Well, it’s not my first finish, but it’s one I can show you. (Don’t worry, you’ll see the other when the time is right!)
My sister & I spent a couple of days on Zoom, watching Helen Godden’s youtube videos <Helen Godden’s Christmas Countdown > and working on this project. We did the same thing last year with last year’s Countdown.
Here is the half-way mark:
And here is the Finished project:
And one from the back … where you can see the mess! I also took 2 squares from the binding, folded them in half and tucked them in the corner for hangers.
Quilt Stats:
Size: 12″ x 16″
Fabric: Island Batik solid white and “Grass” from Glorious Greens for the binding.
Aurifil Thread: Black for the main stitching and a green for the binding
The coloured portions of the tree and the border were done with Inktense Pencils and Aloe-vera gel
Island Batik Announcement
Here’s what is on the Island Batik (now Lumin) frequently asked questions page: see HERE.
Lumin Fabrics is the parent company of various fabric brands, all bringing innovative designs and creative sparks to quilters and sewers around the world. With the desire to launch additional brands, the team at Island Batik launched Lumin Fabrics as our Parent Company, created White Owl Textiles to serve the print market and Ecco Cotton to provide the highest quality solid fabrics. Lumin Fabrics will continue to grow and offer fabrics for all your creative needs.
Of course, the first question that Island Batik Ambassador’s asked is “How does this affect the ambassadors?” The short answer is ‘nothing will change for this year.’ However, next year will likely include fabric from White Owl Textiles and Ecco Cotton, along with Island Batik. Exciting times!
Don’t Forget:
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.
Yay!! I’m an Island Batik Ambassador for 2025! It is truly a great privilege to be invited back for another year.
I’ve had a few boxes arrive and here’s my unboxing video:
Here’s a pictorial view of what came in the boxes:
Box #1
The first box had a die from the Accuquilt company! This is an Irish Chain, Block on Board. With this cutting die, you can cut all the pieces necessary for the block at one time. They will be cut accurately with percision!
Box #2
This was a HEAVY box and contained the following: Oliso ProLight Iron and a carrying case, (mine is Coral), Schmetz Needles [Piecing & Quilting, Vinyl, and Universal], Aurifil Thread [#2605 -Silver Grey, #2735 -Medium Blue, & #6722 -Sea Buscuit]
Precut Fabrics:
10″ Stack of Tantalizing Teals from the Gradations collections
2 1/2” Strip Pack of Brilliant Blues from the Gradations collections
10″ Stack of Earthly Stories along with 2 yards of Cornsilk (Neutral) and 2 yards of Weave-Brownie (Blenders) … and I already have plans for this fabric!
1/2 yard cuts
Light Grey Solid
Universe (Marvellous Multis)
Dandelion-Wisteria (Blenders)
Colbalt Solid
Heavenly (Brilliant Blues)
Marble Aqua (Blenders)
Turquoise Solid
Azalea (Precious Pinks)
Dot Sky (Blenders)
Pink Solid
Eggplant (Playful Purples)
Cheerio-Navy (Blenders)
February Blog Hop: Here’s my 1/2 yard cuts of Radiant Burst, along with a 2 yard cut of Thistle (Playful Purples) and a 2 yard cut of Azure (Brilliant Blues). This fabric is for February’s Blog Hop using Studio 180 tools! This fabric collection will be shipping to shops in February!
Solids and Neutral: A package with 4 yards each of solid White, Black and Dark Grey. Along with a 6 yard piece of Platinum. I use a LOT of neutrals and these will be perfect in future projects!
Fabric for the May Blog Hop: It’s a Surprise!!!
A lovely story about this box: It was HEAVY. Very HEAVY. I have a lot of my parcels sent to a postal box in Blaine (just over the US /Canadian border). When I was struggling with the parcel as I opened it, a lovely young man offered to carry it out to my car, on the provision that I carried out his fly fishing supplies. I agreed and he carried my box to the car!! His kindness warmed my heart!
Box #3 & 4
A 2 1/2″ Strip set of Splish Splash with 2 yard cuts of Oatmeal and Blueberry. Doesn’t it look like fun fabric to play with?
That’s correct! I haven’t finished any projects so far this year! I’ve been busy sewing / quilting on 2 major projects, but not one is finished and I can’t show you either of them yet!
One of the projects is the SAHRR (Stay at Home Round Robin) that starts on Monday!! I’ll be using the beautiful Poetic Bouquet fabric collection. The other project is for a new fabric line called Sunlit Garden … no it’s not Black and White, but my picture is!!
Island Batik Ambassadors
Island Batik has announced the 2025 Ambassadors and I’m thrilled and excited to be included! There are 22 of us this year! Several have started posting their unboxing videos and everyone has received absolutely gorgeous fabric!!
We have another box arriving next week and I decided to wait until it arrives to post about my fabulous fabrics and awesome goodies from the industry partners! There are a LOT of fabulous projects planned for future months!
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.
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!
Last year I missed 40 days … for a total of 89%. Hopefully this year, I can do the same! And, I’m off to a roaring start, at 100%! LOL!!!
January: 5 / 5 days
Total: 5 / 5100 %
Do you have a Lot of UFOs?
If you do, and you want some help in decreasing them, I suggest that you visit Ms P Designs and sign up for your PHD in 2025!!! It’s easy to do and it will also help you from increasing your UFO list. Check it out HERE.
Glorified 9 patch: for class sample. In Pink … to go with The Rainbow Scrap challenge hosted by So Scrappy
Pink Blocks: just cause I’m trying to use Island Batik scraps. This might be combined with other colours in the near future
SunlitGarden: a small quilt for a blog hop hosted by Jennifer of Curlicue Creations … it will be her newest signature collection and it’s absolutely gorgeous!!! Unfortunately, until the blog hop, you’ll only see black and white!!
Quilting projects:
Test Quilt: SSB
SAHRR ’25
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!
Last year I used a total of 221 yards with 89 yards being non Island Batik fabric! Nothing finished and no shopping gives me 0 across the board!
Fabric Used in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Used in 2025: 0
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 0 yards
Net Fabric used: 0 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
2025 SAHRR Quilt it! in progress
Quilt Test Quilt: SSB. XX Not Done XX
Work on Glorified 9 patch for class sample in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
2025 SAHRR finish quilting it
Quilt Test Quilt: SSB
Finish Glorified 9 patch for class sample
Work on “Pink Blocks“
Work on Sunlit Garden
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Don’t Forget
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.
I have been an Island Batik ambassador since 2019 and have a bit of a stash of Island Batik fabrics (And I LOVE it!!!). Aside from the monthly projects and challenges, I often use Island Batik fabrics for other projects. I absolutely LOVE the richness of the colours and the quality of the fabric. Below is an example of what I made this year.
January
I worked on this Helen Godden topper while Zoom quilting with my sister (she did the same one at the same time!). The details of where you can get the pattern and instructions are on THIS POST. I used Island Batik’s solid white for the background, coloured it with Sharpie Stained markers and used a dark green for the binding.
White Rabbit Blog Hop. This was a super fun quilt to make!! You can read about it HERE.
February
Island Batik Blog Hop Log Cabin Challenge. You can read more about these 2 quilts on THIS POST.
And the directions for how to make the diagonal backing is HERE.
This was a retreat bag I made … see HERE for details.
This heart quilt was made for the “It Moose Be Love” blog hop. The informal instructions and details can be found HERE.
March
The Island Batik challenge for March was all up to us. I got carried away and made these 3 quilts using greens from my Island Batik Scraps. I did use yardage for the borders of the one on the right and left. You can read more about them HERE.
This purple / blue quilt was made for the Fast and Fun Blog Hop sponsored by Villa Rosa. It is their Gypsy Rose pattern. See THIS POST for more details.
The Stay at Home Round Robin wrapped up in March. You can read about it and access the links to the various prompts HERE. (And yes, we’re doing it again in 2025!)
The Give it a Whirl blog hop had me making this fun quilt. Details and close-ups are available HERE.
April
Making a Funky Friend was April’s challenge. This is Taylor the Tiger. It was challenging to make, but fun! He had a few adventures and you can read about them on THIS POST.
May
The first weekend in May was the Boundary Bay Quilt Guild Show. The Baby Challenge was “Forest Friends”. This was my entry … You can read about it HERE.
This Fall Mystery Quilt was finished in time for the Boundary Bay Quilt Show. You can read about it HERE and see other Mystery Quilts that were at the show.
The May Island Batik challenge was to Paper Piece a quilt for a celebration. I chose Christmas and made a tree skirt. You can read about it HERE.
I made a rocket quilt for the “On the Road Again” blog hop. It was about transportation … you can read about it HERE.
June
Island Batik’s June challenge was to make a quilt for the Sleep in Heavenly Peace charity. You can read about it HERE.
A fellow Island Batik ambassador (Denise Looney) offered a free quilt-a-long making a St. Paddy’s quilt. You can read about it HERE.
A former Island Batik ambassador (Claudia Porter) had a signature collection and asked if I wanted to participate in a blog hop. This is the quilt I made, using “Prisms.” You can read about it at THIS POST.
July
Nothing like celebrating Canada Day with a red maple leaf! You can read about it HERE.
These next 2 quilts were a pattern by mmmquilts and you can read about them HERE. I love how the same pattern with different fabrics look so different!
This whale was made for the “Something Smells Fishy” blog hop and you can read about it HERE. And also find a link to the free pattern!
August
These were 2 mini quilts that I made. Read about it HERE.
This quilt used left-overs from a Lone Star quilt … the fabric is from the Pin Dot Floral collection. You can read about it HERE.
September
This was a very fun quilt to Applique! This POST has all the details.
I made a bunch of tissue holders. You can read about them on THIS POST.
October
Island Batik’s October challenge was a ByAnnie bag. I chose to make “Payday” in the small and large size. You can read about them on THIS POST.
I was invited to make a quilt using “Twilight,” a signature fabric collection for Claudia Porter. I ended up making 3 quilts. Read about them HERE.
This little mini was made for Hobbs Batting and hung in their booth at the Houston Quilt Market. See THIS POST for more details.
November
Island Batik’s Challenge for this month was Dresden Plates. I made this vase with flowers … you can read more about it on THIS POST.
The Jelly Roll mystery quilt reveal. See this post and the links to all the clues.
December
I made this Christmas card using Island Batik fabric and a MSQC Template. You can read about it HERE.
This table mat used various Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs batting and Aurifil thread. The bows and poinsettia were cut out using Templates from Missouri Star Quilt Company. You can see more details on THIS POST.
I made 2 large Clam-up ByAnnie bags for the Butterfly Haven blog hop. See HERE for more details.
This was the block of the month Colour Challenge, hosted by Patterns by Jen. It was a fun BOM to do! You can read about it on THIS POST.
It was up to us to make whatever we wanted for the December challenge. I made this quilt using Peppermint Sprinkles. You can read about it on THIS POST.
Floral Fusion was a free quilt-along by Denise Looney!! I LOVE her patterns, so I had to sew along. I really really like the final quilt! This POST has all the details.
My last project of the year was super simple … you can read about it on THIS POST.
I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions. To me, I usually break them within the first week … Yes, I’d like to loose more weight, be more fit, eat more nutritiously, and so on … but realistically … I hate dieting. I like to exercise now and then, but I know I’m not consistent with it. And I do like to eat junk food … so I don’t make resolutions!
However, on the quilting front, there are things I’d like to achieve:
buy as little fabric as possible
sew as much as possible
design more quilts
use up my stash
These aren’t resolutions because I KNOW that
I will buy some fabric! As large as my stash is, often the ‘right’ fabric is not in it!!
I will sew a LOT … but life happens and sometimes it’s not possible to sew as much as I’d like
I will design some quilts … but I’ve got to be in the mood and inspiration needs to be part of the design process
I will use some of my stash, but not ALL of it! I have 2 stashes: One contains all my Island Batik fabric and the other is all the rest of the fabric. I keep them separate and I keep track of them separately.
I will continue to blog at least weekly and often twice a week. That likely won’t change, but who knows. I will also continue to keep track of my sewing days (I aim for 30 minutes a day), what’s on my Design Wall, keep track of what fabric I’ve used, write out my “To Do” list and show my monthly favourite finish. The logos below may change, but the intent will not.
Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? Do you keep them??
I wish each and every one of you All the Best in 2025!!
Don’t Forget:
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.
My current state of life, only you can see more of the floor in this picture than in my room!
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!
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 2 weeks, I posted about my Floral Fusion (9 yards) and a small table topper (2 yards).
Fabric Used in the last 2 weeks: 11 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 221 yards from non-IB: 89
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 32 yards
Net Fabric used: 189 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
2025 SAHRR Finish Prompt 6. √ DONE
Work on Test Quilt: SSB – block #1 & start block #2 √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Still keeping the list small!
2025 SAHRR Quilt it!
Quilt Test Quilt: SSB
Work on Glorified 9 patch for class sample
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Favourite Finish for December 2024
Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl has a blog post with the Favourite finishes of the month. Well worth the visit to see all the eye candy!
As usual, I’m having trouble choosing just 1!!! It’s between these 2 quilts. I’m in LOVE with both of them!!!
Don’t Forget
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.
I wasn’t going to … I really wasn’t going to be doing any last minute sewing/quilting. Nope … I was all organized and didn’t need to … until ….
I went to set up my nativity scene. It’s beautiful ceramic figures that a fellow nursing classmate made. When she passed away during Covid, I gratefully accepted the set! What memories accompany the figures. I know that she completed them in the mid 70’s when taking a year away from nursing school. I had placed them on a piece of gorgeous dark blue fabric (Ravine), fully intending to make it into a table mat … but of course I forgot until I went to set up the set!
I figured that I had time, so I pulled out backing, Hobbs fusible batting and did a very quick meander with Aurifil #2600 (Dove Grey). Binding it with the same fabric and called it ‘done.’
I love how the lights and the fabric really show off the figures!
Don’t Forget:
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.
Earlier this year, as we had a parade for the 2024 SAHRR (pronounced Stay At Home Round Robin), we announced that we would be doing it again in 2025.
This year’s logo was designed by Brenda of Songbird Designs … isn’t it fantastic?
For the past 5 years, I have done a SAHRR and have made different quilts. The first year I did it on my own and then for the next 4 years, I had some fantastic blogging/quilting friends join in the fun!
Here’s my quilts from previous SAHRRs. The last 2 are ones I did on my own. It’s so much MORE fun with others! Here’s the LINK where you can see all the quilts made last year.
As you can tell, except for the 2 I did on my own, the rounds are all different. This year promises to be different as well!
All of my SAHRR quilts are made with Island Batik fabrics, Hobbs batting and Aurifil thread.
What is a Round Robin?
This is a common activity in many quilt guilds. A round robin (in quilting terms) is where each person makes a centre block. This block is put in a bag or container, maybe with extra fabric, perhaps with a notebook, and the bag is passed onto another quilter in the group. They are given instructions as to what kind of border (or round) they are to add on to the quilt. Sometimes the next person will make a border for each side, or one side or two sides of the block. It’s then passed on to another quilter and it continues on … when the quilt centre and all the borders are completed, it is returned to the original maker of the centre block.
So, I stay at home?
That’s correct! You and your centre block and the borders all stay home. You have to make the decisions as to what to add when given directions. How big, how many … it’s up to you. We will let you know what each of us does and there may be short tutorials on some of our blogs.
How do I join?
There’s nothing to join, no sign up. All you need to do is follow our blogs (see the links below)
How often does this happen?
Once a week. On January 13, we will show you our centre blocks.
The SAHRR Team met in July and I haven’t seen any of the centre blocks … so it’s going to be a surprise for me as well!
Then on January 20 (and each Monday following) we will give you instructions as to what the next border/round is to be. Again, we will all show you our centre blocks with the first border to give you some ideas.
Here are my blogging co-hosts in the order of what we will be doing and the linky parties we will be hosting each week. (There will only be one linky party each week … and we’ll direct you to it …)
January 13: Each of the co-leaders will be sharing their centre blocks (you will have to visit each of their blogs to see them). I will host the first linky party and you can also show your centre block.
March 24: Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!
We have Sponsors!
We reached out to several companies that we all LOVE and many of them agreed to sponsor the SAHRR 2025!!! We will keep track of all of the participants that link to our Linky parties each week. We will make a list and use a random number generator to choose the winners for each prize! So, if you link up to 3 Linky parties, you will have 3 opportunities to win! If you don’t have a blog or Instagram account, contact me, or one of the other co-hosts and we will post your SAHRR on our blog. This way you still have an opportunity to win!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t want to make that round? It’s your quilt – you can leave it out.
What size do I make it? That’s up to you … you are sort-of the designer here.
Are the rounds hard? No … each round is pretty simple … squares, rectangles, half-square triangles with perhaps a surprise.
What colours do I use? That’s up to you … you can follow what one of the SAHRR leader uses or have your own colour scheme.
What if I miss a round? You can leave it out, or go back to the blog where the directions are given.
Will you cut my fabric for me? No!
How often will the quilt police check on me and my progress? There are NO quilt police!! None!!
What do I do now?
Make sure that you follow each of the SAHRR leaders so that you don’t miss their posts.
Start thinking about what you might do for a centre block. Do you have an orphan block you’d like to use? Or do you want to try a new block … now is the time!
Relax … this is easy … and it’s only one round each week!
Next Week
Next week, I’ll have a wrap-up of my 2024 tallies: Stash Report & Stitching Stuff. I will also talk about my goals for 2025, share my To Do list and what’s on my Design wall …
Thank you very much, Denise, for this beautiful pattern. Be sure to visit Quiltery and buy the pattern!!
Don’t Forget
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.
That’s a great reason to quilt on … and leave the dust there! 😁
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!
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 week, I posted about my Island Batik December challenge. You can read about it HERE.
Fabric Used in the last week: 8 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 210 yards from non-IB: 85
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 32 yards
Net Fabric used: 180 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
Bind Floral Fusion.√ DONE
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6. in progress
Work on Test Quilt: SSB – block #1. in progress
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind. √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Still keeping the list small!
2025 SAHRR Finish Prompt 6.
Work on Test Quilt: SSB – block #1 & start block #2
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Don’t Forget
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.
The Jelly Roll Mystery Quilt is over. I was scrolling through Facebook and saw that a friend had made the quilt. She showed it at the guild meeting. Of course I was thrilled!!! Then she told me that she used the Island Batik Strip Set that she had won at our Loon Lake retreat in September. The strip set was from one of my absolute favourite collections, Pin Dot Floral (a signature collection for Megan Best). She did an awesome job!
Here’s a picture of Lynne and her quilt:
If you want to make the quilt, here are the clues:
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!
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! You can read about it HERE.
I finished this little Christmas card, but it’s so small, I’m not even going to count how much fabric it used!
Fabric Used in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 192 yards from non-IB: 80.5
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 32 yards
Net Fabric used: 160 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
Quilt Floral Fusion. in progress
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6. NOT DONE
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind. NOT DONE
Work on Island Batik December project. √ DONE
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Keeping the list small!
Finish quilting Floral Fusion.
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6.
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
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 couple of months ago, I received a fantastic set of Christmas templates from Missouri Star Quilt Company. Each of the larger templates has a smaller one in the middle. Here’s a picture of them:
I needed an early Christmas card … and I searched and searched and searched … and I could not find my box of Christmas cards. And, they still have not shown themselves to me! Where or where are they hiding???
Christmas Templates to the rescue! I used Island Batik fabrics and cut out a green Christmas tree and a red bow.
Then I glued the green Christmas tree onto a blank coloured card. I like the simplicity of it! I wrote my Merry Christmas message on the inside and put it in with the parcel.
Favourite Finish
Yvonne, from Quilting Jetgirl hosts a Favourite Finish of the Month Link Party. I always struggle with picking out my favourite each month!!! And this month, it’s no different!! Do I choose the Mystery Quilt done in purples or my Island Batik Dresden Plate challenge? Which would YOU choose?
Don’t Forget:
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.
We were away on a Mexican cruise and I didn’t take my machine (shocking, I know!!) I thoroughly enjoyed our time!
We did a ‘glass bottom’ boat tour … had to laugh at the name of the boat “Sex Machine Too!” And the glass bottom was a bit of a joke … a 1′ x 3′ piece of algae covered plexiglass in the middle. But the rest of the tour was great!
A Blog Hop Finish
This was my finish for “Gnome for Thanksgiving.” You can read about it HERE.
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
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!
Even though I was in 2 fabric stores in Mazatlan, I didn’t purchase anything! Nothing said “buy me” and believe me, I looked!!!
Fabric Used in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 192 yards from non-IB: 80.5
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 32 yards
Net Fabric used: 160 yards
To Do
Carol from Quilt Schmilt is hosting “To Do” every week.
To Do from the last report:
Not a lot done while I was away …
Finish Butterfly Haven Blog Hop project √ DONE
Quilt Floral Fusion.NOT DONE
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6. in progress
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind. NOT DONE
Work on Island Batik December project. in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Quilt Floral Fusion.
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6.
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind.
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind.
Work on Island Batik December project.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
There have been a ton of awesome Dresden Plate quilts! Visit the Island Batik blog for an update on the quilts from the last 3 weeks and an opportunity to win some awesome Fat Quarters!
Visit Island Batik blog for a Round-up and an opportunity to win a fat-quarter bundle of fabric!
Don’t Forget
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.
Do you have quilts or partial quilts that are waiting to get finished? Just start on one part of it … and gradually, it’ll get done!
A Birthday Finish!
I finished this quilt for my son’s birthday … you can read about it HERE.
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
Since we’re home now, I’ve been able to sew every day!
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!
Fabric Used in the last week: 7 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 183.5 yards from non-IB: 77
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 29.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 138.5 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.
Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready! in progress
Quilt Floral FusionNOT DONE
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 5. √ DONE
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind. NOT DONE
Work on Island Batik November project (Dresden Plate)Get in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Get Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready!
Quilt Floral Fusion
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 6
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind
Work on Island Batik November project (Dresden Plate)
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
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.
I made 3 quilts for Create with Claudia’s Twilight blog hop. You can read about them HERE.
Stitching Stuff
Kate, from Life in Pieces, is hosting “Stitching Stuff” and the goal is to sew for at least 15 minutes a day. I use Kate’s guideline, but my personal goal is to sew for 30 minutes a day. On those “blah” days, it does motivate me to sit at my machine and 30 minutes often turns into several hours. Thank you Kate for the motivation!
Since we’re home now, I’ve been able to sew every day!
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!
Fabric Used in the last week: 13.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 176.5 yards from non-IB: 70
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 29.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 131.5 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.
Get Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready! in progress
Quilt Floral FusionNOT DONE
2025 SAHRR get prompt 4 done √ DONE.
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind NOT DONE
Work on Island Batik November project (Dresden Plate) in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Get Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready!
Quilt Floral Fusion
2025 SAHRR Work on Prompt 5
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind
Work on Island Batik November project (Dresden Plate)
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
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.
I finished 2 byAnnie bags for October’s Island Batik challenge! I absolutely LOVE them!! You can read about them HERE.
WIPS-B-GONE
Leanne, from Devoted Quilter, is doing a WIPS-B-Gone again this year. I did it last year, and every day I worked on a project AND I cleaned my studio!!! It was great!! By the end of 2 months, I had a LOT of things accomplished and breathing room in my studio! This year … well so far, I’ve been successful with quilting and piecing, but not cleaning!
Obviously, I choose the flowers … Each petal indicates at least 15 minutes. Green is for piecing, Orange is for Quilting and Purple is for cleaning.
Here is the link, if you want to join in the fun. Get your projects finished, clean your studio or whatever you choose to do!
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).
r blocks all assembled. I’m using a variety of Island Batik scraps. I know that I’m biased, but I think it’s absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you, Denise.
Here is the top completed. I’m auditioning binding … the blue on the left (same as the fence) or the purple on the right (same as the outside of the big purple flower). Which is your favourite?
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!
Since we’re home now, I’ve been able to sew every day!
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!
Fabric Used in the last week: 2 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 163 yards from non-IB: 66.5
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 29.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 118.5 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.
Get Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready! in progress
Work on Floral Fusion border √ DONE.
2025 SAHRR get prompt 4 done in progress
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind NOT DONE
Twilight blog hop project. √ DONE.
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Get Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready!
Quilt Floral Fusion
2025 SAHRR get prompt 4 done
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind
Work on Island Batik November project (Dresden Plate)
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Jelly Roll Mystery Quilt
On Tuesday, October 1, the fabric requirements were posted HERE. Each following week the clues will be published on Tuesdays. I hope you will join this mystery quilt!
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.
I know it’s just the last day of the weekend, but I think this is true each and every day!!
I had a finish this week: It’s Jam Session. A pattern by Brenda at Songbird Designs. You can read about it HERE:
Monthly Colour Challenge
October’s colour is Black and Grey. 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. I am obviously rebelling and using pink! My sashing and border are black and grey, so I wanted this block to be different.
Here’s all my blocks to date:
WIPS-B-GONE
Leanne, from Devoted Quilter, is doing a WIPS-B-Gone again this year. I did it last year, and every day I worked on a project AND I cleaned my studio!!! It was great!! By the end of 2 months, I had a LOT of things accomplished and breathing room in my studio!
Obviously, I choose the flowers … Each petal indicates at least 15 minutes. Green is for piecing, Orange is for Quilting and Purple is for cleaning.
Here is the link, if you want to join in the fun. Get your projects finished, clean your studio or whatever you choose to do!
Here’s a picture of my clean cutting table: Yes, I know that I need to tidy up the bulletin board above the cutting table.
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).
Here is a picture of my flower blocks all assembled. I’m using a variety of Island Batik scraps. I know that I’m biased, but I think it’s absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you, Denise.
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!
Since we’re home now, I’ve been able to sew every day!
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 Jam Session quilt used about 8 yards of fabric. No shopping, no fabric purchases.
Fabric Used in the last week: 8 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 161 yards from non-IB: 66.5
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 29.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 116.5 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.
Get Jelly Roll Mystery blog post ready! √ DONE.
Appliquéing Floral Fusion blocks √ DONE.
2025 SAHRR get prompt 3 done √ DONE.
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind. NOT DONE
Twilight blog hop project. in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Get Jelly Roll Mystery next clue & blog post ready!
Work on Floral Fusion border
2025 SAHRR get prompt 4 done
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind
Twilight blog hop project
Work on Island Batik November project (Dresden Plate)
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Jelly Roll Mystery Quilt
On Tuesday, October 1, the fabric requirements were posted HERE. Each following week the clues will be published on Tuesdays. I hope you will join this mystery quilt!
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 friend of mine, Brenda Alburl, from Songbird Designs, asked if I would test a quilt for her. I LOVE her designs and eagerly said “yes.” Here is the quilt:
I had full intention of making the full sized quilt, but stuff happened. I had a fat quarter bundle of cute fabric that had languished in my stash for many years. It was called Sew Catty and came out in 2011. Time to use it up! I made the first block at a retreat.
When life got a little less chaotic, I started to make more blocks. I was positive I had enough background fabric from my stash for it! But, alas, I realized that I did not have enough for the entire quilt. And, of course, there was nothing in my stash that was close to it. So, I decided that I would just make 12 blocks and call it done.
It was a fun quilt to quilt. I used Silly Moon‘s smallest Cupid ruler for the hearts, swirls in the coloured portions of the blocks and simple meandering in the background, except for the borders where I repeated the swirls. I used left-overs from the blocks to make the scrappy binding.
Once the quilt was finished, including the label, I discovered more of the background fabric!! It had fallen between my table and one of my travelling machines. Oh well, those extra fat quarters are now in the fat quarter container.
Thank you to Brenda for having me test this pattern. The directions are very clear. Visit Songbird Designs if you wish to purchase the pattern!!
NOTE: today, as I’m getting ready to publish this blog post, I realize that 2 of the blocks are in wrong!! Oh well, they are going to stay that way!
Don’t Forget
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.
I was away for most of this month. First I had a quilt retreat at Loon Lake. Retreats are always lots of fun! Then we made a quick trip to the interior to try out our new (to us) 5th wheel. It was good that we were just doing a trial run. The water pump in the 5th wheel broke and needed replacing, so we were home for several days while handy hubby fixed it.
Our next trip took us to the east. We were dry camping. (That means no electricity!). This can be a hardship for a die-hard, must sew EVERY day quilter!! But, I took along my hand crank! Here I am, at the Kettle Valley Provincial Park, working on the sashing strips for the monthly colour challenge.
Here are some pictures of my set up and view. Although I didn’t get a picture of one, I was able to occasionally watch deer!
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).
While we were glamping, I was able to cut out some appliqué flowers and glue them onto background squares. Then, there is a picture of my flower blocks to date. I’m using a variety of 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!
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.
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 figure that the tissue holders used up about 1.5 yards of fabric. Yes, I used bits and pieces, but they all came from my Island Batik stash.
Fabric Used in the last week: 1.5 yards
Fabric Used in 2024: 153 yards from non-IB: 63.5
Fabric Added in the last week: 0 yards
Fabric Added this year: 29.5 yards
Net Fabric used: 108.5 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.
Appliquéing Floral Fusion blocks. in progress
2025 SAHRR get prompt 3 done in progress
Working on sashing and borders for Monthly Colour Challenge.√ DONE. I finished this on my hand crank sewing machine, but no pictures until December after the final block is revealed!
Twilight Blog Hop project in progress
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder! √ DONE.
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.√ DONE.
To Do for next week:
Get Jelly Roll Mystery blog post ready!
Appliquéing Floral Fusion blocks
2025 SAHRR get prompt 3 done
Monthly Colour Challenge – need to sandwich, quilt and bind
Twilight blog hop project
Do NOT be distracted by any SQUIRRELS! I NEED this continual reminder!
Tidy & clean studio for 30 minutes.
Jelly Roll Mystery Quilt
On Tuesday, October 1, the fabric requirements will be given. Each following week the clues will be published on Tuesdays. I hope you will join this mystery quilt!
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.
Quilting Gail 