December brings another month to embark on our own project, regardless of its size, theme, or technique!
I’ve been going to a lot of retreats lately. I love them so much! It’s a way to meet new quilting friends and I’ve been searching for my new tribe since moving across the country a couple years ago. I began my December quilt at the retreat I attended last month. I joined the Crimson Christmas Quilt Along with Krista Moser. Once I saw her Crimson Christmas quilt pattern, I knew I had to make it! I had some Island Batik scraps that worked great for this challenge.
The beginning process is getting all the 60-degree pieces together before being able to put them on the design wall to see it coming together. A fresh Schmetz 80/12 needle begins the piecing process every time.
It’s beginning to come together here.
And finally it is together after day 2 of the retreat. It just needs to be trimmed at the edges.
After trimming.
I quilted it on my Handi QuilterForte 24 (Amara 24) using Chrisy Dillon’s Radiate digital pattern for Pro-Stitcher. I was able to audition it using Pro-Stitcher Designer by bringing in a picture of the quilt using the Backdrop tool and auditioning different digital designs until I found one I liked. I used Hobbs 80/20 batting and Superior Thread’s Monopoly in smoke for the top thread for longarming so the thread wouldn’t show, just the lovely texture.
After taking it for show and tell at my guild, I hung it in my entry for the holiday. I’m very happy with it!
This is my last post as an Island Batik Ambassador as life is taking me other directions. I have loved this opportunity so very much and it enriched my life for its duration. Island Batik is so generous and supportive of its ambassadors! I would encourage others to apply!!
Please take a look at what the other ambassadors have chosen to do for their It’s All Up to You Challenge:
This month’s challenge was to make a Dresden quilt lap size or larger using the Surprise Bundle we received from Island Batik.
My Surprise Bundle was Midnight Garden, a beautiful collection of blues, purples, and a bit of gold. This was designed by Jerry Khiev as a Spring/ Summer collection and will be shipping to shops beginning next month. Ask for it at your local quilt shop.
Here is my 1/2 yard bundle along with 2 yards each of two coordinating fabrics, a light and a dark shown in the upper right. I added two background fabrics previously supplied by Island Batik.
I had never made a Dresden Quilt before, but remembered I met a girl the first time I attended the Empty Spools Seminar who had written a book with patterns for Dresden Quilts. I purchased the book and template from her, Amalie Belden, so I perused through the book and chose a pattern that appealed to me. I preferred the pointed top blade, so I made that change.
I thought this was adorable. Of course, I’m a sucker for polka dots. But I did change the blades to a pointed top instead of the flat top.
I took this project with me to a quilt retreat. Here I’m just getting started making 180 Dresden blades! Yum, those colors! I used Aurifil 50 weight for piecing.
I like the movement this background fabric provides! It’s Moo Milk!
I so enjoyed quilting the blades by freemotioning the swirls on my Handi Quilter Forte 24. Too fun!
This background is lavender and I love how it brings out the purples.
It’s always exciting to see it all come together, even if it is using blue tape on a wall to make it happen.
These are the four corners, the last part of the puzzle.
And here’s the finish. I really love it! It finishes at 48×48. First Dresden and first time making flange binding. I love the border Amelie designed for this quilt as well. I used Hobbs Heirloom cotton batting and loved the soft texture! I quilted it on my Handi Quilter Forte 24 longarm.
What’s in Your Bag Challenge? Featuring ByAnnie.com
Our challenge this month allowed us to choose a byannie.com pattern and Island Batik fabric and complete the bag and post about it any day in October. Byannie.com supplied the pattern and supplies, including hardware, to make the bag. Island Batik supplied the fabric of our choice from either the Spring or Summer ’24 collections.
I chose the In Control Bag. My goal was to replace the 3 mugs full of notions that sit on my sewing table, often being knocked off the back of my table landing in the abyss behind my tall trash can. Let’s just say I no longer enjoy getting on my hands and knees nor getting up from that position. The In Control Bag held great promise for controlling my chaos.
You can find this collection at Creekside Quilts in Banks, Oregon.
I decided to use # 712401075 for the front and #712404083 for the back and #712407810 for the accent.
I loaded the front and back on my Handi Quilter Forte (Amara 24) longarm using Soft and Stable provided by ByAnnie.com for the batting using a narrow horizontal straight line quilt pattern.
I first made all the pieces according to the well written directions. Byannie even prints check boxes for you to check off each step as you go as well as a sheet with the numbers of the pieces to pin to each piece to keep everything organized. There are even video instructions for many of the steps.
I love how professional the bags look when complete. The directions provide steps that lead to a very nicely finished bag. The piece next to the pattern is the stabilizer for the bottom of the bag.
I love all the pockets!
Pockets on the inside, outside, and ends!!
One zippered pocket!
Here are my three mugs with notions that I was referring to earlier that continually get knocked off behind my sewing table. My hope was that they all would fit, be easier to access, and be less likely to be knocked off.
…and it all fit easily! I just used the inside pockets and still have the center part available as well as all the outside pockets!! I’m so please with how it turned out. It will definitely be less likely to be knocked off because of the larger base and it feels so much more organized.
Maybe you remember the Full Bloom BOM quilt by 4th and 6th Designs. The edge painting appliqué technique used was the basis for this popular quilt. The technique is raw edge and is the basis for our September challenge. Here is a video that shows this technique if you are unfamiliar with it. YouTube Video demonstrating the edge-coloring technique.
Full Bloom applique quilt using Island Batik fabrics and the edge stitching processThis beautiful collection of fabric was given to me by Island Batik to use for this challenge. Twilight by Kathy Engle for Create with ClaudiaI love these colors and this collection and couldn’t wait to get started! Shipping to shops this month!
I came across this perfect pattern, Night Owls by Fat Cat Patterns. The colors worked beautifully for this pattern. The Twilight collection and two coordinating fabrics were given to me by Island Batik for this challenge.
I added a few other Island Batik fabrics to work well with this collection. These beautiful 40 weight threads were given to me to use for this challenge by Aurifil threads.
I used Steam a Seam 2 and my Oliso iron to bond the applique pieces to the background fabric.
I used my paper scissors to cur out the Steam a Seam shapes leaving a little extra to cut through once adhered to the applique fabric.
I fussy cut the center of the daisies in this fabric for the owl toes!
I have all 9 of my owls are made and am ready to begin edge painting and coloring as well as use some decorative stitches to outline my applique stitches. I used a new Schmetz needle 90/14 for the heavier40 weight Aurifil thread,
I wasn’t comfortable with coloring outside the lines with edge coloring at first, but after a few blocks it was very fun and freeing!
Here I was trying to make the stitching look like the owl’s feathers. Aurifil 40 weight threads worked great for this application.
Loved getting to use some of my decorative stitches also and after a couple of afternoons of fun with decorative stitching I was ready to add the sashing and borders and complete the top.
Soon after I was ready to have some fun quilting my owls!
Be sure to hop on over to these Island Batik Ambassador’s websites to check out their creations for this challenge. Listed below are the dates and Island Batik collections featured. Also be sure the follow Island Batik blog to register for very nice weekly prizes!!
The August monthly challenge was to make a mini quilt of our choice using any technique, not to exceed 24″ square. We could choose any fabric collection except the Surprise Bundle to be disclosed at a later date.
Island Batik’s Poetic Bouquet by Kathy Engle for The Whimsical Workshop
I had a pattern called Hues of Blue by Sherri McConnell that I had saved from a magazine ages ago.. It finished at 22″ square, so perfect! I couldn’t find the name of the magazine anywhere on my copy. I thought this would be a great time to use it as i could feature every fabric in the Poetic Bouquet collection along with the two coordination fabrics. I used the dark coordinating fabric (Storm) for the center block and the light one (Sky) for the background.
Such a gorgeous collection!Copy of Hues of Blue by Sherri McConnell from an unknown magazine
Once the piecing was complete, I loaded it on my Handi Quilter Forte longarm. I used Hobbs 80/20 batting with a layer of Hobbs wool batting on top to give more definition to my quilting. I test my tension before quilting by placing a 5″ square of scrap fabric to the side of my quilt and stitch some circles and sharp angles to test for eyelashing indicating uneven tension. The stitches should look the same on the front and back as shown above and below.
I wanted the piecing to be the star and not have the quilting overpower it so I used rulers and echoed the block shapes by stitching 1/4″ away from the edges using my Handi Quilter longarm Ditch Ruler.
Here is a close up.
Here all of the shapes are outlined and I’m ready to quilt the background.
All finished! I used various designs for the background using the Handi Quilter Mini Scallop ruler for the borders and the Multi Clamshell and Ditch Ruler for the rest.
Here is the back side and a good picture of Island Batik’s Storm.
All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads. Across the US, too many boys and girls go without a bed—or even a pillow—to sleep on. These children end up sleeping on couches, blankets, and even floors. This can affect their happiness and health. That’s where Sleep in Heavenly Peace comes in. A group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling, and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need.
So many great charities provide clothing, meals, and toys to families in need. But as wonderful as this aid is, few organizations offer suitable beds and bedding to the kids in these families. Sleep in Heavenly Peace fully believes that a bed is a basic need for the proper physical, emotional, and mental support that a child needs. If a child needs a bed, Sleep in Heavenly Peace wants to make sure they get one. NO KID SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR IN OUR TOWN!
Quilts Across America is a program that relies on the generosity of quilters everywhere to provide a quilt with each bed that is delivered. Quilts Across America was initiated by Studio 180 Design and Tucker University in July 2023. Help make this the largest quilting project in America and complete the process of getting kids, Off the floor, Into a Bed, and Under a Quilt.
If you are interested in helping out, check out Shpbeds.org and note the requirements below.
Quilt Requirements
Size between 50” to 60” wide and 75” to 90” long.
Simple quilt designs.
Colors that appeal to kids and young adults from 2 to 17 years of age.
No religious or holiday themed fabrics.
Quilted, not tied.
Machine bound is preferred.
No buttons or glued on embellishments.
Simple allover quilting is recommended.
I was excited to join this cause and selected some pretty, uplifting colors of Island Batik fabrics. I opened Electric Quilt and designed a quilt that I could use my Studio 180 tools to make the blocks.
This is the design I settled on.
The lightest fabric I chose is Frosting by Island Batik, from the Foundation line available all year round. I also used it for the backing and binding. I absolutely love the subtle color changes within the design.
This is the Magic Wand. It is used to mark on either side of it to indicate the stitching lines. I used my Hera marker which creates a crease so you don’t have to worry about getting any chalk or other kinds of lines out later on. It’s one of my favorite tools.
Then I stitched on the creased lines.
After stitching both lines, I used my rotary cutter to cut down the middle between the two stitched lines, creating two pieces. I pressed those pieces and then placed another square, used my Magic Wand again and stitched on both creased lines.
Then cut between the two stitched lines.
Press and now you have a Flying Geese unit.
This is where the Wing Clipper comes in. Line up the seams with the lines on the tool and trim the excess.
Turn the unit upside down and trim on the other two sides.
The first few blocks on my new Felt Right design wall. Loving my blocks and the design wall as well! At this point I chose to name my quilt Looking Up because of the arrows pointing upwards.
The third Studio 180 tool I own is the Tucker Trimmer. It is used to trim down half square triangles, among other things.
I love the positivity in this quilt! The arrows pointing upwards, the plus signs, and the friendship stars. I hope it brings a young person endless snuggles and happiness.
This is a good picture of the backing, Island Batik Frosting and is available all year round. I love the very subtle color changes.
This is how I bind quilts by machine. I sew the binding to the back side of the quilt and then bring in to the front and sew using the serpentine stitch.
Our challenge this month was to make something of our choice that has to do with celebrations. Well, every celebration involves food, yes??? And hopefully with shared responsibilities. Whether you call them pitch ins, pot lucks, or something else, a proper carrier is needed, so I decided to make a casserole carrier.
And Pro-Stitcher has a design for that! Actually they have a couple. The one I chose is Happiness is Homemade. There is another one called Buttered Biscuit. I combined the two as I preferred parts of each. Directions are included with the download.
I love the Baked with Love message on the side flapsAnd I love this plaid design for the bottom of the carrier.This is how it looked after turning the cover right sides out. Ready to topstitch the edges.And I loved this Happiness is Homemade script on the front and back.I used kabab skewers for my handles but you could use wooden spoons or dowel rods or anything else that fits.
Now I am set to bring a dish to our next shared meal in style.
Happy Holidays to those who celebrate the season!
Check out what the other Island Batik Ambassadors did for the challenge this month:
Earlier this year I participated in one of GE Designs Quilt Alongs, Strip Twist. My Island Batik Stash Builders were perfect for this quilt. Stash Builders are 5″ strips by width of fabric that come 4 strips to a roll, 5 rolls per package. That’s nearly 3 yards of fabric and perfect for cutting 5″ squares or 2 1/2″ strips. I whipped this up at my annual quilt retreat using Schmetz needles and Aurifil thread.
Assembled piecesMy first completed block!Trying a layoutAll togetherAdded borders and scrappy binding using more of my Island Batik Stash Builders, Hobbs 80/20 batting, and Pro-Stitcher on my Handiquilter ForteDonated to our guild’s charity chairperson, Darlen,e at our November meeting
I know someone will appreciate this one as it is delivered this month.
Island Batik Ambassadors had the opportunity to choose a ByAnnie bag pattern that we would like to make. We had our choice of any with a supporting video, 29 to be exact. I have made a few ByAnnie patterns and love the results I get from her quality step by step instructions and supporting materials. ByAnnie supplied us with the pattern we selected and all the hardware and supplies to make it! Thank you, ByAnnie!!
We have an Airstream travel trailer and aren’t afraid to use it! We enjoy nature, hiking, biking, kayaking, and the out of doors. It’s always fun to meet and become friends with like minded people we meet during our adventures. I found a bag pattern that will be useful when we are glamping, it’s the I’ll Drink to That bag! We are often toting things to happy hours and pot lucks. This bag will be convenient for carrying our drinks.
The Island Batik collection I was given to work with for this project is Citron Breeze. Citron Breeze is shipping to retailers this month. Ask your favorite quilt store for it. It is a beautiful, very calming collection of greens and blues. Thank you, Island Batik for this beautiful fabric with which to work.
First I quilted the main fabric, foam, and lining on my Handi Quilter Forte (Amara 24). I chose SC Winter Swirls and Pearls design found in PS Patterns. I liked the bubbles and swirls and thought it appropriate for a drink carrier. Then I cut out the pieces from the quilted fabric.
SC Winter Swirls and PearlsAdding binding to one of the piecesThe inner sectioned dividersFront section with padded handle and zippered pouch
Every project deserves a new needle. I use Schmetz needles, normally an 80/12 Microtex, but for this project, sewing through several layers at a time and through Annie“s Soft and Stable foam, I used a size 90 needle. I enjoyed this project very much! Annie’s patterns, directions, and supplies give such a professional look to your finished projects!
Please take a minute to check out what the other Island Batik Ambassadors did for their challenge this month:
Our challenge this month was to use the Accuquilt North Carolina Star block, generously donated to us by Accuquilt. We could use the entire block, just parts to make a totally different design, and/or pair it with companion dies. We could make it into any project we liked, using fall fabrics, if possible.
Accuquilt North Carolina Star
I thought about what fall decorations I needed, and came up with ideas for placemats. Placemats add a finishing touch to a table setting and we host Thanksgiving. Time to get busy.
First, select fabrics. I selected a variety of fall colored fabrics and wanted to use the larger prints as the focus fabrics. They became the 4 51/2″ squares in each corner of the North Carolina Star blocks. Then it was pure fun to play with the other fabrics to see how placement changed the entire look. The block itself was 12″ square and I wanted the placemats to be about 12″ x 18″ so I added some designs on the sides.
Parts and pieces to play with.My first placemat used Pine Leaves Cone-Gr as the focus fabric in the four corners. I really love this one. Other fabrics used were Leaves- Green in the very center, Berries -Orange, Pebbles -Coffee, and Sprig – Yellow in the middle and on the right border, and Rock -Yellow and Copper on the left side.This placemat was made with Leaves – Green Cactus in the four corners, Berries – Orange in the very center with Leaves-Green Grass and Rock – Yellow in the center cross and Rock – Yellow on both borders.This placemat features Pine Leaves from the Sandalwood Collection for the four corners, Leaves-Green from the Sandalwood Collection for the very center, and Leaves – Green Cactus from the Sandalwood Collection, Pebbles – Coffee, Sprig – Yellow, and Berries – Gold and Berries – Orange from the Sandalwood Collection for the rest of the placemat. This placemat features Leaves – Green from the Sandalwood Collection for the four corners, Sprig – Yellow, and Bubbles – Cherry to complete the center, and Copper, Rock – Yellow, Sprig – Yellow, Pebbles – Coffee, Round Petal Floral, and Leaves – Green Grass from the Sandalwood Collection for the side borders.
All placemats are backed and bound with Rock – Green Grass.
I quilted all of them at the same time on my Handi Quilter Forte with the Filigree Leaves e2e design from Pro-Stitcher Patterns.
I was able to use some Hobbs 80/20 batting scraps left over from what they generously supplies us. I don’t like to waste!Quilted on my Handi Quilter Forte (now Amara 24)with Pro-StitcherMy Handi Quilter Glide 2 foot made it so easyQuilted with Filigree Leaves by Pro-Stitcher PatternsI like the way they look on my dining room table. I enjoy some of them more than others, but that happens when you give yourself freedom to play. And they will let good with some of my other solid color placemats to complete the table setting for Thanksgiving dinner.
Many of the fabrics I used are from the Sandalwood Collection, which is a Winter ’22 Collection. These were the only fall colored fabrics I had on hand to work with, so if you see some you like, check your local retailer to see if they still have them. Country Charm or Celtic Fields are Summer ’23 Collections with similar colors and look. Otherwise, check out their current Island Batik fabrics, and I’m sure you’ll find something that needs to follow you home! I can always count on Creekside Quilts near me in Oregon to have Island Batik fabrics.
Remember, every project needs a new needle. I use Schmetz needles, normally an 80/12 Microtex. Hobbs 80/20 batting goes into nearly every one of my quilted projects and this one is no exception. Accuquilt makes cutting fabric so much easier and cutting the pieces is my least favorite part of quilting, so I use my Accquilt whenever possible. This time, it was the North Carolina Star BOB. Aurifil 50 weight thread is used for piecing. And a big thank you to Island Batik, who gives us freedom to play with our fabric and projects!
Please take a minute to check out what the other Island Batik Ambassadors did for their challenge this month:
