Have you seen the awesome quilts that were posted this week???? Visit Island Batik’s blog to see a recap and take the opportunity to win some absolutely beautiful fabric!!
On Monday, I will be posting my Log Cabin quilt made with “Heavy Metal. “ The collection was designed by Kathy Engle for Swan Amity Studios. Look at those vibrant purples, blues and close-to neutrals!
Here’s a sneak preview …
And I will have a give-away as well, so come back on Monday! You’ll have to follow the directions on Monday for an opportunity to win! Here’s a picture of the fabric I’ll be giving away. Each one is at least 11″ x 22″ and I may tuck in some other fabric from the collection.
Island Batik’s give-away!
Island Batik is also giving away more fat quarter bundles … Follow the Rafflecopter below for YOUR opportunity to win a bundle of “Love and Peace” or “Monarch.”
Emily chose “Triangles.” It’s totally up to you how you make your triangles, what size they are and how you want to arrange them.
My triangles were cut with my Accuquilt 8″ Cube die. They were 2 1/2” and finish at 2″ in the quilt. The triangles fit perfectly across the top and bottom, but were a little shy on the sides. I didn’t want to fudge like I did with the piano keys because then I would loose my points. So, I just added a little sliver of background on each end of the triangle row … and now they sort-of fit.
Here is the 3rd Round.
January 15: I hosted the first linky party and you can see them all HERE.
March 18: Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
Other Participants
These are the SAHRR in progress by those who do not blog or have IG. The images must be sent to me by midnight on Saturday to make it into my blog post.
I’m loving the variety of each of these SAHRRs in progress. They are each so different! Awesome!
Judy B., Robin B., Stella, Kathy R., Donna R #2, Donna R #3, Heather F., Jacomina, Rosie, Donna R #1, Kathy P.
We have Sponsors!
We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2024!!! We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win!
January’s colour is Orange!!! Here is my February block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for February. It’s free for the mo
I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks. Here’s January’s
And the January & February blocks:
SAHRR Round #2 is almost done … ready for Round #3!
The hosts have shown their centre blocks and other’s have joined in on the fun. See This Post for all the details! Here’s my centre block with the first round! Visit Anja @ Anja Quilts to see lots of other Round #2. Return to Quilting Gail on Monday to see Round #3!
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!
Of course, with being away and not taking my sewing machine with me, my numbers decreased a LOT! That’s OK … the percentage is bound to increase – as long as I don’t go on holidays again! 😁
Jan 1-31: 23 / 31 days
Feb 1-3: 3 /3 days
Year total: 26 / 34 days
76%
Design Wall Mondays
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:
SAHRR ’24 (Round 4 & 5 … trying to work ahead!)
It Moose be Love: blog hop project
Quilting:
Island Batik February Log Cabin Quilt
2023Fall Mystery Quilt
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
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 bought backing for my 2023 Fall Mystery Quilt. At least this didn’t put me in the red!!! I shouldn’t have to by backing for quite a while now!
Fabric Used in 2023: 8 1/2 yards from non-IB: 5
Fabric Used this week: 4yards
Fabric Added this year: 8 yards
Net Fabric used: 1/2 yard
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” not done
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 in progress
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Work on IB February project in progress
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:
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 (rounds 4 & 5)
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Finish IB February project
Work on “It Moose be Love” blog hop project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Island Batik’s first challenge of 2024 is to make a Log Cabin. I must admit, Log Cabins are one of my favourite quilts to make!!
Although the Island Batik Log Cabin starts next Tuesday, the first week’s giveaway is live now! Follow the simple Rafflecopter prompts on the Island Batik blog for a chance to win one of the two fabulous Fat Quarter bundles – Breezy by Kate Colleran Designs or Fairy Floss by Tamarinis!
The Log Cabin Blog Hop starts on Monday.
Here’s what Island Batik has to say about the Log Cabin Blog Hop: We are thrilled to kick off the eleventh season of the Island Batik Ambassador Program with the Log Cabin Blog Hop! It’s a delightful challenge inspired by an enduring favorite in the quilting world. The versatility of the Log Cabin block offers endless creative possibilities. Will our Ambassadors opt for the graceful curves, geometric precision of triangles, whimsical wonky designs, celestial star motifs, innovative twists, or stick with the timeless classic? With boundless imagination and skill, our Ambassadors are poised to showcase a diverse array of interpretations. The sky truly is the limit as we start on this captivating adventure!
I’m excited to be chosen as an Island Batik ambassador for the 6th year! As an Island Batik Ambassador, I receive 2 shipments from Island Batik; one in January and the other in June/July. This is my unboxing video for the first box. I had to open the box prior to bringing it across the border, but I didn’t see all the contents until I did the video. Enjoy!
Here are individual pictures of everything!
This 2 1/2” strip set of Lavandin came paired with a 2 yard cut of Milk Shake (the off white from the Neutrals collection) and Turtle (the dark green, from the Glorious Greens gradation collection).
These 1/2 yard cuts are from the basics which are available at all times.
Thistle (Playful Purples)
Red Solid (Solids)
Marble-Aqua (Blenders)
Dark Grey (Solids)
Cobalt (Solids)
Bubbles-Cherry (Blenders)
Fuchsia (Solids)
Marble-Purple (Blenders)
Buff (Ravishing Reds)
Marble-Storm (Blenders)
Wave (Brilliant Blues)
Blueberry (Brilliant Blues)
This is an awesome neutral fabric! It is called “Almond” and the tiny bluish and purple dots will blend in with everything I received! I’m positive that this 6 yard piece will be used in the near future!
A Strip pack of Playful Purples … (2 1/2” strips, width of fabric, 2 of each of the 20 different fabrics)
This 10″ stack of “Naturally Neutrals” will come in handy!! It’s fun to have a little of each of the neutrals!
This bundle of solid Black, White and Grey will be used in many different projects!
Stash builder rolls are so much fun. There are 5 rolls in each package. Each roll consists of 4 width of fabric 5″ strips. They are so versatile and are fun to give as gifts! And, I use them too!
This is a group of 1/2 yard cuts from the “Heavy Metal” collection. It was Designed by Kathy Engle for Swan Amity Studios (Swan Sheridan). There are also a 2 yard cut of Gears-Purple Hyacinth and 2 yards of Circle Gears-White (both from the collection). I will be using this in my February Blog Hop.
This surprise package will be used in the May Blog Hop. You’ll have to wait to see what it contains.
One of Island Batik’s Industry partners is Deb Tucker from Studio 180 Designs. She provided each of us with a special tool. I received the “Tucker Trimmer I” and a “Magic Wand.” I will be using these tools, along with the 10” stack of Squiggles, Dots and Lines. This stack came paired with a 2 yard cut of Midnight Blue (the dark blue on the left) and Bluebelle (the light blue). Both of these are basics from the Brilliant Blues collection (always available).
Hobbs Batting. A Queen size batt of 80/20!! A perfect batting for almost every project!
Schmetz Needles – lots of quality needles with charts and a booklet to assist in knowing which needle to use!
Here’s a picture of everything together!
One thing that I didn’t mention in my video was that Funky Friends will be an industry partner this year as well. I will be making Taylor the Tiger!
Thank you!
I would like to thank Island Batik and the industry partners who supplied all of the products in this post free of charge! I feel extremely blessed to be an Island Batik Ambassador for 2024!
For the SAHRR ’24, I am using Island Batik fabrics: a 10″ stack of Limerick in addition to “Teal”, “Egg Shell” and “Cherio-Iris.”
Round #2 is hosted by Anja @ Anja Quilts. Anja chose “2 colours.” That’s correct, 2 colours. You can choose any 2 colours you want, make whatever blocks you want. The choice is totally yours!
I chose to make piano keys using teal and purple. The teal and the white/teal are from Limerick, the purple is a blender called “Cherio-Iris.” (I don’t consider white a colour! LOL!!!)
The piano keys were cut 2″ x 5″ and finish at 1 1/2” x 4 1/2” in the quilt. The piano keys on the sides were about 1/2” too long, so I made 3 of the seams about 1/8” thicker and then it fit like a dream.
Here is the 2nd Round. It finishes at 36″ x 40″.
January 15: I hosted the first linky party and you can see them all HERE.
March 18: Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
Other Participants
These are the SAHRR in progress by those who do not blog or have IG. The images must be sent to me by midnight on Saturday to make it into my blog post.
Kathy P (first block), Heather F, Jacomina, Kathy R, Robin, Judy B., Regina #1 original, Regina #2 alternative, Rosie in Oregon, Donna R #1, Donna R #2, Donna R #3.
And Kathy P sent me her finished quilt from last year’s SAHRR.
We have Sponsors!
We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2024!!! We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win!
January’s colour is GREEN!!! Here is my January block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for January. Hurry, because you’ll have to pay for January’s block if you wait until the month is over!
I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks. Here’s January’s
SAHRR Round #1 is almost done … ready for Round #2!
The hosts have shown their centre blocks and other’s have joined in on the fun. See This Post for all the details! Here’s my centre block with the first round! Visit Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life to see lots of other Round #1.
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!
Of course, with being away and not taking my sewing machine with me, my numbers decreased a LOT! That’s OK … the percentage is bound to increase – as long as I don’t go on holidays again! 😁
IB February (a couple of pictures – works in progress!)
Quilting:
2023Fall Mystery Quilt” (waiting for the backing)
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
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!
No shopping, so nothing new bought!
I did finish my White Rabbit (bunny hugs) quilt. 6 1/2 yards
Fabric Used in 2023: 8 1/2 yards from non-IB: 5
Fabric Used this week: 6 1/2 yards
Fabric Added this year: 4 yards
Net Fabric used: 41/2 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” not done (still waiting on backing)
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 in progress
Finish White Rabbit project. √ DONE. and posted
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Work on IB February project in progress
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:
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24 (rounds 3 & 4)
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Work on IB February project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
This week, I managed to finish this quilt in time for the White Rabbit Blog Hop. The weather has been raining and pouring and raining, not to mention the snow that we had, so I have not been able to take a picture of it outdoors. A picture on my design wall will have to do.
I used Island Batik’s “Baby Bloomers” collection along with some Porcelain Fireside to add texture to the bunnies. Hobbs 80/20 is in the middle. The quilting was a simple walking foot straight line along with stippling in the dark purple areas. I must admit, I really enjoyed making this quilt! To find links to all of the White Rabbit bloggers, go to THIS POST.
I was featured
Wednesday Wait Loss
Jennifer from Wednesday Wait Loss @ Inquiring Quilter featured this little quilt:
Carol, from Just Let Me Quilt has organized this fun blog hop. Here’s what Carol had to say about the challenge:
Challenge: On the first day of each month, there is a tradition for people to say “white rabbit” first thing in the morning. The phrase is supposed to bring good luck for the rest of the month. Even President Roosevelt did this
Make something with white fabrics, rabbits, or white rabbits. What is a tradition you follow?
Well, I had never heard of this tradition before! And, we don’t have a tradition that we follow on the first of the month. Unless you include changing the monthly calendar! LOL!!! But I have seen white rabbits in the winter, on the snow! Does that count?
When I first saw the name of this blog hop, I immediately thought about the quilt pattern “Bunny Hugs” by The Sugar Pine Company. (If you want the pattern, you can get it HERE.)
I decided to use Island Batik fabric from the “Baby Bloomers” collection along with some Porcelain Fireside to add texture to the bunnies. Hobbs 80/20 is in the middle. The quilting was a simple walking foot straight line along with stippling in the dark purple areas.
Blog Hop Participants
For lots of White Rabbit eye candy, be sure to click on the following links:
For the SAHRR ’24, I am using Island Batik fabrics: a 10″ stack of Limerick in addition to “Teal” and “Egg Shell.”
Round #1 is hosted by Wendy at @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life. She chose the signature block. Typically, the signature block has a white centre, but because we can do what we want, I chose to have the colour in the centre and the neutral where the colour typically goes. I cut the blocks with Accuquilt dies. They will finish at 4″.
If you don’t have an Accuquilt die to make this block, you can cut a 4.5″ square and add 2.5″ squares to 2 of the corners, with the sew and flip method. HERE is a tutorial with a different sized block than mine. It’s totally up to you which size of block you make, where you put the colours etc.
I debated as to whether I should have them going in different directions, or all in one direction. I ultimately decided to have them all go in the same direction. Once I had it pieced together, I made another decision … and out came my seam ripper!
Since I want this to be a decent sized lap quilt, I decided that I needed to add a neutral border around each block / round. I cut my borders at 2 1/2” and added them on. This meant that I also needed to make a few more signature blocks. I hadn’t tidied up after making the first signature blocks, so the dies were right there, ready to make more blocks! 😁
Here is the 1st Round. It finishes at 24″x 28″.
January 15: I hosted the first linky party and you can see them all HERE.
This 1st Round is being hosted by Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life. Visit her blog to link up for your chance to win one of our sponsor’s prizes! Visit the other co-hosts to see their 1st Rounds!
March 18: Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
Other Participants
Several people do not have a blog or Instagram, so they are sending me pictures or their centre blocks. They are all so different – it’ll be fun to watch them become quilts!
Kathy R, Jacomina d, Charlene B, Heather F, Judy B, Robin B, Rosie in Oregon, Regina S, Stella M
We have Sponsors!
We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2024!!! We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win!
A very Sweet sister-in-law sent me this picture: I think she knows me well!!!
SAHRR has started!
The hosts have shown their centre blocks and other’s have joined in on the fun. See This Post for all the details! Here’s my centre block!
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!
Of course, with being away and not taking my sewing machine with me, my numbers decreased a LOT! That’s OK … the percentage is bound to increase – as long as I don’t go on holidays again! 😁
Jan 1-21: 12 / 21 days
57%
Design Wall Mondays
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:
SAHRR ’24 (Round 2 & 3 … trying to work ahead!)
IB February Project
Quilting:
White Rabbit – due on Tuesday!!!
2023Fall Mystery Quilt” (waiting for the backing)
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
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 did finish my Helen Godden Christmas Countdown.
But my trip to Hawaii, visiting quilt stores that sold Island Batik fabric, well, that was my downfall! 4 yards of fabric!! But, isn’t it beautiful???
Fabric Used in 2023: 2 yards from non-IB: 1
Fabric Added this week: 4 yards
Fabric Added this year: 4 yards
Net Fabric used: – 2 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” not done … still waiting on backing
Bind “SS 24 Catalogue Quilt” √ DONE. and ready to be mailed!
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24√ a little progress
Work on White Rabbit project almost done – needs binding
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
Finish Helen Godden’s ’23 Christmas Countdown√ 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:
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”
Continue to work on SAHRR ’24
Finish White Rabbit project
Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
Work on IB February project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Upcoming Blog Hop
Just let Me Quilt: White Rabbit: My day: January 23 – see it on Tuesday!!! 😊
That’s right, my husband and I ran away. It was a spur of the moment trip. It started with an idea, it fell into place and away we went.
We went to Hawaii’s Big Island. Compared to all of the other Hawaiian islands – it got it’s name for a reason!
The weather was OK … not good for snorkeling, but a lot warmer than here at home! We explored a lot of places, walked a lot of beaches, saw some sun, some rain and some wind. And, I visited 2 quilt stores. I’d say that was a fun thing to do when it’s raining out!
The first store we visited was Quilt Passions in Kona. It was FULL of fabulous eye candy and lots of Island Batik fabrics!
While in the the store, I met Steve. He showed me a few nifty notions. See the blue scissor holder on the end of his featherweight? That is “Annie’s Tool.” She’s 11 years old and makes them, using a 3D printer.
Then we went to Kilauea Kreations in Hilo. A smaller store, but friendly and bursting at the seams will all sorts of goodness.
While in these 2 stores, I bought a few yards of fabric and some patterns. So much for my “I’m NOT buying any fabric” mantra!
Sea Cookies – Teal Cool
Floral – Multi Green
Blender: Lg Wheat Leaves (and the rest of the tag was cut off)
A Finish
Just before we left, I did manage to add the binding and finish this Christmas Countdown! It is a free pattern from Helen Godden Quilts and there are Youtube videos to help you do the quilting. My sister and I Zoom quilted and did this together, after the holidays. I used Island Batik solid white for the base, outlined the bobbles and ribbon with Sharpie Stained markers. Hobbs 80/20 batting is in the middle. It’s quilted with Aurifil Black (Bobbles), Red (Ribbon), White (stippling), and a Green (binding). The bobbles and ribbon were coloured with Inktense pencils and I used Aloe Vera gel to set the colours. This is now destined to one of the Christmas boxes and will appear next December.
In my attempt at being diligent at keeping my sewing room tidy – I was vacuuming and was STABBED by a wire sticking out of the hose.
My husband is always great at solving problems and I told him that there was a wire sticking out of the vacuum hose. He’s an electrician and I was positive that he could fix the problem! He took the hose to the garage.
When he returned, I got a lecture (sort of) that went like this:
Hubby: So you think it was a wire?
Me: Definitely
Hubby: Hold out your hand. (I did so. He put a short ‘wire’ into my hand. ) This isn’t a wire, it’s a pin!!! Can you see the head? (I put on my glasses and then I nodded yes). You’re lucky … if that pin had hit the wire in the hose, you could get a huge shock. I keep telling you to make sure you pick up your pins ….
And I won’t bore you with the rest of the conversation … I’m sure a lot of you can relate! 😌
The moral of the story … I guess I either have to be less diligent at cleaning or make sure that I pick up all my pins … but honestly, I know I already pick up the ones that I’m aware of falling to the floor. 😇 And, the pins I use have either a glass head or a button like thing on the end. They are easy to see!!! Someone else dropped the vacuum pin in my room, not me!
Brenda, of Songbird Designs designed this BEAUTIFUL quilt!!! I tested the pattern for her, but I made it a bit longer by adding extra rows of flying geese. Isn’t it a stunning pattern? Visit Brenda HERE to order your own copy!!!
I used fabrics from my stash, but Brenda used Island Batik “Snowed In” fabric collection.
Five blogging friends and I will take you on the adventure of creating your own SAHRR (Stay At Home Round Robin. ). This will be starting on January 15. You can read more 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!
Usually I start the year off with a bang, but this year, I’ve only managed to sew 6 out of 7 days.
Helen Godden’s ’23 Christmas Countdown. My sister and I zoomed together as we quilted our Countdowns. I used Aurifil thread, black, red & white for the outlining and quilting. Inktense pencils were used for the colouring. Aloe vera gel made the colours stand out more. Now, I need to add binding.
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 zipper bags I made used 1 yard of fabric. You can read about them HERE.
Fabric Used in 2023: 1 yards from non-IB: 1
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used: 1 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from last week:
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt” not done … still waiting on backing
Here is a list of all the things I hope to do in 2024. I don’t make resolutions … they are just promises that I’m unable to keep. So the list works best for me.
SAHRR
Five blogging friends and I will take you on the adventure of creating your own SAHRR (Stay At Home Round Robin. ). This will be starting on January 15. You can read more about it HERE.
Island Batik
This will be my 6th year as an Island Batik Ambassador. I am so looking forward to all the challenges and working with the most wonderful fabric in the world! You can see all my 2023 Island Batik creations HERE.
2024 Colour Challenge
I’m doing this challenge again in ’24. It’s fun to make all the blocks that Jen has designed. They are always a little different than the usual blocks, but she makes them easy and fun. The block is free for each month, then there is a small charge for it. Here is a link to January’s block. It’s green. I will be using scraps of Island Batik fabrics. You can see my 2023 Colour Challenge quilt HERE.
No PHD in 2024
I will not be doing the PHD in 2024, because I do not have enough UFOs! I’m very happy about that. However, Sharon from MS P Designs is hosting it! Visit her blog if you wish to take part.
Commitment!
This is going to be my word for 2024. The one main thing that helped me reduce my UFOs was to finish what I started. So, I’m committing to finishing what I start. Now, this doesn’t happen on it’s own, I need to be accountable for it. So, I’ve developed a tracker to assist me and I will give monthly updates.
And, since I can’t start the New Year without new projects, I’ve started 3! Here is my commitment:
I have a Finish Already!
Yes! My daughter asked me to make some zipper pouches with Shweshwe fabric. She picked out the fabric and chose the zippers.
Link Parties
I will continue to join in many Linky parties. They are a fun way to share what I’m working on and to see what others are doing! These include, but are not limited to:
Upcoming Blog Hops
Carol (from Just let Me Quilt) and Joan (from Moose Stash Quilting) have a fantastic line of fun blog hops planned for 2024. I hope to participate in each one.
A Fun Listen!
This song is fun!!! The intro is a bit long, but it tells a bit of the story … if you just want to listen to the song, start at 2:10. And yes, my husband loved it!
Please be careful when you’re sewing. I inadvertently sewed through my finger. I’ve never understood how that can happen … now I know. The needle went right through through the nail and out the other side. I refuse to show you the actual injury … there was blood involved, but none got on the fabric!
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!
2023 Result:
Total: 343 / 365
Percentage: 93%
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!
2023 Result:
Fabric Used in 2023: 254 yards from non-IB: 105
Fabric Added this year: 37 yards
Net Fabric used: 218 yards
I am pleased with all the fabric I’ve used this year. I had been secretly hoping that I’d use at least 100 yards from my stash – and I did!
To Do Tuesday
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do List from last Week
Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023Fall Mystery Quilt”. not done … still waiting on backing
Yes, I almost have all my UFOs finished … however, my sewing area is NOT perfectly tidy! 🤣
And the following meme is so very true!
Yup, if you don’t work on a quilt, it just won’t get done!!!
Announcing, Ms P Designs …
Last month, I told you that I would no longer be hosting the PHD in 2024. I’m handing over the torch to Sharon, from MS P Designs. Sharon and her sister, Susan, are fantastic designers and wonderful quilters! I’m sure you’ll have fun getting to know them!! Their blog post will be open in early January … make sure that you follow them to keep updated on the PHD in 2024.
Thank you!
I want to thank each and every one of you that has joining me over the years, working on your PHD. You have inspired me to keep working on my UFOs … and for me, until this year, I’ve been very successful at completing my PHD. But, without YOU, I wouldn’t have been so motivated to keep going!
My Tally Sheets
This month, I finished
December’s Island Batik challenge
My Christmas Placemats
The Classic Car Colour BOM (a UFO)
Vanishing Hunter’s Star
Here’s my tally sheet:
If you want to keep track of your own progress, please feel free to download the 2023 Template.
Here’s my Task Sheetof my UFOs. This helps me keep track of what I’ve accomplished with my UFOs and what I need to do.
You can download your own Task list from Ms P Designs HERE.
After all these years, this is the first year that I did not achieve my PHD in 2023! I still have 1 more UFO to complete and 2 New Starts. The Gardenia quilt is half quilted and the Fall Mystery quilt using Island Batik fabrics needs to find a backing.
However, I must admit that working on my PHD and finishing all new starts has definitely reduced my UFOs over the years!!!
If you find that being accountable and working on your PHD helps, be sure to follow Ms. P Designs!
Cheryl, from Meadow Mist Designs hosts a yearly linky party where you post your best quilt of the year. Unfortunately, often my best or favourite is the latest one I’ve worked on. And, true to my nature, I have more than one … I have 2 !!!
I’m loving both the Christmas Tree Skirt and my Vanishing Star, using Island Batik’s Celtic Fields.
This has been my 5th year as an Island Batik Ambassador and I absolutely LOVE it! At the end of each year, I have had a post with all of my Island Batik projects: both the challenges and others that I have also done. You can see each year below.
3 Table Toppers were completed for the Sew It Show it Challenge: Shades of Blue. See HERE.
February
This was little basket was made for the “One gift a month” challenge. You can read about it HERE.
This Lone Star quilt was made with “Naturescape” and given as a wedding gift. You can read about it HERE.
This puff quilt was February’s Island Batik challenge! I used “Fruit and Veggies” collection by Kathy Engle. My brother-in-law claimed it for himself! You can read about the puff quilt HERE.
This quilt was made for the Sweet on You … Sew it – Show it challenge and you can read about it HERE
March
A “Dust Off a Quilt Book” had me searching through some old books and magazines. One of the first quilting books I ever bought was the inspiration for this quilt. You can read about it at This Post.
This quilt used the “Bamboo Blooms” collection by Kathy Engle and is in the Spring/Summer ’22 Island Batik catalogue. You can see the catalogue HERE.
This was my SAHRR (Stay at Home Round Robin). You can read more about it HERE.
The March Sew It – Show It Blog Hop was “Little Green Apples.” I couldn’t resist using fabric with apples on it from “Fruit and Veggies” collection by Kathy Engle. Of course, the By Annie Clam Up Bags are awesome bags!
In March, the Island Batik challenge was “It’s All Up to You.” You can read about them HERE. I made a couple of quilts for this challenge. The first was this Bargello:
And the 2nd was the Ruler Quilting quilt. This is the same quilt, it’s reversible.
This quilt was in the May / June edition of McCalls Quilting, but I couldn’t tell you about it until the magazine came out. See THIS POST for more information.
April
We were challenged to make a Crazy Quilt, showcasing Aurifil thread. I got an awesome collection of thread called, “Golden Shrimp Plant.” You can read more about this quilt at THIS POST.
This is my finished Bonnie Hunter Mystery: Chilhowie. I used only scraps of Island Batik to make this. You can read more about it HERE.
May
I was doing the “One Gift a Month” challenge and made these little gift bags. You can read more about them on THIS POST.
May’s Island Batik challenge included using the Sandalwood fabric collection and the Wedge Star Studio 180 tool. You can read more about it HERE.
I made a 2nd Baby Stars Quilt using a variety of Island Batik scraps and stash. I quilted this one with Alpaca fleece from Prairie Spirit Alpacas. You can read more about it HERE.
It was fun to make this blue & green Hugs and Kisses quilt. You can read more about it HERE.
June
May’s “One Gift a Month” was to make bowl cozies. However, it was June before I made them. This POST has all the information.
June’s Island Batik challenge was “Fly Away.” We were to make a project with flying geese. I used a beautiful 10″ stack of fabric called “Maple Island.” You can read more about this table topper HERE.
I was asked by Kelly Young to make a pieced back, using her book “Perfectly Pieced Backs” that debuted in June. This was the back for the above table runner. This POST discusses the several backs that I made.
This quilt was made with left-overs from the Lone Star that I made earlier in the year. It used the fabric collection “Naturescape,” solid grey and a blender. I made a pieced back, using a few more of the left-overs and various Island Batik grey solids. You can read more about it HERE.
“Perfectly Pieced Backs” has links to several quilt tops that can coordinate with the pieced backs. This is one of Kelly’s designs, along with the back:
July
This was a quilt I donated to “Comfort Quilts” at the guild. It will go to the BC Cancer Agency at Surrey Memorial Hospital. You. can read about it HERE.
The following quilt was made in 2021, using Accuquilt dies. It was donated to Canadian Quilts of Valour. It was given to to the longest serving combat doctor in Canadian History in July. See this POST for more information.
I made a picnic tote for the Sew-It Show-It Picnic Party Blog Hop. I used scraps of the Wild Blooms collection. See This Post for more information.
I made this trivet for the “One Gift a Month” challenge using fabrics from the Winter Sky collection. See HERE for more details.
August
I made the Call Me bag byAnnie. It’s a free pattern and easy to make! It’s a fantastic little bag, perfect for my phone when going for a walk! You can read about it on THIS POST.
This month’s Island Batik challenge was “It’s All Up to You.” It’s always fun to do whatever we want … I made this cozy, cozy robe … The lining is Island Batik rayon and the outer is from my Island Batik stash of left-overs! Lots of Details HERE.
The Sew-It Show-It Call Me Crazy Blog hop had me making this cute and useful book cover. It was fun to make and the pattern was free. See this Blog Post for more details.
September
Pieced to Perfection was September’s Island Batik Blog Hop. I made 2 quilts using a Carol Doak pattern. They look quite different, but most of the blocks are the same, with different fabrics. I use the “Copper Patina” fabric collection. Read more about it HERE.
October
I LOVE using the Accuquilt to cut fabric for quilts. Island Batik’s October challenge was to use the North Carolina Star block, along with fall fabrics. It was a fun challenge and I loved the result! Read more about it on THIS POST.
I made this quilt as a pattern test for a fellow Island Batik Ambassador. You can read about it and find the link to the pattern HERE.
The Sew-It, Show-It Monster Mash Blog Hop had me making a pumpkin to hang on my front door. I’m starting to like a bit of improv and this was the result! You can read about it HERE.
I made a boxy zipper pouch for a retreat gift using Jelly Bean (See this POST)
November
“It’s in the Bag” was November’s challenge with making a byAnnie bag. I made both the large and small Take a Stand bags. You can read more about them HERE.
This quilt was made for Island Batik’s Fall/Winter catalogue. It used “Flutter Wings” by Kathy Engle and Almond. You can read more about it HERE.
I also showed a collection of projects made with “Wild Blooms.” HERE
December
I made this East Coast inspired tree skirt for a niece and her fiance in Newfoundland. You can read about it HERE.
This quilt was from the BOM “Classic Cars: Colour Challenge.” There are several posts throughout the year of the individual blocks, but you can read about the final quilt on THIS POST.
In my July Island Batik box, I received a 2 1/2” strip pack of Pin Dot Florals, with coordinating fabrics. More details can be found HERE.
This is my final Island Batik quilt for 2024. It was made with the Celtic Fields fabric collection. All of the pieces were cut with the Hunter’s Star die that the quilt guild owns. Obviously, I arranged the blocks in an alternate pattern and I call it “Vanishing Hunter’s Star!”. You. can read more about it HERE.
Of course, none of these projects would have been made without the generosity of Island Batik and their Industry Partners!
Quilting Gail 