Round Robin #2: Half-Square Triangles

Welcome to prompt #2 of 2025's Stay at Home Round Robin!  Today we look to Anja of Anja Quilts to tell us what to add, and she chose those incredibly versatile quilting units, the half-square triangle.

Half square triangles are great because there are so many ways you can use them.  Since I'm doing a sampler-style quilt with 12" blocks this time around, I chose blocks that primarily used half square triangles.  I started with a pinwheel block.  I saw this block online somewhere and liked it, a pinwheel inside a friendship star with accents along the edges.  This one uses 2 different sizes of half-square triangle.

For my second block, I wanted to design something myself.  I played around and got this.  It looks like something out of the original Avatar: the Last Airbender cartoon to me, like maybe what Katara gets when she's water-bending, or Ang when he's air-bending.  I don't know, but I like it, so into the quilt it goes!

So here's how my quilt looks so far, keeping in mind that the EQ rendering is not a prefect match for fabric.

If you are sewing along, the linky party is with Anja this week.  Important: if you are linking up, we need to be able to figure out who you are, including an email address.  If you aren't getting comments from your link from several of the hosts, especially from Gail the SAHRR Mastermind, something went wrong with your link and we can't contact you. We've had 2 or 3 link-ups that we can't identify or contact the linker.  If you think one of them may be you, contact Gail.  

 

I'm so excited to see what you do with Half Square Triangles this week!  Here is the complete Stay at Home Round Robin Schedule:

Here is the schedule for the Stay at Home Round Robin:

• January 13th: Center: Gail @ Quilting Gail
• January 20th: 1^st Round: King's Crown block or inspired by your first initial  Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
• January 27th: 2^nd Round: Half Square Triangles   Anja @ Anja Quilts
• February 3rd: 3rd Round: Gail @ Quilting Gail
• February 10th: 4^th Round:   Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
• February 17th:5^th Round: Brenda @ Songbird Designs
• February 24th: 6th Round: Me!
• March 24th: Finish Parade: Gail @ Quilting Gail

Island Batik unboxing #1

I am very excited to be starting my seventh year as an ambassador with Island Batik!  I truly love their fabric and really enjoy working with it.  The biggest perk of being an ambassador are the ambassador boxes sent to use twice a year, stuffed with gorgeous fabrics and goodies from Island Batik's industry partners.

I filmed a video showcasing everything I was sent for the first half of the year.  

If you don't want to watch the video or just want more info, keep reading!  I'll recap everything I was sent.

First, the industry partners

There are so many industry partners this year!  Schmetz needles are my favorite sewing machine needles, they sent several packs of needles.  Aurifil sent 3 spools of their 50 weight thread.  Hobbs sent an amazing four battings, one each of premium cotton, cotton w/ scrim, 80/20 in black, and their Tuscany collection 100% wool batting, plus a bag of their Simply Stuffing for toys or pillow.  And Oliso sent their mini M3Pro iron in Coral, and a carrier for the iron!! I'm excited to plug in my new iron and and use it!

 

There are also some partners who sponsor individual challenges.  Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design sent me their V Block tool; it will be used in the February challenge and blog hop.

Accuquilt is back as an industry partner.  They sent me their Irish Chain die that makes a 10" block: one pass through the cutter creates all the pieces needed for a block.  They also sent a 6' x 24" mat to be used with the die. The Irish Chain block, made with the Accuquilt die, will be featured in May with another block hop showcasing Island Batik new collections.

Not pictured or mentioned in the video is a pattern from Funky Friends Factory.  We each got to pick a toy pattern and will show off our Funky Friends in June.  Hobbs Simply Stuffing will also be used for this challenge, to make our Friends plump and cuddly!

And now for the fabric!

First, there was a half yard bundle of the upcoming collection Botanical Dreams.  Included with the bundle is a 2-yard cut of a dark fabric from the collection and a light fabric from the collection.  Botanical Dreams will be part of the February blog hop featuring new collections.  Fabrics will start shipping to shops in February as well.

Next, there was a strip pack of another collection hitting stores in February, Meadow Hues.  This is a signature collection for former Island Batik ambassador Claudia of Create with Claudia.  I love the pinks and purples with greens in this collection.  I was sent yards each of Mint and Grass to go with it, both from the always-available Basics collection

Speaking of the Basics collection, I was sent two pre-cuts of Gradations collections.  These are sets of 20 fabrics in a single color way that represent the spectrum of that color.  I was sent a 10" stack of Ravishing Reds and a 2 1/2" strip pack of Tantalizing Teals.

The next bundle is a surprise that I can't show yet.  This is one of the collections that will be in stores in May or June, and will be featured in blog hop in May.  These are the fabrics that I'll use with the Irish Chain die from Accuquilt, above.  

I also have a 10" stack of another collection that will be featured in May, thought pre-cuts are shipping to stores now.  I got Essence, a beautiful collection of aqua and purple, as well as 2-yard cuts of Honeydew and Hunter. 

Then there was a bundle of 1/2 yard cuts that coordinate with the full collections I was sent. These are all from the always available fabrics, and include Basics, Blenders, and Solids.

There were also 3 packs of Stash Builder strips.  These are 5" by width of fabric strips and are assorted.  I love how versatile these strips are!  You can cut them into 5" charm squares, 2 1/2" strips, or use for applique or scrappy quilts.  I have done all of those!  Sadly, I didn't get a picture of just the stash builder strips.

And last but certainly not least are the background fabrics.  I was sent 4 yards each of White, Black, and Dark Gray solids, as well as 6 yards of the neutral Bone.  Once again, I didn't get a solo picture, but here is the assortment of everything again, which includes the background farbcis and the stash builder strips.

I am very excited to be creating with all of this over the next 6 months and beyond!  Many thanks to Island Batik for choosing to work with me for a 7th year!

Round Robin #1: King's Crown

Welcome back to the Stay At Home Round Robin!  Today, Kathleen gets to pick what we add to our quilts.  She turned to her first initial for inspiration and picked the King's Crown block.  There are a few variations of this block; Kathleen has details of those variations on her post.  As a third option, you can do as Kathleen did and look to your first initial for inspiration as to what to add to your quilt.

Since I'm doing this year's SAHRR as a quilt sampler, I chose to make the King's Crown blocks in two different variations.  One of variations is fairly simple and worked really well as a 12" block.

The other variation is on a multiple of 5, so it made a 10" block.  To bring it to the size I needed, I added 1" squares on each side.  This ended up giving my crown a little jewel on top, which I really liked.  I also particularity like this block on point, which is what my layout is, and chose to put it in the top row in the center, much like a crown would be.

Here's what my quilt looks like with the blocks so far.  Keep in mind that the rendering from EQ8 is not perfect, some of the fabrics display differently and one of the fabrics is as close to the real fabric as I could find, but it's not actually the same.
 

If you are sewing along, link up with Kathleen this week. Each week you link up earns one entry into our prize drawing at the end of the Round Robin.  Here is a list of prizes and sponsors:

• Island Batik donated 3 fat quarter bundles:
  • Flutter Fields
  • Shadow Blooms
  • Bubbles curves and corners!
• Oliso Pro Plus Iron
• Batting from Hobbs Batting
• A pattern of YOUR choice from A Quiltery
• A quilt pattern from Devoted Quilter
• A pattern from Sew Fresh Quilts  
  

 

Here is the schedule for the Stay at Home Round Robin:

• January 13th: Center: Gail @ Quilting Gail
• January 20th: 1^st Round: King's Crown block or inspired by your first initial  Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
• January 27th: 2^nd Round: Anja @ Anja Quilts
• February 3rd: 3rd Round: Gail @ Quilting Gail
• February 10th: 4^th Round:   Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
• February 17th:5^th Round: Brenda @ Songbird Designs
• February 24th: 6th Round: Me!
• March 24th: Finish Parade: Gail @ Quilting Gail

Stay at Home Round Robin 2025: Centers

Welcome to 2025's Stay at Home Round Robin!  We have a group of 6 hosts ready to share our projects and give you prompts if you want to sew along.  Gail of Quilting Gail created the SAHRR during early days of Covid to mirror round robins sometimes done by quilt guilds.  The idea is that you make your own quilt, and each week, you add something to it based on the prompt from that week's host.  Creative interpretation is encouraged the Quilt Police are definitely not invited!

This week, it's all about your quilt center.  This can be whatever you want it to be.  If you aren't sure, an orphan quilt is a great start!  Or even a pre-printed panel. Your center can be square, rectangular, whatever you want!

My Layout

 

Most quilts in the SAHRR end up being medallion style, but that's not the only option.  A few years ago, I did mine as a row by row.  There was one participant who did a sampler style quilt, and I decided to try that this year.  I knew it would be easiest if I picked one block size and stuck to that.  I turned to EQ8 and played around until I found a layout I liked with 12" blocks.  I set the blocks on point and my layout required 13 blocks.  This math turned out to be perfect!  I could use one block as my starting center and then two blocks each for the prompts from the hosts.  

I also chose a fabric palette of all blues.  I went through all my Island Batik fabrics and picked out 12 different blue fabrics in a variety of shades.  I also chose Corn Silk as the background for my blocks and sashing, with solid Dark Gray for sashing cornerstones and the setting triangles from setting the blocks on point.

For my Center, I chose a North Carolina Star block.  I cut this with my Accuquilt using the Block on Board for this block.  

 

 

If you want to sew along, pick a center!  Each week, the host will have a linky party open for a week where you can share.  We have prizes from some generous sponsors!  We're still finalizing that list, so I'll have the list of prizes for you next week. At the end of the Round Robin, we'll draw winners.  Every week you link up, you get an entry!  So if you miss a week, never fear, you can get caught up the next week.  Our mastermind Gail has the first linky party.

 
Here is the schedule for the Stay at Home Round Robin.  I hope you consider sewing along!

• January 13th: Center: Gail @ Quilting Gail
• January 20th: 1^st Round:   Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
• January 27th: 2^nd Round: Anja @ Anja Quilts
• February 3rd: 3rd Round: Gail @ Quilting Gail
• February 10th: 4^th Round:   Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
• February 17th:5^th Round: Brenda @ Songbird Designs
• February 24th: 6th Round: Me!
• March 24th: Finish Parade: Gail @ Quilting Gail
   

Mantis Shrimp

I wrote a book. Sadly, not a quilting book; it's related to my day job as a librarian.  I wrote it with a colleague and friend.  It was officially published last month.

We planned a lunch celebration with our families a few days after the book was released.  I have planned for months to make him something to thank him for being the best co-author on the planet.  I was a little worried about being able to pull it off.  But I did!

Garrison, my co-author, is obsessed with the animal the Mantis Shrimp. Thing is, there are not commercial mantis shrimp quilt patterns out there.  Applique was going to be my only option, but I still needed something to create the applique from.  I tried coloring sheets online and found two, but I didn't really like them.  Garrison's love for the mantis shrimp is so well known at work that when we re-did our staff intranet, the committee working on it decided to use a mantis shrimp as the unofficial library intranet mascot.  A coworker who has a talent for drawing created a mantis shrimp as said mascot.  I reached out to that coworker, Justin, explained what I wanted to make for Garrison, and asked if he still had the sketches from the intranet and could I use them?  Justin was enthusiastic about the project and immediately sent me his sketches.

I enlarged Justin's drawing and then worked on simplifying it to best translate into fabric.  I realized pretty quickly that I was going to need to do a fair amount of thread work to get the details of the shrimp segmentation.  I did all the stitching with navy Aurifil thread and a small stitch length.  I built the parts of the shrimp body first.  I layered the background and backing with Hobbs Thermore batting which is perfect for small quilts/wall hangings.  I quilted the whole piece with cross-hatch lines before adding the shrimp to the background so the quilting lines would not go through the shrimp.

 

I really, really wanted the shrimp to be reading a book.  Specifically, our book.  I used fabric sheets that can go into the printer, common used for adding photos to quilts, and printed our book cover in a few sizes.  Then I picked the best size.  I had already modified one of the shrimp "arms" to work holding the book. 

Other than the fabric that went into the printer for the book cover, all fabrics are Island Batik basics.  The background is Tumbleweed, the tail is Bermuda, the top part of the body is Mystic, the "arms" are Sangria, and the eyes are Grape.  The backing fabric is Beaujolais, which has been sunsetted but I still had some in my Island Batik stash.  The finished quilt is 17 1/4" high by 14" wide.  I added folded triangles of solid gray to the corners on the back to make it easy to hang.

This was far more detailed in terms of thread work than what I normally do, but I'm very proud of the finished product.  The creator of the original shrimp drawing, Justin Mulcahy, also thought it turned out well, and I'm grateful he let me start with his drawing, as I don't think I could have done this without a place to start.  I'm happy to report that Garrison loved it!  He was laughing when he saw it, and his sister said it was as if all of Garrison had been captured in a small quilt, which I felt was a huge compliment. 

 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  I know, we're a full week in at this point.  I feel like I'm still playing catch-up.  I have a few end-of-the-year finishes I haven't shared.  We spent the last week of 2024 in Portland, Oregon visiting my brother, his family, and my dad.  We had a great time.   I have a few end-of-the-year finishes I haven't shared. I don't want to post them at once, so I'll just start with the Double Zip Gear bags.  This is a By Annie pattern that I have made before.  I made my brother one in Portland Timbers (soccer team) fabric and gave it to him over the summer.  My niece loved it and wanted to use it when she went to Girl Scout camp, so I decided she needed her own.  My sister-in-law indicated she'd like to have one as well. 

The rainbow axolotls are my favorite; that one is my niece's.  My sister-in-law loves llamas and my friend Kate found this great llama fabric at a quilt shop in the fall; she bought a yard and we split it.  These are all the small size, which I find to be the most useful. 

 

On the Portland trip, one of the highlights was going to Daiso, what my sister-in-law describes as a "Japanese Dollar Store."  Prices went up as high as like $15, but many things were $1.75.  My favorite find: a little case meant for beading that is absolutely perfect for sewing machine feet!  I labeled it when I got home.  I love it!

Now that we've started 2025, are you looking for a new sewing project?  Consider joining the Stay At Home Round Robin!  Abbreviated SAHRR, this is a quilt-along created by Gail of Quilting Gail and hosted by 6 different quilters.  Each week, one of the hosts picks a quilting prompt and you add that element to your quilt.  Your fabric, your design, your size, very few rules!  We'll start on Monday, January 13th.  You can get more details here.

I hope you have a had a great start to 2025!