TGIFF - Lined Drawstring Bags

Welcome back to Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday.  It's time to link up your finish(es) from this week.  You can find out who is hosting each week by heading over to the TGIFF blog.

The Lined Drawstring Bag by In Color Order is one my favourite patterns.  Jeni offers a free tutorial, but you can purchase the pattern which has eight sizes.

I decided to use Nova Scotia tartan to make swag bags for a work conference this past weekend.  The Lined Drawstring is such an easy pattern that I underestimated how long it would take to make 28 bags.  I filled the last bag at midnight the night before the conference began.  😂

We were hosting participants from across Canada, so we decided to use a small business and choose a Nova Scotia product to go in the bags.  Peace by Chocolate makes great chocolate and also supports charity.

Now I need to start thinking about swag bags for the next time we host, likely in five years.  Last time, I made Nova Scotia tartan Open Wide Zippered Pouches.

It's time to link up your finishes from this week.  Please visit a few of the link ups to get some inspiration and to share some quilty love.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

TGIFF - Reflections

Welcome back to Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday.  It's time to link up your finish(es) from this week.  You can find out who is hosting each week by heading over to the TGIFF blog.

Reflections is a pattern I tested for Bea @ Beaquilter.

I used Kona Ocean, Chili, Marmalade, Torch, and Prairie Sky.  I did an all-over stipple in light blue thread.  I even quilted my name at the bottom.

I used my Accuquilt Go to cut all the pieces for this quilt.

It's time to link up your finishes from this week.  Please visit a few of the link ups to get some inspiration and to share some quilty love.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

TGIFF - Roll of the Dice

Welcome to Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday.  TGIFF is the opportunity to share your finish from this week.  You can find out who is hosting each week by heading over to the TGIFF blog.

Welcome to those who are new to my blog.  I live in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, and have been quilting for about 20 years.  Wow...where does the time go?  My first quilt was a flannel rail fence for my nephew's fourth birthday.  I have met so many wonderful quilters over the years and have formed new friendships.

If you are interested in hosting TGIFF, you can sign up here.

A Roll of the Dice is a pattern by Sandra @ Musings of a Menopausal Melon.  I finished the quilt top back in June.

I did an all-over stipple in light pink thread.

I found a wonderful pink/orange backing when I was in the USA back in July.

I used Kona White, Sangria, Bright Pink, Bubblegum, Tiger Lily, Torch, Duckling, and Meringue.

This will be gifted to a new baby, but first I need to make a list of outstanding quilts that need to be gifted.

It's time to link up your finishes from this week.  Please visit a few of the link ups to get some inspiration and to share some quilty love.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

2022 Monthly Colour Challenge - September Block

This is the 8th block for the 2022 Monthly Color Challenge hosted by Jen @ Patterns by Jen.  I use these blocks to make donation quilts.

I used Kona Rich Red and Canada Red.

I purchased a new Hera marker.  I normally use the thin one, but I like this one.

Flying geese are made four-at-a-time.

There are also some signature blocks this month.

Here is my finished block.

September Bloggers

Raylee - Sunflower Stitcheries and Quilting

Frances - Frances Quilts

Andi - True Blue Quilts

Alpaca/Wool Mat and Ruby Star Society Picnic Quilt

Did you sew along with the Ruby Star Society for their Summer Sewalong -- Perfect Picnic Quilt?  I had a half-yard bundle of Akoma by Rashida Coleman-Hale that I had been saving, so I pulled it out for this project and paired it with Kona Natural and Storm.

Thanks to Gail @ Quilting Gail, I had the opportunity to test out an alpaca/wool pressing mat made by Prairie Spirit Alpacas.  The mats are made here in Canada.

I made this quilt solely using the pressing mat, and it did not disappoint.

The seams were easily pressed flat without any effort.

I often press my seams open when I think there might be bulky intersections.

The alpaca/wool mats are 12 x 18 inches and are hypoallergenic:

Alpaca fleece does not have lanolin like sheep and thus can be processed without the use of harsh chemicals and is also very hypoallergenic. Most people that are allergic to wool find they can easily wear soft alpaca yarn.

Another quilt top to be added to the pile of tops waiting to be quilted.  I have the backing fabric but need to decide on a quilting plan.

Thanks to Carmen at Prairie Spirit Alpacas for sending me the mat for my honest review.  If you are looking for a wool pressing mat, I recommend that you try out this alpaca/wool one.  I love that they are made in Canada and that it supports a local business.  Stop by to see all the yarn and other products that Carmen offers.

Photo from Prairie Spirit Alpacas' website

2022 Monthly Colour Challenge - July Block

I forgot to share my July block for the 2022 Monthly Color Challenge hosted by Jen @ Patterns by Jen. 

I used Kona Morning Glory and Regal.

There were eight square-in-square blocks and some rectangles.

I didn't take any other in-progress photos because the block pieced together so quickly.

I'm making 12.5-inch blocks, and I'm going to piece them with the blocks I made for the 2021 Monthly Colour Challenge to make a larger quilt.

2022 Monthly Colour Challenge - August Block

This is my August block for the 2022 Monthly Color Challenge hosted by Jen @ Patterns by Jen.  You can make either 6-inch or 12-inch blocks.  

I used Kona Spice and Cinnamon.  I use my Hera marker to mark lines instead of a pen or a pencil.  You can mark two layers at a time -- saves time and energy.

Flying geese units are made 4-at-at time.

I starched my fabrics because I always end up with one or two units that are a bit wonky, and I don't know why.

Finished 12.5-inch block.

Bloggers

Kate - Katie Mae Quilts

Fawn - Quilty Creations By Fawn

Sandra - Textile Time Travels

Raylee - Sunflower Stitcheries and Quilting

Andi - True Blue Quilts

WIP List - Projects on the Go

I recently shared my list of quilt tops that need to be quilted.  The total has now grown to 13 quilt tops.  😉

Here is my list of active WIPs.  There are 11 projects (fingers crossed I don't find any more in my sewing room, or start new ones.....😂)

2022 Monthly Colour Challenge and 2021 Monthly Colour Challenge - I'm participating in the monthly QAL hosted by Jen @ Patterns by Jen.  I didn't piece together my 12 blocks from 2021, so I am going to join them with the 2022 blocks and made a larger quilt.  Both sets of blocks are made with Kona solids.

Stay at Home Round Robin 2022 - This was a QAL hosted by Gail @ Quilting Gail.  I fell behind and didn't finish rounds 5 and 6.  Since I have so many projects on the go, I might just skip the last two rounds and add this to the pile of quilt tops to be finished.

Macaron Mystery QAL - Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs hosts an annual mystery QAL.  I fell behind with the 2021-2022 version and need to finish piecing my blocks.  The push is on to get this to quilt top status because the 2022-2023 mystery QAL has started.

Blue Skies & Sunny Days - This is a pattern by my friend Sandra @ Musings of Menopausal Melon.  I'm going to use a Kona jelly roll with Kona White for the background.  Stayed tuned for more details about this project.

MMQG Brown Bag Swap - My quilt guild, Maritime Modern Quilt Guild, is in the midst of a brown bag swap.  We put 2 metres of fabric in a bag (yardage, jelly roll, fat quarter), and another guild member will make something for us.  They can add additional fabrics.  This is a secret swap so I can't share anything until the final reveal.

Ruby Star Summer Sew Along - Perfect Picnic Quilt - I'm participating in the Ruby Star Society Summer Sew Along.  I had a bundle of Rashida Coleman Hale fabrics and decided this was the perfect opportunity to use it.  This is now a pieced top (stay tuned for photos), so it will move to the pile of quilt tops waiting to be quilted.

Melodic Mystery QAL - I've chosen my fabrics for the 2022-2023 mystery QAL hosted by Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs.  I'm using Kona Chartreuse and Storm (background).  The cutting instructions will be released in August.

Modern Mini Quilt - I found a skill builder project online by Trendtex Fabrics.  I had some troubles with the pattern, so I need to figure out the best way (aka the least work involved) to fix it.  Here are the colours I used.

Bloom - This is pattern by Leanne @ Devoted Quilter.  It was easier to cut fabrics and piece blocks while I was in my temporary apartment, so I prepped a few projects for when I eventually got home.  I'm using Island Batik fabrics.

Cargo Duffle - I started a cargo duffle as a gift for a friend and didn't finish.  2022 has been a challenge, but now that I'm back home, I hope to get back on track.  This is a free pattern by Anna @ Noodlehead, but I'm following a tutorial by Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty to add a lining.  I need to get this finished.

Exploding Hearts - This was a 2021 QAL hosted by Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts.  I fell behind as my design wall wasn't large enough to lay out the blocks and then...well life happened.  I haven't purchased a new bed for the spare room yet, so I now have space to lay out the blocks on the floor.

Hand applique project - I was gifted some fabrics from Sandra @ Musings of Menopausal Melon.  I've added some Kona solids, and I have a hand applique project in mind.

I'm hoping to make progress on some of these projects over the summer.  We'll see how that goes.  😂

WIP Wednesday - Quilt Tops

Now that I'm back in my house, it's time to get back on track with sewing.  I've been accumulating quilt tops that now need to be quilted.   I also need to make a list of projects that I'm working and what needs to be done to move them to quilt top status.

Here is my list of 12 quilt tops.

Morewood Mystery Quilt - This is the 2020-2021 Mystery QAL hosted by Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs.  I'm still piecing the top for the 2021-2022 Mystery QAL project, and the 2022-2023 Mystery QAL starts tomorrow.  To say I am behind is an understatement. 😂

Storm at Sea - I created this Storm at Sea quilt using the Calm Lagoon fabric collection created for Sherry @ Powered by Quilting.  I think I am going to quilt wavy lines.

Posh Santa - This is a pattern by Sew Kind of Wonderful, using the Quick Curve Ruler.  I didn't get it quilted for Christmas last year.  Let's see if I can get it finished for this Christmas.

Reflection - This is a pattern by Bea @ Beaquilter.  I forgot to share my version when she released the pattern.

Follow Your Own Path - This was the 2021 annual QAL hosted by Sandra @ Musings of a Menopausal Melon.  I have the backing for this quilt top, but I haven't decided on a quilting plan.

Rising Star - This was a QAL hosted by Bea @ Beaquilter.  I did not finish during the QAL earlier this year.  This will be my new sofa quilt.  I'm going to put minky on the back, but I don't have a quilting plan yet.

Lots of Hugs - I tested this pattern for Cindy at Stitchin at Home.  The pattern has not yet been released, so I can't share a photo.

Turning Wheels - I was fortunate to test a pattern for Jen @ Patterns by Jen, but I wasn't able to get the top quilted in time for the pattern release last month.

Pop Star - This was the 2022 annual QAL hosted by Sandra @ Musings of a Menopausal Melon.  I need to figure out how to quilt this.

Planview - This was a QAL hosted by Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl.  Although I was a late starting, I managed to finish by the link up deadline and won a prize.

A Roll of the Dice - This is a new pattern by Sandra @ Musings of a Menopausal Melon which she released in early June.  You can purchase the pattern here.  I have no ideas on how to quilt this.

MMQG BOM - Dena and I created a BOM for our quilt guild, Maritime Modern Quilt Guild.  I'm using Kona White, Black, Steel, and Chartreuse.  You'll have to wait until the end of the year for the reveal.