A blog about quilting and a newbie quilter's journey.

Island Batik's August Challenge is Marvelous Minis. The guidelines are simple. Any technique, any pattern and size between 12" square and 24" square. With such broad and open ended requirements, my mind went in many different directions... Improv Piecing because that is my favorite technique Playing with Scraps Rainbow theme because I could not pick just one color Island Batik Rainbow A Landscape Mini using gradations because they are just so beautiful Gradations International Sisters because it made me slightly famous(scroll down) But I kept coming back to the recent Supreme Court decision leaving us with fewer freedoms now than 49 years ago. That while the world moves ahead, America slips into the middle ages, is indeed a marvel. What color am I? Petite Sisters What can we do? We fight for our rights, just like before, just like similar fights in other parts of the world. We persist. We persevere. We shall prevail. Staying under 24" "Nevertheless she persisted" is the slogan of choice, for obvious reasons. But I wanted to make sure it was more inclusive than just women. To include the queer community, I chose "Nevertheless, we persist". I firmly believe that we are together in this fight for bodily autonomy. Persist, we must Coming together Here is the finish!!! The mini quilt with three sisters, all wearing green. Finished 21" by 19" Applique Letter Detail For the slogan, I used Arial Bold Font in 225 point size. Yellow letters seemed to pale on a white background. So I used a permanent fabric ink marker to outline the yellow letters. It helps. What do you think? I used Island Batik White Solid for background and binding. Aurifil Thread 50wt was used for piecing and 40 wt for quilting. Quilting Thread The batting is Hobbs Cotton. I used Schmetz Needle 70/12 for piecing and 80/12 for quilting, using a walking foot. Quilting Detail These three sisters are a reminder that our battles for bodily autonomy unite us even if we have different complexions or come from different backgrounds. Together we will persist. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.

The Island Batik January challenge is Placemats. The Island Batik box included a pack of 10" squares of "Blinded by Science" designed by Jackie Kunkel of Canton Village Quiltworks. The solid gray yardage was also provided by Island Batiks. I used the 70/10 Microtex Sharp Needle by Schmetz Needles that was part of the Island Batik Box. Schmetz needles The four placemats finish at about 12" by 18" each. And I tried appliqué for the first time. Placemats Well that was the executive summary. The story follows: Paul: What are you making? Me (smiling): I am making eggs. Applique in progress Paul: Do we have bacon? Me (trying to control my giggling): Yes and it is looking crisp. Making Breakfast :-) Paul was disappointed that none of the breakfast items were edible. But once he was fed, his mood brightened. Eggs and Bacon Paul: I like this font. Me: It is so happy. It makes me smile. Paul: If I ever become a teacher, you can come decorate my classroom. Me: You should ask Wendi Gratz. Paul: Who is she? Me: I got these letters from her website - Shiny Happy World. Paul: Nah, I prefer to outsource it to the Indian woman. Me: You bet. Toast and Milk Paul: That "o" in "bacon" looks different. Me: And so does the "o" in "toast". Sharing is Caring :-D Paul: What happened? Me: When we go out to eat, and let's say you get crab cakes and I get shrimp and grits. Paul: Yeah? Me: I let you taste my shrimp and you let me have a bite of your crab cake. Paul: So? Me: So that is exactly what happened here. Bacon and toast are sharing :-D Paul (mildly exasperated): But eggs and toast are not sharing the letter "s"? Me: I wanted to add a touch of whimsy. Too much and it loses the impact. Breakfast is Served!!! At this point Paul rolled his eyes loudly and walked away. But don't you walk away without telling me how you feel about bacon and eggs. Of course if you are a vegetarian, I'd happily welcome your thoughts on milk and toast. Disclosure: The fabrics and needles used in making this project were generously supplied by the following companies: _____________________________________________________________________________ The Rainbow Scrap Challenge color for January is Pink! After thinking, re-thinking, evaluating and discarding some (more than a few) options, I decided to follow Angela (well, almost). I will be making the Sister's Choice blocks with a small difference. Instead of using a 2" grid that would yield a 10" finished block, I am using a 3" grid to yield a 15" block. Blushing Crimson Lots to Find :-) Contrasting Center I chose the center square such that it is in contrast to the rest of the block. I am sure it will create loads of interest in the completed quilt. So here are my Pink blocks for January 2021. Whether you blush at the thought, or you turned crimson cause you were caught in the act, there is a pink for you :-) January 2021 Blocks I have been watching Bridgerton on Netflix and these colors mirror the entire range of my thoughts. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties plus Angela's Linky Party, see full list on the sidebar.

A blog about quilting and a newbie quilter's journey.

In the spring of 2016, I was in Ontario visiting my aunt and she asked me if I’d like to have my grandma’s fabric. Well, that was a question that was easily answered. My grandma was a sewer and a…

Island Batik created this polka dot fabric that is great for quilts, clothes, crafts and sew much more. The fabric is 100% cotton. We sell by the yard at The Fabric Palette. Additional options may be available. Please contact us. FABRIC INFORMATION- Vendor: Island Batik Collection: American Frontier Print: Mini Dots Item Number: 121933584 Ravine Design: Largest dot 1/8" Width: 44"-45" Wide Fiber: 100% Cotton This fabric is great for sewing, quilting, and crafts. It is high quality, new, and from a non-smoking, pet-free environment. The fabric will be cut from the bolt at the time of purchase as continuous yardage. You may purchase the number of yards that you want according to the amount on the drop-down quantity button. In some cases, there may be more available. Contact me to check the status. Shop for more items at The Fabric Palette: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thefabricpalette Fabric Dimensions: Fat quarter = 18 inches by 22 inches (45.5cm by 54cm) 1 Yard = 36 inches long by 44/45 inches wide (91.5cm by 111.7cm) The Fabric Palette is happy to set up a custom listing. Contact us with what you would like. Shipping Information: We offer combined shipping Refund on shipping overages over $1.00 Thank you for shopping at The Fabric Palette on Etsy. We have fab-ulous customers.

As you probably know, I'm an Island Batik Ambassador. Each month the Ambassadors are presented with a new challenge, and this month the challenge was to be inspired by quilt history to create something new.

The March 2021 Island Batik Challenge is to make a Scrapbuster Quilt. Being a new ambassador I do not have a lot of Island Batik fabrics. Me: How do I make a scrapbuster without scraps? Paul: You have no scraps? Me: How do I make an Island Batik scrapbuster quilt without Island Batik scraps? Paul: Did you not get a big box of fabric? Me: Well, yes, I did. However, some of that fabric has been used in previous projects and some is earmarked for later projects. Whatever is left is a bit limiting. Paul: So what did you do? Me: I had to think outside the proverbial box. Paul: And what did that entail? Me: I begged, borrowed and bartered. Paul: Not steal? I am relieved. I have a FINISH!!! Meet "Beg, Borrow and Barter" - My response to the Island Batik Scrapbuster Challenge. I bartered with Claudia, borrowed from Bernie and begged Emily to build the perfect scrappy stash of varied Island Batik fabrics to make this quilt. Beauty in my Bed :-D I had a specific pattern in mind but the size would depend upon the amount of scraps I could gather. Scraps Brightness Flimsy Thanks to my generous friends, I had enough to make a large quilt. I used Hobbs Cotton Batting. It quilts beautifully. I used Schmetz Microtex Needle 70/12 for piecing and Schmetz Needle 90/14 for quilting and binding. "Beg, Borrow and Barter" finished at 72" by 84". In the Breeze :-) It is so bright that the fire hydrant pales in comparison :-p I love Island Batik Island Batik has such rich and saturated colors - they are a joy to work with. I am in love with this bright and spicy finish. The binding is Yolk. Speaking of binding, it is amazing how much my binding has improved after 150+ quilts :-D Binding Detail Scrappy Yumminess Ready to Snuggle A joyful celebration! Color = Happiness :-) One last look! Once a quilt is completed, it is time to tidy up. Put away the fabric scraps. Put away the batting bits. Find the errant pins under the sewing machine. Sweep the floor. Vacuum the carpet (or ask Paul to do it) etc. You know - the usual...unless there is a squirrel lurking in there somewhere. Chasing Squirrels Oh Design Wall - what would I do without you? As I was putting away the scraps, I noticed some odd shaped triangles of a very pretty fabric. What if? And I forgot about cleaning and started playing. What else was I supposed to do when it was bitterly cold and frozen outside? Playing with Scraps I had already completed my challenge quilt so there was no need to make another. But but but that bright fabric was so tantalizing to just set aside. So here we are... Zany Triangles These triangles are zany, Paul proclaimed. I rest my case. "Zany Triangles" finished at 39" by 42". So much fun!!! As much as I love "Beg, Borrow & Barter" I am tickled by "Zany Triangles" because it was just so much fun to play with random scraps and a totally unexpected finish!!! It is my Dreami (drop everything and make it) for March 2021. Quilting Detail I quilted gently waving lines using my walking foot. It took me just one afternoon to complete the quilting and I am loving the texture. Texture :-D Paul: So you did not have enough scraps and you made two scrappy quilts? Me: I am magical... Paul (huge eye roll): Uh Huh Me: It is the magic of the scraps...they multiplied :-D Oh but wait there is more. Even the scraps have leftovers, which I dutifully turned into a boxed bottom zippered pouch. Zippered Pouch Neon Zipper, Purple Tab Bursting with Color!!! Disclosure: The fabrics and needles used in making this project were generously supplied by the following companies: Paul: It is cold outside. Me: OK, I will stay indoors and play with fabric. Paul: It is very windy outside. Me: I know. I will stay home and sew. Paul: It is rainy outside. Me: I should stay home and quilt. Paul: Babe, it is a beautiful day outside. Me: Oh perfect, you can help me with quilt pictures. Paul: BRAT!!! What is the weather like in your neck of the woods? I'd love to hear. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties and Sandra's Dreami. See full list on the sidebar.

A blog about quilting and a newbie quilter's journey.

I am not sure how/why the name came to me. I guess it takes three to make a band (two is just a pair/duo), just like you need three sides to make a triangle. The colors are definitely boyish. It fits and so it sticks. Meet Boy Band. Boy Band The Island Batik challenge for May is simple - get out of your comfort zone (working with squares and rectangles) and work with triangles. I could have used HSTs or even HRTs because there is no dearth of ideas. But staying true to the challenge, I pieced triangles. Design wall is a must Piecing rows I used blue, green, aqua and purple fabrics from stash builders. I used Aurifil thread for piecing (50 wt) and quilting (40 wt). Schmetz Needles are my favorite - always. I used Microtex 80/12 for piecing and 90/14 for quilting. Basted 40 wt Aurifil Thread for Quilting Boy Band finished at 37" by 46", perfect for a baby boy. I used Hobbs 80/20 Cotton-Polyester bleached batting. Walking Foot quilting and scrappy pieced binding. Thank you, Paul! Blue & Greens Hello handsome! Yummy Fabrics This completes the May challenge :-) I can close this door and move on to the next. But I cannot shut the door on those who are facing new challenges and fighting old battles anew. Framed Triangles Last year, a record 26 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were enacted into law across ten states. In 2022, at least 320 anti-LGBTQ+ bills are already pending in state legislatures. Lawmakers in statehouses nationwide are seeking to ban transgender youth from participating in sports; criminalize medically necessary, life-saving healthcare for transgender youth; and ban discussion of LGBTQ+ youth and families in classrooms. Laws that would affect access to medical care for transgender people, parental rights, social and family services, student sports, or access to public facilities such as restrooms, unnecessarily and uncharitably single out already marginalized groups for additional disadvantage. They seek to put the authority of state government behind discrimination and promote mistreatment of a targeted LBGTQ population. Adding background These laws may have no direct impacts on you and me. But they do affect our communities, our workplaces and our country. That is exactly why more than 200 major companies have joined together to sign on to the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom for All Americans Business Statement on Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation. Together, these companies are united in opposing the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, much of which specifically harms transgender youth, in states across the country. With Harmony (Triangles on Parade), I am adding my voice to the fight that continues. Using Island Batik solid white, I cut random triangles, framing them in rainbow colors (Island Batik Solids - Amethyst, Cobalt Blue, Turquoise, Green, Lime Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink and Fuchsia). Harmony - Triangles on Parade I used the Island Batik light gray solid as a background. Each triangle is different and yet they are in complete harmony with each other. Only if we humans could do the same. It was a challenge to make the irregular shapes fit but so worth the effort. I have named them Harmony. Harmony finished at 12" by 34" and I am very happy with the result. Me: See my triangles on parade. Paul: Are they proud? Me: They ARE all colors, so I'd say yes! I used Aurifil thread for piecing (50 wt) and quilting (40 wt) and Schmetz Needles - Microtex 80/12 for piecing and 90/14 for quilting. I used Hobbs 80/20 Cotton-Polyester bleached batting. Walking Foot quilting and solid light gray binding. A few more pictures. Cool ones Walking Foot Quilting Warm Ones Pop of Colors! And one last look. Small Quilt - Mighty Message! Harmony is rainbow-colored and Harmony is made from scraps. Not strictly a Rainbow Scrap challenge quilt, I will be sharing Harmony with Angela's RSC Linky. I hope Harmony will be allowed to the party. I will be with mom in India, from May 2 - May 14, as she undergoes surgery. Please keep her in your prayers. The tutorial for Hands to Help will be published on May 8, 2022. Mari has kindly agreed to share that post with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Love & Hugs to you.

Welcome to Day Two of Island Batik's August 2021 Blog Hop - Try a Tool. My assignment was to use the Butterfly Blooms collection and the Corner Pop 3 Ruler to make a project. Butterfly Blooms, designed by Kathy Engle, is shipping to stores in September 2021. Let's first feast our eyes on the lovely fabrics. Inspiration Board If you like these fabrics, you are about to be dazzled...by how bright they look in person. On my cutting table These colors remind me of the Crape Myrtle trees that are in full bloom these days. On my morning walk (looking at the trees, ignoring the trashcan) Of course I plucked some so that I could match the colors with the Butterfly Blooms. Perfect match!!! The Corner Pop 3 Ruler is a template to make skinny triangles with a base to height ratio of 1:3. If the base of the finished triangle is 1.5" the height of the triangle will be 4.5". New to the CP3 ruler I started with a few practice blocks. Cut fabric Its a start Half Mirror image = Diamond Block Black is beautiful I prefer the black background, I said aloud. Paul said that he liked the neutral background. Hmmm... So I made half light and half dark blocks and arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Ya Basic!!! This layout did not appeal to me and I felt disappointed. I turned to newly acquired EQ8. Here are a few ideas that I discarded. Blah Whatever Boring Seriously? NO!!! Tortured Finally!!! Aha!!! Now we were in business... Seelcted Fabrics First Star Design Wall Getting there Meet Cinderella! Cinderella You are a Star! Fuchsia Binding :-) Cinderella finished at 45" square and I love her :-) But what about those blocks in black and beige? Something had to become of those too. Well then, meet Jacqueline and Marguerite, both finished at 40" square. Jacqueline I am sweet 5" borders Pink Binding Marguerite Turquoise Binding Mostly naughty, sometimes nice Shimmering in black Here are the three sisters, Jacqueline, Cinderella and Marguerite, enjoying the sun on a warm August day. Sunny day on the banks of the Potomac Mission Accomplished!!! But wait there is more. My initial concept was a pillow cover. Enjoying EQ8 But that was discarded in favor of a wall hanging (or a table runner). It is time to go "Back to School". These fish are so yummy I can just eat them up :-D Back to School (13" by 57") Pink and Purple Fish Sushi for me :-) Don't you swim away!!! Three quilts and a wall hanging/table runner all using the Butterfly Blooms fabric collection and the Corner Pop3 Ruler. Challenge met!!! What do you think? Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Check the Island Batik Blog regularly so you do not miss a thing! The full list of Ambassadors’ names, collections they will be using in their projects, and their post dates are as follows: August 10: Mania Hatzioannidi, Mania for Quilts Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail August 11: Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts - This is me :-) August 12: Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations August 13: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway August 16: Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads August 17: Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist August 18: Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky Suzy Webster, Websterquilt August 19: Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter August 20: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway August 23: Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine August 24: Megan Best, Bestquilter Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore August 25: Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde August 26: Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts August 27: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 3 and Giveaway August 30: Joanne Hart, Unicorn Harts Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs August 31: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 4 and Giveaway _________________________________________________________________________ August is teal/aqua/turquoise and I have picked out my fabrics. Linking with Angela's Linky Party. _____________________________________________________ In other news, the Positivity QAL is coming to a close. I have completed my quilt (blogpost coming on August 22). To be eligible for the prizes, you must participate in the linky party and the finished quilts must reach Bernie by the due date. See full schedule here.

July is the wonderful time of the year when the Island Batik Ambassadors receive their second shipment of supplies and goodies for the year. I need all the help to stay indoors when the outside is like a sauna. I poked my head outside and felt like I got slapped by the 100 degree heat wave. I quickly shut the door and returned to play with my supplies. Here is the video. For once it is all about the fabrics. They are much prettier :-) Here are the supplies. We received a generous box of batting from Hobbs. Three Queen Size Batts!!! Queen Size Thermore Batting Natural Cotton Fusible and 80/20 Cotton-Poly Blend in Black Throw Size in Silk Blend Twin Size in Unbleached Cotton Island Batik provided all the fabrics that follow. One Half-Yard Bundle of Spring 2023 Collection - Geometric Symphony for the September Challenge and Bloghop. Designed by Kathy Engle, Geometric Symphony includes 20 fabrics and comes with matching yardage. Geometric Symphony Beige, Pink and Purple Matching Threads from Aurifil to use in September for the Adventurous Applique Challenge. Half Yard Foundations Bundle including four solids, four Basics and four Blenders. Island Batik Foundations are available all year round. Basics, Solids and Blenders Spring 2023 Precut - Flower Pot, Signature Collection for Jennifer Fulton of Inquiring Quilter, with Matching Yardage Flower Pot - 2.5" Strips with matching yardage Gradations Precuts - Playful Purples in 2.5" Strips and Brilliant Blues in 10" squares Stash Builders are a set of 5" wide strips, 20 per pack. They are the perfect resource to make a scrappy quilt and easily lend themselves into 2.5" strips, 5" squares and more. A Kit to make a bag in October, from By Annie. I will be making the Snapshot Bag in two sizes using the cheerful Daisy May fabrics. Supplies and Hardware from ByAnnie Interfacing and Stabilizer One Half-Yard Bundle of Summer 2023 Collection - Peach Blossom for the November Challenge and Bloghop. This will remain a surprise till November. 18 yards of Neutrals. Six yards of Meringue Thanks to a generous supply of Solid Neutrals in Black, White and Dark Grey, we always have plenty of background options. They also make perfect backings. I also received supplies from Missouri Star Quilt Company. If you use this link to order supplies over $50 from Missouri Star, you will get 20% off your order and I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support! Sewing and Quilting Round the Clock The Challenge and Blog Hop in November focuses on Dresden. So I got myself a brand new ruler to explore the possibilities. The Double Wide Dresden is designed by Me and My Sister Designs for Missouri Star Quilt Company. A new Ruler! And of course Aurifil Thread in 50 wt for piecing and 40 wt for quilting. I also received a surprise gift in my box - a travel map that can be filled with Embroidery designs. I don't see myself using it so if you want it, please let me know and I will send it to you (one of you, to be precise). Thank you to Island Batik and Industry Partners: Hobbs Batting, Aurifil Thread, ByAnnie bags, and Missouri Star Quilt Company. I am working on my July blocks for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. It is slow progress and I am blaming it on the heat. Will share with Angela's Linky Party on Saturday and all my favorite linky parties, see full list on the sidebar.

A blog about quilting and a newbie quilter's journey.

Welcome to Day One of the Island Batik's May 2021 Blog Hop - Make it Modern. My assignment was to use the Farm Fresh Half Yard Bundle to make a modern project. 20 gorgeous colors!!! Oh. My. Goodness!!! The fabrics The inspiration, perhaps! I felt like a dog walker with a dozen high energy puppies out for a walk. I was pulled in so many different directions - each more enticing than the other. In the end I made stopped at three quilts. 1. I had an idea - Effervescence. I decided to use a black background to show off the warm and vibrant fabrics. I chose the yellows/oranges/reds/pinks while setting aside the greens. Raw Materials Once the flimsy was complete, it looked like neither Effervescence nor Sedimentation. Ready to Baste It was a Bonfire. The quilting pattern was a response to that realization. I quilted flames using my walking foot and the Aurifil Thread. Walking Foot Quilting For the binding, I chose the same warm colors and the black but it was placed in such a way so as to merge with the bonfire feel. The thread colors were coordinated accordingly. Modern Quilt Finish 36" by 45" Juicy Pumpkins - Yummy Fabrics Thread Changed with Binding Color The warm and bright colors do pop on a black background. The flames quilting add to the effect, methinks. Since I have Bridgerton on my mind (yes, still) I have named it "Burning for You" :-D Here are a few more pictures Thank you Paul, I Burn for You!!! Hot Colors Flames of Passion :-p On the banks of Potomac... 2. I wanted to use a traditional quilt block in a modern way. I chose a simple rail fence block to show off the beauty of the fabrics in the collection. Farm Fresh by Island Batik May be Not feeling it I wanted the effect of changing values from one end to the other but there were many discards before the layout was finalized. BINGO!!! Finished at 45" square I know that we quilters want to get really close to see the fabric and the quilting details but this one looks magical from a distance. Ooh baby, yes! This quilt reminds me of the time right after Paul and I got married. He was working the 12-hour long night shift. When I got up in the morning, he was at work. When I returned from work, he was home but fast asleep. And when it was time for him to get up and go to work, I was ready to fall asleep. I kissed him good day (at work) and he kissed me goodnight, promising to make it up to each other over the weekend. We barely saw each other during the work week, moving in opposite directions. On the banks of the Potomac River Paul is a doll The breeze was a brat!!! Inspired by our circadian rhythms at that time, I have named it Cross Currents. Walking foot quilting and solid grey binding. Cross Currents finished at 45" by 45". Here are a few more pictures, yes close-ups for you :-) Juicy!!! Walking Foot Quilting Sunny Yellow & Bright Orange Pinks too!!! A perfect day :-) 3. By now I had enough scraps from "Burning for You" and "Cross Currents" that I felt like I could play and I did. Using the Island Batik solid black and solid white, I framed the leftover squares. And then added another round of juicy bright fabric. Playing with Scraps Improvisation Possible Layout? I could have kept making more blocks and there can be endless possibilities for a fun layout. But eventually, everyone must grow up, take responsibility and finish. Basting the Beauty :-) I did too but in a playful way :-) Topsy Turvy finished at 46" by 51". Topsy Turvy, 46" by 51" The background is Yolk. I used walking foot for quilting and used Yolk for binding. But randomly added some color to the binding - a nod to my playfulness :-) Binding detail Yolk Background, Binding Pop! Loving it!!! Squares & Rectangles Used binding cut-offs :-) Mixing up lights and darks And yes, Paul patiently held up each quilt, while battling the breeze. I may have to promote him from holder-upper to model. Oh she glows :-) Thank you Paul :-) Hello Beautiful! Three modern quilts showing passion, promise and playfulness. I'd say mission accomplished. But I am dying to hear your thoughts. Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Make sure to visit all the Island Batiks Ambassadors and their respective dates/stops on the Blog Hop. May 3: Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts - this is me :-) Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky May 4: Joanne Hart, Unicornharts Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights May 5: Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting Pamela Boatright, PamelaQuilts May 6: Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts Suzy Webster, Websterquilt May 7: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway May 10: Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia May 11: Megan Best, Bestquilter Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting May 12: Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood May 13: Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads May 14: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway May 17: Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio May 18: Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter May 19: Mania Hatziioannidi, Mania for Quilts Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore May 20: End of Blog Hop and Round-Up To celebrate the start of Quilt Modern! Blog Hop, Island Batik is giving away a 2.5″ Strip Pack and a 10″ Stack of the complete Island Batik Forecast collection by Ebony Love of Lovebug Studios! Visit the Island Batik blog to enter. _____________________________________________________________________________ Angela has announced the RSC color for May 2021. It is RED and I am ready to paint the blogland red. Here are my fabric picks. HOT DIGGITY DANG!!! Sharing with Angela's linky party.

Me: How is it? Paul (mildly irritated): What? Me (irritated): Your breakfast...that I just brought you, my lord. Paul: I am still alive, am I not? Me (through gritted teeth): In that case, let me get you another serving. Paul (calmly): It is good to have goals. Me: If you want me to cook for you then you need to tell me that you LIKE my cooking. Paul: I will...AFTER I finish eating it. Let's ignore Paul for now. April 2021 is a free month which means that it is all up to me - any project, any size, any theme and any technique. First things first - start with a sketch/concept. When you translate a concept/idea into fabric, the end results are rarely what you expect. There have been times when what seemed brilliant as a concept fell flat in fabric :-( With the Autumn Sunset collection in mind, I started with a rough sketch. But picking fabric pairs to achieve the right degree of contrast (within each block) and gradation (from the adjacent block) was a huge challenge. The Concept I took many many pictures and converted each to grayscale to determine value gradation. Changes were made and often. I was happy with some choices and I settled with others. It was time to start making the blocks. Starting here These look fine But will they work together? Going from concept/design to flimsy was a gut-wrenching journey. What if this does not turn out according to my vision? What if something just stands out too much or something just fades into nothingness? The light blocks The medium and dark blocks Setting aside all my anxieties, it was time to piece the top. No more thinking and no overthinking. Piecing the Top Once the flimsy was completed, I placed it on the design wall, turned and walked away about 12 feet. When I turned to look at it, I knew that my gamble had worked!!! Gasp!!! No more hesitation now. Time to baste and quilt!!! Basting In the end it did work out according to my expectations :-) What do you think? Suns in the Sun Konark Quilt I have named this quilt Konark, meaning the "angle of the sun". Konark is also the name of the temple dedicated to the Sun God in India. The town where the temple is located is also called Konark. Konark Quilt finished at 60" by 84". Autumn Glow Burning Hot Light Suns and Dark Suns But I have more pictures to show...so please humor me. Cascade of Suns Walking Foot Quilting Hot and Spicy :-) I used Hobbs Cotton Batting. Thank you Hobbs. I used Schmetz Microtex Needle 70/12 for piecing and Schmetz Needle 90/14 for quilting and binding. Love Schmetz. I used Aurifil Thread 50wt for piecing and 40wt for quilting. Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: Island Batik Hobbs Batting Aurifil Thread Schmetz Needles But wait there is more... The odd cuts leftover from Dawn were fashioned into a zippered pouch. These colors are so yummy Love the Autumn Sunset collection Hugs and Kisses inside :-) Paul: Thank you for breakfast. It was yummy. Me: Umm Hmmm. Whether you like your eggs poached or scrambled, here is hoping your weekend is sunny side up :-) One last look - Sun in the Shadows The next Island Batik Challenge is "Make it Modern" with a Blog Hop. I am working on it right now and I will be posting on May 3, 2021. Sorry no sneak peeks. ________________________________________________________________ According to Angela, April is light and bright blue. Here are my fabric picks. I will be sharing with Angela's Rainbow Scrap Challenge linky party and all my favorite linky parties, see full list on the sidebar. I have a new finish and an exciting announcement - all in the next blogpost!!!

Welcome to Day One of the Island Batiks February 2021 Blog Hop - Create for a Cause. I used the Autumn Sunset half yard bundle designed by Kathy Engle and it is shipping to stores in February 2021. Autumn Sunset includes 20 fabrics from the lightest beige, to lemon yellow, through orange, to dark brown. As soon as I opened the fabric bundle I decided I would recreate Paulitiks in fall colors (with one whimsical design twist) and send it to Bernie for Mercyful Quilts. It was so simple :-) This was going to be so easy. I felt confident. I went to bed with a smile. I was mistaken. At about 2:45AM I got up with a start. I knew my idea was all wrong. And although I was in the middle of making the placemats for January challenge, it was the February challenge that was consuming me. What my waking brain did not see but my subconscious self knew all along was this - Paulitiks was not the best design to showcase Autumn Sunset. So back to the drawing board... Beginning A couple hours later I had the new design ready. The design was simple but the fabric placement would be the key. Working with limited fabrics can be both a boon and a challenge. Will this work? I took many many pictures and converted each to grayscale to determine value gradation. Changes were made and often. In the end, I was happy with some choices and I settled with others. Going from concept/design to flimsy was a gut-wrenching journey. What if this does not turn out according to my vision? What if something just stands out too much or something just fades into nothingness? Design Wall Light Years away... The first three rows met my expectation but it was too soon to tell. Once I completed the flimsy, I stuck it on the design wall and walked away about 12 feet. I turned around to look at the completed top. I gasped. It had worked!!! But the exact moment I realized that I had succeeded was also the moment I knew I had failed. I could not part with it. Me: How do I "Create for a Cause" and then abandon my cause? Paul: Did you say something? Me: I am supposed to donate this quilt. Paul: So? Me: I cannot. Paul: Cause you like it so much? Me: YES. And I feel terrible. Paul: Make another. Me: I have used up a lot of the fabric and there is hardly any time either. Paul: Can you make something smaller? Me: Mercyful Quilts have to be around 60" by 80" Paul: And there is no other cause? Me (realization dawning): Yes. Yes, there is. Thank you. I love you. Paul: Um Hm. You are welcome. At this point, one week from the deadline, I abandoned the flimsy and proceeded in a different direction. The next few days whizzed past in a blur. My singular aim - highlight the fabrics!!! This is the making of Noorie (meaning light). Pattern I had been playing with this pattern in an Excel Spreadsheet for a while. Will this pattern highlight the beauty of Autumn Sunset fabrics? Let's try. Beginning The Grid Basting the Flimsy Quilting Noorie - Finished at 34" square And this is Dawn in the making... Starting with Diamonds Filling in Piecing Rows Basting the Flimsy Dawn - 28" by 34" Quilting Detail Snowy Backdrop - Fiery Colors Dark Brown Binding Don't you just love these colors? Dawn warms my heart Lovely Dawn I will send Noorie and Dawn to Sue who works in Orange County Hospital in New York and coordinates the Stillborn Bereavement Group dedicated to providing bereavement quilts as a lasting and tangible memory of a lost pregnancy. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Make sure to visit all the Island Batiks Ambassadors and their respective dates/stops on the Blog Hop. The full list of Ambassadors’ names, collections they will be using in their projects, and their post dates are as follows: February 1: Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts Mania Hatziioannidi, Mania for Quilts February 2: Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads February 3: Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations Pamela Boatright, PamelaQuilts February 4: Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese February 5: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway February 8: Megan Best, Bestquilter Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio February 9: Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood February 10: Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting February 11: Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail February 12: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway February 15: Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs Joanne Hart, Unicornharts February 16: Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts February 17: Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights February 18: Suzy Webster, Websterquilt Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky February 19: End of Blog Hop and Round-Up To celebrate the start of Create for a Cause Blog Hop, we are giving away two fabulous Fat Quarter bundles of the complete Island Batik Citrus Sun collection by Kathy Engle! Visit the Island Batik Blog to enter. This giveaway ends February, 5 at 11:59 pm PST. Two random winners will be notified by email on February, 6 and announced on February, 9. If the winners do not respond within the first two days after being notified, two new random winners will be chosen and notified. Paul (pointing to the discarded flimsy): What happens to this? Will it become a flying saucer? Me: A UFO, you mean? An unfinished object. Paul: Yes, that. Me: No. A UFO is anathema to a quilter's soul. Paul: So you will finish it? Me: Yes. This will become my April project when I can do whatever I want. Paul: Don't you always? Me: Only because you let me, My Lord. Paul: Whatever you say, My Lady. The Harris household is in the grip of Bridgerton fever, at least my half is :-) I also have a small giveaway. Two prizes. 1. A pack of 5" squares (20) from the "Blinded by Science" collection 2. Four strips (orange/beige/brown) 5" by WOF to coordinate with the Autumn Sunset Collection. 5" squares - Blinded by Science by Island Batik 5" by WOF Strips - Island Batik Stash Builder For a chance to win one of the two prizes, please leave me a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts be they somber such as your favorite cause or light-hearted like your favorite TV show. I will pick the two winners on February 10, 2021. Disclosure: The fabrics and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: _______________________________________________________________________________ Angela has announced that the RSC color for February is yellow!!! Oh my goodness, yes. YELLOW. YELL-O-WOW!!! Yellow is the color of new dawn and yellow is the color of Amanda Gorman's coat. Her poem "The Hill We Climb" is so beautiful...it gives me goosebumps every time listen to it. I will be thinking of her as I make the Sister's Choice Quilt Blocks. Here are my bright and whimsical squares. Smiling Sunflower :-) Panda Focus I will be sharing with Angela's RSC Linky Party on Saturday.

Welcome to Day One of the Island Batiks February 2021 Blog Hop - Create for a Cause. I used the Autumn Sunset half yard bundle designed by Kathy Engle and it is shipping to stores in February 2021. Autumn Sunset includes 20 fabrics from the lightest beige, to lemon yellow, through orange, to dark brown. As soon as I opened the fabric bundle I decided I would recreate Paulitiks in fall colors (with one whimsical design twist) and send it to Bernie for Mercyful Quilts. It was so simple :-) This was going to be so easy. I felt confident. I went to bed with a smile. I was mistaken. At about 2:45AM I got up with a start. I knew my idea was all wrong. And although I was in the middle of making the placemats for January challenge, it was the February challenge that was consuming me. What my waking brain did not see but my subconscious self knew all along was this - Paulitiks was not the best design to showcase Autumn Sunset. So back to the drawing board... Beginning A couple hours later I had the new design ready. The design was simple but the fabric placement would be the key. Working with limited fabrics can be both a boon and a challenge. Will this work? I took many many pictures and converted each to grayscale to determine value gradation. Changes were made and often. In the end, I was happy with some choices and I settled with others. Going from concept/design to flimsy was a gut-wrenching journey. What if this does not turn out according to my vision? What if something just stands out too much or something just fades into nothingness? Design Wall Light Years away... The first three rows met my expectation but it was too soon to tell. Once I completed the flimsy, I stuck it on the design wall and walked away about 12 feet. I turned around to look at the completed top. I gasped. It had worked!!! But the exact moment I realized that I had succeeded was also the moment I knew I had failed. I could not part with it. Me: How do I "Create for a Cause" and then abandon my cause? Paul: Did you say something? Me: I am supposed to donate this quilt. Paul: So? Me: I cannot. Paul: Cause you like it so much? Me: YES. And I feel terrible. Paul: Make another. Me: I have used up a lot of the fabric and there is hardly any time either. Paul: Can you make something smaller? Me: Mercyful Quilts have to be around 60" by 80" Paul: And there is no other cause? Me (realization dawning): Yes. Yes, there is. Thank you. I love you. Paul: Um Hm. You are welcome. At this point, one week from the deadline, I abandoned the flimsy and proceeded in a different direction. The next few days whizzed past in a blur. My singular aim - highlight the fabrics!!! This is the making of Noorie (meaning light). Pattern I had been playing with this pattern in an Excel Spreadsheet for a while. Will this pattern highlight the beauty of Autumn Sunset fabrics? Let's try. Beginning The Grid Basting the Flimsy Quilting Noorie - Finished at 34" square And this is Dawn in the making... Starting with Diamonds Filling in Piecing Rows Basting the Flimsy Dawn - 28" by 34" Quilting Detail Snowy Backdrop - Fiery Colors Dark Brown Binding Don't you just love these colors? Dawn warms my heart Lovely Dawn I will send Noorie and Dawn to Sue who works in Orange County Hospital in New York and coordinates the Stillborn Bereavement Group dedicated to providing bereavement quilts as a lasting and tangible memory of a lost pregnancy. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Make sure to visit all the Island Batiks Ambassadors and their respective dates/stops on the Blog Hop. The full list of Ambassadors’ names, collections they will be using in their projects, and their post dates are as follows: February 1: Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts Mania Hatziioannidi, Mania for Quilts February 2: Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads February 3: Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations Pamela Boatright, PamelaQuilts February 4: Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese February 5: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway February 8: Megan Best, Bestquilter Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio February 9: Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood February 10: Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting February 11: Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail February 12: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway February 15: Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs Joanne Hart, Unicornharts February 16: Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts February 17: Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights February 18: Suzy Webster, Websterquilt Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky February 19: End of Blog Hop and Round-Up To celebrate the start of Create for a Cause Blog Hop, we are giving away two fabulous Fat Quarter bundles of the complete Island Batik Citrus Sun collection by Kathy Engle! Visit the Island Batik Blog to enter. This giveaway ends February, 5 at 11:59 pm PST. Two random winners will be notified by email on February, 6 and announced on February, 9. If the winners do not respond within the first two days after being notified, two new random winners will be chosen and notified. Paul (pointing to the discarded flimsy): What happens to this? Will it become a flying saucer? Me: A UFO, you mean? An unfinished object. Paul: Yes, that. Me: No. A UFO is anathema to a quilter's soul. Paul: So you will finish it? Me: Yes. This will become my April project when I can do whatever I want. Paul: Don't you always? Me: Only because you let me, My Lord. Paul: Whatever you say, My Lady. The Harris household is in the grip of Bridgerton fever, at least my half is :-) I also have a small giveaway. Two prizes. 1. A pack of 5" squares (20) from the "Blinded by Science" collection 2. Four strips (orange/beige/brown) 5" by WOF to coordinate with the Autumn Sunset Collection. 5" squares - Blinded by Science by Island Batik 5" by WOF Strips - Island Batik Stash Builder For a chance to win one of the two prizes, please leave me a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts be they somber such as your favorite cause or light-hearted like your favorite TV show. I will pick the two winners on February 10, 2021. Disclosure: The fabrics and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: _______________________________________________________________________________ Angela has announced that the RSC color for February is yellow!!! Oh my goodness, yes. YELLOW. YELL-O-WOW!!! Yellow is the color of new dawn and yellow is the color of Amanda Gorman's coat. Her poem "The Hill We Climb" is so beautiful...it gives me goosebumps every time listen to it. I will be thinking of her as I make the Sister's Choice Quilt Blocks. Here are my bright and whimsical squares. Smiling Sunflower :-) Panda Focus I will be sharing with Angela's RSC Linky Party on Saturday.

Welcome to Day One of the Island Batiks February 2021 Blog Hop - Create for a Cause. I used the Autumn Sunset half yard bundle designed by Kathy Engle and it is shipping to stores in February 2021. Autumn Sunset includes 20 fabrics from the lightest beige, to lemon yellow, through orange, to dark brown. As soon as I opened the fabric bundle I decided I would recreate Paulitiks in fall colors (with one whimsical design twist) and send it to Bernie for Mercyful Quilts. It was so simple :-) This was going to be so easy. I felt confident. I went to bed with a smile. I was mistaken. At about 2:45AM I got up with a start. I knew my idea was all wrong. And although I was in the middle of making the placemats for January challenge, it was the February challenge that was consuming me. What my waking brain did not see but my subconscious self knew all along was this - Paulitiks was not the best design to showcase Autumn Sunset. So back to the drawing board... Beginning A couple hours later I had the new design ready. The design was simple but the fabric placement would be the key. Working with limited fabrics can be both a boon and a challenge. Will this work? I took many many pictures and converted each to grayscale to determine value gradation. Changes were made and often. In the end, I was happy with some choices and I settled with others. Going from concept/design to flimsy was a gut-wrenching journey. What if this does not turn out according to my vision? What if something just stands out too much or something just fades into nothingness? Design Wall Light Years away... The first three rows met my expectation but it was too soon to tell. Once I completed the flimsy, I stuck it on the design wall and walked away about 12 feet. I turned around to look at the completed top. I gasped. It had worked!!! But the exact moment I realized that I had succeeded was also the moment I knew I had failed. I could not part with it. Me: How do I "Create for a Cause" and then abandon my cause? Paul: Did you say something? Me: I am supposed to donate this quilt. Paul: So? Me: I cannot. Paul: Cause you like it so much? Me: YES. And I feel terrible. Paul: Make another. Me: I have used up a lot of the fabric and there is hardly any time either. Paul: Can you make something smaller? Me: Mercyful Quilts have to be around 60" by 80" Paul: And there is no other cause? Me (realization dawning): Yes. Yes, there is. Thank you. I love you. Paul: Um Hm. You are welcome. At this point, one week from the deadline, I abandoned the flimsy and proceeded in a different direction. The next few days whizzed past in a blur. My singular aim - highlight the fabrics!!! This is the making of Noorie (meaning light). Pattern I had been playing with this pattern in an Excel Spreadsheet for a while. Will this pattern highlight the beauty of Autumn Sunset fabrics? Let's try. Beginning The Grid Basting the Flimsy Quilting Noorie - Finished at 34" square And this is Dawn in the making... Starting with Diamonds Filling in Piecing Rows Basting the Flimsy Dawn - 28" by 34" Quilting Detail Snowy Backdrop - Fiery Colors Dark Brown Binding Don't you just love these colors? Dawn warms my heart Lovely Dawn I will send Noorie and Dawn to Sue who works in Orange County Hospital in New York and coordinates the Stillborn Bereavement Group dedicated to providing bereavement quilts as a lasting and tangible memory of a lost pregnancy. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Make sure to visit all the Island Batiks Ambassadors and their respective dates/stops on the Blog Hop. The full list of Ambassadors’ names, collections they will be using in their projects, and their post dates are as follows: February 1: Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts Mania Hatziioannidi, Mania for Quilts February 2: Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads February 3: Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations Pamela Boatright, PamelaQuilts February 4: Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese February 5: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway February 8: Megan Best, Bestquilter Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio February 9: Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood February 10: Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting February 11: Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail February 12: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway February 15: Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs Joanne Hart, Unicornharts February 16: Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts February 17: Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights February 18: Suzy Webster, Websterquilt Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky February 19: End of Blog Hop and Round-Up To celebrate the start of Create for a Cause Blog Hop, we are giving away two fabulous Fat Quarter bundles of the complete Island Batik Citrus Sun collection by Kathy Engle! Visit the Island Batik Blog to enter. This giveaway ends February, 5 at 11:59 pm PST. Two random winners will be notified by email on February, 6 and announced on February, 9. If the winners do not respond within the first two days after being notified, two new random winners will be chosen and notified. Paul (pointing to the discarded flimsy): What happens to this? Will it become a flying saucer? Me: A UFO, you mean? An unfinished object. Paul: Yes, that. Me: No. A UFO is anathema to a quilter's soul. Paul: So you will finish it? Me: Yes. This will become my April project when I can do whatever I want. Paul: Don't you always? Me: Only because you let me, My Lord. Paul: Whatever you say, My Lady. The Harris household is in the grip of Bridgerton fever, at least my half is :-) I also have a small giveaway. Two prizes. 1. A pack of 5" squares (20) from the "Blinded by Science" collection 2. Four strips (orange/beige/brown) 5" by WOF to coordinate with the Autumn Sunset Collection. 5" squares - Blinded by Science by Island Batik 5" by WOF Strips - Island Batik Stash Builder For a chance to win one of the two prizes, please leave me a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts be they somber such as your favorite cause or light-hearted like your favorite TV show. I will pick the two winners on February 10, 2021. Disclosure: The fabrics and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: _______________________________________________________________________________ Angela has announced that the RSC color for February is yellow!!! Oh my goodness, yes. YELLOW. YELL-O-WOW!!! Yellow is the color of new dawn and yellow is the color of Amanda Gorman's coat. Her poem "The Hill We Climb" is so beautiful...it gives me goosebumps every time listen to it. I will be thinking of her as I make the Sister's Choice Quilt Blocks. Here are my bright and whimsical squares. Smiling Sunflower :-) Panda Focus I will be sharing with Angela's RSC Linky Party on Saturday.

Welcome to Day Two of Island Batik's August 2021 Blog Hop - Try a Tool. My assignment was to use the Butterfly Blooms collection and the Corner Pop 3 Ruler to make a project. Butterfly Blooms, designed by Kathy Engle, is shipping to stores in September 2021. Let's first feast our eyes on the lovely fabrics. Inspiration Board If you like these fabrics, you are about to be dazzled...by how bright they look in person. On my cutting table These colors remind me of the Crape Myrtle trees that are in full bloom these days. On my morning walk (looking at the trees, ignoring the trashcan) Of course I plucked some so that I could match the colors with the Butterfly Blooms. Perfect match!!! The Corner Pop 3 Ruler is a template to make skinny triangles with a base to height ratio of 1:3. If the base of the finished triangle is 1.5" the height of the triangle will be 4.5". New to the CP3 ruler I started with a few practice blocks. Cut fabric Its a start Half Mirror image = Diamond Block Black is beautiful I prefer the black background, I said aloud. Paul said that he liked the neutral background. Hmmm... So I made half light and half dark blocks and arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Ya Basic!!! This layout did not appeal to me and I felt disappointed. I turned to newly acquired EQ8. Here are a few ideas that I discarded. Blah Whatever Boring Seriously? NO!!! Tortured Finally!!! Aha!!! Now we were in business... Seelcted Fabrics First Star Design Wall Getting there Meet Cinderella! Cinderella You are a Star! Fuchsia Binding :-) Cinderella finished at 45" square and I love her :-) But what about those blocks in black and beige? Something had to become of those too. Well then, meet Jacqueline and Marguerite, both finished at 40" square. Jacqueline I am sweet 5" borders Pink Binding Marguerite Turquoise Binding Mostly naughty, sometimes nice Shimmering in black Here are the three sisters, Jacqueline, Cinderella and Marguerite, enjoying the sun on a warm August day. Sunny day on the banks of the Potomac Mission Accomplished!!! But wait there is more. My initial concept was a pillow cover. Enjoying EQ8 But that was discarded in favor of a wall hanging (or a table runner). It is time to go "Back to School". These fish are so yummy I can just eat them up :-D Back to School (13" by 57") Pink and Purple Fish Sushi for me :-) Don't you swim away!!! Three quilts and a wall hanging/table runner all using the Butterfly Blooms fabric collection and the Corner Pop3 Ruler. Challenge met!!! What do you think? Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Check the Island Batik Blog regularly so you do not miss a thing! The full list of Ambassadors’ names, collections they will be using in their projects, and their post dates are as follows: August 10: Mania Hatzioannidi, Mania for Quilts Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail August 11: Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts - This is me :-) August 12: Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations August 13: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway August 16: Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads August 17: Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist August 18: Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky Suzy Webster, Websterquilt August 19: Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter August 20: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway August 23: Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine August 24: Megan Best, Bestquilter Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore August 25: Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde August 26: Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts August 27: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 3 and Giveaway August 30: Joanne Hart, Unicorn Harts Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs August 31: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 4 and Giveaway _________________________________________________________________________ August is teal/aqua/turquoise and I have picked out my fabrics. Linking with Angela's Linky Party. _____________________________________________________ In other news, the Positivity QAL is coming to a close. I have completed my quilt (blogpost coming on August 22). To be eligible for the prizes, you must participate in the linky party and the finished quilts must reach Bernie by the due date. See full schedule here.

I am not sure how/why the name came to me. I guess it takes three to make a band (two is just a pair/duo), just like you need three sides to make a triangle. The colors are definitely boyish. It fits and so it sticks. Meet Boy Band. Boy Band The Island Batik challenge for May is simple - get out of your comfort zone (working with squares and rectangles) and work with triangles. I could have used HSTs or even HRTs because there is no dearth of ideas. But staying true to the challenge, I pieced triangles. Design wall is a must Piecing rows I used blue, green, aqua and purple fabrics from stash builders. I used Aurifil thread for piecing (50 wt) and quilting (40 wt). Schmetz Needles are my favorite - always. I used Microtex 80/12 for piecing and 90/14 for quilting. Basted 40 wt Aurifil Thread for Quilting Boy Band finished at 37" by 46", perfect for a baby boy. I used Hobbs 80/20 Cotton-Polyester bleached batting. Walking Foot quilting and scrappy pieced binding. Thank you, Paul! Blue & Greens Hello handsome! Yummy Fabrics This completes the May challenge :-) I can close this door and move on to the next. But I cannot shut the door on those who are facing new challenges and fighting old battles anew. Framed Triangles Last year, a record 26 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were enacted into law across ten states. In 2022, at least 320 anti-LGBTQ+ bills are already pending in state legislatures. Lawmakers in statehouses nationwide are seeking to ban transgender youth from participating in sports; criminalize medically necessary, life-saving healthcare for transgender youth; and ban discussion of LGBTQ+ youth and families in classrooms. Laws that would affect access to medical care for transgender people, parental rights, social and family services, student sports, or access to public facilities such as restrooms, unnecessarily and uncharitably single out already marginalized groups for additional disadvantage. They seek to put the authority of state government behind discrimination and promote mistreatment of a targeted LBGTQ population. Adding background These laws may have no direct impacts on you and me. But they do affect our communities, our workplaces and our country. That is exactly why more than 200 major companies have joined together to sign on to the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom for All Americans Business Statement on Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation. Together, these companies are united in opposing the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, much of which specifically harms transgender youth, in states across the country. With Harmony (Triangles on Parade), I am adding my voice to the fight that continues. Using Island Batik solid white, I cut random triangles, framing them in rainbow colors (Island Batik Solids - Amethyst, Cobalt Blue, Turquoise, Green, Lime Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink and Fuchsia). Harmony - Triangles on Parade I used the Island Batik light gray solid as a background. Each triangle is different and yet they are in complete harmony with each other. Only if we humans could do the same. It was a challenge to make the irregular shapes fit but so worth the effort. I have named them Harmony. Harmony finished at 12" by 34" and I am very happy with the result. Me: See my triangles on parade. Paul: Are they proud? Me: They ARE all colors, so I'd say yes! I used Aurifil thread for piecing (50 wt) and quilting (40 wt) and Schmetz Needles - Microtex 80/12 for piecing and 90/14 for quilting. I used Hobbs 80/20 Cotton-Polyester bleached batting. Walking Foot quilting and solid light gray binding. A few more pictures. Cool ones Walking Foot Quilting Warm Ones Pop of Colors! And one last look. Small Quilt - Mighty Message! Harmony is rainbow-colored and Harmony is made from scraps. Not strictly a Rainbow Scrap challenge quilt, I will be sharing Harmony with Angela's RSC Linky. I hope Harmony will be allowed to the party. I will be with mom in India, from May 2 - May 14, as she undergoes surgery. Please keep her in your prayers. The tutorial for Hands to Help will be published on May 8, 2022. Mari has kindly agreed to share that post with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Love & Hugs to you.

Welcome to Day One of the Island Batiks February 2021 Blog Hop - Create for a Cause. I used the Autumn Sunset half yard bundle designed by Kathy Engle and it is shipping to stores in February 2021. Autumn Sunset includes 20 fabrics from the lightest beige, to lemon yellow, through orange, to dark brown. As soon as I opened the fabric bundle I decided I would recreate Paulitiks in fall colors (with one whimsical design twist) and send it to Bernie for Mercyful Quilts. It was so simple :-) This was going to be so easy. I felt confident. I went to bed with a smile. I was mistaken. At about 2:45AM I got up with a start. I knew my idea was all wrong. And although I was in the middle of making the placemats for January challenge, it was the February challenge that was consuming me. What my waking brain did not see but my subconscious self knew all along was this - Paulitiks was not the best design to showcase Autumn Sunset. So back to the drawing board... Beginning A couple hours later I had the new design ready. The design was simple but the fabric placement would be the key. Working with limited fabrics can be both a boon and a challenge. Will this work? I took many many pictures and converted each to grayscale to determine value gradation. Changes were made and often. In the end, I was happy with some choices and I settled with others. Going from concept/design to flimsy was a gut-wrenching journey. What if this does not turn out according to my vision? What if something just stands out too much or something just fades into nothingness? Design Wall Light Years away... The first three rows met my expectation but it was too soon to tell. Once I completed the flimsy, I stuck it on the design wall and walked away about 12 feet. I turned around to look at the completed top. I gasped. It had worked!!! But the exact moment I realized that I had succeeded was also the moment I knew I had failed. I could not part with it. Me: How do I "Create for a Cause" and then abandon my cause? Paul: Did you say something? Me: I am supposed to donate this quilt. Paul: So? Me: I cannot. Paul: Cause you like it so much? Me: YES. And I feel terrible. Paul: Make another. Me: I have used up a lot of the fabric and there is hardly any time either. Paul: Can you make something smaller? Me: Mercyful Quilts have to be around 60" by 80" Paul: And there is no other cause? Me (realization dawning): Yes. Yes, there is. Thank you. I love you. Paul: Um Hm. You are welcome. At this point, one week from the deadline, I abandoned the flimsy and proceeded in a different direction. The next few days whizzed past in a blur. My singular aim - highlight the fabrics!!! This is the making of Noorie (meaning light). Pattern I had been playing with this pattern in an Excel Spreadsheet for a while. Will this pattern highlight the beauty of Autumn Sunset fabrics? Let's try. Beginning The Grid Basting the Flimsy Quilting Noorie - Finished at 34" square And this is Dawn in the making... Starting with Diamonds Filling in Piecing Rows Basting the Flimsy Dawn - 28" by 34" Quilting Detail Snowy Backdrop - Fiery Colors Dark Brown Binding Don't you just love these colors? Dawn warms my heart Lovely Dawn I will send Noorie and Dawn to Sue who works in Orange County Hospital in New York and coordinates the Stillborn Bereavement Group dedicated to providing bereavement quilts as a lasting and tangible memory of a lost pregnancy. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Make sure to visit all the Island Batiks Ambassadors and their respective dates/stops on the Blog Hop. The full list of Ambassadors’ names, collections they will be using in their projects, and their post dates are as follows: February 1: Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts Mania Hatziioannidi, Mania for Quilts February 2: Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads February 3: Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations Pamela Boatright, PamelaQuilts February 4: Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese February 5: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway February 8: Megan Best, Bestquilter Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio February 9: Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood February 10: Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting February 11: Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail February 12: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway February 15: Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs Joanne Hart, Unicornharts February 16: Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts February 17: Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights February 18: Suzy Webster, Websterquilt Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky February 19: End of Blog Hop and Round-Up To celebrate the start of Create for a Cause Blog Hop, we are giving away two fabulous Fat Quarter bundles of the complete Island Batik Citrus Sun collection by Kathy Engle! Visit the Island Batik Blog to enter. This giveaway ends February, 5 at 11:59 pm PST. Two random winners will be notified by email on February, 6 and announced on February, 9. If the winners do not respond within the first two days after being notified, two new random winners will be chosen and notified. Paul (pointing to the discarded flimsy): What happens to this? Will it become a flying saucer? Me: A UFO, you mean? An unfinished object. Paul: Yes, that. Me: No. A UFO is anathema to a quilter's soul. Paul: So you will finish it? Me: Yes. This will become my April project when I can do whatever I want. Paul: Don't you always? Me: Only because you let me, My Lord. Paul: Whatever you say, My Lady. The Harris household is in the grip of Bridgerton fever, at least my half is :-) I also have a small giveaway. Two prizes. 1. A pack of 5" squares (20) from the "Blinded by Science" collection 2. Four strips (orange/beige/brown) 5" by WOF to coordinate with the Autumn Sunset Collection. 5" squares - Blinded by Science by Island Batik 5" by WOF Strips - Island Batik Stash Builder For a chance to win one of the two prizes, please leave me a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts be they somber such as your favorite cause or light-hearted like your favorite TV show. I will pick the two winners on February 10, 2021. Disclosure: The fabrics and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: _______________________________________________________________________________ Angela has announced that the RSC color for February is yellow!!! Oh my goodness, yes. YELLOW. YELL-O-WOW!!! Yellow is the color of new dawn and yellow is the color of Amanda Gorman's coat. Her poem "The Hill We Climb" is so beautiful...it gives me goosebumps every time listen to it. I will be thinking of her as I make the Sister's Choice Quilt Blocks. Here are my bright and whimsical squares. Smiling Sunflower :-) Panda Focus I will be sharing with Angela's RSC Linky Party on Saturday.

I have been admiring the Atomic Starburst quilt by Violet Craft for a long time. It has very pointy paper piecing, which I do enjoy from time to time. I decided to make a version for my Starstruck Island Batik Ambassador challenge. The challenge was meant to be published in September. I almost made it.

I just spent a week in Kansas City attending Quilt Market, a quilting industry convention that’s held in the spring and fall. I’ve already told you about my trip down to Market and my adventures on the first day (attending the Schoolhouse sessions and Sample Spree prior to the Market floor openi

Welcome to our Fall/Winter edition of Island Batik Week!! We’re so excited to partner with this wonderful company once again to present a variety of new fabric lines along with the coordinating Aur…

Wonky Christmas Tree Quilt Project Tutorials shows how to easily make mug rugs, placemats and a pillow with a cute Whimsical and Wonky Christmas Tree.

100% cotton Batik from Island Batik Yardage is available in 1/4-yard increments. Fabric will be cut in as one continuous piece, NOT as 1/4 yard cuts.Fabric is part of Heidi Pridemore's Signature Collection, "Ornate Gems" from Island Batik.

Starting to work on a batik scrappy project using my stash of Island Batik fabrics in my quilt studio. Cutting them with my AccuQuilt GO! Qube 8" dies.

This quilt had a woven appearance using a variation of green shades of fabric. Fabric Featured in this quilt is Citron Breeze by Island Batiks. Quilt finishes at 62 1/2" x 82 1/2". Printed Paper Pattern Finished Size: 62-1/2in x 82-1/2in Final Product: Quilt Technique Used: Standard Machine Sewing Skill Level: Confident Beginner

Welcome to Day One of the Island Batiks February 2021 Blog Hop - Create for a Cause. I used the Autumn Sunset half yard bundle designed by Kathy Engle and it is shipping to stores in February 2021. Autumn Sunset includes 20 fabrics from the lightest beige, to lemon yellow, through orange, to dark brown. As soon as I opened the fabric bundle I decided I would recreate Paulitiks in fall colors (with one whimsical design twist) and send it to Bernie for Mercyful Quilts. It was so simple :-) This was going to be so easy. I felt confident. I went to bed with a smile. I was mistaken. At about 2:45AM I got up with a start. I knew my idea was all wrong. And although I was in the middle of making the placemats for January challenge, it was the February challenge that was consuming me. What my waking brain did not see but my subconscious self knew all along was this - Paulitiks was not the best design to showcase Autumn Sunset. So back to the drawing board... Beginning A couple hours later I had the new design ready. The design was simple but the fabric placement would be the key. Working with limited fabrics can be both a boon and a challenge. Will this work? I took many many pictures and converted each to grayscale to determine value gradation. Changes were made and often. In the end, I was happy with some choices and I settled with others. Going from concept/design to flimsy was a gut-wrenching journey. What if this does not turn out according to my vision? What if something just stands out too much or something just fades into nothingness? Design Wall Light Years away... The first three rows met my expectation but it was too soon to tell. Once I completed the flimsy, I stuck it on the design wall and walked away about 12 feet. I turned around to look at the completed top. I gasped. It had worked!!! But the exact moment I realized that I had succeeded was also the moment I knew I had failed. I could not part with it. Me: How do I "Create for a Cause" and then abandon my cause? Paul: Did you say something? Me: I am supposed to donate this quilt. Paul: So? Me: I cannot. Paul: Cause you like it so much? Me: YES. And I feel terrible. Paul: Make another. Me: I have used up a lot of the fabric and there is hardly any time either. Paul: Can you make something smaller? Me: Mercyful Quilts have to be around 60" by 80" Paul: And there is no other cause? Me (realization dawning): Yes. Yes, there is. Thank you. I love you. Paul: Um Hm. You are welcome. At this point, one week from the deadline, I abandoned the flimsy and proceeded in a different direction. The next few days whizzed past in a blur. My singular aim - highlight the fabrics!!! This is the making of Noorie (meaning light). Pattern I had been playing with this pattern in an Excel Spreadsheet for a while. Will this pattern highlight the beauty of Autumn Sunset fabrics? Let's try. Beginning The Grid Basting the Flimsy Quilting Noorie - Finished at 34" square And this is Dawn in the making... Starting with Diamonds Filling in Piecing Rows Basting the Flimsy Dawn - 28" by 34" Quilting Detail Snowy Backdrop - Fiery Colors Dark Brown Binding Don't you just love these colors? Dawn warms my heart Lovely Dawn I will send Noorie and Dawn to Sue who works in Orange County Hospital in New York and coordinates the Stillborn Bereavement Group dedicated to providing bereavement quilts as a lasting and tangible memory of a lost pregnancy. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Make sure to visit all the Island Batiks Ambassadors and their respective dates/stops on the Blog Hop. The full list of Ambassadors’ names, collections they will be using in their projects, and their post dates are as follows: February 1: Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts Mania Hatziioannidi, Mania for Quilts February 2: Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads February 3: Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations Pamela Boatright, PamelaQuilts February 4: Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese February 5: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway February 8: Megan Best, Bestquilter Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio February 9: Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood February 10: Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting February 11: Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail February 12: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway February 15: Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs Joanne Hart, Unicornharts February 16: Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts February 17: Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights February 18: Suzy Webster, Websterquilt Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky February 19: End of Blog Hop and Round-Up To celebrate the start of Create for a Cause Blog Hop, we are giving away two fabulous Fat Quarter bundles of the complete Island Batik Citrus Sun collection by Kathy Engle! Visit the Island Batik Blog to enter. This giveaway ends February, 5 at 11:59 pm PST. Two random winners will be notified by email on February, 6 and announced on February, 9. If the winners do not respond within the first two days after being notified, two new random winners will be chosen and notified. Paul (pointing to the discarded flimsy): What happens to this? Will it become a flying saucer? Me: A UFO, you mean? An unfinished object. Paul: Yes, that. Me: No. A UFO is anathema to a quilter's soul. Paul: So you will finish it? Me: Yes. This will become my April project when I can do whatever I want. Paul: Don't you always? Me: Only because you let me, My Lord. Paul: Whatever you say, My Lady. The Harris household is in the grip of Bridgerton fever, at least my half is :-) I also have a small giveaway. Two prizes. 1. A pack of 5" squares (20) from the "Blinded by Science" collection 2. Four strips (orange/beige/brown) 5" by WOF to coordinate with the Autumn Sunset Collection. 5" squares - Blinded by Science by Island Batik 5" by WOF Strips - Island Batik Stash Builder For a chance to win one of the two prizes, please leave me a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts be they somber such as your favorite cause or light-hearted like your favorite TV show. I will pick the two winners on February 10, 2021. Disclosure: The fabrics and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: _______________________________________________________________________________ Angela has announced that the RSC color for February is yellow!!! Oh my goodness, yes. YELLOW. YELL-O-WOW!!! Yellow is the color of new dawn and yellow is the color of Amanda Gorman's coat. Her poem "The Hill We Climb" is so beautiful...it gives me goosebumps every time listen to it. I will be thinking of her as I make the Sister's Choice Quilt Blocks. Here are my bright and whimsical squares. Smiling Sunflower :-) Panda Focus I will be sharing with Angela's RSC Linky Party on Saturday.

The October project for Island Batik Ambassadors is to use any paper piecing technique to create any size quilt. Our fall has been so rainy, an umbrella was in order!

Today I'm honored to be participating in a blog hop to honor quilter Paula Budinger, who passed away earlier this year. Paula blogged at Paula B Quilts and donated many of her quilts to organizations such as Project Linus and Jack's Basket. This would have been her birthday week, so a group of quilters got together to each finish a quilt in Paula's honor to be donated to the charity of the maker's choice as a way to celebrate Paula's generosity. The pattern is Andrew from the book Fat Quarter Baby by It's Sew Emma. (All the quilts in the book have baby names.) It's a great, fun pattern and it goes together quickly. I used a selection of blue fabrics from Island Batik. The background fabric is also Island Batik and I love the swirls; it adds to the ocean feel. I quilted it with wavy lines to look like ocean waves. For the back, I used a 1-yard flannel cut that I found and had forgotten about. It's boats on an ocean with sea monsters, so I thought it appropriate. Unfortunately, it runs sideways as compared to the top so the ocean wave quilting isn't lined up with the ocean on the back, but I decided that it didn't matter. This quilt will go to the Charlotte Modern Quilter's Guild 2020 charity project: quilts for the kids who get meals from Friendship Trays. Friendship Trays delivers food to elderly or infirm individuals who can't obtain or prepare their own meals (similar to meals on wheels but without an age limit). Friendship Trays includes delivery to families and it is estimate that at any given time, about 150 children ages 2-5 in the Charlotte metro are among the recipients. I hope Paula would approve. Paula Budinger Did I mention this blog hop has prizes?! You get one entry per comment on each participating blog honoring Paula. The more blogs you visit, the more chances to win! Here are the prizes: Lorna, Sew Fresh Quilts, $50 gift certificate for her pattern shop. Yvonne Quilting Jetgirl, 2 PDF patterns of choice. Bernie Needle and Foot, $25 certificate for her shop. A fat quarter bundle from Figo Fabrics A set of quilty gift cards from Initial Thought by DMF Note cards set 1 A pattern of choice from Karen, Sugar Free Quilts A $30 gift certificate for Doris, Cactus Queen Quilt Co A PDF pattern of choice from Joanne, www.etsy.com/shop/CanuckQuilterDesigns $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop (donated by Janice Holton) And here's the full schedule of the blog hop: Wednesday, May 6 Karen @ KaHolly Kate @ Smiles From Kate Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of my Quilting Life Bernie @ Needle and Foot Linda @ My Sew-Called Quilts Cathy @ Crazy By Design Sue @ From the Magpie’s Nest Thursday, May 7 Kate @ Smiles From Kate Diann @ Little Penguin Quilts Rose @ Something Rose Made Nann @ With Strings Attached Mari @ The Academic Quilter Louise @ My Quilt Odyssey Susan @ Desert Sky Quilts Friday, May 8 Janice @ Color, Creating and Quilting Kate @ Smiles From Kate Joy @ The Joyful Quilter Susan @ Quilt Fabrication Edi @ Edi’s Crafting Life Carol @ Quilt Schmilt Preeti @ Sew Preeti Qilts Emily @ The Darling Dogwood --You are here!! Thanks for visiting today!

Welcome to Day One of the Island Batik's May 2021 Blog Hop - Make it Modern. My assignment was to use the Farm Fresh Half Yard Bundle to make a modern project. 20 gorgeous colors!!! Oh. My. Goodness!!! The fabrics The inspiration, perhaps! I felt like a dog walker with a dozen high energy puppies out for a walk. I was pulled in so many different directions - each more enticing than the other. In the end I made stopped at three quilts. 1. I had an idea - Effervescence. I decided to use a black background to show off the warm and vibrant fabrics. I chose the yellows/oranges/reds/pinks while setting aside the greens. Raw Materials Once the flimsy was complete, it looked like neither Effervescence nor Sedimentation. Ready to Baste It was a Bonfire. The quilting pattern was a response to that realization. I quilted flames using my walking foot and the Aurifil Thread. Walking Foot Quilting For the binding, I chose the same warm colors and the black but it was placed in such a way so as to merge with the bonfire feel. The thread colors were coordinated accordingly. Modern Quilt Finish 36" by 45" Juicy Pumpkins - Yummy Fabrics Thread Changed with Binding Color The warm and bright colors do pop on a black background. The flames quilting add to the effect, methinks. Since I have Bridgerton on my mind (yes, still) I have named it "Burning for You" :-D Here are a few more pictures Thank you Paul, I Burn for You!!! Hot Colors Flames of Passion :-p On the banks of Potomac... 2. I wanted to use a traditional quilt block in a modern way. I chose a simple rail fence block to show off the beauty of the fabrics in the collection. Farm Fresh by Island Batik May be Not feeling it I wanted the effect of changing values from one end to the other but there were many discards before the layout was finalized. BINGO!!! Finished at 45" square I know that we quilters want to get really close to see the fabric and the quilting details but this one looks magical from a distance. Ooh baby, yes! This quilt reminds me of the time right after Paul and I got married. He was working the 12-hour long night shift. When I got up in the morning, he was at work. When I returned from work, he was home but fast asleep. And when it was time for him to get up and go to work, I was ready to fall asleep. I kissed him good day (at work) and he kissed me goodnight, promising to make it up to each other over the weekend. We barely saw each other during the work week, moving in opposite directions. On the banks of the Potomac River Paul is a doll The breeze was a brat!!! Inspired by our circadian rhythms at that time, I have named it Cross Currents. Walking foot quilting and solid grey binding. Cross Currents finished at 45" by 45". Here are a few more pictures, yes close-ups for you :-) Juicy!!! Walking Foot Quilting Sunny Yellow & Bright Orange Pinks too!!! A perfect day :-) 3. By now I had enough scraps from "Burning for You" and "Cross Currents" that I felt like I could play and I did. Using the Island Batik solid black and solid white, I framed the leftover squares. And then added another round of juicy bright fabric. Playing with Scraps Improvisation Possible Layout? I could have kept making more blocks and there can be endless possibilities for a fun layout. But eventually, everyone must grow up, take responsibility and finish. Basting the Beauty :-) I did too but in a playful way :-) Topsy Turvy finished at 46" by 51". Topsy Turvy, 46" by 51" The background is Yolk. I used walking foot for quilting and used Yolk for binding. But randomly added some color to the binding - a nod to my playfulness :-) Binding detail Yolk Background, Binding Pop! Loving it!!! Squares & Rectangles Used binding cut-offs :-) Mixing up lights and darks And yes, Paul patiently held up each quilt, while battling the breeze. I may have to promote him from holder-upper to model. Oh she glows :-) Thank you Paul :-) Hello Beautiful! Three modern quilts showing passion, promise and playfulness. I'd say mission accomplished. But I am dying to hear your thoughts. Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Make sure to visit all the Island Batiks Ambassadors and their respective dates/stops on the Blog Hop. May 3: Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts - this is me :-) Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky May 4: Joanne Hart, Unicornharts Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights May 5: Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting Pamela Boatright, PamelaQuilts May 6: Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts Suzy Webster, Websterquilt May 7: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway May 10: Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia May 11: Megan Best, Bestquilter Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting May 12: Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood May 13: Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads May 14: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway May 17: Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio May 18: Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter May 19: Mania Hatziioannidi, Mania for Quilts Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore May 20: End of Blog Hop and Round-Up To celebrate the start of Quilt Modern! Blog Hop, Island Batik is giving away a 2.5″ Strip Pack and a 10″ Stack of the complete Island Batik Forecast collection by Ebony Love of Lovebug Studios! Visit the Island Batik blog to enter. _____________________________________________________________________________ Angela has announced the RSC color for May 2021. It is RED and I am ready to paint the blogland red. Here are my fabric picks. HOT DIGGITY DANG!!! Sharing with Angela's linky party.

Our April Ambassador Challenge from Island Batik is Borders & Bindings. Truth be told, I rarely use borders in quilts, and pieced borders are rarer still. Our document each month includes some inspiration links and for this one, I needed the inspiration. One of the articles mentioned cornerstones and that was all the inspiration I needed to know exactly what I wanted to do. I've been wanting to make the super-cute teddy bear pattern William from the book Fat Quarter Baby by It's Sew Emma. The original pattern had a pieced border around it but if I made that border wider, I could use a 6" block as a cornerstone. And I had just gotten Patchwork Picnic by Gracey Larson from my local library and in it there is an adorable bear block. I would combine the two! I also added some narrow borders in blue to unify the whole quilt. And so I did, and I absolutely love the results! I chose the Island Batik collection Sunny Side Up that has a lovely bright assortment of yellows and blues with some fun items in the designs, like strawberries and lady bugs. I used Island Batik's solid white for the background and added a few fabrics from their foundations collections that are always available, including some of the new cobalt solid for the cornerstone bears. The teddy bear center came together fairly quickly. It does call for some half-square triangles and I used my Accuquilt to cut those pieces--I love how it trims the dog-ears and even this non-perfectionist quilter gets perfect units every time! The bears for the corners were, quite honestly, a lot of work. There are a LOT of tiny pieces in this block. But the results are so cute! I love the bears and they were absolutely worth it for the fun touch they add to the pieced border. Items used in the quilt were provided to me by Island Batik, Hobbs, Aurifil, Schmetz, and Accuquilt. I was given a 2-yard cut of one of the prints from the collection and I decided to use it for the back, Large Leaves in Buttercup. I love this print! In addition to the leaves there are some butterflies and other friends hiding. My original plan was to use the Large Leaves print to add another border, but once I got it this far I really liked the size. I asked my friend and fellow Island Batik Ambassador Gail of Quilting Gail what she thought, and both Gail and her husband assured me it was great as it was, and they both agreed on my planned next step: flanged binding. It's so great to have quilting friends who will tell you honestly what a quilt needs! Large Leaves in Buttercup But before I could bind I had to get it quilted! I layered the top with Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 Bleached batting, which was great for a quilt with a white background. The white is still so crisp! Then I quilted wavy lines with Aurifil 2120, a lovely bright yellow. I used my favorite Schmetz microtex chrome needle, 80/20 and I started the lines at 1" apart. Wavy line quilting is my favorite at the moment, I love the look and texture and it's so easy with my walking foot! Flange Binding I did a flanged binding once before, for the "Try a Technique" challenge last year. Both times, I used a tutorial by Sandra of Mmm! Quilts. Sandra is also an Island Batik Ambassador. I love her tutorial because it is for binding cut 2 1/4" wide, which is my preferred width. With a name like "Teddy Bear's Picnic" I wanted to take appropriate photos. My original plan was to take it on our planned camping trip for this weekend--that clearly did not happen. So off to my son's room for a teddy bear. I did find one, though teddy bears are a bit rare in our house do his friends are all of a different species. As I was finishing the piecing, this quilt told me very loudly that it wanted to go to my coworker Laura who was expecting her first child. I had a different quilt planned for Laura's baby, but the quilt was really quite insistent. Isn't it funny how quilts sometimes tell you want they want?! Last week Laura had a healthy baby boy so this will be going to Baby Michael. So that's my adventure in borders and bindings! I absolutely love the finished quilt and hope it is a happy plaything for Baby Michael for years to come.

Batik Quilt As You Go Placemats Tutorial is fast and easy! You will be able to create placemats in no time at all. QAYG place-mats in batik are beautiful in the kitchen and dining room.

This month’s Island Batik Challenge was Mini Quilts! The products featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik. Mini quilts are quilts that are smaller than 24″ square. Min…

I have been admiring the Atomic Starburst quilt by Violet Craft for a long time. It has very pointy paper piecing, which I do enjoy from time to time. I decided to make a version for my Starstruck Island Batik Ambassador challenge. The challenge was meant to be published in September. I almost made it.

We’ve arrived at our final day of our Summer 2018 Island Batik week! We are in love with today’s feature — so sweet and so perfect. In case you’re just joining us, we’…

This quilt was designed by Sally Hutchinson for the Quilted in Honor challenge hosted by EQ and Island Batik.

Are you having fun with Island Batik week? We’ve so enjoyed learning more about these amazing designers and are just smitten with the richly colored batiks. It’s been wonderful to partn…

Welcome to Day One of the Island Batik's November 2021 Blog Hop - Storm at Sea. The November Challenge for Island Batik required that we make a Storm at Sea quilt, lap size or larger, using the Summer 2021 Fabric bundle. I received the collection Bellingham Bay - designed by Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 Design. Bellingham Bay Those of you who know me know that these are not my favorite colors. I find them dark and depressing. Guess this was an added dimension to the challenge. I turned to EQ8 to mock-up the color combinations to come up with a suitable design. After a few iterations, I chose this one and tried to replicate it. I used regular piecing to make the square in square blocks and used freezer paper piecing to make the diamonds. Practice Blocks Choosing Fabrics Choosing Fabrics Work in Progress Coming together Almost there I received in my Island Batik Box a Cotton Wool blend batting measuring 60" square and it was the perfect size for this quilt. Hobbs Batting - Cotton Wool Blend A skinny grey border was added to protect the delicate points. A dark green binding completed the picture. The quilt finished at 58" square and I took lots of pictures. Here are a few of them. Finished!!! Detail Almost Perfect Points :-) Challenge Met Beautiful Day Contrast Backdrop Since it was a beautiful fall day, I tried to capture the bright foliage and the warmth of the autumn sun. Bright Foliage Backdrop Quilting Detail I was surprised when Paul asked for the completed quilt. Me: You like this? Paul: Absolutely. Me: Why? Paul: It reminds me of one of my games - The Invisible Sun. Me: You just named the quilt. Paul: So may I have it? Me: Yes, you may. I am so glad that Paul likes it. To be honest (and humble), I like it too. It is not my usual color palette (cheerful, playful, energizing, bright and happy) but it conveys peacefulness and an introspective vibe. The Invisible Sun One thing is certain - If it wasn't for the Island Batik challenge I would not have worked with this palette and would not have discovered the potential of these colors to create an almost meditative quality. What do you think? I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. Disclosure: The fabrics, thread, batting and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: The full list of Ambassadors’ names, collections they will be using in their projects, and their post dates are as follows: November 1: Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts November 2: Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting November 3: Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese Megan Best, Bestquilter November 4: Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia November 5: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway November 8: Mania Hatzioannidi, Mania for Quilts Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter November 9: Joanne Hart, Unicorn Harts Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs Jennifer Eubank, Archipelago Quilting November 10: Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations Janet Yamamoto, Whispers of Yore November 11: Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine November 12: Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway November 15: Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts November 16: Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde November 17: Sally Manke, Sally Manke Fiber Artist Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights Suzy Webster, Websterquilt November 18: End of Blog Hop and Total Round-Up To celebrate the start of Storm at Sea Blog Hop, Island Batik is giving away a 2.5″ Strip Pack and a 10″ Stack of Bellingham Bay – a gorgeous premiere Original Island Batik collection, designed by Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 Design!

A blog about quilting and a newbie quilter's journey.

Popsicles and ice cream are always a "Sweet Treat" during the summer. This fun quilt kit uses a 10" stack, background fabric and a binding all from the Buds and Blooms collection designed by Kathy Engle for Island Batik. Sweet Treat pattern is designed by Sew Cute and Quirky. Piecing is used and would be great for a confident beginner. Finished quilt size is 32" x 32"Kit Includes: Pattern, Fabric for topNot Included: Backing and BackingBacking Needed: 2 yards of 44"/45"