Be Kind: Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 34 Comments

Joan, from Moose Stash Quilting is hosting this month’s blog hop: Bee Kind

Challenge: September is the time to remember that a little kindness goes a long way. Share your “kind” projects. Your favorite charity project, a free online pattern or anything that shows you spread a little kindness, everywhere you go. The Bee’s are an important part of life as well, and we all need to be kind to them too!

I thought it would be cute to make a quilt with a bee on it. But “NO” was my mind’s response to that thought. I’m allergic to bees (their stings) and I generally don’t like them. Yes, I know they are good for growing things and are necessary, but honestly, I don’t want them anywhere near me. And not close-up in a quilt!

I do a LOT of donation quilts for numerous charities (see below), but I wanted to do something different.

So what to do???

I was thinking about what to do as I was making a ton of tissue holders. I was getting ready for a retreat and making them for every attendee. Tissues are something that we all use and need at one time or another. The holders are quick and easy to make. But making over 20 of them takes time. And yes, I was doing it as a kindness to everyone!

Here’s how to make them:

Step #1: Take a 6″ x 6″ square and an 6″ x 8″ rectangle. Sew them together on the long ends of the 8″ rectangle, wrong sides together, using a 1/4” seam.

Step #2: Turn it right side out and ensure the ends of the 8″ rectangle form a small ‘border’ on each end. (I don’t measure, I just estimate that they are close to the same width).

Step #3: Fold over one of the edges, measuring 1 3/4” up. Overlap the second side, folding down 1 1/2“. Clip into place and sew the ends. (Yes, they will overlap).

Step #4: Sew the ends, using a 1/4” seam.

Step #5: Make boxed corners. Fold as in the picture and sew a line 1/2” from the corner. Trim boxed corners and turn right side out.

I used tissues from Dollarama.

Quilt Stats:

Other Kindnesses

Boundary Bay Quilting Guild accepts donations for baby quilts, comfort quilts and Quilts of Valour. I regularly donate to the baby quilt and comfort quilt committees. I make a lot of quilts and it’s nice to know that they are going someplace where they are loved. Here are a few that I’ve made in the last while:

At Christmas time, the guild collects placemats for meals on wheels. I make these throughout the year, using left-overs from quilts. I simply put some Christmas fabric on the back and the recipient will have a reversible placemat. Sorry, no pictures.

Bee Kind Blog Hoppers

Bee sure to see all the Kindness of other bloggers

Monday Sept 23

Tuesday Sept 24

Wednesday Sept 25

Thursday Sept 26th

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail 

For September, there is no 20% off an order of $50 or more. However, MSQC is having fantastic sales this month and if you use my Affiliate link, I will still receive a small commission.

Thank you for your support!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

National Jelly Roll Giveaway

/ quiltinggail / 6 Comments

Well, it’s almost National Jelly Roll Day in the US – on September 21 … but I live in Canada … so can we call it INTERNATIONAL Jelly Roll Day???

And no, I’m not talking about cake, or Swiss rolls!

And, while I’m being a bit cheeky … as an ambassador for Island Batik, their Jelly rolls are called Strip Sets.

“Jelly Roll” is actually a trademark for Moda. All other fabric companies have to name the strips differently to avoid copyright infringement. They all have a collection of 2 1/2” Strips. Some are full collections of 40 – 42 strips and some are ‘baby’ collections of 20 strips.

Here is just a few of the alternate names for “Jelly Roll”:

  • “Strip-pies” or “Strippies” from Benartex
  • “Strip Roll” from QT Fabrics
  • Stripz and Spirals from an unnamed brand
  • Design Rolls are from Free Spirit Fabrics
  • Roll Ups from Robert Kaufman
  • Pops or Bali Pops are from Hoffman Fabrics
  • Rollie Pollie from Riley Blake
  • Strip Set is from Island Batik

So, I know you’re wondering what the giveaway is? Well, I received 2 Jelly Rolls an Island Batik Strip Set (Tranquil) and a baby Riley Blake Rollie Pollie (Handpicked Produce – a variety of solid greens) from Missouri Star. The idea is that I’m to keep one of them and give the other away.

If you know me, you know that I’d automatically pick the Island Batik Strip Set and give the other away. However, I’m going to be a rebel and give BOTH of them away! Sew, in order to win one of these, you must follow both Missouri Star (@missouriquiltco) and myself (@quiltinggail) on Instagram. On the Instagram post, you must tell me which one you would like. I will be choosing the winner on Sept. 27 and the fabric will be sent out on Sept. 30.

** For those of you that are complaining that you don’t ‘do’ Instagram, I’m sorry. These are the guidelines provided by Missouri Star. And … if you want to get lots of quilting eye candy – join Instagram!

So, hurry over to Instagram and let me know which one you’d like to receive.

A NEW Mystery Quilt

On Tuesday, October 1st, I will give the fabric requirements. On the following Tuesdays, I will provide the clues.

Don’t Forget!

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail 

PLEASE NOTE: Missouri Star is having a ton of promotions in September to celebrate their birthday! You will NOT receive 20% off these. Although, I may still receive a small commission! Thank you for your support!

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Sunday Summary, September 15

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

Do you have Fabracadabra happening in your sewing studio? I do … and it’s often hiding in sight where I can see it!

Monthly Colour Challenge

September’s colour is Brown. 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:

Floral Fusion Blocks

Denise at A Quiltery is doing “Floral Fusion” – a Sew Along with new blocks each Monday. This promises to be beautiful!!! Hurry and get this week’s block while it’s still free! (See HERE).

The pink and purple flowers on the left are all appliquéd on. I used batting as the stabilizer and will trim around all the stitching to give them a trapunto look. The 2 columns on the right have been glued into place and need stitching.

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 got lots of sewing done while I was at a retreat, but not a lot while we were dry camping. However, I did count the time I spent cutting out appliqué pieces as sewing time.

  • January – August:  225 / 243 days
  • September: 12 / 15 days
  • 22 missed days since January 1
  • Total: 237/ 259 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:

  • Appliquéing Floral Fusion blocks
  • A Mini for Quilt Market
  • Working on sashing and borders for Monthly Colour Challenge
  • Twilight blog hop project
  • Work on Prompt #3 for SAHRR ’25

Quilting:

  • “5 fat quarter” quilt is partially quilted.

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 shared my Adventurous Appliqué Quilt this week … it used approximately 10 yards of fabric and a ton of thread! You can read about my process and this fun technique HERE.

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   10 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     151.5 yards  from non-IB: 63.5
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              117 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last report:

A little bit of this and a little bit of that was done, but nothing finished from the list this week.

  1. Appliquéing Floral Fusion blocks. in progress
  2. Make Rope bowl √   DONE
  3. Working on sashing and borders for Monthly Colour Challenge. not done
  4. Twilight Blog Hop project in progress
  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:

I won’t be home a lot in the next couple of weeks, so my list is limited, and likely beyond reasonable expectations.

  1. Appliquéing Floral Fusion blocks
  2. 2025 SAHRR get prompt 3 done
  3. Work on sashing and borders for Monthly Colour Challenge
  4. Twilight 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

Adventurous Appliqué Blog Hop

The last week of this fantastic Blog Hop promises to be wonderful!

Week 3:

September 16:

Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt.

Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations.

September 17:

Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts.

Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood.

Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights.

September 18:

Sandra Starley ~ Textile Time Travels.

Susan Deshensky ~ Lady Blue Quilts Studio

September 19:

Pamela Boatright ~ PamelaQuilts

Renee Atkinson ~ Pink Tulip Quilting

Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine.

September 20:

Visit Island Batik Blog for an opportunity to win some awesome fabric and see a recap of this week’s blog hop quilts!n some awesome fabric and see a recap of this week’s blog hop quilts!

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail 

PLEASE NOTE: Missouri Star is having a ton of promotions in September to celebrate their birthday! You will NOT receive 20% off these. Although, I may still receive a small commission! Thank you for your support!

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Island Batik: Adventurous Appliqué Blog Hop

/ quiltinggail / 28 Comments

For this challenge, we were encouraged to use an edge-painting technique that was used for a quilt called Full Bloom. A great youtube tutorial was the inspiration. (Click HERE). The basic premise is to appliqué the pieces using the edge painting technique.

This is the fantastic fabric I received, along with 5 spools of 40 weight Aurifil thread. The collection is called Poetic Bouquet, designed by Kathy Engle for Heidi Pridemore of The Whimsical Workshop.

I decided to use the Garden Party quilt pattern by Laura Heine. You can get the pattern HERE. I wanted a pattern that had some fairly large pieces and this fit pattern with flowers and butterflies fit my purpose!

I traced out the pattern onto six 22″ background squares of Frosting – an Island Batik neutral that is available year round. The individual pattern pieces were cut out using 19 of the 20 fabrics in the collection. (The 20th fabric was used for the binding.). The design board was handy for pinning each of the fabrics on the main squares. I was able to ensure that the purple petals and the light petals were in different positions.

Then I started to glue each piece into place, using Acorn Seam Align glue. (You can get the glue HERE). I had this glue in a “Precision Piecing” kit that has been sitting in a drawer for a LONG time. I had never used the kit because I don’t see the point in gluing each and every seam that I sew. ANYHOW, I decided to try it for gluing the pieces onto the background. It worked like a charm!!!! Especially with the Oliso Iron, to press it into place.

When the 6 squares had the individual pieces ironed on them, it was time to audition the layout. The first was an attempt at alternating the butterflies. The 2nd had all the squares in the same orientation and the 3rd had the 3/4 flowers. The 3rd layout won!

I decided that I would appliqué each square on it’s own. Since it would be easier to manipulate a 22″ square than a whole quilt. I chose to use Hobbs Batting Heirloom Cotton with scrim as I knew that it would appliqué nicely on my machine and not get caught up in the feed dogs. (Yes, it required frequent cleaning, but it worked). I was able to cut several layers of the batting easily with the Missouri Star Amelia Scissors as the rotary cutter would not cut through the layers. A test sample was made to make sure I was on the right path.

I was using the 40 weight Aurifil Thread I had received in my July box and quickly realized that I shouldn’t (or didn’t need to) use the 40 weight in the bobbin or I would run out of thread for the top. I used a lot of various Aurifil Thread 50 weight bobbins in colours close to what I was using on the top. Here is what the stitches looked like on the back of the batting. I used a few different Appliqué stitches on my Janome M7 to thread paint the sides of the pieces. #18 was used the most, #17 was used occasionally and a simple zig zag was used once in a while (on the stems and leaf centres).

Here are some close-ups of the stitching from the front.

Once each of the squares was appliquéd, they were sashed together with Island Batik‘s solid grey and a backing applied. The background was free-motion quilted around each of the appliqué pieces. The sashing and borders were quilted using the same appliqué stitch that was used for the edge stitching.

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 48″ x 70″
  • Fabric: Island Batik: Poetic Bouquet, Solid Black (butterfly centres), Amber (flower centres, from Opulent Orange), Frosting (Background) and Solid Grey (sashing and borders).
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom with scrim binder: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread: 40 weight
    • 2745: Midnight
    • 2545: Medium Purple
    • 5005: Bright Turquoise
    • 1128: Light Blue Violet
    • 2515: Light Orchid
    • 4661: Mint Julep (Variegated)
  • Aurifil Thread: 50 weight
    • 2140: Orange Mustard 
    • 2600: Dove Grey
    • 2692: Black
  • Quilting: Aurifil Thread 50 weight: #2600, Dove Grey (a cone that I received from Missouri Star Quilt Co.)
  • Schmetz Needles: Microtex 70/10 and Microtex 80/12

Make sure you visit Megan Best‘s blog! She has the same collection as me!!! And, I also heard that she used some of the same appliqué stitches as me!! I can’t wait to see her quilt!!

Where can you find Poetic Bouquet?

There are several stores throughout the USA that sell Poetic Bouquet, here are a few:

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.

Adventurous Appliqué Blog Hop

Week 1: Visit Island Batik’s blog for a recap of Week 1: HERE.

Week 2:

September 9:

Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs.

Lisa Pickering ~ Lisa’s Quilting Passion

September 10:

Gail Sheppard: Quilting Gail you are here!

Megan Best ~ BestQuilter

September 11:

Kim Jamieson-Hirst ~ Chatterbox Quilts

Jane Hauprich ~ Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting.

September 12:

Carol Stanek ~ Stitch with Color

Julia Schweri ~ Inflorescence Designs.

Victoria Johnson ~ Forever Quilting for You.

September 13:

Visit Island Batik Blog for an opportunity to win some awesome fabric and see a recap of this week’s blog hop quilts!

Week 3:

September 16:

Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt.

Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations.

September 17:

Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts.

Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood.

Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights.

September 18:

Sandra Starley ~ Textile Time Travels.

Susan Deshensky ~ Lady Blue Quilts Studio

September 19:

Pamela Boatright ~ PamelaQuilts

Renee Atkinson ~ Pink Tulip Quilting

Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine.

September 20:

Visit Island Batik Blog for an opportunity to win some awesome fabric and see a recap of this week’s blog hop quilts!

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail 

PLEASE NOTE: Missouri Star is having a ton of promotions in September to celebrate their birthday! You will NOT receive 20% off these. Although, I may still receive a small commission!

Thank you for your support!

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

TGIFF

/ quiltinggail / 6 Comments

I’m hosting TGIFF this week!! TGIFF stands for “Thank Goodness it’s FINISHED Friday.”

This week I finished a very simple dog placemat. It’s in the shape of a bone. Sorry, I don’t have a pattern. Most of the patterns I found were to big, so, I made my own. Using my “dog” fabric stash, I found this blue and red fabric. The placemat is reversible.

I put the 2 bone pieces, right sides together with a layer of Hobbs 80/20 batting and sewed around the bone with a 1/4” seam. Then it was turned right side out. The rounded corners were clipped and the mat was given a good press with my Oliso iron. The quilting was simple: 1/8” and 3/4” from the edge, with 2 hearts made with Silly Moon‘s Cupid ruler!

Now, our grand-dog has her own placemat!

TGIFF Link Party

Link your FINISHED project!

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 

PLEASE NOTE: Missouri Star is having a ton of promotions in September to celebrate their birthday! You will NOT receive 20% off these by using my affiliate link. Although, I may still receive a small commission! Thank you for your support!

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary September 1

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

Oh Ya!!! I’m off to a retreat tomorrow!!!

So I have a few projects to keep my busy:

  • Appliquéing Floral Fusion blocks
  • Rope bowl
  • Working on sashing and borders for Monthly Colour Challenge
  • Twilight blog hop project

Floral Fusion Blocks

Denise at A Quiltery is starting “Floral Fusion” a Sew Along with new blocks each Monday. This promises to be beautiful!!! Hurry and get this week’s block while it’s still free! (See HERE).

I guess I didn’t read the instructions … we needed to make 8 of the first block and I only made 1. However, I’ve caught up and made 7 more (on the right) Then last Monday there were 5 blocks to make (on the left). I’m making these with Island Batik scraps.

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 – August:  225 / 243 days
  • September: 1 / 1 days
  • Total: 226/ 244 92%

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:

  • Appliquéing Floral Fusion blocks
  • Rope bowl
  • Working on sashing and borders for Monthly Colour Challenge
  • Twilight blog hop project

Quilting:

  • “5 fat quarter” quilt is sandwiched … need to decide how to quilt it!

Sunday Stash

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

Nothing was finished this week and no fabric shopping! So no change from last week!

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   0 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     151.5 yards  from non-IB: 63.5
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              107 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last report:

A little bit of this and a little bit of that was done, but nothing finished from the list this week.

  1. Plan what to take to a retreat. Pack everything that I will need. in progress
  2. Work on Island Batik October project. Try to finish the Small one. √   DONE
  3. Finish the Fall Mystery Quilt flimsy and finish writing directions. in progress
  4. 2025 SAHRR. get prompt 2 done. √   DONE
  5. 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. √   DONE
  6. Twilight Blog Hop — sandwich and quilt. not done
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √   DONE. 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

My list is limited since I will be at a retreat and I don’t want to share some of the projects, yet.

  1. Appliquéing Floral Fusion blocks
  2. Make Rope bowl
  3. Working on sashing and borders for Monthly Colour Challenge
  4. Twilight blog hop project
  5. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  6. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Favourite Finish of the Month

Yvonne, from Quilting Jetgirl hosts a Link party for people to share their Favourite Finish. There’s always a lot of wonderful eye candy! Well worth checking it out! This month, my favourite finish is the Mini I made for Island Batik’s August challenge. You can read more about “Tessa’s Turkey” HERE.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Adventurous Appliqué Blog Hop

Week 1:

September 3:

Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts

Sarah Pitcher ~ Pitcher’s Boutique

September 4:

Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs

Denise Looney ~ A Quiltery

September 5:

Brittany Fisher ~ Bobbin with Brittany

Connie Kresin Campbell ~ Freemotion by the River

Lana Russel ~ Lana Quilts

September 6: Visit Island Batik Blog for an opportunity to win some awesome fabric and see a recap of this week’s blog hop quilts!

Don’t Forget

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail . Thank you for your support!

PLEASE NOTE: Missouri Star is having a ton of promotions in September to celebrate their birthday! You will NOT receive 20% off these by using my affiliate link. Although, I may still receive a small commission! Thank you for your support!

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Silly Moon Rulers

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

So, you might be wondering WHY I’m a Silly Moon affiliate? Well, I was asked and said, “yes.” But also, I absolutely LOVE ❤️ the rulers.

Here’s a little about the beginning of my Silly Moon journey:

The first Silly Moon ruler I bought was “Turkey.” A friend of mine was helping vend at a quilt show and convinced me to buy it (Thanks, Judy D!). It was something that sat and sat. Finally, one day, I decided that I would use it on this donation quilt. You can read about it HERE.

My next venture with Silly Moon was with a “Cupid” ruler. I did all over hearts. I backtracked on a heart, then did another one from that point … it’s fun and simple and fast! The quilt on the left used all 4 sizes, the one on the right used mostly one size.

I believe it was during the Covid days that our guild had Kellie (owner of Silly Moon) do a workshop using 2 rulers, “Charming” and “Edgie 6“. We were instructed to make a small table mat using 5” squares. Well, for those of you that know, me, you know that I often don’t follow the exact instructions and I obviously made the following quilt bigger than a small table mat. In the centre, I followed the instructions in the class and used the appropriate rulers. Practicing the different motifs on different blocks. Then, I used a mixture of the Charming and Cupid rulers when finishing the quilt. You can read about it on THIS POST. I found the class was excellent and the rulers were easy to handle. You can access the on-line class HERE.

I’ve been buying Silly Moon rulers ever since. Rare is the quilt that doesn’t have some ruler quilting on it!! I think “Rocket” is the most used ruler I have. It is fantastic for stitch in the ditch, or a 1/4” echo and a zillion other uses.

At one point, I bought the “Twinkle” rulers. I made this Christmas wreath for an Island Batik challenge in July 2021. I used the Twinkle ruler in the centre and the 4 corners. You can read about it HERE.

“Rocket” was used to do a 1/4” outline on all the stars. You can see a close-up of it HERE.

The “Beanie” rulers are VERY versatile! They can do circles, arches and tons of things. I used them to do a Baptist Fan on this quilt. You can read about it HERE.

Visit Silly Moon to shop for the rulers and also visit their YouTube channel to see videos!

I have other Silly Moon rulers, but these were quilts that were quilted when I began my Silly Moon journey!

Don’t Forget!

Here is my Affiliate link: https://glnk.io/mzmmj/quiltinggail 

PLEASE NOTE: Missouri Star is having a ton of promotions in September to celebrate their birthday! You will NOT receive 20% off these. Although, I may still receive a small commission!

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Missouri Star Quilting Co: Unboxing Video!

/ quiltinggail / 4 Comments

Hi, As a Missouri Star Affiliate, I was given the opportunity to receive this fantastic box of quilting goodies! Take a look!

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!

PLEASE NOTE: Missouri Star is having a ton of promotions in September to celebrate their birthday! You will NOT receive 20% off these. Although, I may still receive a small commission!

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

 #msqcshowandtell, #msqcpartner, #MSQCbirthdaybash
@missouriquiltco

Sunday Summary: Aug 25

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

A Fun Finish!

In a previous post, I mentioned I had taken 2 fabrics, sandwiched them and needed to quilt them. The one side is a bunch of flannel squares that were yardage. I can’t remember for sure, but I think that I originally bought it to make a housecoat. That never happened – probably because there wasn’t enough fabric to make it! Anyhow, I matched it with a solid navy that was in my stash and this is the result:

You can’t see much from the flannel side, but here’s some pictures of the graffiti quilting I did on the back! I had a lot of fun quilting this! Feathers, hearts, flowers, loop-d-loop, spirals and whatever else I could think of … Like I said, it was fun!

This will be a donation quilt … I just need to sew the label on it and it’ll be ready to go!

Quilt Stats:

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 – July:  201 / 219 days
  • August: 25 / 25 days
  • Total: 219/ 247 88 %

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:

  • Fall ’24 mystery quilt. Some progress made
  • 2025 SAHRR. I’ve started …
  • 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 – in progress

Quilting:

  • “5 fat quarter” quilt is sandwiched … need to decide how to quilt it!

Sunday Stash

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

The Lone Star- left-overs was finished. It used 5.5 yards of fabric. No shopping this week!

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   5.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     151.5 yards  from non-IB: 63.5
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              107 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last report:

A little bit of this and a little bit of that was done, but nothing finished from the list this week.

  1. Work on Island Batik October project. Try to finish the Large one. √   DONE
  2. Finish the Fall Mystery Quilt flimsy and finish writing directions. in progress
  3. 2025 SAHRR. get prompt 1 done. √   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. in progress
  5. Twilight Blog Hop — web the quilt √   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. Plan what to take to a retreat. Pack everything that I will need.
  2. Work on Island Batik October project. Try to finish the Small one.
  3. Finish the Fall Mystery Quilt flimsy and finish writing directions
  4. 2025 SAHRR. get prompt 2 done
  5. 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.
  6. Twilight Blog Hop — sandwich and quilt
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

A Give-away

I had a give-away on Instagram … Anja is the winner. She has been sent an email requesting her snail mail address and then the templates will be on their way to her!

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!

PLEASE NOTE: Missouri Star is having a ton of promotions in September to celebrate their birthday! You will NOT receive 20% off these. Although, I may still receive a small commission!

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

It’s a Jungle Blog Hop August

/ quiltinggail / 42 Comments

Joan from Moose Stash Quilting has challenged us with It’s a Jungle blog hop. And today is my day!

The Challenge: Animals, plants, trees…what’s in your jungle?

I have actually lived in the jungle in Venezuela and didn’t want to do a quilt with snakes or tarantulas on it. But, I did travel to South Africa and went on a safari. Although, it was quite different than the jungle I was familiar with, we did see elephants. Oh, how I loved seeing them in the wild!!! Along with the giraffe’s, zebras, springbok, and a zillion other animals!

I’ve made this quilt a few times before and have given them all away (either as baby gifts or donation quilts). I need to have another baby quilt on hand for September baby. I have no idea if it will be a boy or a girl, so I made 2. I know, I could give the green one away to either a boy or a girl, but I had some super cute pink flannel with elephants on it, so that made the decision for the pink one!

Quilt Stats:

  • Size: 42″ x 44.5″
  • Fabric: from my stash
  • Hobbs Batting Heirloom: 80/20
  • Aurifil Thread: #2600, Dove Grey
  • Quilting: All free motion, echoing outside the elephants and stippling within the elephants.

Jungle Blog Hoppers

Make sure you visit all of the blog hoppers! I promise you’ll find lots of jungle goodness and eye candy!

Monday August 19

Tuesday August 20

Wednesday August 21

Thursday August 22

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 am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

A Give Away!

As a Missouri Star Quilt Company Affiliate, I was given the opportunity to receive some Christmas Templates.

And the BEST part: Is that YOU have an opportunity to win a set as well. You have to follow both Missouri Star and myself on Instagram (@quiltinggail and @missouriquiltco). Find my IG post that talks about the templates and leave a comment. I will choose a winner on August 25!

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting!    
Gail 

Linking to:  

Sunday Summary: August 18

/ quiltinggail / 4 Comments

Is this you? It certainly describes me!

A Give Away!

As a Missouri Star Quilt Company Affiliate, I was given the opportunity to receive some Christmas Templates.

And the BEST part: Is that YOU have an opportunity to win a set as well. You have to follow both Missouri Star and myself on Instagram (@quiltinggail and @missouriquiltco). Find my IG post that talks about the templates and leave a comment. I will choose a winner on August 25!

A Finish!

This has been waiting to be finished for quite a while! This quilt was made with the left-overs from the Lone Star Quilt I made with Island Batik‘s Pin Dot Floral (a signature collection for Megan Best). You can read about that quilt on THIS POST! I didn’t want to do a straight piece in the back, so I used a bunch of the left-overs and made the strip piece in the middle. The quilt was quick and easy to quilt – just a simple stipple.

A Squirrel hit me!

Something new to tempt me!! And it promises to be oh, so pretty!

Denise at A Quiltery is starting “Floral Fusion” a Sew Along with new blocks each Monday. Hurry and get this week’s block while it’s still free! (See HERE).

Here’s my first block … isn’t it pretty? It was pretty quick to cut out and fuse onto the background 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!

  • January – July:  194 / 212 days
  • August: 18 / 18 days
  • Total: 212/ 238 89 %

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.” I’m making both the Large and Small bags.
  • Fall ’24 mystery quilt. Some progress made
  • 2025 SAHRR. I’ve started …
  • 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 – in progress
  • Floral Fusion: work on Block 2 on Monday!

Quilting:

  • “Stash Yardage” I took 2 pieces of stash and sandwiched them.
  • “5 fat quarter” quilt is sandwiched … need to decide how to quilt it!

Sunday Stash

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

The Lone Star- left-overs was finished. It used 5.5 yards of fabric. No shopping this week!

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   5.5 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     146 yards  from non-IB: 57
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              101.5 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last report:

A little bit of this and a little bit of that was done, but nothing finished from the list this week.

  1. Work on Island Batik October project. in progress
  2. Finish the Fall Mystery Quilt flimsy and writing directions. in progress flimsy almost done!
  3. 2025 SAHRR. get centre block done. √   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. in progress
  5. Twilight Blog Hop — square up the blocks and web the quilt in progress Blocks are squared … need to figure out the layout and then web them
  6. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! Not Successful. I started the Floral Fusion
  7. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes. √   DONE. 

To Do for next week:

  1. Work on Island Batik October project. Try to finish the Large one.
  2. Finish the Fall Mystery Quilt flimsy and finish writing directions
  3. 2025 SAHRR. get prompt 1 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. Twilight Blog Hop — web the quilt
  6. Make a decision on the Be Kind blog hop.
  7. Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! 
  8. Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.

Upcoming Blog Hops

Here’s the links to the “It’s a Jungle” blog hop! Starting Monday!

Monday August 19

Tuesday August 20

Wednesday August 21

Thursday August 22

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!

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small commission.

One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!

Happy Quilting! 
Gail 

Linking to:  

Dollar Store and School Supply shopping

/ quiltinggail / 16 Comments

It’s August and some kids are back to school and others will be heading back in September.  At any rate, the stores have all their “back to school” sales on.  Do you take advantage of these sales for your sewing room?

I do.  Here are some of the products I use in my sewing room and some are suggestions from other bloggers and quilters.

  • A flannel back tablecloth is great for a design wall … especially if I’m going sewing somewhere besides in my home.
  • Hair clips are great for clipping labels onto fabric
  • Spray bottle for water (I always use a dry iron … and I spray the fabric if I want steam)
  • Shelf liner
    • will hold your sewing machine foot in place
    • add it to the back of pincushions to prevent them from slipping around
    • in a pinch, you can use a couple of pieces (3″x 3″) to place under your hands when you free motion quilt
    • Put a small square between your small rulers and your fabric – it’ll prevent the ruler from shifting
  • Hair ties – place them around the thread and the bobbin and you know which bobbin goes with which thread … plus it keeps the thread from unwinding

These are the small hair ties … they are cloth covered elastics. You can see in the picture how small they are. When my thread and bobbins are in the drawer, it’s super easy to figure out which bobbin goes with which spool of thread. Plus there isn’t miles of thread all over!

Notebook with grid lines … for planning that next quilt and Pencil crayons to colour your quilt

Mechanical pencils for fine lines (on the back of HST) or to mark the centre of a block

Elmer’s School Glue … I use this a LOT … dilute it 4 parts water to 1 part glue and it’s perfect for gluing down binding or whatever needs to stay in place.

Binder clips – they are perfect to supplement your smaller clips … great when you have a large number of pieces or ???

Flag post-its, or just plain post-it notes are perfect for short-term labels.

Disappearing Elmer’s Glue Stick. These have MANY uses. I often use it to pre-baste my binding. Then when I get to the sewing machine, binding is done in a flash.

Coloured Sharpies … OK … confession here … these are great for colouring that white thread that is showing, or for outlining shapes (as per Helen Godden).

Painters tape. I use it to label things and to quickly mark my sewing lines when quilting.

These “Stained” Sharpie markers are fantastic for quilt labels, or anything you want to permanently mark.

I was Featured

Jennifer, from Inquiring Quilter, Susan from Quilt Fabrication, Andree from Quilting & Learning and Denise from A Quiltery all featured my Turkey that I shared last week.

Oh Dear … Something New to Start

Denise at A Quiltery is starting “Floral Fusion” a Sew Along with new blocks each Monday. This promises to be beautiful!!! Hurry and get this week’s block while it’s still free! (See HERE).

Here’s the start of my Block 1. I’m using Island Batik fabrics. The background is from a stash-builder roll and the flower and future leaves are from my scraps. This should decrease my scraps … a little!

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 Fun and Some Good News

/ quiltinggail / 18 Comments

Something Fun

Last week I attended a class on rope bowl making!!! It was a LOT of fun!!! It was inspiring to see the plethora of bowls that Sandra and Doris showed us!!! So inspiring!!!

Photo Credit: Dawn F.

I ended up making a bowl with a braid on the rim. It’s not finished yet, as I need to decide what to do with the 3 strands from the braid. If I can find some beads with wide holes, I’ll use them … otherwise, I might end up doing 3 coils on the side.

Now, this could easily become an addiction … and with all the quilting I do, I don’t need a crafty addiction!

Some Exciting News!!

I am now a Silly Moon affiliate! So what does that mean? When you use my affiliate code Quiltinggail2024 at Silly Moon, you will receive 10% off your order and I may receive a small commission.

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 – July:  194 / 212 days
  • August: 11 / 11 days
  • Total: 205/ 231 88 %

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’ve started …
  • 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 – in progress

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!

I finished my Marvellous Mini for Island Batik, and I made 2 of them. I estimate that they used about 2 yards each. You can read about them HERE.

No shopping

  • Fabric Used in the last week:   4 yards
  • Fabric Used in 2024:     140.5 yards  from non-IB: 57
  • Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
  • Fabric Added this year:     29.5 yards 
  • Net Fabric used:              96 yards

To Do

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

To Do from the last report:

A little bit of this and a little bit of that was done, but nothing finished from the list this week.

  1. Work on Island Batik October project. … I’ve read through the pattern again, and printed out the labels, does that count? in progress
  2. Work on Fall Mystery Quilt and writing directions. in progress
  3. 2025 SAHRR. get centre block done in progress
  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. in progress
  5. Twilight Blog Hop — get blocks made and webbed blocks are made, need to be squared up and then webbed in progress
  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. Work on Island Batik October project
  2. Finish the Fall Mystery Quilt flimsy 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. Twilight Blog Hop — square up the blocks and web the quilt
  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:  

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: