TGIFF - Ornamental

I'm working my way through a long list of unquilted tops that need to be finished.

I started Ornamental by Beaquilter in 2022.  This was one of the projects I worked on at Sewtopia Palm Springs.  It's now quilted!

I used Island Batik fabrics that I had in my stash, along with Kona Coal.

I used Connecting Threads #21169 Custard to do an all-over stipple.  When in doubt, go with a light yellow thread.  Custard is my favourite yellow from Connecting Threads.

It feels good to save a quilt top from the overflowing UFO laundry basket.  LOL

I'm linking up with:

Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday @ Sew Preeti

Finished or Not Friday @ Alycia Quilts

Pattern:  Ornamental by Beaquilter

Size:  42.5 x 54 inches

Started:  October 29, 2022

Completed:  June 16, 2025
Techniques:  machine piecing
Quilting:  free-motion quilting

Fabric:  Island Batik fabrics and Kona Coal

Binding:  Kona Coal

Thread:  Connecting Threads #21169 Custard
Batting:  Warm and Natural

Perfectly Pieced Quilt Backs Blog Hop

Have you seen the new book by Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation?  Perfectly Pieced Quilt Backs showcases some great ways to piece backings.  I used to piece my backings but then discovered wide backing.  I need to get back to piecing backs because I have enough yardage and because it's a great way to use up leftover fabric from projects.

I made a pieced back for my Turning Wheels quilt, which I realize I have never shared.  Oops.  I tested this pattern for Jen @ Patterns by Jen.

The book shows 30 ways to piece a backing, using either leftover fabric or yardage.  I used leftover fabric from piecing the top (including Kona Tangerine and Clementine) and a piece of teal fabric.

If the book wasn't great enough, there is a bonus -- 18 free patterns.  Free patterns!

I needed some free-motion quilting practice on my Baby Lock Accomplish so tried a few different motifs.

You can get Kelly's book at the usual places:

• Amazon USA
• Amazon Canada
• Barnes and Noble
• Connecting Threads
• Missouri Star Quilt Company
• If you want a signed copy, you can order directly from Kelly.

The quilting is more visible from the back.  I made the Coin Strip pattern.  It's a great way to add some interest and to increase the width of your back if you don't have enough fabric.

Visit the following bloggers to see what pieced back they made:

• Sandra @ mmm quilts
• Rose @ Something Rosemade
• Diann @ Little Penguin Quilts
• Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts
• Jayne @ Twiggy and Opal
• Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting
• Vasudha @ Storied Quilts
• Kris @ Sew Sunshine
• Leanne @ Devoted Quilter
• Rebecca @ Rebecca Grace Quilting
• Preeti @ Sew Preeti Quilts
• Susan @ Quilt Fabrication
• Kate @ Katie Mae Quilts
• Sarah @ Sarah Goer Quilts
• Linda @ Flourishing Palms
• Anne-Marie @ Stories From the Sewing Room
• Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty
• Gail @ Quilting Gail
• Kat @ Scrapbox Quilts
• Julie @ Julie's Quilts and Costumes
• Jan @ The Colorful Fabriholic

Pattern Testing - Leading Edge

I had the opportunity to test a pattern -- Leading Edge -- for Joanne @ Canuck Quilter Designs.  

I used fabrics from Makower UK, and now I regret not having purchased more fabric.  You know that I had to include some orange. 😉

You make strip sets, which become "arrows."

And then a finished quilt top.

I have not yet quilted this top.  If you have followed me for any length of time, you know that I always struggle with a quilting plan, so tops end up the laundry basket of unquilted tops.  I hope they don't feel that the basket is like the Island of Misfit Toys in the tv show Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  LOL

I have made a list of unquilted tops (20 tops and counting.....).  I need to make an effort to get these quilted.  As always, suggestions for a quilting plan and thread colour are always welcome.

You can purchase Leading Edge here.

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

WIP Wednesday - This and That

I had to make a new list of the projects I'm currently working on so projects don't get forgotten. 😉

I had a thought to make an Advent calendar for my two nieces, using the Lined Drawstring Bag (by In Color Order) to hold treats.  And once again, I find myself thinking, it sounded like a great idea at the time.  LOL  I need to get 24 bags made, filled with treats, and in the mail by next Wednesday so they arrive before December 1.

I cut up an Advent calendar panel so each bag will have a number.  I need to create a plan for some assembly line sewing.  I'll probably watch Hallmark Christmas movies while sewing.

I'm doing some pattern testing for Bea @ Beaquilter.  I cut all the pieces using my Accuquilt Go and the 8" Qube dies.  One benefit of using an Accuquilt cutter is that you don't have to trim blocks once they are sewn together.  Time saver!

I need to get working on the November instructions for the Macaron Mystery QAL hosted by Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs.  I need to make and trim 60 flying geese units.  October's instructions were also to make 60 flying geese units.  Please don't let the December instructions be more flying geese blocks.  LOL

Linking up with:

Midweek Makers @ Quilt Fabrication

Wednesday Wait Loss @ The Inquiring Quilter

Pattern Testing - Woven

Last year, I tested a new pattern for Cindy @ Stitchin at Home.  And it's being released today.  Stop by to see Cindy's version and to get a copy of the Woven pattern.

I made the baby size and used Kona Highlight and Magenta.

Dena is behind the quilt.

These photos were taken at Blue Rocks, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

There are a lot of photos.  It's an amazing spot to do a photo shoot.

It was a beautiful August day (when we were allowed to gather with distancing).  The morning started out with Dena and I for a quick visit and ended up being an entire day of adventure with Linda and Beth.

Are you still here?  There are more photos.

I did deviate from the pattern.  I'd like to say that I was being a rebel, but it was actually because I didn't calculate my fabric correctly and didn't have enough to do the outer border.  But I think it works without the border.

Some of the fishing shacks are brightly coloured.

It was fun having a proper quilt photo shoot with friends to provide assistance.

The sun was shining, and it was one of the best 11 hours I had spent in a very long time.  I was so glad to have some quality time with good quilty friends.  I'm looking forward to more of these days in the future.

Dena took a photo of Linda, Beth, and myself just before we left Blue Rocks.

We then headed to Bridgewater, and our friend Val was happy to sell us fabric.  On the way home, I stopped and bought two pairs of shoes.  Thanks for an awesome day, friends.  We need to do it again.

Don't forget to visit Cindy to see her version of Woven and to see versions from other testers.

TGIFF - Waltzing with Bears

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.

I'm sharing yet another one of my UFOs that I finished during the Christmas break.  I finished this quilt top back in October 2020.  Waltzing with Bear is a great pattern by Sandra @ Musings of a Menopausal Melon.  You can find all of Sandra's patterns on Etsy.

This quilt finishes 58 x 58 inches and was made using Island Batik fabrics.  I did an all-over stipple using Custard thread by Connecting Threads.

As usual, I used my go-to Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20 batting.

It's now time to share your finish from this week.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Here are some other links to share your finish:

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop? @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Finished or Not Friday @ Alycia Quilts

Needle and Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation

Brag About Your Beauties @ From Bolt to Beauty

Friday Foto Fun @ Powered by Quilting 

UFO Busting @ Tish's Adventure in Wonderland

Pattern Testing - On The Fence

Here's another UFO I quilted over the Christmas break.  This was my first time testing for Joanne @ Canuck Quilter Designs.  I finished the top back in October, but I was a rebel and used a contrasting colour for the star and skipped the borders.  On the Fence is a great pattern, and I'm looking forward to making more of Joanne's patterns.

My version finishes 52 x 60 inches.

I quilted an all-over loop motif using Lucid Pear thread by Connecting Threads.  I was going to use white thread, but I felt it would be too much of a contrast on the purple star.

I only used one Kona in this project:  Parrot for the border around the purple star.

 I used my go-to batting:  Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20 batting 

I need to find homes for all the quilts I finished in December.  I gave some quilts away in the fall, but there are still quite a few that need to leave my house.

I'm linking up with:

Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday @ Slice of Pi Quilts

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop? @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Finished or Not Friday @ Alycia Quilts

Needle and Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation

Brag About Your Beauties @ From Bolt to Beauty

Friday Foto Fun @ Powered by Quilting 

UFO Busting @ Tish's Adventure in Wonderland

Pattern Testing - Maddie

This is one the quilt tops I quilted over the Christmas break.  I'll be sharing all the quilts in the coming weeks.

The Maddie pattern was created by Bea @ Beaquilter.

I cut all the pieces with my Accuquilt Go and the 8 Qube.  I was a rebel and did not add the outer large border.

I quilted an all-over stipple in a brown variegated thread from Connecting Threads.

I use Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20 batting in all my quilts.

This quilt finishes 45 x 55 inches.  I found an orange peel print for the back.

Bea has lots of great patterns.  I'm sure you'll find one or two or three that you like.

I'm linking up with:

Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday @ Quilting Gail

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop? @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Finished or Not Friday @ Alycia Quilts

Needle and Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation

Brag About Your Beauties @ From Bolt to Beauty

Friday Foto Fun @ Powered by Quilting 

UFO Busting @ Tish's Adventure in Wonderland

TGIFF - Saltwater Taffy Pattern Testing

Over a year ago, I tested a pattern for Becca @ Pretty Piney Quilts -- Saltwater Taffy.  I'm finally getting around to quilting the quilt top.

I used the last of my Michael Miller Hash Dot fabrics.

I did an all-over stipple in white thread.  It blended very well with the blocks but stands out in the blue plaid-ish border. 

I love finishing up old projects.

I'm linking up with:

Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday @ Devoted Quilter

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop? @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Finished or Not Friday @ Alycia Quilts

Needle and Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation

Brag About Your Beauties @ From Bolt to Beauty

Friday Foto Fun @ Powered by Quilting 

UFO Busting @ Tish's Adventure in Wonderland

Pattern Testing - Maddie

I enjoy pattern testing for designers -- it's my way of giving back to the quilting community.  The benefits of pattern testing:  an opportunity to use my fabric stash; a chance to try new patterns; and a hard deadline to keep me sewing on a regular basis.

This was the first time I made a quilt where all the fabric was cut with my Accuquilt Go and the 8 Qube.  The Maddie pattern was created by Bea @ Beaquilter.

There are only two blocks in this pattern, so you can do a lot of chain piecing to speed up sewing.

It was hard to get decent photos.  The photos above show the true colours of the prints.  I chose not to add the larger outer border.

There are three sizes in the pattern, and Bea provides both rotary cutting and Accuquilt die instructions.  You can get the Maddie pattern and other Beaquilter patterns here.