March Island Batik Ambassador Challenge

Our March Challenge was our choice – choice of one of the fabric collections Island Batik provided and also choice of project. I needed a table runner for our new sofa table, so I browsed my patterns.

I have had this book for awhile, love the table runners in it, but have never made any. I decided on the one in the middle, second from the top. I love the movement in it.

Island Batik Stash Builders

Remember those rolls of fabric from my unboxing video? Each roll has 4 5″ wide strips by width of fabric. I had a nice assortment to choose from, so I choose some of my favs and began pairing them up in pleasing sets of 3. Then I cut 2″ strips.

I made 2″ wide strip sets from each group of 3, then cut them as directed in the instructions and laid out the triangles to make partial hexies which appear to overlap. I’m glad I caught those mistakes in my layout before they were sewn!

It’s loaded on my Handi Quilter Forte ready for quilting,

I sewed leftover 2″ strips for the backing.

I chose the digital design Malachite from Urban Elements.

And here it is on my sofa table. I love it!

Mini Pumpkin Patch Quilt

Mini Pumpkins Pattern by Sew Kind of Wonderful

My favorite season is autumn and I love this pattern, It has been on my to do list for a few years. Motivation came in the form of a challenge; a Handi Quilter Educator Challenge. This year’s challenge was to make a black and white (grays allowed) quilt, plus one other color that can’t be more than 25% of the quilt.

Time is always a factor, and this quilt being only 36″ x 36″ was doable considering my traveling schedule between now and the due date. Easy decision. I finally get to make this quilt!

Pieces were cut and piecing together was begun in early October.

Two days later it was pieced. However, getting it quilted within the next 9 weeks between several teaching events, a quilt show, celebrating a birthday, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, would be tricky. But a busy schedule makes for efficient planning.

Now to decide how to quilt it. I knew I wanted to make “ghost pumpkins” on some of the background squares to mimic the colored pumpkins, so I played around with ideas for the background. Hay, so it looks like the pumpkins are laying in a patch? Pumpkin leaves with wisps of curls? Pebbles and swirls? I decided on the latter, so the small pebbles and swirls would make the “ghost pumpkins” pop. I added some leaves for interest as well. I also double batted with one layer of 80/20 and one layer of wool on top for the poof.

Challenge accepted and completed on time.

Sewing when Traveling

After teaching longarm quilting all day, I grab a bite for dinner and head to my hotel room…to SEW! It’s how I relax. My trusty lightweight, dependable Singer Featherweight is my travel partner when I’m able to drive to my events. When I fly, my Kindle is my lightweight, dependable travel companion.

Sewing area set up in my hotel room.

Piece by Piece

Eugene, OR

June 28 – July 1

Days 1 and 3 – Longarm Machine Basics / Fast, Fun, and Fabulous FMQ

Days 2 and 4 – Introduction to Pro-Stitcher / Ruler Essentials

The Fabric Patch

Pana, IL

May 4-6 Hands On Van Event

Longarm Machine Basics

Fast, Fun, and Fabulous Free Motion

Pro-Stticher Basics

Ruler Essentials

A Foot Ahead

Beyond Basic Background Fills

Not Your Average Orange Peel

Gridwork, not Guesswork

Mike and Brenda believe in service and training after the sale. If you’re in the area, give them a visit.

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