Island Batik: Marvelous Mini Challenge

/ quiltinggail / 21 Comments

In the spring, we had company and they commented on my ‘heart’ quilt on the piano. It was April and well past Valentines … call me lazy, but I hadn’t changed it.

I mentioned that I needed to make a mini quilt for a future Island Batik project. Tessa, age 13, suggested that I make one for Thanksgiving. Jokingly, I asked if she wanted to design one for me. She eagerly said, “Yes!” I gave her some graft paper and she went to work drawing up this cute turkey!! Isn’t he sweet? And, although I didn’t time her, she had the drawing done in less than 30 minutes!! Talk about a talented young lady!

Then, we visited my boxes of Island Batik Stash and these are the fabrics she picked!

Here is a list of the fabrics that were labelled:

  • Spots – Green Hunter
  • Dot Orange Cheddar
  • Dots – Brown – from Harvest Night
  • Circle Orange from Celtic Fields
  • Celtic Fields Mini Knot Red
  • Acorn Wheat – from Napa Valley
  • Cheerios – Walnut from Harvest Night
  • Dijon
  • Dark Grey is the border
  • Hexagon – Orange is the binding

The next step was to enlarge the picture, so that I could accurately cut out the pieces. (Note: The enlarged picture has numbers to help me keep the fabrics in order!)

Once all the applique was done, as well as the quilting, I measured the outside to make sure I had enough fabric for the binding. OOPS!!! It measured 24″ x 26.” The maximum size for this mini quilt was to be 24″ x 24″. It was 2″ too long!! I immediately saw where I went wrong. See that strip of mottled orange under the turkey? I had forgotten that it was there. At this point, I had 3 choices:

  • The first was to take off the stitching at the top and shorten it. YUCK. I hated the idea of doing that!
  • The second was to make the whole border 1″ wide instead of 2.” No … I think that would unbalance it.
  • The third was to make another mini quilt and give one of them to Tessa. My sister had suggested that I do this – to thank Tessa for designing it and picking out the fabrics!! This felt like the right decision! However, I didn’t have any more of the background fabric she choose. But, I did have something similar. So, away I went!

And here it is on the piano!

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: Quilt #1: 24″ x 26″ Quilt #2: 24″ x 24″
  • Fabric: Island Batik: (as above)
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread:
    • Piecing: 2600: Dove Grey
    • Quilting: Zig Zag applique #4644 (Smoke Blue)
    • Quilting: Stipple #1: #2325. (Linen)
    • Quilting: Stipple #2: 2840 (Loden Green)

Thank you

The following, Island Batik and Industry partners, made this project possible. They supplied the products for free as my role as an Island Batik Ambassador! Island Batik, Aurifil Thread, Hobbs Batting, Schmetz Needles, Oliso Iron.

Island Batik Ambassadors

Visit the other Island Batik Ambassadors to see what their Mini Quilts are:

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary: August 4

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

Sew very TRUE!!!

Monthly Colour Challenge

August’s colour is Purple!!! Here is my August block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for this month. It’s free for the month and after that you’ll need to pay a small fee for it.

I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks. 

Here’s all my blocks to date:

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!

  • Jan – June:  172 / 188 days
  • July: 26 / 28 days
  • Total: 198/ 237 83 %

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Island Batik October project. This is a byAnnie bag called “Payday.”
  • Fall ’24 mystery quilt. Some progress made
  • 2025 SAHRR. I haven’t started, but we have a plan and I’m hoping to get it done early!
  • Monthly Colour Challenge: Layout (Jen has posted the sashing and border blocks for this challenge. You can access it HERE.). I’ll be doing this as a leader and ender.
  • Twilight Blog Hop – for Create with Claudia

Quilting:

  • “Stash Yardage” I took 2 pieces of stash and sandwiched them.

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 finishes, no shopping

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     136.5 yards  from non-IB: 56
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              92 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

I’m amazed!!! I guess by keeping my list short, I was able to get things done!

  1. Finish “It’s a Jungle” √   DONE
  2. Work on Island Batik October project in progress
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Work on Island Batik October project
  2. Work on Fall Mystery Quilt and writing directions
  3. 2025 SAHRR. get centre block done
  4. Monthly Colour Challenge: Layout (Jen has posted the sashing and border blocks for this challenge. You can access it HERE.). I’ll be doing this as a leader and ender.
  5. https://quiltinggail.com/- get blocks made and webbed
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Missouri Star Wonders

/ quiltinggail / 14 Comments

Here’s what I received in my latest box from Missouri Star:

  • Large cone of Aurifil Thread #2600. I use this for most of my piecing and some of my quilting
  • A Large HOT RULER (you can order it HERE)
  • Fancy Zippers with stars and hearts (available from MSQ HERE)
  • A large Accuquilt Go Cutting Mat (you can order it from THIS POST)

I did have a plastic Hot Ruler, but it would get so hot, that my fingers easily got burnt! This Clover Hot Ruler is perfect for pressing small seams. It does get warm, but it definitely doesn’t get way too HOT!! I used it to fold the edges of a label. It worked perfectly!

Here is Julie’s quilt! I used the Island Batik fabric collection called “Cheers,” Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 batting and Aurifil thread to make this quilt.

Favourite Finish

Yvonne, from Quilting Jetgirl has a Link party where we can share our favourite quilts of the month. How do I choose a favourite? I ALWAYS find this so difficult!! I had 3 finishes this month and they are all my favourite!

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary: July 28

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

I totally agree!!! But I also know that you can’t quilt without the collected fabrics!

Stitching Stuff

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

I was away for 2 days this week. I cannot sew while we’re driving, so that limits my days this month!

  • Jan – June:  165 / 181 days
  • July: 26 / 28 days
  • Total: 191/ 230 83 %

A Finish

I finished my “Something Smells Fishy” quilt and posted it earlier this week! You can read about it HERE. Yes, Island Batik fabric, Hobbs Batting and Aurifil Thread. The pattern is adapted from a free pattern from Arts East Quilt Company.

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Island Batik October project. This is a byAnnie bag called “Payday.”
  • Fall ’24 mystery quilt. This is in the beginning stages
  • 2025 SAHRR. I haven’t started, but we have a plan and I’m hoping to get it done early!
  • Monthly Colour Challenge: Layout (Jen has posted the sashing and border blocks for this challenge. You can access it HERE.). I’ll be doing this as a leader and ender.

Quilting:

  • “It’s a Jungle” blog hop project

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!

There She Blows used 4 yards of fabric. (see picture above)

No shopping this week!

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   4 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     136.5 yards  from non-IB: 56
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              92 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

OK … trying to keep my To Do list short, but there are so many things happening in my studio …

  1. Finish “Something Smells Fishy”. √   DONE. posted HERE.
  2. Finish Island Batik September project. √   DONE
  3. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  4. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish “It’s a Jungle”
  2. Work on Island Batik October project
  3. Work on Fall ’24 mystery quilt.
  4. Make Centre block for 2025 SAHRR.
  5. Work on Monthly Colour Challenge: Layout
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Something Smells Fishy Blog Hop:

/ quiltinggail / 38 Comments

Carol from Just let Me Quilt is the host of this blog hop. Here’s what she had to say:

Challenge: This one is easy! Make something with a fish in the fabric or in the quilt design (applique or pieced fish.)

Well, Carol might have thought this was easy … but I had SEW many ideas, it was hard to choose!

Call it a miracle, or fate, or whatever, but I received a free pattern “There She Blows” from the Art East Quilting Company. It’s a 20″ block and I wanted to make a baby quilt, but didn’t feel like making 4 whales … so I decided to just double the size of all the cutting. Well, it was good in theory, but didn’t always work out … so I had to do a bit of re-calculating. However, the directions are full of tips to make the block easily! And, if you want to make the bigger size, check out their Resizing Cheat Sheet (–> “More” –> “Resources.”)

A little bit about the Art East Quilting Company It is a Canadian 🇨🇦  company, but they ship all over the world. Our guild had them do a zoom presentation and it was wonderful. So if you’re looking for something different and fun, check them out!

When quilting the water, I used both “Turkey” and “Jelly” from Silly Moon. I wanted the waves all different.

Anyhow, this is my “newest baby quilt “There She Blows”! I live on the west coast of Canada, so I had to make my whale an Orca!

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 41″ x 41″
  • Fabric: Island Batik:
    • Sky: Turquoise solid
    • Spray: unlabelled – from my Island Batik scrap bin
    • Whale body: Raven
    • Whale underbody: Drizzle
    • Water: Cerulean from Tantalizing Teals
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread:
    • #2600: Piecing
  • Quilting: Variety of dark grey, light grey, blue and light blue.

Other Fishy Bloggers

Visit each of the links below to see the wonderful fishy quilts and projects that have been made!

JULY 22

JULY 23

JULY 24

JULY 25

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Sunday Summary: July 21

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

Hey, have you ever noticed that “WHENEVER” ends in “NEVER“??? 😄 I wonder if that has a hidden meaning?

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!

  • Jan – June:  165 / 181 days
  • July: 21 / 21 days
  • Total: 186/ 202 92 %

A Finish

I finished the Estrella bag that I was working on. It was pretty thick sewing through the handles where they are inserted into the bag. I broke at least 3 needles, even when I was hand cranking through the thick parts. Other than that, it was a pretty easy bag! If I was to make it again, I’d put 2 pockets on the inside. You can access the pattern HERE.

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Island Batik September project. (This is a BIG applique project for me … and it’s all I’m going to work on this week.

Quilting:

  • “Something Smells Fishy“. I’ll be showing this quilt later on this week … just working on the 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 Estrella bag used up 1.5 yards of fabric from my stash. (see above)

No shopping this week!

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   16.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     132.5 yards  from non-IB: 54.5
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              88 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

I’m amazed!!! I guess by keeping my list short, I’m able to get things done!

  1. Finish “Something Smells Fishy”. almost done
  2. Finish “Estrella bag” √   DONE. 
  3. Work on Island Batik September project √   DONE. 
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish “Something Smells Fishy”
  2. Finish Island Batik September project.
  3. Decide on “It’s a Jungle” project.
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Fishy Bloggers

This starts tomorrow! Visit each of the links below to see the wonderful fishy quilts and projects that have been made! I’ll be posting on Wednesday!

JULY 22

JULY 23

JULY 24

JULY 25

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Monday Moments July 15

/ quiltinggail / 10 Comments

Yup!!! Especially at this time of year …

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!

  • Jan – June:  165 / 181 days
  • July: 14 / 14 days
  • Total: 179/ 195 91 %

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Estrella Bag: something different! A bag … The pattern is available HERE. I found some fleece lined vinyl in my stash and paired it with some quilting cotton, also from my stash. (Picture on the right).
  • Island Batik September project

Quilting:

  • Jam Session … but I can’t show you until the pattern is released.
  • “Something Smells Fishy“

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 up 2 Luminous Layer Quilts that used 7.5 yards each!

No shopping this week!

  • Fabric Used in the last 2 weeks :   15 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     131 yards  from non-IB: 53
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              86.5 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

I’m amazed!!! I guess by keeping my list short, I was able to get things done!

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“. √   DONE
  2. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star. √   DONE
  3. Work on “Something Smells Fishy”. √   DONE
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish “Something Smells Fishy”
  2. Finish “Estrella bag“
  3. Work on Island Batik September project.
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:

Luminous Layers QAL

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

OK … I was really really busy when all the instructions came out for this quilt-a-long! I LOVE doing Sandra’s quilt-a-longs (from MMM Quilts) and I just didn’t have time to pull fabric. THIS LINK has all the information and links to each weekly sew-a-long.

Well, fast forward a few weeks and when I started to pull fabrics, I ended up pulling fabrics for not one, but TWO quilts.

#1#2
BackgroundblackBackgroundSwirl Teal Jade- Copper Patina
Fabric AScuba – Tantalizing TealsFabric AUnknown IB fabric (older collection)
Fabric BSlate – Bodacious BlacksFabric BTeal – Floral Wonders
Fabric CMarble Aqua – BlenderFabric CMini Sprigs – Pink – Wild Blooms
Fabric DUnknown IB fabric (older collection)Fabric DSwirl – Multi Purple Green – Copper Patina
Fabric E RainFabric EOrnate Scroll – Neutral – Copper Patina

Progress was slow … but progress happened.

Here are the progress pictures of #1

Here are the progress pictures of #2

Each one finished and the different quilting on each one!

Both together:

Quilt Stats:

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

I was Featured!

Wednesday Wait Loss and Free Motion Mavericks featured my Sly Fox Quilt. You can read about it HERE.

Put your Foot down

featured my St. Paddy’s quilt

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Island Batik Unboxing Video, July 2024

/ quiltinggail / 8 Comments

Twice a year, Island Batik sends the Ambassadors boxes, full of fabric and supplies from industry partners. Here is a slide-show video of what I received this month:

Below is pictures of what I received with details:

First is the fabric from Island Batik:

This is the Surprise package that I will be using for the November challenge. You’ll get to see the fabric then!

There are 12 half-yard cuts of various fabrics that I can use in any of the projects.

Citrine
Paisley Dot Orange (Blender)
Large Netting – Ivy (Blender)
Mushroom		Red – solid
Green – solid
Turquoise – solid
Colbalt – solid		Cherio – Iris
Periwinkle
Cerulean
Bubbles – Raspberry

10″ stack of Floral Fun, paired with Muslin and Seaweed

2 packages of Stash Builder rolls: There are 4, width of fabric strips in each roll.

Black, White and Dark Grey solids, 4 yards of each

I received a 10″ stack of Bodacious Blacks and a 2 1/2″ strip pack of Ravishing Red.

6 yards of Frosting – such a pretty neutral!

This is Poetic Bouquet, designed by Kathy Engle for Heidi Pridemore of the Whimsical Workshop. It is paired with 2 yards of Whip Cream (a neutral) and 2 yards of Bluebonnet-Purple Egg (part of the Poetic Bouquet collection). I will be using this in the September challenge. Descriptions of the Aurfil Thread are below.

Aurifil Thread 40 weight

  • 2745: Midnight
  • Medium Purple
  • Bright Turquoise
  • Light Blue Violet
  • Light Orchid

By ByAnnie supplies. Everything I need for the Payday bags. The fabric is from the Midnight Garden collection: Vines and Sprigs-blue, Medium Floral Multi E and Mini Floral Multi Blue for the linings.

Hobbs Batting is my absolute favourite batting and I am always thrilled to receive it. This time, I received:

  • 80/20 Black batting, Queen Size
  • Tuscany Collection: Unbleached Cotton, Twin Size
  • Fusible Cotton Batting, Queen Size
  • Tuscany Collection: Silk Batting, Throw Size
  • Thermore: Queen Size

A picture of everything that was in the boxes!

Thank you!

Thank you to Island Batik and Industry Partners: Hobbs Batting, Aurifil Thread and ByAnnie bags.

Island Batik Ambassadors

Visit the other Island Batik Ambassadors to see what they received in their boxes:

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Sunday Summary July … 7

/ quiltinggail / 10 Comments

LOL!!! I certainly like to sew each day, but not for 12 hours! LOL!!!

Monthly Colour Challenge

July’s colour is Silver!!! Here is my July block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for this month. It’s free for the month and after that you’ll need to pay a small fee for it.

I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks. 

Here’s all my blocks to date:

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!

  • Jan – May:  143 / 152 days
  • June: 22 / 30
  • Total: 165/ 191 86%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Jam Session … but I can’t show you until the pattern is released.
  • “Something Smells Fishy” … you’ll see this later in July!
  • “Lone Star Left-overs” piece back
  • “5 fat quarter quilt“

Quilting:

  • Quilting “Gardenia“
  • Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). Sandwich once back is pieced

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!

This past week, I posted my Forest Friend quilt. It used 4.5 yards of fabric. You can read about it HERE.

I did buy 1.5 yards of backing for a quilt.

  • Fabric Used in the last 2 weeks :   4.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     116 yards  from non-IB: 47
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 1.5 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     31 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              85 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  2. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done.
  3. Quilt Luminous Layers. See HERE. √   DONE
  4. Decide on “Something Smells Fishy” blog hop project √   DONE
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  2. Piece back, Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
  3. Work on “Something Smells Fishy”
  4. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  5. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Forest Friends Quilt

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Happy 4th of July to my American Friends!

Forest Friends Quilt

In May, the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild had it’s show. Usually the show is every 2 years, but it was delayed for several years because of … you guessed it … Covid.

There was a Baby Quilt Challenge. And, if you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I have a hard time resisting a challenge!

In an old Quiltmaker magazine … I found this Sly Fox pattern. A few alterations and the size fit the requirements for the guild challenge.

Here is the original:

Of course, I used beautiful Island Batik fabrics from my stash.

Here are some close-ups of the quilting:

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 32″ x 40″
  • Fabric: Island Batik: assorted
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread:
    • 2600: Dove Grey for piecing
    • 2024: White
    • 5002: Medium Red
    • 6010: Toast
    • 2615: Aluminum
    • 2692: Black
    • 2815: Teal
  • Quilting: Silly Moon “Rocket” for the straight lines and outline quilting.

A Winner

In June, when I posted my Island Batik challenge using a Studio 180 tool, I said that there would be a winner of the Tucker Trimmer I. (You can see the post HERE). Using a random number generator, Barb D. is the winner.

Don’t Forget !

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Monday Moments: July 1

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I’ve been away for awhile. The posts you’ve seen in the last few weeks were scheduled ahead of time. (Except for the Quilt Canada one.) Now, it’s time for me to catch up!

While at my sister’s in Edmonton, we had a sewing day and made window hangings! The pattern is from Epida Studio and the technique is Pojagi. You can access the pattern HERE. It was fun to make as a group! (From left to right, me, cousin Terry, cousin Connie and my sister, Lynn.)

Mine is now hanging in my window!

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!

  • Jan – May:  143 / 152 days
  • June: 22 / 30
  • Total: 165/ 191 86%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Jam Session … but I can’t show you until the pattern is released.
  • “Something Smells Fishy”
  • August Island Batik project

Quilting:

  • Quilting “Gardenia“
  • Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.

Sunday Stash

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

In the past 3 weeks, I have posted 3 finishes …

  • St. Paddy’s quilt (See THIS Post) 4 yards
  • Prisms blog hop (See THIS POST). 8 yards
  • a UFO (see HERE) 4 yards
  • Pojagi Window Hanging 1.5 yards

I did do some fabric shopping while in Edmonton. One store (Lori’s Country Cottage) had a fantastic 40% off sale!! I couldn’t resist! I bought 4 yards of grey fireside (background) and 4 yards of Island Batik “Drizzle.”

  • Fabric Used in the last 2 weeks :   17.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     113 yards  from non-IB: 45.5
  • Fabric Added in the last couple of weeks: 8 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              83.5 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  2. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done.
  3. Quilt Luminous Layers. √   DONE
  4. Decide on “Something Smells Fishy” blog hop project. Decision made √   DONE.
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  2. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
  3. Quilt Luminous Layers. See HERE.
  4. Decide on “Something Smells Fishy” blog hop project
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Quilt Canada 2024

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I was away for almost 2 weeks while my husband and I took a holiday and drove to Edmonton for Quilt Canada. 🇨🇦

We camped in my sister’s back yard and 2 of my cousins (and a hubby) came from Ontario. We had a blast!

The quilts at the show were amazing and the video below is a small sample of them. Some are from my phone and some from my husbands … if there are duplicates, it’s my mistake. I did take pictures of all of the information beside each quilt, but did not include them in the slide show. If you wish for details on a specific quilt, please email me and I will send it to you. The pictures are in no specific order. Many of them won awards.

As you saw, I did not include pictures of the venders. There were a LOT and we all had fun shopping!

Favourite Finish of the Month

Yvonne, from Quilting Jet Girl, hosts a linky party with everyone’s favourite finishes of the month. There’s lots of wonderful eye candy – so check it out! It’s always hard for me to choose. This month, I have 3! You can read more about them HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

For the Birds Blog Hop

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Joan, from Moose Stash Quilting is hosting this fun blog hop!

Here’s what she had to say about the hop:

Challenge: Angry birds, crazy birds, whimsical birds, or flying  geese. If it’s a bird, this is their time to show their colors

I had a ton of ideas for this hop, but I decided to finish a UFO. That makes sense, doesn’t it? This quilt is made of panels. The tree in the background are the same in each panel, so that made it easy to mix and match the bird houses and the birds. It takes a bit of pinning to make sure that the tree limbs line up, but I love the end result!

Close up of the Quilting:

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 39″ x 36″
  • Fabric: panel from ??? It was in my stash from years ago.
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread: #6010 (Toast) 40 wt
  • Quilting: Free Motion: outlining birds, bird houses and sashing.

The Bloggers

Make sure you visit the following bloggers for a ton of eye candy … that will be for the birds!

June 17

June 18

June 19

June 20

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Prisms: Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 24 Comments

Prisms is a signature collection for Claudia Porter (from Create with Claudia).

This collection is so pretty. When Claudia asked if I’d participate in her blog hop, I said sure. I went to EQ and designed this quilt:

It wasn’t too long and the fabric arrived! I didn’t ask for any background because I wasn’t sure I liked the white with it. Once the fabric arrived, I auditioned several different lights and I found that Linen, a soft yellow was perfect!

This quilt was paper pieced! What was I thinking??? At least I can do it without sewing on the paper and therefore I can sew other projects at the same time! My picture was heavily marked as I needed to keep track of which colour went in which location. And the design wall helped a lot!

The backing is one of Island Batik’s Blenders called Dandelion Daffodil! So bright and cheerful!

A close-up of the quilting and the. back of the quilt with the sun shining on the front.

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 40″ x 40″
  • Fabric: Island Batik Prisms collection
  • Designed in EQ8
  • Technique: paper pieced
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread
    • piecing #2600 (dove grey)
    • quilting #2000 (light sand)
  • Quilting Rulers: Silly Moon Charming & Rocket

The Blog Hoppers

Make sure you visit each of the bloggers below and see what they created with the Prisms collection:

I taught myself something new!

I had forgotten to order enough fabric for the binding, so I thought I’d try doing a self binding. I am rarely successful when doing this, as I tend to slice a bit of the backing. Even when I’m careful. However, this time, I had this brain wave, after pinning the backing out of the way, “Cut 1/8” away from the finished top.” It worked!!! I was so happy!

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Missouri Star

/ quiltinggail / 4 Comments

A few years ago, Missouri Star Quilt Co. launched some new scissors. Here’s what they said about Amelia: These 8” scissors are sharp as a tack and handle the smallest threads like a pro. The scissors feature a textured, non-slip handle and comes with reusable packaging, making it perfect for storage and on-the-go crafting.

When I became a Missouri Star Affiliate, I was able to choose some items from their website. I had fun “shopping” and chose a lot of neat goodies. Missouri Star included a pair of Amelia scissors, without me requesting them.

I was sceptical at first. It appeared that all of the Island Batik Ambassadors that applied, received the scissors. So, what’s wrong with them? Why have they given each of us a pair?

Here’s my opinion: They are wonderful!! They glide through several layers of fabric with ease. (Yup, I put them to the test!) They are definitely “DO NOT CUT PAPER” with these! And of course, now that I’ve tried them out, I’m in LOVE 🩵 And the pale teal colour makes my heart beat faster!

With the plastic case they come in, they will be great to add into my ‘traveling’ sewing machine supplies!

Thank you to everyone that has already used my Affiliate link and on your next order, don’t forget to include Amelia scissors … you won’t be disappointed!

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

St. Paddy’s

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Fellow Island Batik ambassador, Denise Looney, offered a free sew-a-long to her St. Paddy’s quilt. Each week was free, and then you had to purchase it for a small amount. You can get the pattern on her blog “A Quiltery.”

I used a variety of Island Batik greens from the “Sandalwood” collection. “Ice” was the background fabric. The pattern is paper pieced. It’s a fairly simple pattern, but it took me AGES to make all the blocks. (And yes, I was working on 2 other quilts at the same time!). Unfortunately, I only took this one progress picture.

I decided to only do the centre medallion because I wanted it for a topper on my piano. I’m really impressed with how pretty it is!!! Thank you, Denise!

  • Fabric: Island Batik: various fabrics from the Sandalwood collection and “Ice.” Binding is “Seaweed.”
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread:
    • Piecing & Quilting: Aurifil #2600 (Dove Grey)
  • Quilting: Straight line, walking foot.

TGIFF

Here’s the link for you to show us your FINISH this week:

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Monday Moments: June 10

/ quiltinggail / 14 Comments

My triathlons last ALL week!!! 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!

  • Jan – May:  143 / 152 days
  • June: 9 / 9
  • Total: 152/ 161 94%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Just a leaders & enders … nothing major, at the moment!
  • Jam Session … if I get the pieces cut out!

Quilting: to do… the list is getting shorter!

  • Quilting “Gardenia“
  • Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
  • Luminous Layers #1 & #2 a quilt-a-long from MMM quilts (see HERE for details and links to instructions)

Sunday Stash

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

I finished my June Island Batik project!!! You can read about it HERE. This quilt used 11.5 yards of fabric!

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   11.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     95.5 yards  from non-IB: 40.5
  • Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     21.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              74 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  2. Finish IB June project. √   DONE. and posted HERE.
  3. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done.
  4. Work on Luminous Layers. See HERE. √   DONE.
  5. Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE. √   DONE.
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  2. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
  3. Quilt Luminous Layers. See HERE.
  4. Decide on “Something Smells Fishy” blog hop project
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

June: Sleep in Heavenly Peace

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Quilts Across America is the “Create for a Cause” for Island Batik’s June challenge. Here’s some info:

Quilts Across America is a program that relies on the generosity of quilters everywhere to provide a quilt with each bed that is delivered. Quilters can partner together or sew on their own to make and donate quilts throughout the year. Each year the month of July is designated as the Quilts Across America month. Quilts Across America was initiated by Studio 180 Design and Tucker University in July 2023. Help make this the largest quilting event in America and complete the process of getting kids, “Off the floor, Into a Bed, and Under a Quilt. 

I received the Tucker Trimmer I tool and a magic wand from Studio 180 Designs in my Island Batik box. As I searched for a pattern, Hocus Pocus came up and I knew what I was going to make! The pattern is free: HERE. And, if you like video tutorials, there is one HERE.

In my January Island Batik box, I also received a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Squiggles, Dots and Lines.” Since it is a signature collection for Deb Tucker, Studio 180 Designs, I thought it would be perfect for this quilt! Pair it with “Bluebelle” and I had a great start!

I made most of the top while at a retreat in early April (at Over the Rainbow). It was great to have opinions on which block layout I should use. I had 4 blocks done and laid out on the design board one night before I went to bed. When I got up in the morning, the blocks had been rearranged (thanks, Lynne!) and I went with the “new” layout! And yes, the retreat centre had a pink Oliso iron!

Here is the quilt and it’s Daphne (my grand-dog) approved!

A close-up of the quilting: 1.5″ circles and random straight lines.

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 60″ x 75″
  • Fabric: Island Batik: a 10″ stack of Island Batik “Squiggles, Dots and Lines” and the light fabric is “Bluebelle.” The outside border and the binding is “Midnight Blue” (part of the Brilliant Blues collection).
  • Tools used: Studio 180 Designs: Magic Wand and Tucker Trimmer
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread: Piecing and Quilting #2600 (Dove Grey)
  • Quilting: I used Silly Moon rulers: Cheesie (1.5″) and Rocket

This quilt will be on it’s way to California tomorrow!!

A Give-away!

I received the small Tucker Trimmer from Studio 180 Designs. I already have the Tucker Trimmer III, so I’m giving away the Tucker Trimmer I. If you would like this tool, leave a comment below and I’ll choose a winner by random number generator.

Thank you

Disclosure: The fabrics, batting, thread, needles and the iron were generously supplied by the following companies: Thank you, Island Batik,  Aurifil Thread,  Hobbs Batting,  Schmetz Needles, Oliso  Studio 180 Designs

Island Batik Ambassadors

Visit each of the following Ambassadors to see the quilts that they have created for this challenge! Many different tools will be used.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Monday Moments: June 3

/ quiltinggail / 17 Comments

I think I need to put this up on the door of my sewing studio!

Monthly Colour Challenge

June’s colour is Raspberry!!! Here is my June block. Visit Jen at Patterns by Jen to get your free pattern for this month. It’s free for the month and then you’ll need to pay a small fee for it.

I’m using Island Batik fabrics for my blocks. 

Doesn’t raspberry make your mouth water with it’s yummy goodness?

And a picture of all my 2024 blocks to date.

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!

  • Jan – May:  143 / 152 days
  • June: 2 / 2
  • Total: 145 / 154 94%

Design Wall Mondays

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

Piecing projects:

  • Just a few leaders & enders … nothing major, at the moment!

Quilting: to do … a long list, but it’ll get done, one stitch at a time!

  • Island Batik June project using a 10″ stack of Deb Tucker’s fabric line, Squiggles, Dots and Lines and the Tucker Trimmer ruler.
  • Quilting “Gardenia“
  • Lone Star Left-overs (you can see details of the Lone Star HERE). I need to figure out the backing and then quilt it.
  • Luminous Layers a quilt-a-long from MMM quilts (see HERE for details and links to instructions)
  • St Paddy’s Quilt. A sew-along by Denise of A Quiltery. see (HERE)

Sunday Stash

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

I finished the Half & Half Mystery by Canuck Quilter It used 6.5 yards of fabric. You can read all about it HERE.

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   6.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2023:     84 yards  from non-IB: 36.5
  • Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     21.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              62.5 yards

To Do

Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.

To Do from the last report:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“ not done
  2. Finish Prisms blog hop project √   DONE. You’ll see it in June!
  3. Finish IB June project not done. top is done, just waiting for further direction
  4. Finish IB FW Catalogue √   DONE need to get it ready to ship to California
  5. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star not done.
  6. Quilt Canuck Quilter Mystery Quilt √   DONE.
  7. Work on Luminous Layers. See HERE. √   DONE.
  8. Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE. √   DONE.
  9. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE
  10. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Finish Quilting “Gardenia“
  2. Finish IB June project
  3. Sandwich and Quilt Lone Star Left-overs from Pin Dot Floral lone star
  4. Work on Luminous Layers. See HERE.
  5. Keep working on St Paddy’s quilt HERE
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail If you order over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to: