 36″ x 48″
Fabric: Island Batik: a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” “Blueberry” is the blue border. Binding is “Marble Storm” from Blenders
Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl hosts a “Favourite Finish” each month. My favourite finish is (again) hard to choose. My Island Batik paper pieced tree skirt (see THIS POST) or my Half and Half mystery. Which one is your favourite?
I still have 5 New Starts to finish and 5 UFOs … Working on them slowly!
Don’t Forget
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
Oh DEAR!!! This is a HAZARD to be beginning projects and not finishing them!!! (Updated for this post)
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!
Luminous Layers a quilt-a-long from MMM quilts (see HERE for details and links to instructions)
St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).
Quilting: to do … a long list, but it’ll get done, one stitch at a time!
Prisms Blog Hop (a secret for now!)
Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler. (top is done, just waiting to find out final details from Island Batik, then I’ll pick a backing and get started on quilting it!)
Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Borders are on … need to pick a backing ….
Quilting “Gardenia“
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
I finished the On the Road Again blog Hop Challenge: this fun quilt used 5 yards of fabric. You can read all about it HERE.
Fabric Used in the last week: 5 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 77.5 yards from non-IB: 33.5
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 21.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 56 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Finish “On the Road Again” block hop project – DONE and posted HERE.
Finish Prisms blog hop project – top done, ready for quilting in progress
Finish IB June project – top done, ready for quilting in progress
Finish IB FW Catalogue project – top done, ready for quilting in progress
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
Sandwich and Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt in progress
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
Carol, from Just let me Quilt, is hosting “On the Road Again” blog hop. Here’s what she had to say about the blog hop:
Challenge: May starts the summer of travel so where would you like to go? Make something showing transportation vehicles (cars, planes, buses, etc.), summer fun, or a place you’d like to travel to.
I was debating and mulling over what to do for this challenge. I’d have one excellent idea, and then a day later, I’d throw it out. Another idea, and another day and ‘nope’ it’s not going to work. Silly cars?? planes?? Sailboats?? Mountains?? the beach?? SIGH!!! Such a fun theme, how can it be so difficult?
THEN … along came a post from Sew Can She … and I knew it was perfect for what I wanted! Rockets and Stars!! You can find the pattern HERE.
Now, I do not have any dreams to be in a rocket or to circle the earth or to go to the space station. Nope, not a single one. But, I’m almost 100% positive that the little boy that gets this quilt will at some time, dream of being an astronaut!
I made a few changes to the original pattern. I decided to do the stars in a different colour than the rocket blasts and I added a strip of sashing between the rows. And, when I was quilting it, I wish I had added one at the top and bottom as well.
Here’s a close-up picture of the quilting and a picture of the back:
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
An online friend sent me this picture! I love taking vitamins and these look so good! I think I’ll switch to this brand!
She also said, “I think it’s great if you’re looking for colour combos.” Ioleen has lots of IG posts and does very well with colour … you can follow her @ioleen.kimmel
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!
Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler.
St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).
Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry
Quilting: to do
On the Road Again, blog hop
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Borders are on … need to pick a backing ….
Quilting “Gardenia“
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
I finished the May Island Batik challenge: this lovely tree skirt. It used 10 yards of fabric. You can read all about it HERE.
Fabric Used in the last week: 10yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 72.5 yards from non-IB: 31.5
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 21.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 51 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Make on “On the Road Again” block hop project – it’s due on the 22nd! in progress It’s almost done!
Finish Prisms blog hop project in progress
Finish IB June project in progress
Finish IB FW Catalogue project in progress
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done.
Sandwich and Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt in progress
Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE. not done.
For the second giveaway there are two Fat Quarter bundles of complete 20-SKU collections by Kathy Engle that will be shown off this week – The Grove and Prisms!
Go to the Island Batik Blog (HERE) and follow the Rafflecopter prompts for your opportunity to win!
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
Here’s what Island Batik had to say about this month’s challenge!
Technique: Paper-piecing Theme: Holidays and celebrations Design a paper-pieced quilt that celebrates the spirit of a holiday of your choice, transforming fabric into a visual ode to joy and festivity! We encourage you to get inspired by your assigned Winter ‘23 collection and explore the world of paper piecing. The precision, ease of use, and design flexibility of paper pieced patterns have made them a favored choice among many quilters. We can’t wait to see your stunning paper-pieced masterpieces that capture attention!
My Surprise Package contained “Peppermint Sprinkles.” This collection was designed by Kathy Engle for Heidi Pridemore of the Whimsical Workshop. Look at those wintery blues and reds! Such a fun line!
With this beautiful fabric collection, it was an obvious choice, to me, for the celebration to be Christmas!
The guidelines were to make a Lap size quilt or larger. I found this tree skirt pattern by Stacey Day: Frosted Pines Tree Skirt. Stacy is from the lower mainland and belongs to the Modern Quilt Guild. (And yes, it’s a FREE pattern)
Anyhow, I knew that it would be perfect with my fabric collection. But, would a 50″ circle tree skirt be adequate to meet the size requirements of a lap quilt? I wrote to Elizabeth (one of our leaders) and asked. She said it would be stretching the guidelines, but thought the fabric was perfect for the tree skirt.
I paper piece without sewing on the paper. I used to do this with regular computer paper and it worked quite well. When talking with a friend via Zoom, she said to try using Freezer Paper and do the exact same thing. The advantage of the Freezer Paper is that the fabric sticks to it and you don’t need to use as many pins. I bought some Freezer Paper and it works great! The Oliso iron is perfect for this!
One of the advantages of paper piecing with this method is that you can use a regular stitch length and can chain piece it. Another advantage is that with no sewing through paper, the needle does not dull as quickly. I still used a Schmetz needle and it lasted for the whole project.
Yes, you’ll see a few pins in my pieces. These pieces are SMALL and they needed just a little help to stay in place.
A few ‘in progess’ pictures! The tree top ornaments, organization of the trees, the Aurifil threads I used and a final pressing with my Oliso iron.
It was fun doing the photo shoot!! Tree skirts do not hang well on the clothesline, so I resorted to placing it on the bricks in the back yard.
We are dog-sitting our ‘grand-dog,’ Daphne, and as soon as I put the tree skirt on the ground, she was on it!!! “Thanks for the comfy quilt, G’ma! It’s nice here in the sun!”
“But why did you have to put something in the middle?That is a poor excuse for a tree!“
“OK … I’ll let the plant stay!”
Of course, in May, there are no Christmas tree displays, and this small tree across the street was the closest I could get to a Christmas tree.
I’m not sure why it didn’t come to a complete circle … I know the piecing was correct and my 1/4″ is bang on … but since it’s a tree skirt, I’m not going to worry about it! That open V can go to the back of the tree. On 2nd thought, perhaps if I had left it as a circle when I went to quilt it, it might have remained a circle? I’ll try that next time!
Peppermint Sprinkles can be found at many quilt stores, but the one closest to me is Creekside Quilts in Oregon. They are an online shop. Also Villa Rosa Designs in California will be carrying it.
Visit my friend, Emily, at The Darling Dogwood to see what she made! She used the same collection, Peppermint Sprinkles! I haven’t seen it, but I heard a rumour that it’s gonna be super cute!
You Could Win …
Island Batik Blog Hop: Week 2
For the second giveaway there are two Fat Quarter bundles of complete 20-SKU collections by Kathy Engle that will be shown off this week – Oasis and Peppermint Sprinkles!
Go to the Island Batik Blog (HERE) and follow the Rafflecopter prompts for your opportunity to win!
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
Yup!!! I totally agree! Especially on Mother’s Day!
Monthly Colour Challenge
May’s colour is Yellow!!! Here is my May block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for May. It’s free for the month and then you’ll need to pay a small fee for it.
I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks.
May: Yellow
And a picture of all my 2024 blocks to date.
The Quilt Show
It’s always fun to see quilts made from classes I’ve taught, or from older mystery quilts. These are a few I spotted at the show:
And then there are the quilts that I either saw being made or admired the finished product:
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!
Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler.
St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).
On the Road Again, blog hop
Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry
Quilting: to do
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Borders are on … need to pick a backing ….
Quilting “Gardenia“
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
Nothing finished, no fabric bought!
Fabric Used in the last week: 0yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 62.5 yards from non-IB: 29
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 21.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 41 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Work on “On the Road Again” block hop project. not done. Fabric chosen, need to cut, piece, quilt and bind!
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star. not done
Sandwich and Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quiltnot done
Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE. not done
Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE. in progress Working on it, but it’s slow work!
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week: I know I’m dreaming, but this is my list for the next week!
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Make on “On the Road Again” block hop project – it’s due on the 22nd!
Finish Prisms blog hop project
Finish IB June project
Finish IB FW Catalogue project
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
For the second giveaway there are two Fat Quarter bundles of complete 20-SKU collections by Kathy Engle that will be shown off this week – Oasis and Peppermint Sprinkles!
Go to the Island Batik Blog (HERE) and follow the Rafflecopter prompts for your opportunity to win!
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
Did you do the Fall Mystery quilt that was posted here on my blog? Several local people did the mystery and I got to see some of them in person at a guild meeting …
Here’s Patti’s, Patricia’s, & Stella’s
Below is Lynne who used the extra blocks to make another quilt! She donated both of these quilts.
At the Boundary Bay Quilt show, I spotted 10 hanging around the venue. If I missed yours, please accept my apology!
I had been under the impression that they would all be grouped together so people could see the variation that fabric choices make. (Obviously, I was mistaken) At any rate, here they are … no two are alike! I’m in AWE at how the different fabrics make such a different looking quilt!
The last 2 quilts are mine. The last one was made with Island Batik’s “Cheers” fabric collection. Hobbs batting is in the middle and Aurifil thread was used to piece and quilt it! All sewn on either my Feather weight or my domestic Janome (M7).
Please note: The clues to the Fall Mystery, using a Layer Cake, or a 10″ stack, will be removed at the end of May.
Something NEW!
Tomorrow, May 10, Jenny’s new tool box will be available for pre-order! The MSQC home page will be filled with all the information. Unfortunately, the kit is not coupon eligible for a 20% discount, but if you purchase it and use my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail , I will still make a small commission.
Details of the Tool Box: This aqua metal toolbox is embossed with the Missouri Star logo and comes with Quilt Town floral fabric-lined inserts that easily lift out so you can store additional notions. The inside of the toolbox lid is magnetic to hold pins, needles, and other small notions. Elastic straps are also included to hold needle packs or a small template, and there’s extra room underneath the inserts for additional supplies. Jenny’s Signature Series Tools are made from German-grade surgical stainless steel and come beautifully etched with Missouri Star logos. The actual kits will start shipping sometime in August.
Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, (aside from this Tool Box), you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
This doesn’t happen to me anymore … except when it’s a box that I haven’t opened for a LONG time! LOL!!!
The Quilt Show
I was vending for Essem Textiles at the quilt show and didn’t have a lot of opportunity to look at the quilts! But what I saw was pretty fantastic! Here are the quilts that I entered in the show:
All of the quilts above, except one, used Island Batik fabric. They all used Hobbs batting and Aurifil thread. All piecing and quilting was done on either my featherweight or my domestic sewing machine.
I will show some more quilts from the show in another post.
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!
Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler.
St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).
Next in line for Piecing:
On the Road Again, blog hop
Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry
Quilting: to do
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Borders are on … need to pick a backing ….
Quilting “Gardenia“
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
My son’s girlfriend fell in love with one of the quilts at the quilt show, so I did buy some fabric to make a quilt for them. But I won’t show it until after it’s made and gifted.
Fabric Used in the last week: 0yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 62.5 yards from non-IB: 29
Fabric Added this week: 1.5 yards
Fabric Added this year: 21.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 41 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Make a decision on “On the Road Again” block hop project in progress. Decision made, but not started yet.
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done
Catch up on Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt√ DONE.
Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE. not done
Work on May IB project: Holiday Paper Piecing √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Work on “On the Road Again” block hop project
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
This week is the start of a fabulous blog hop! There are many many new fabric collections and each one will be featured on a different day! Here is the schedule:
There is a beautiful raffle quilt and tickets will be available at the show!
And there are raffle baskets … Two will be raffled off on Saturday and 2 on Sunday … make sure to buy your tickets:
I will be at the show all weekend, so I won’t be posting on Friday. Hope to see you at the show. I’ll be managing Essem Textile’s booth, so stop by and say “Hi.”
All of the Island Batik Ambassadors were invited to become partners with the Missouri Star Quilt Company. And I’m so excited to tell you that I’ve been accepted!
So what does this mean??? It means that when YOU order over $50 from Missouri Star Quilt and you use my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission.
I have not had affiliate links before, so this is all new to me!
Enjoy receiving 20% off all of your orders! You can use my link over and over and over!!! It’s permanently on the sidebar of my blog so you won’t need to always search for it!
Is this you? I know it’s me. Our guild is having a quilt show next weekend and I should go through my quilting books and magazines and donate them … someone else might want a pattern that is in something.
A Finish
Last week, on Monday, I posted about this quilt. You can read about it 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!
Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler. (also a secret)
St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE).
Next in line for Piecing:
On the Road Again, blog hop
Island Batik FW Catalogue quilt using a brand new line: Petal Poetry
Quilting: to do
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Borders are on … need to pick a backing ….
Quilting “Gardenia“
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
The Dr. Seuss quilt used approximately 3 yards.
Fabric Used in the last week: 3yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 62.5 yards from non-IB: 29
Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 20 yards
Net Fabric used: 42.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Make a decision on “On the Road Again” block hop project in progress. Decision made, but not started yet.
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done
Catch up on Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt√ DONE.
Pull fabric for Luminous Layers. See HERE. not done
Work on May IB project: Holiday Paper Piecing √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Work on “On the Road Again” block hop project
Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
If you were to ask me what my LEAST favourite part of quilting is, it would be Hanging Sleeves. They are not something I enjoy doing! But sometimes, it is necessary.
I belong to the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild and we have a quilt show coming up next weekend (May 4 & 5). Of course, I entered several quilts and each of them needs to have a hanging sleeve.
Here’s a partial picture of the quilt show’s raffle quilt. It’s a beauty!! You can buy tickets at the show.
About Hanging Sleeves
If you’ve been following me for very long, you’ll know that I highly dislike hand sewing. In fact, after about 10 minutes, my hands are so sore, it’s ridiculous! So my hanging sleeves are put on by machine, or pins.
I know that many of my friends already have their sleeves on and the quilts bagged and ready to go. Not me!! Why do it ahead of time when I can feel under pressure and get them done without delay?
An online friend of mine, Kathleen McMusing had a tutorial YEARS ago for using a blind hem for putting on hanging sleeves. On the 22nd of each month she has a blog post called “Tips and Tutorials.” This past week, she reposted about the hanging sleeve technique using a blind hem. See HERE. She has a plethora of tips and tutorials … so while you’re there, you might want to grab a cup of coffee or tea and spend some time on her site!
The following picture shows me using the Blind Hem stitch to add the hanging sleeve. For the 2nd or bottom row of stitching, I switched to the navy thread so it wouldn’t show on the front. My Oliso iron is awesome for pressing!!! (I received it as part of being an Island Batik Ambassador!)
I used the lint roller to get all the excess lint off the quilt. We are to put a label with our names and phone numbers on the quilt. I’ve just written it on the hanging sleeve. A small piece of paper will have the name of the quilt attached, just below the sleeve.
I tend to be thrifty with fabric, so I re-use the hanging sleeves! Sometimes, they are too long and I just fold them up on the ends. The quilt is going to be hanging and only the people hanging the quilts will see that it’s folded over. Well, I guess you now know as well!
Two done, 4 to go!
All but one of the quilts was made with Island Batik fabrics. They all have Hobbs batting and use Aurifil thread for piecing and most of the quilting.
I will be at the show each day, all day … you can find me vending at Essem Textile’s booth. Stop by to say “hi.”
A Finish!
I did have a finish this week. I showed it on my April Showers Blog Hop post. You can read about it HERE.
Joan, from MooseStashQuilting is the host/organizer for this hop and here’s what she has to say about it:
Challenge: Late snow showers, rain showers, baby showers, wedding showers. What do you like to shower everyone with?
I thought of lots of things … a cute baby quilt with umbrellas, spring flowers, showering people with love … so many ideas. It was hard to decide. Then I took a peek into my ‘child’ or ‘baby’ quilt bin and I saw these Dr. Seuss fabrics. Perfect for a baby shower gift!
I pieced them together and thought “what in the world have I done?” So, instead of taking it apart and adding some sashing between all the main blocks, I decided to use black thread and make a bit of a ‘thread’ sashing to break it up. It was fun to use different stitches and it worked!
Here is the finished quilt:
Quilt Stats:
Size: 34″ x 39″
Fabric: from a Dr. Seuss panel and scraps of Dr. Seuss fabric
Batting: Hobbs 80/20
Quilting:
Black: Aurifil #2692
White: Aurifil #2024
I don’t have a baby shower to go to in the near future, so this quilt will. be donated to the quilt guild. Make sure to visit all of the other blog participants and see what they made!
I have NO finishes to show you this week … Several things are being worked on, 2 things are finished, but I can’t show you yet. You’ll see one of them on Monday! promise!
The first is Taylor the Tiger, a Funky Friend pattern. It was challenging, but fun to make! You can read all about him/her HERE.
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
Canuck Quilter: Mystery Project. I’m using a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Constellations” and the light fabric is “Fondant.” Visit Canuck Quilter HERE and shoot her an email if you want to join in the fun! I’m behind on the last clue … hopefully, I’ll catch up soon!
Quilting: to do
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
April Showers: blog hop
BBQG Baby Quilt Challenge: Sorry, no picture until after the show
Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE)
Sunday Stash
Donna at Quilt Paint Create hosts a weekly linky party where you can display your stash numbers. This has really kept my stash from growing (somewhat!) Before I buy anything, I am always mindful of the fact that I need to report it on my blog … That sometimes stops me in my tracks!
When I go to a retreat at Over the Rainbow, I really, really struggle to NOT buy fabric. And this year’s retreat was no exception! Although, I did resist going on the first day! However, on the 2nd day it was another story … and then I needed to go back to check on things for next years’ retreat … and then I needed to go back to pick up some thread. The picture below shows what I bought. The 2 fabrics on the right are Island Batik fabrics: Ravine and solid white. The 2 fabrics on the left are flannel. A total of 12 yards.
Fabric Used in the last week: 2.5yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 59.5 yards from non-IB: 26
Fabric Added this week: 12 yards
Fabric Added this year: 20 yards
Net Fabric used: 39.5 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
I have a bit of progress on many things … but nothing completed …
To Do from the last report:
Finish quilting “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”.√ DONE. I’ll show you this after the BBQG quilt show.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Commitment
This year, I am committed to finishing all the projects that I start, plus finished the 6 UFOs that I started the year with. From my chart it appears that I do have several projects that are started that I need to finish!! At least I only have 4 UFOs left!
A week-long retreat keeps one very busy!! There’s the prep to get to the retreat … and then there’s all the fun and sewing that happens at the retreat! So much fun!!! Twelve of us went to “Over The Rainbow Lodge” on Camano Island in Washington State. With all that time sewing, a LOT was accomplished!
Here’s a Slide Show of some of what was accomplished. I know that I also missed a lot of pictures. Judy sent me some of her pictures and they are included here! She even got the peacock at the store strutting his stuff!
The Seam Ripper board got passed around the room from time to time!!! LOL!!!
I did complete a secret top … but I’ll show you that when the time is right. I also managed to finish a wallet that I had started before when I was helping to teach a class. It’s the Necessary Clutch from Emmaline Bags. The outside of the wallet is from an upholstery sample that I’ve had for YEARS and the inside is batik fabric.
And I did a few items for a craft sale: Some Kleenex holders and a jar opener. The fabrics are all Island Batik fabrics, along with the shelf liner.
Something NEW
I LOVE ♥️ Star ⭐️ quilts and I LOVE ♥️ Sandra’s Quilt A Longs! I’m going to join in with her Luminous Layers!
I know, I know, I have so many things on my plate, I don’t need to add another … but that’s besides the point! I’m going to do this anyways. It’s not a race and there are steps that will come out once a week until June 15. Nice and easy – right?
Click HERE to see the fabric requirements. AND she talks about the fabrics you need with suggestions. And … there are prizes … what’s not to like? Are you going to join me?
I chose to make Taylor the Tiger. It wasn’t until I was downloading the pattern that I read, “This is an advanced pattern.” Oops – what have I gotten myself into? I’ve made 4 previous Funky Friends patterns, but I’m not so sure that I’m ready for the “advanced” part of it. But, if it’s like any of the other patterns I’ve made, it’ll be well written and if I take it slow, I should be ok. Right?
I don’t have any striped Island Batik fabric, but as soon as I saw the Marble Aqua blender, I knew it would be perfect for Taylor the Tiger. I paired it with Dots-Blue Cornflower.
The pieces were all cut out. So far, this is fairly easy.
Included in the pattern is a link to a photo tutorial that comes with the pattern. I don’t think I could have figured it out without the tutorial. Thank YOU, Pauline for the photo tutorial!!!
I embroidered the nose with Aurifil floss and inserted the safety eyes.
One thing that Pauline HIGHLY suggests is that you transfer ALL of the letters and pattern markings onto pieces. I didn’t do this at the start and was always having to pull out the pattern pieces to check what letter was where. THEN I did it. It didn’t take long and ultimately it was a definite time saver!! I don’t like to use Friction Pencils on fabric, (they’re great on the pattern instructions), but I put the letters inside the seam allowance on the wrong side of the fabric! They will never be seen! Please, pay close attention to this!!! It’s a lot easier to mark your pieces prior to sewing … don’t ask me how I know this!!! LOL!!! Well, I guess I just told you!
A note about Frixion pencils: I know a LOT of quilters love these pencils. I am not a fan. Yes, I have 3: a green, purple and teal. That’s all I need. I sew with batik fabrics a LOT. Occasionally, the Frixion pen will leave a thin white line on the fabric. That makes me annoyed. When used on non-batik fabric, the marks are erased. But let the fabric get cold and it reappears. These pencils are fantastic for marking on paper. That’s what they were designed for! You can mark up your pattern, and when you’re finished, iron the paper and the marks disappear! Perfect.
Here is Taylor the Tiger, pre stuffing …
Once Taylor was stuffed, I attempted to give her a pedicure and do her front toes. She cooperated – to a point and then she refused to have her back paws done. This could be because I ran out of floss … she’ll have to wait to have her back paws done.
Now, Taylor is a bit mischievous! The first thing she did was climb up on the piano. She does NOT know how to play and it sounded terrible. Just like an unruly 2 year old smashing on the keys!
Then she ran outside! I caught her sniffing at the tulips in the front yard and jumping up onto the hose holder.
Then Taylor ran across the street to the neighbour’s rock garden! Thankfully there were no cars coming!
And she tried to hide!
I was able to catch her and put her inside. She thought she could hide by the bears or with our granddog, Daphne.
Then, Taylor made it into the sewing room and posed near her other Funky Friends.
All of the winners have been contacted and each accepted their prize!
And yes, we are planning another SAHRR in 2025! I hope you join us as you make a totally unique quilt following the weekly prompts.
This is my SAHRR for this year. You can see the parade of quilts on THIS POST. There are several right on the post, then visit the Link party and you will find the links to other participants.
Villa Rose Design Winners
I went through all the comments left on my blog during the Villa Rose Fast and More Fun blog hop. (See my post HERE). Winners were chosen randomly. I attempted to contact all of the winners. Most responded and their addresses were sent to Tricia. She will be contacting the ones I did not hear back from and distributing the prizes!
April’s colour is Blue. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for April. It’s free for the month, then there will be a small charge for it! Or you can purchase the whole set right away!
I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks.
This block was fun to make. It was fun because I was able to use my favourite colour! And it was fun because I LOVE 🩵 star blocks. And it was fun. because I don’t think I’ve ever made this star block before (but alas, I could be mistaken!)
Here’s the 4 blocks (January – April) on my design wall!
Quilting Gail 