Virtual Cookie Exchange and Blog Hop

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December brings us to Carol’s yearly “Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange” challenge. Carol, of Just Let Me Quilt, hosts many blog hops throughout the year. I do have some Christmas to show you, but Carol had said that cookies are optional, so since I haven’t done any baking, you don’t get any cookies! 🤣

The guild I belong to donates placemats to Meals on Wheels. They have requested that one side be Christmas and the other be something else.

Throughout this year, I have made 4 placemats, using left-overs from various quilts. They are around 12-13″ x 18-20.” I enjoy using up left-over blocks, squares and whatever to make them!

These 2 pictures show you the Christmas side and the “Left-over” side of the 4 placemats. Since they are going to a variety of different people, no two need to be alike!

When I was at a retreat in October, a couple of ladies were making self-binding napkins. I thought I’d make a set of placemats, but I couldn’t remember all the steps. Google to the rescue! I found a Youtube video by Shabby Fabrics (HERE). I went through my box of Christmas fabric and my box of green fabric and was happy to be using up my stash. No shopping needed!

The only thing about the placemats that I didn’t care for was the lack of batting or filler. I didn’t really want placemats that were just 2 pieces of fabric. Sew, I cut out batting the same size as the top fabric and treated the batting and fabric as one. To adjust for the extra width of the batting, I cut the backing/self-binding fabric 1/2” bigger than in the directions. It worked like a charm. Yes, there is no batting under the self-binding portion that frames the placemat, but I can live with that!

And, 6 reversible napkins to go with the placemats. I’ll be using this set on Christmas day!

Other Bloggers

Visit each of the following bloggers to see their Christmas projects and maybe even a cookie or two!

DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER 7

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Classic Cars: Monthly Colour Challenge: The Last Block!

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Classic Cars: Monthly Colour Challenge

December’s Classic Car colour is Orange. Visit Patterns by Jen HERE for your free download of this month’s block …

Again, I used Island Batik scraps …

As you look at the above pictures, you’ll see SNOW on the last 2. I did these blocks last winter as I knew that I was assigned December! We, thankfully, do not have any snow yet!

Come back on Dec. 7 to see the finished quilt and the awesome borders Jen designed!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

PHD in 2023: November Report

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Creativity

The Cambridge Dictionary defines Creativity as :

the ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas

This certainly applies to quilting. I see this a lot with some of my classes or original patterns. Different people will choose different fabrics or place them in alternative ways. It always fascinates me and I am in awe of what people do!

I remember years ago, I was teaching a class at the guild and one participant approached me and asked, “Is it OK if I make the quilt bigger?” of course, YES! Then, “Is it OK if I have it off centre?” of course, YES! I love that people can view my classes as a starting point for creating something new!

As I was looking up the official definition of creativity, this statement caught my eye, “Too many rules might deaden creativity.“ Well, “duh” I thought:” “That’s why the quilt police have no business being anywhere around anyone who is quilting!”

OK … so what does this have to do with working on my PHD or getting those UFOs done and gone … or simply gone?

I want you to think 2 things about your UFOs … are they UFO’s because you don’t think they measure up to the ‘rules?’ Are they UFOs because they lack the creativity they once sparked?

Quilting is a journey. One where you are always learning. ALWAYS. So, if there is a ‘rule’ that is impossible to conquer … ignore it, and carry on, doing your best. Just to be honest here, I’ve been quilting for YEARS … and I’m still working on getting my points to match, getting those seams to nest nicely … I’m a work in progress. Those who have taken classes from me will be laughing … I’m sure they can hear me saying similar things!

Now, about that UFO that lacks creativity that it once sparked … Why? what’s gone wrong? Is it really that bad? If it is – give it away. OR … are you just bored with it? Will a few hours of work on it help get it done? If so … do that!

We have ONE month left to complete our PHD in 2023!

BIG Announcement

When I started the PHD in 2018, I had more than 56 UFOs. I know there was many more, because my original post (HERE) about this mentioned 29 more: which means there was at least 85. And I know I found even more as I moved into my sewing studio and open every single box, carton and container!

When I first started, the idea was to finish HALF of your UFOs in the year. I must have been crazy!!! The only way to do that is to not start a single new project and to work 24 hours a day. Impossible!

Later, I decided that 1 UFO a month was reasonable, along with finishing EVERY. SINGLE. START. I know that stopped me (sometimes) from starting every new project that caught my eye!

And this brings me to the current state of my UFOs … after this month, I will have 3 UFOs to complete. That’s not enough to carry on with the PHD in 2024.

PHD in 6 years has worked for me to get my projects under control! I know that I finished most of them, but I also put a few on the ‘free’ table at the guild.

So … is there someone in blog land that would like to do the PHD in 2024? Let me know!!! (quiltinggail@yahoo.ca)

Did you try this?

This is what I wrote before: Leanne, of Devoted Quilter is hosting a WIPS-B-Gone ’23 challenge. This runs from October 1 to November 30th. WIPS is Works in Progress. And, for my PHD in 2023, I want them Gone.

This has worked well for me as far as tidying/cleaning my sewing space! The only days I didn’t do the cleaning was when I was away at a retreat. Sewing each day was easy. And several WIPS were completed!

Now, if I can only keep tidying/cleaning every day, my room should remain half decent! Thanks Leanne for the motivation!

My Tally Sheets

This month, I finished the “It’s in the Bag” challenge with byAnnie (Take a Stand) (HERE). A retreat gift (see this POST). The Layer Cake mystery quilt first used a Kansas Troubles Layer Cake which was a UFO You can read about it HERE. And the Necessary Clutch wallets were a UFO finish! (see This Post)

I have finished 2 UFOs this month … the wallets and the Colour Challenge ’23 … However, I won’t be showing you the Colour Challenge until December. So, this leaves me with 1 UFO to finish before Dec. 31. And the “Panel Birds” is ready to quilt.

As for the Starts in 2023 … well, that is another story … I have 3 that need quilting and binding: Gardenia, Fall Mystery with IB fabric and the Not Hunter’s Star. It’s touch and go as to whether I will finish all 3 or not!

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 with my UFOs and what I need to do. I made a little progress on the wallet this month.

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!

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 the byAnnie “Take a Stand” bags!!! They are so pretty and so useful!!

I was Featured

Free Motion Mavericks featured many of my “Wild Blooms” quilts. (HERE)

For the Love of Geese featured my tree skirt (HERE)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Sunday Synopsis: November

/ quiltinggail / 14 Comments

How do you feel about free motion quilting? Most of you know that I really enjoy free motion quilting on my domestic sewing machine. It’s taken a LOT of practice and I’m still learning. Helen Godden is an excellent teacher and her youtube tutorials are great!

I have completed 3 of her tutorials: 2 Christmas ones and the Flower Power sampler. I used Inktense pencils on each of them. They were fun to make!

Helen is having another Christmas Countdown. You can access the free pattern HERE. EDIT: Apparently the link isn’t working … Helen posted on her FB page that the site was “melting.” and to try again later. In the meantime, you can go to her FB page and see her video. HERE.

How it works: each day from Dec. 1 – 24, Helen has a youtube video showing you what to quilt. It doesn’t take long. She offers hints along the way. It’s easy! And it is a fantastic way for you to practice free motion quilting!

It was from following along in the you tube videos that helped me do the FMQ on the Pangolin and the Elephant quilts. These were done for an Island Batik challenge using Aurifil Thread. You can read more about the Pangolin HERE and the Elephant HERE.

SEW … are you going to join me in doing the Christmas Countdown?

Mystery Quilt is Done!

Links to all the clues can be found at the top of my blog HERE.

WIP-B-Gone

Leanne, of Devoted Quilter is hosting a WIPS-B-Gone ’23 challenge. I decided to not only sew every day, but to also clean/tidy each day!!! I’m managing to find things to tidy or clean each and every day!!! It’s never ending! But, what do I expect when I’m tearing my room apart to find specific fabric for another project? Or, when a project is finished, I need to put the excess fabric away …

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:  26 / 26
  • Total:  313 / 330
  • 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!

I didn’t have the right colour for backing, so I ran over to Essem Textiles and bought 2 yards of flannel to back this quilt.

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used since the last report: 0 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    207 yards  from non-IB: 94
  • Fabric Bought this week:  2 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    21.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             185.5 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.

After looking at my list, I realized that I STILL had NOT cut out my Malted Mystery fabrics … and the cutting directions came out in July, I decided to put the fabrics back in my stash. It obviously is not a priority for me at the moment and hasn’t been for several months. I had good intentions, but I have enough on my plate for the time being. Thus Malted Mystery is now striked off my list.

The To Do list from last week: 

  1. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “Turkey Trot” project … now renamed “Not a Hunter’s Star“. Partially done! It’s sandwiched
  2. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics Not done
  3. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” Not done
  4. Work on IB December Challenge. It was worked on, but I still need to quilt it! It’s a fun project and I can’t wait to show you! partially   DONE
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. With the WIP-B-Gone … I’m actually doing this for 15 minutes DAILY!!!!

This week’s list:

  1. Quilt and Bind “Turkey Trot” project … now renamed “Not a Hunter’s Star“
  2. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”
  3. Finish IB December Challenge
  4. Start Christmas blog hop challenge.
  5. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Classic Car Monthly Colour Challenge.”
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. 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 December Blog Hop Challenge / Cookie Exchange
  2. Start Island Batik “SS 24 Catalogue Quilt”

Quilting: 2 of these need sandwiching, all need quilting and binding!

  • “Not a Hunter’s Star”
  • “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”
  • “2023 Classic Car Monthly Colour Challenge.”

Upcoming Blog Hops

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

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

Linking to:

Island Batik’s “Wild Blooms”

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Wild Blooms is an awesome fabric collection!

I made 2 quilts for the Island Batik ’22 Fall / Winter Catalog: “Stepping Out” with a black background and an light background (Sprinkles). I LOVE how the different backgrounds give the quilts a totally different look!

McCall’s Quilting: May / June issue

I was very excited to have another quilt in a magazine!!! The magazine put out a call for quilts that are “out of this world.” I immediately thought of this star quilt that’s been in the back of my mind! I submitted the draft (from EQ8) and it was accepted.

After, “talking” with Island Batik, the fabric collection, Wild Blooms, along with Ravine (a basic) was selected and they sent it on it’s way very quickly! It arrived and the top was completed before I went on holidays last year. I LOVE quarter square triangles and it was a fun quilt to put together!

After my holidays, there were a few very intense days of quilting (and shoulders complaining!) then Nova was on it’s way to the publisher!

The directions for making this quilt are in the magazine and digital copies are still available.

I also used Wild Blooms to make this crazy quilted composition book cover. You can read more about it HERE. (and find the links to the pattern).

And, I made this cute tote bag, using Wild Blooms …. using left-overs from the Nova (the star quilt above).

I made the following quilt as a Pattern Tester for Brenda at Songbird Designs. You can order the pattern from her HERE.

This Picnic Tote was made for a Sew It-Show It Blog Hop. See HERE.

And now, all I have left is a few scraps … but the joy I had in making all these projects is huge!

Can you tell I LOVE this fabric collection?

Where you can find Wild Blooms:

  • Hancocks of Paducah, KY
  • Threads That Bind, OR
  • Creekside Quilts, OR
  • Missouri Star, MO
  • plus many more … ask at your local quilt store.

I was Featured

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Fall ’23: Layer Cake Mystery: Clue #9

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Please note: Clues are removed. Please contact me if you wish to have a copy of this pattern.

A close up of the quilting:

Here’s the quilt my pattern tester made: She used the extra 4 patches for the back.

I’d LOVE to see your Mystery Quilt!!!

Please enter your quilt in the link party below. The link will stay open until Dec. 6. It doesn’t have to be finished, just show us the fabrics you’re using and your progress so far!

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 

Sunday Synopsis: November 19

/ quiltinggail / 10 Comments

Classic Cars: Monthly Colour Challenge

November’s Classic Car colour is Green. Visit Patterns by Jen HERE for your free download of this month’s block …

Here’s my November block, followed by the rest of the monthly blocks. I’ve used scraps of Island Batik for all of my blocks.

Upcoming Class

I will be teaching the “Retreat Bag” at Essem Textiles on December 4. It is a free pattern from Emmaline Bags, but in this class, you will get lots of help and hints to making the bag easily! There is still room available!

Mystery Quilt is almost done!

WIP-B-Gone

Leanne, of Devoted Quilter is hosting a WIPS-B-Gone ’23 challenge. I decided to not only sew every day, but to also clean/tidy each day!!! I’m managing to find things to tidy or clean each and every day!!! It’s never ending! But, what do I expect when I’m tearing my room apart to find specific fabric for another project? Or, when a project is finished, I need to put the excess fabric away … This morning, I vacuumed all the dust bunnies that reproduced in the past week … boy, they multiply quickly!

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:  19 / 19
  • Total: 306 / 323
  • 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!

Except this week, I did buy 1 yards of fabric for a backing.

I finished a testing a quilt pattern for a friend. The quilting is done and it’s already been given away. I can show you the quilt when my friend can release the pattern. However, I can tell you that I used 13 yards of blue fabric from my stash to make the quilt. In my opinion, it’s one beautiful quilt!!! I’m sure that you’ll all be racing to get the pattern when it’s available. The pattern is called “Dashing through the Snow.” It’s the fabric line that lead to the quilt name, but it will be lovely in any colour way! I’ll show you the quilt and give you the link to the pattern at a later date!

The “Take a Stand” totes used 5 yards for the 2 totes. You can read about these byAnnie bags HERE.

The “Modern Squares 2” quilt used 7 yards. You can read about it HERE.

  • Size: 52″ x 52″
  • Batting: Hobbs 80/20
  • Quilting: Free Motion ruler quilting on my domestic Janome M7, Silly Moon’s 4″ Beanie ruler was used for the flowers and Rocket was used for all of the straight seams.
  • Thread:
    • Quilted with: Aurifil #2835 (Mediium Mint)
    • Binding attached with: Aurifil #2265 (Lobster Red)

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used since the last report: 25 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    207 yards  from non-IB: 94
  • Fabric Bought this week:  2 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    19.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             187.5 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 a few weeks ago: 

  1. Work on “Turkey Trot” project. √   DONE
  2. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics Not done
  3. Finish quilting and bind “Dashing Through the Snow” √   DONE and mailed off!
  4. Complete next “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” clue √   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. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “Turkey Trot” project … now renamed “Not a Hunter’s Star“
  2. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics
  3. Sandwich, Quilt and Bind “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”
  4. Work on IB December Challenge
  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.

Piecing projects:

  1. Work on IB December Challenge
  2. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics

Quilting: Both of these need sandwiching, quilting and binding!

  • “Not a Hunter’s Star”
  • “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt”

Upcoming Blog Hops

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

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

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

IB Catalog Quilt: Flutter Wings

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Yes, I had another quilt published in Island Batik’s catalog. You can see the catalogue HERE. It’s in the Fall / Winter ’23 catalog on page 33.

My quilt uses the fabric collection “Flutter Wings” by Kathy Engle with Almond (an Island Batik neutral) for the background. I wasn’t suppose to post this quilt until February because that’s when the yardage will arrive at the stores! However, I happened to see a couple of FB posts from a local quilt store and they had received many pre-cuts of the new fabric collections.

I spied some Flutter Wings strip packs. I immediately wrote to Island Batik asking permission to post my quilt since my quilt uses a 2 1/2” strip pack. They said yes.

Phoning Cozy Cottons Quilting was next on my ‘to do’ list and I talked with Angela. She’s the wonderful owner of Cozy Cottons and is so excited to be receiving Island Batik fabrics again! And she ordered patterns for my quilt. They are on their way to Chilliwack now!

Without making you read more, here is a picture of the quilt I made using Flutter Wings. This photo was taken by Jerry Khiev of Island Batik. He always does a fantastic job!!!

Simple quilting … 1/4″ around the coloured squares and a flower in the larger centre squares.

The back is Chameleon

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 52″ x 52″
  • Batting: Hobbs 80/20
  • Quilting: Free Motion ruler quilting on my domestic Janome M7, Silly Moon’s 4″ Beanie ruler was used for the flowers and Rocket was used for all of the straight seams.
  • Thread:
    • Quilted with: Aurifil #2835 (Mediium Mint)
    • Binding attached with: Aurifil #2265 (Lobster Red)

So head over to Cozy Cottons Quilt shop in Chilliwack to get your strip pack of Flutter Wings and the pattern! Or, choose from one of the other wonderful strip packs!

Here are a few other places that you can buy Flutter Wings:

  • The Quilt Connection. Rapid City, SD. (They also have the pattern for this quilt. If they are sold out, you can contact me directly).
  • Cali Quilt Co – CA
  • Creekside Quilts – OR
  • Jambearies Quilt Co – FL

Here is a picture of the quilt, without the borders, that my pattern tester made. I forget which line of fabric she used, but I’m pretty sure it was an Island Batik 2 1/2” strip pack. (Thanks, Lynn!)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Turkey Trot

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Carol, from Moose Stash Quilting is our wonderful host for the Turkey Trot blog hop.

Here is the Challenge: Think turkeys, thankfulness or Thanksgiving fabric. November also means beautiful colors of fall, so sew something with oranges, golds, brown, greens or cranberry reds.

Well, I had the perfect fabric for this: Celtic Fields by Kathy Engle. It came with Doughnut (the neutral, on the left) and Celtic Mini Knot Red-B (from the Celtic Fields collection, on the right). It certainly looks like fall, doesn’t it?

When I was at a retreat a few weeks ago, I used the Accuquilt die “Hunter’s Star” to cut all my fabric. I knew I didn’t have enough of Doughnut for the quilt, so I went through my Island Batik stash and picked out all the neutrals I had. I had a scrappy Hunter’s Star cut out in a few hours.

Of course, I had plans to have the quilt totally finished by the blog hop. But alas, that didn’t happen! However, I did get the top (minus the borders) done … and I ended up with a variation, using the blocks, but not in the star pattern. I will show the finished top when it’s finished!

Where can I find Celtic Fields?

Here’s a list of a few of the stores, plus you can ask your Local Quilt Store:

  • Creekside Quilts – OR
  • Bird in Hand – PA
  • Laurals Fabrics and More – MN
  • Sew Ewe Quilt Shop – WY

Turkey Trot Blog Hops

I hope you enjoy visiting all of the Turkey Trot blog hoppers. I promise there will be lots of eye candy for you to see!

Monday November 13

Tuesday November 14

Wednesday November 15

Thursday November 16

It’s In the Bag Blog Hop

This is the start of Week 3 of Island Batik’s Blog Hop with by Annie bags. Also lots more eye candy and if you visit Island Batik’s blog, you have an opportunity to win some awesome fabric!

This week Island Batik is giving away a Fat Quarter bundle of Red, White and Blooms and a Fat Quarter bundle of Vintage Charm collection, both by Kathy Engle!

November 13:

November 14:

November 15:

November 16:

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Tree Skirt Class

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Yesterday, I taught a Tree Skirt class at Essem Textiles. There were only 2 students in the class, but I needed to put together a Tree Skirt, I decided to teach the class and work on my own at the same time.

They used a 9 degree ruler and found out how to make 9o or 18o wedges. One participant decided to mix them up, the other decided to go with just 18o wedges.

They both got the skirts assembled and sandwiched. They are both going to be beautiful when finished.

The one on the left will be bound with a solid green and the one on the right will be bound with a satin white bias tape.

I will show you my tree skirt in December!

Here are 2 tree skirts I have made using the wedge ruler. The one on the left is 36″ round, made with fabrics from Essem. The one on the right is about 50″ round made with Island Batik’s Winter Sky fabric collection.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:

Sunday Synopsis: Nov. 5

/ quiltinggail / 6 Comments

A UFO Finish … actually 2

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.

Mystery Quilt is happening!

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 Snow” started 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)

It’s in the Bag Blog Hop

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:

A Few Fun Things from the Retreat

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At the retreat that I was at last week, we had a ‘secret’ gift exchange. It’s a secret until the gift is open and then we found out who made it. Over the years, I have ALWAYS received awesome gifts … zipper bags, wall hangings … lots of different things. This year, I was pleasantly surprised to received a Sewing Gnome from Robin … Isn’t he cute? I love the details of the bobbins, thimbles and spools of thread. He has found his forever home on the ledge in my sewing studio.

For my gift, I made a boxy zipper pouch. It’s a pattern from Sew Can She. You can access the pattern HERE. The fabric was Island Batik’s “Jelly Bean” that I had left over from a backing. It wasn’t until I went to write this post that I realized that I hadn’t taken a picture of the front/back or inside.

It’s in the Bag Blog Hop

Are you following along with Island Batik’s November Blog Hop? This 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.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

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PHD in 2023: October Report

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Attitude

Attitude! Have you ever thought about what it means?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines Attitude as :

a feeling or opinion about something or someone, or a way of behaving … it’s often very difficult to change people’s attitudes.

But, if YOU recognize a negative attitude in yourself, YOU can change it!

Think about this for a moment. What do you think about your UFOs?

  • Do they drag you down?
  • Inspire you?
  • Do you love or hate the idea of finishing them?

All of these things influence how you approach them.

So … for me, I’m determined to tackle them and get them out of the way. There is one that I might just give away because I’m in a bit of a hate relationship with it … but that will get it out of MY way!!! LOL

At any rate … Since a positive Attitude will lead to positive Outcomes … I will complete my 12 UFOs this year!

Did you try this?

This is what I wrote before: Leanne, of Devoted Quilter is hosting a WIPS-B-Gone ’23 challenge. This runs from October 1 to November 30th. WIPS is Works in Progress. And, for my PHD in 2023, I want them Gone.

Well, as soon as I started, I decided that my disasterly mess of a sewing area / studio needed a LOT of attention. So, I was determined to use it as a motivation to clean/tidy for at least 15 minutes a day!! It’s working … things are getting put away … drawers of thread are being straightened away! I’m liking it! The teal porting is for daily cleaning, the orange is for sewing …

My Tally Sheets

This month, I finished the “Splendor” quilt (see HERE), Starry Path (see HERE), the Pumpkin door hanger (see HERE) and the October Island Batik Challenge (see HERE).

And again, no UFOs finished this month! But these 4 projects did take time!

I did take 2 UFOs to work on at the retreat. The Upolstery Wallets had a bit of progress, but I needed some more fabric, for both of them … so hopefully it will be done soon! And the “Panel Birds” is ready for quilting: it’s sandwiched and the bobbins are wound. Just a matter of time!

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 with my UFOs and what I need to do. I made a little progress on the wallet this month.

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!

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!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

By Annie: It’s in the Bag – Blog Hop

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I’m excited to be in this byAnnie Blog Hop!!! Annie Unrein and her amazing team has provided me with a pattern and all the necessary hardware I need to make my bag.

First, I needed to select fabrics from Island Batik‘s Celtic Fields collection, along with a pattern:

The pictures below show Celtic Fields with Doughnut (the neutral) and Celtic Mini Knot Red-B (from the Celtic Fields collection).

Here is a picture of everything that was supplied for the Take a Stand bag. Fabric is from Island Batik and ALL of the other products are from byAnnie‘s!

byAnnie bags have excellent instructions! So although I’m not a great bag maker, I already know that I can make any bag and it will look fantastic! However, there are a few things that I KNOW I need to do to have success. Besides knowing that I need to take my time and follow the instructions, I need to:

  • First: to copy the labels to ensure that I cut the proper sizes and use the proper pieces in the proper order. (1st picture) and to make it much, much easier when making the project!
  • Second: to read through the pattern (YES!! I do!) and since I’m making 2 sizes of “Take a Stand,” I highlighted the small one with yellow and underlined the large one with teal. (2nd picture)

The first thing I needed to do was quilt the main pieces … I did watch a Youtube video by Randi (of Randi’s Roost and a fellow Island Batik ambassador) with ideas for quilting. Randi used straight lines, and I used masking tape to give me a rough guide, but I used curvy lines and made ‘curvy’ diamonds.

For the quilting and the top stitching I used Aurifil Thread #3817 called Variegated Marrakesh and for the majority of the seams that would not show, I used Aurifil Thread #5012 (Dark Green).

Once all the pieces were cut and labelled, I put them on the design wall. Since I was going to do both sizes a step at a time, I just doubled them up (left picture). Then I went to work, preparing all of the components (right picture). I used a Microtex needle from Schmetz Needles.

Aurifil Thread #2220 (light salmon) was used on the fold over elastic on the mesh pockets. Then, I forgot to take pictures of the rest of the process.

The byAnnie videos are invaluable when constructing the bags! As a bonus, Randi (who was mentioned above) had 2 videos on the final construction of the bags! Visit her YouTube channel for extra videos.

The neighbour’s dog, Lexi, approves of the bags!

And here’s some pictures of the inside:

Are you Intimidated?

Are you intimidated with byAnnie bags? There’s a few things you can do to help you in your journey. First go to the byAnnie site, find the free patterns, watch the videos and make them. Another option is to join the byAnnie Facebook group (HERE). There’s lots of hints and tips. Randi does a group on Facebook where she walks you through the steps slowly. So you have lots of time to make each step and ask questions as you go along. Her future plans are to do Get Out of Town 2.1 (January) and Travel Essentials 2.0 (April). Sign up for her notifications HERE.

Thank You!

Disclosure: The fabrics, batting, thread and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: Thank you, Island Batik,  Aurifil Thread,  Schmetz Needles and byAnnie

Where can I find Celtic Fields?

Here’s a list of a few of the stores, plus you can ask your Local Quilt Store:

  • Creekside Quilts – OR
  • Bird in Hand – PA
  • Laurals Fabrics and More – MN
  • Sew Ewe Quilt Shop – WY

Blog Hopping Island Batik Ambassadors

Week 1:

November 1:

November 2:

November 3:

(Island Batik posts: Blog Hop Week 1 Round Up + giveaway)

Week 2:

November 6:

November 7:

November 8:

November 9:

November 10:

(Island Batik posts: Blog Hop Week 2 Round Up + giveaway)

Week 3:

November 13:

November 14:

November 15: White and Blooms

November 16: Vintage Charm

November 17: 

(Island Batik posts: Blog Hop Week 3 Round Up + giveaway)

Week 4:

November 20:

November 21:

(Island Batik: End of Blog Hop + Final Round Up)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Sunday Synopsis October 29th

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A Good News Story

Last week on my weekly Synopsis, I told you about driving to a local quilt store and was totally annoyed that it was closed when I arrived. I did email the store and complained. They said “sorry” and that they would correct their hours on Google. It took a few days before that happened. Then, while I was at the retreat, I got a lovely email with a $10 gift card from the store. Since the store was sort-of on my way home, I stopped in and spent the gift card on the thread I wanted! I was pleased that they appeared to value me as a customer!

Lots of Retreat Fun

This past week I was at a retreat with 20 other quilters. We tried out a new venue “Camp Luther” and it was great! There was lots of room, the food was too much, and having a bathroom in each bedroom is definitely a plus. Due to the potential of tripping a breaker, we had no ironing in the sewing room and we needed to walk down the hall to get our pressing done. Most people got their required steps in!

Here’s pictures from the retreat! Lots of creativity!

I always enjoying seeing my quilt designs completed! I LOVE the variations and how people do the pattern, change the pattern and use their own creativity. While at the retreat, I was delighted to see so many finishes!

Mystery Quilt is happening!

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! It’s totally up to YOU as to how you want to use the challenge.

Since my challenge is to tidy/clean AND sew every day, it’s obvious that I didn’t clean my sewing room while I was at the retreat! And my fellow retreaters would definitely say I was lying if I said I tidied my table each and every day!! Of course it got tidied on the day we packed up … but then my room at home was a mess until the next day when I got it all put away!

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 –September:  256 / 273
  • October:  29 / 29
  • Total: 285 / 302
  • 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!

This pumpkin Wall / Door hanging used 1 yard of fabric. And I didn’t buy any fabric when I was at the retreat.

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used since the last report: 1 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    181 yards  from non-IB: 79.5
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    17.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             170.5 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 UFO project: Upholstery Wallet progress, but not finished
  2. Start “Turkey Trot” project progress, but not finished
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics Not done
  4. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snow” progress, but not finished
  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 Upholstery Wallet
  2. Work on “Turkey Trot” project
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics
  4. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snow”
  5. Complete next “2023 Fall Mystery Quilt” clue.
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. 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. Upholstery Wallet
  2. Work on “Turkey Trot” project
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics

Quilting:

“Dashing Through the Snow”

Upcoming Blog Hops

Island Batik November Blog Hop: (November 1 is my day)

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)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Sew It – Show It: Monster Mash Blog Hop

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Joan of Moose Stash Quilting is the wonderful host of the Monster Mash Blog Hop.

The Challenge … Sew and share something scary, not scary, or something in between. If it’s Halloween related you know we will love it!

Well, I don’t like scary … so mine is not scary! Just a simple pumpkin to hang on my front door. It was fun to make the strips a little improv, and then I squared it up. Believe it or not, this took me about 5 days to make, doing a little here and a little there! Although, I’m positive I could have made it in a few hours! 😁

Stats:

  • Size: 12.5″ x 16″
  • Fabric: Strips from Island Batik’s “Opulent Orange” 10″ stack paired with “Mocha.”
  • Hobbs 80/20 Batting is inside
  • Quilted with Aurifil #3817 (Variegated Marrakesh) on my domestic Janome M7.

Monster Mash Bloggers

Be sure to visit each blogger, there will be lots of Monster eye candy!

Monday October 23

Tuesday October 24

Wednesday October 25

Thursday October 26

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

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