Sunday Synopsis: November 19

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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

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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 

Linking to:

PHD in 2023: October Report

/ quiltinggail / 2 Comments

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

/ quiltinggail / 19 Comments

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

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

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 

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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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Sunday Synopsis October 22

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Classic Cars: Monthly Colour Challenge

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

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

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.

As I said in an earlier post, my sewing room is was a total disaster. So, I decided that the challenge for me will include DAILY cleaning/tidying and Sewing. The blue portion of the sewing machine is Tidy/Clean and the Orange is Sewing. I’m amazed at how consistant I’m am with cleaning /tidying! If you know me, you know that’s normal for me! So, I’m thanking Leanne for the motivation!

Getting Ready for a Retreat

I’m going to a retreat this week … 5 fabulous days of sewing. I’m sew looking forward to it! I have a few things packed, but is it enough? Probably! But I need to take more … just in case! Here’s the list of what I have ready to take:

  • Classic Car Monthly Colour Challenge
  • UFO: Upholstery Wallet
  • Meadow Mist Mystery … to cut out and catch up
  • Fabric to cut with the guild’s Accuquilt

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:  22 / 22
  • Total: 278 / 295
  • 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 finished this “Splendor” and posted about it on Friday (HERE). It is a free pattern from Sew Can She. You can access the pattern HERE. Although, I admit that I made it a lot bigger and added several borders.

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used since the last report: 10.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    180 yards  from non-IB: 79.5
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    17.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             169.5 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 Quilting and binding “Splendor” √   DONE
  2. Finish “Monster Mash” project √   DONE and the post is written and scheduled
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics Not done
  4. Finish November IB challenge √   DONE just need to do a photo shoot and finish writing the blog post
  5. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snow” Not done
  6. Quilt and bind “Splendor” progress, but not finished
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE

This week’s list: (purple highlight is priority #1 & 2)

  1. Finish UFO project: Upholstery Wallet
  2. Start “Turkey Trot” project
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics
  4. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snow”
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

A Pet Peeve

This week, I checked to see if a certain local quilt store was open and what time they closed. Yup, Google and their website said they were open. SO 🚗 I drove 25 minutes to get to the store … their usual sandwich board was not outside … I thought that was strange. Went up to the door and the sign said “CLOSED,” will open the 3rd week of October. It was the 3rd week of October!!!! So I sent them an email to complain. They said, “Sorry” but said they had changed it on Google. I went to Google and it said “Open” and they would close at 4. I took a screenshot and sent it to them. Although now, 4 days later, it is finally updated on Google.

So basically an hour of MY time was wasted … If I knew of another store within driving distance that sold Glide thread, I’d go there. GRRRR …. I have an Aurifil thread that is close in colour to the Glide thread I wanted, so I’ll be using it to quilt “Dashing Through the Snow.”

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 “Upholstery Wallet”
  2. Work on “Turkey Trot” project

Quilting:

  • “Dashing Through the Snow”

Upcoming Blog Hops

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Monster Mash (My day is Oct 26)

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)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

A Beautiful Friday Finish!

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That’s right, I have another finish!!! And, in my humble, or not so humble, opinion, I think it’s beautfiul!

I finally finished “Splendor.” This is a free pattern from Sew Can She. You can access the pattern HERE. The original pattern uses 3 yards of fabric, but I made mine larger and used 10.5 yards, including the back and binding. The main blocks were cut with my Accuquilt 8″ Qube dies.

Although I LOVE the fabrics and colours in this quilt, it is not made with Island Batik fabric. Again, I was reminded about how much I LOVE Island Batik quilting cottons. They are easy to work with, they have little if any stretch and don’t fray. But, I also need to use up my stash!

And, here’s a few more pictures: A close up of the quilting using Silly Moon’s “Drop,” “Rocket,” and “Kite” rulers. Drop was used in the squares, Rocket for all the straight stitching and Kite in the borders. I pieced the back since I didn’t have quite enough to make it with the purple polka dots.

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 60″ x 73″
  • Fabric from Mr. Overseas in Abbotsford (bought when I was at a retreat in May)
  • Batting is Hobbs 80/20
  • Pieced with Aurifil thread
  • Quilted with Glide “Amethyst”

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

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Fall ’23: Layer Cake Mystery: Clue #4

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59” x 59”

Fabric Requirements and Clues can be found by clicking on the appropriate Clues below:

CLUE #4

Clue #4: Making Half-Square Triangles

Take the (36) 7.5” x 7.5” squares from Clue #2, put the pairs right sides together. Mark the diagonal line.  Sew a scant ¼” on each side of the diagonal line. Cut apart.  Each pair will yield 2 Half Square Triangles.  Press to the dark side.  DO NOT SQUARE THEM UP!!   I repeat DO NOT SQUARE THEM UP!!  

In order to save your printer ink, I did not include the above pictures in the pdf. The pdf will provide you with enough information to complete this clue without the actual pictures.

Here is a pdf of Clue #3 if you want to have a paper copy.

clue-4-fall-23-mystery-quilt-1022-squaresDownload

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Sunday Synopsis

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A Heavy Heart

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you about my friend, Carmen’s, devastating fire. This newslink has more details. Some of you may have Prairie Spririt Alpaca/wool pressing mats, bought the WARM socks or her yarn …

Carmen is OK. She’s mourning the loss of several alpacas, chickens and the alpaca guard dog, not to mention the barn and the winter’s supply of hay. There is a go-fund me page, if you’re inclined to donate.

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.

As I said in an earlier post, my sewing room is was a total disaster. So, I decided that the challenge for me will include DAILY cleaning/tidying and Sewing. The blue portion of the sewing machine is Tidy/Clean and the Orange is Sewing. The sewing room is looking better, my embroidery thread drawers are neat and tidy!

Cleaning???

Hmmm … the rest of my house is not being cleaned! Does that mean I’m sewing enough?

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:  15 / 15
  • Total: 271 / 288
  • 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 finished this Pattern Test quilt for Songbird Designs. It used 10.5 yards of Island Batik fabric. You can read about it HERE.

Yearly Tally:

  • Fabric Used since the last report: 10.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:    169.5 yards  from non-IB: 69
  • Fabric Bought this week:  0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:    17.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:             159 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. Quilt and bind “Splendor” progress, but not finished
  2. Make flange binding and Bind “Pin Dot Floral” Quilt #3 √   DONE
  3. MAKE on “Monster Mash” project progress, but not finished
  4. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics Not done
  5. Work on November IB challenge progress, but not finished
  6. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snow” Not done
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE

This week’s list: (purple highlight is priority #1 , 2 & 3)

  1. Finish Quilting and binding “Splendor”
  2. Finish “Monster Mash” project
  3. Cut out Malted Mystery Fabrics
  4. Finish November IB challenge
  5. Quilt and bind “Dashing Through the Snow”
  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.

Piecing projects:

  1. Work on “IB November” project
  2. Work on “Monster Mash” project

Quilting:

  • “Splendor”
  • “Dashing Through the Snow”

Upcoming Blog Hops

Moose Stash Quilting: Sew It – Show It: Monster Mash (My day is Oct 26)

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)

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Friday, Oct. 13th

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One of my sweet followers sent me this meme on Instagram. I obviously fell in love with it! Thanks ioleene!

Now unlimited sewing supplies! That’s up my alley. On Thanksgiving weekend, a local fabric store (if you can call 30 minutes away, local) had a 50% off notions sale. I went over and bought a few goodies. Nothing too exciting … pins to use on my design board, iron-on 1/4” tape for helping with zipper insertion, some magnets and a few zippers.

Pattern Testing

I tested the “Starry Path” pattern for my friend and fellow Island Batik Ambassador, Brenda. She has this and another pattern available on her blog, Songbird Designs (click HERE).

And yes, I did change the pattern a bit … but isn’t it gorgeous? I used the “Wild Blooms” fabric collection along with solid white. The Half Square Triangles were cut with an Accuquilt die. Brenda’s pattern provides instructions for using Accuquilt dies. Hobbs batting (80/20) is in the middle. “Ghost” is the fabric on the back. The The custom quilting used various rulers and quilted with my domestic Janome M7.

Here’s some more pictures of the quilt: It almost looks like stained glass from the back with the sun shining through. In June, I showed you the unquilted back when I posted about Kelly Young’s book, “Perfectly Pieced Quilt Backs.”

Island Batik Ambassador

Have you ever considered applying to become an Island Batik Ambassador? They are accepting applications NOW. Here is the LINK. The application explains what is expected from Ambassadors and the benefits being an Ambassador. It’s a challenging program, but I absolutely LOVE it!

If you apply, just make sure you take my email off and put your own in! In the past, I’ve had a few people ask me to ‘vote’ for them or ‘put in a good word’ for them. It doesn’t work that way … each Ambassador needs to apply each year – even we don’t know if we’ll be accepted or not. But fill in the application if you’re interested!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

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