STARRY NIGHT BY SEW KIND OF WONDERFUL

 Christine, Jeanette's daughter, has joined the Inch Worm Fabric team, I think she is going to try to blog for Jeanette.  I am excited, I get to use all the awesome fabrics in the store and Christine gets to blog about them.

I will say that when I was in her store I noticed that she had a fat quarter bundle of "Anne of Green Gables" fabric.   Below are the fabrics ..... aren't they wonderful?

Last year I finished the "Starry Night" top, I was wanting to do some fancy quilting.  I kept waiting and waiting....moving the top from one place to another.  I know all of you out there do not do that....  Actually, I was kinda nervous to do ruler work and also, I knew that it would take me forever and I have so many other things I want to do....was that a whine?

So I decided to swirl it.  Let me tell you, even swirling it took a lot of time and bobbins, I went over 12 bobbins, lost count after the 12.

I convinced my son to hold it up for me.  I sooooo Love it.  I will tell ya, the fabrics look kinda dull but they are not....they scream brightness.

Rainy and cold today.

ISLAND BATIK 3D CHALLENGE

This will be my last post as an Island Batik Ambassador.  I have been an Ambassador since 2014,  one of the first of many Island Batik Ambassadors.

I have enjoyed every minute of it.  Sometimes stressfully enjoyed.

I will continue to love and use their products.

I love Hobbs Batting, which I have a huge roll in my sewing room as we speak.

I love Aurifil Threads as well and I appreciate having the opportunity to use all of these products.

I have had an Accuquilt Go cutter since 2009 (guessing here).  I love my Accuquilt Go cutter and do have a few patterns on the Accuquilt site as well.

3D CHALLENGE

Sometime around 1995 (guessing here again), I was given a partially constructed quilt top from my best friend.  Her mother had started it but passed away.  I was very close to her mother.  Her parents were like grandparents to my sons.

At that time I was just dabbling in quilting.

I didn't know anything about the 1/4 inch seam allowance but I went ahead and put this quilt together.  When I got the top finished I realized that one side was longer than the other.

So I put it away in the closet to never bring it out again until two years ago.

I decided to go ahead and finish it for my oldest son for Christmas two years ago.  I knew this would be very special to him.

I don't know what happened to the pattern.

Fast forward to 2019.

At the time of finishing the quilt I made this drawing. I had wanted to make this quilt again.

                                           

Here is the quilt I made using Island Batik Fabrics.  The green and Black/purple fabric is Magical Reef and the turquoise is from Island Batik as well but not from the Magical Reef Fabric line.

I decided that I wanted to make this quilt using the Accuquilt Go cutter.  I used the Accuquilt Go 8" Cube, from that I used the 2 1/2" square, 4 1/2" rectangle, and the half square triangle.  Boy did it make fast work!!!

                                           

When I had finished this quilt for the first time, I noticed something was wrong....OOOPS

I had to take the rows apart, just the rows, the blocks were sewn together right but I had to take the rows apart and flip every other one.  Shewee....at one point I had just wanted to scrap this quilt but Gene Black another Island Batik Ambassador convinced me to continue on.  I knew that if I didn't the quilt would just be in the closet for another 20 years or so.....  I am so glad it is done.

                                                    

                                             I used Hobbs Batting as you see here and Aurifil #2810.

One thing I loved about being an Island Batik Ambassador is that I actually finished things as well as it stretched my imagination and had me doing things that I would not have done otherwise.  It was fun being a part of such a creative group of Quilters, artist, and designers, I will truly miss that but so grateful to Island Batik for the opportunity.

CHRISTMAS LOG CABIN QUILT

                               

I have always loved the look of the Log Cabin Quilt but have never really wanted to make one.  For one, cutting all those strips was daunting to me.

Last year for the month of November the Island Batik Ambassadors were given the challenge of making a log cabin quilt.  You can find the post here

Sooooooooooo not looking forward to cutting out all those strips I purchased the Accuquilt Log Cabin Die.  Yeah me!!  or LAZY ME!!


                                               ACCUQUILT LOG CABIN DIE
                                     

Trust me, this made the process so much easier.

After I made the log cabin quilt for the November challenge of last year, I decided to make a King size log cabin quilt for my bed.  I had been carrying around with me for YEARS (I know that most of you never do that) some fabric I had purchased from Connecting Threads, two of the same kit and about four yards of the red fabric that was included in the kit.

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough to make a king size quilt but I did get a quilt 100" x 100".

                                       

I was not looking forward to quilting on my domestic machine but I am not able to get to my longarm.
Doesn't look so hard starting out???

                                   

                                                        Decided to do loops.

                                                Using Aurifil Thread #2870

                      Hobbs Batting Cotton 80/20, did I tell you how much I love this batting?

                                              

Getting closer to the middle and is getting kinda crowded under the neck of my machine.
I only had difficulty when I got to the middle width way and length ways, other than that all went well.

                                    

                                                   Here it is on my king size bed.

Doesn't look to bad at the end but on the sides it is a little short for my liking but I have a solution and when I finish what I have planned in my head, I will show you.


                                              
With the weather being so ugly outside I can not go and lay it out flat so you can see the whole quilt.
                                             

Here it is on a double bed and boy am I ever thrilled with it.  Drapes
 so nicely on the sides and back but my husband loves this quilt so much that it only going on our bed.

I can't believe we are already in November.  If I don't get another post up by Thanksgiving, do have a wonderful one!

If you are looking for a fun project, Kathleen McMusing is having a fun "Awesome Ocean" sew along.  Her first blocks came out today!

                               won't you join us?

DID ANYONE SAY SNOW? ALREADY???

My sister lives in Washington and she has already gotten snow this last week-end while I am here in Texas sweating it out.

This is my pattern "SNOWFLAKE"

The Island Batik Challenge this month is table runner or topper using applique.

I used the blanket stitch.

Here is a peek at the black Hobbs batting.  I just had a piece big enough.

I used Aurifil Thread #2720 to quilt this round topper.  I didn't have any navy Aurifil  for the blanket stitching but you can see the stitching in the background.

Island Batik  Blueberry Blender, Coral French fabric that came in out last box, and Island Batik white.

This pattern I made up for the "Desire to Inspire" Challenge that Henry Glass puts on.  

 I was inspired by a design on the fabric "Holiday Magic" by Jane Spade.

I love doing runners and especially round toppers.  I believe I have about 11 topper patterns which at one time were on crafty and etsy.  I keep thinking about reopening up my etsy account.  They closed me down because I wouldn't give them my bank account number.  Do any of you have a problem with that?

"WHISPERING FEATHERS"

This quilt pattern made it into the Island Batik Fall/Winter Catalog 2019

                                                              Free Space

The fabric line is "Whispering Feathers"

I just love these fabrics but I have yet to not like any of Island Batik Fabrics.

 

I used Hobbs batting (I just purchased a whole roll of Hobbs Batting)...love it!

I used Aurifil Threads  #2315 (light tan) and #2568 (burgundy for blanket stitching)

Notice all of the circles?  At one time I could have told you how many I used but I am too lazy to calculate or go and look it up (that is right lazy).  As you can see there are a lot.

I used the Accuquilt Go Cutter Circle Die #55012.  Sure made fast work of the circles.

I opted not to use any fabric adhesive.  For one, it would take a lot, and then you would need to cut and iron....so this gal is LAZY!!  Also, it would make the quilt stiff in places.

I used elmer's glue and a lot of starch, only putting the circles on when I wanted to sew them on.  Normally if you use fabric adhesive you will iron all of the pieces on and then applique.  I just did one at a time.....I glued the circles, ironed them and then glued them on, as I said one at a time.  Worked out great.

This was a lot of fun but for me stressful because I wanted it to turn out perfect.  Each year I say I am not going to do another pattern for the catalog because I get so stressed but this is my fourth pattern in one of Island Batik Catalogs.  Will I say never....NOPE

CHILD'S PLAY - BEAR'S PAW

The Island Batik Challenge for this month is Child's play using the BOB (block on a board) Accuquilt Go die.  It does not get any easier than this or any more fun!

I was given the Bear's Paw die.

Here are a few things you can do with this die.

Beaquilter received the same die, if you are interested in seeing what she has done for this months challenge, go here.

I used Hobbs Batting

Aurifil Threads #2605 (grey) for sewing and #2130 (light yellow) for quilting.

I made the center block by using the ten minute block method.

I had originally planned a different border but didn't like how it looked so I opted for this border.  They are sewn together like you would sew your binding pieces together (on the diagonal).

The brighter the fabric the better.  That is my Motto!

51" x 61"

I used Island Batik Foundation Bundle Coordinates - basics and blenders from the recent box they sent to us.  Island Batik White (can't go wrong with white).

The whole time I was making this quilt I kept thinking of crayons. I always loved the beginning of the school year when we had a brand new box of crayons.  I also love smelling them....just like glue, and fabric....ha ha....  yep...I am a crayon,glue, fabric sniffer and proud of it!

BLACK BATTING (HOBBS BATTING)

I have to confess that I had not ever heard of Black Batting before until I received some in my Island Batik Box in January.

I was kinda leary about it.

I used the black batting in this quilt above (my phone takes better picture than my camera, this is a camera shot).

I have had several questions and concerns from others about using black batting.

So....

Several years ago I was teaching the girls at church (ages 8 to 12) how to embroidery.

So far only two have completed theirs, two sisters.

The oldest sister made a pillow out of hers and entered it in the State Fair and won a blue ribbon.

That being said, she came over to my home to make a pillow.  You should have seen the back of her embroidery....  Oh my gosh.  I am not telling you this to shame the girl.  I was so proud of her for completing the project and being a first timer...well...who expects perfection?

We spent a good hour trimming her back.  I attached the heat n bond to the back to keep the stray threads in place so they would not come through.  It is not easy to explain but we got the tangles down to a minimum.

FAST forward to last week.

Her sister comes in and she wants to make a wall hanging.

 

Trust me, this back looks great compared to the oldest sister.  This is actually not bad.

But.... while I was thinking on this.  I remembered I had some remnants of Hobbs Black batting.

Here is the front.  You can not see a single thread shinning through.

So you see, the black batting hides any colorful lose threads that might be hanging out in your quilt.  Or hides the shadow from the seams that might occur.

It truly is awesome batting and I am so glad I was able to try it out.

My October project is using Hobbs black batting as well.

Have a fantastic day!

STAR LIGHT STAR BRIGHT!

STARS IS THE CHALLENGE FOR THE ISLAND BATIK AMBASSADORS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST.

Who doesn't like stars?

So as I was looking for ideas, I came across my little stash of Missouri Star Quilt Company's  

BLOCK magazines

I saw this pattern and loved it.

I ordered this  Rhombus ruler and loved it.

I loved it so much that I made two quilts but the second one will have to wait for it's appearance another time.

I used the Island Batik 5" stash builders, this strip was totally perfect for this ruler.  Unfortunately Island Batik no longer carries these 5" strips.  POOOOOORRR ME!!

Aurifil white 50 weight thread

Hobbs Black batting

I have to say, there was no shadowing of the seams at all or any stray threads that happen to show through after quilting..  I did enjoy using this batting 

Now......this was not my first idea for this months challenge so.....

 tomorrow I will show you that quilt.

This month The Island Batik Ambassadors are having a blog hop with the 

Spring/Summer 2019 Collection.  I don't have that line but....here is the schedule for it.

Monday August 5

Leanne Parsons - The Devoted Quilter

Sherry Shish - Powered by Quilting

Tuesday August 6

Bill Locke - Studio BIll Locke

Lisa Nielsen - Lisa Lisa and the Quilt Jam

Wednesday August 7

Sandra Walker - Mmm! Quilts

Terri Vanden Bosch - Lizard Creek Quilts

Thursday August 8

Pamela Boatright - Pamela Quilts

Kathleen McCormick - Kathleen McMusing

Monday August 12

Karen Neary - Sew Karen-ly Created

Carol Moellers - Carol Moellers Designs

Tuesday August 13

Michelle Roberts - Creative Blonde

Laticia "Tish" Stemple - Tish's Adventures in Wonderland

Wednesday August 14

Anne Wiens - Sweetgrass Creative Designs

Gene Black - Gene Black

Thursday August 15

Tina D Dillard - Quilting Affection Designs

Bea Lee - Bea Quilter

Monday August 19

Joanne Hart - Unicornharts

Carla Henton - Creatin’ in the Sticks

Tuesday August 20

Connie Kauffman - Kauffman Designs

Vasudha Govindan - Storied Quilts

Wednesday August 21

Vicki Schlimmer - Vicki's Crafts and Quilting

Mania  Hatziioannidi - Mania for Quilts

Thursday August 22

Gail Sheppard - Quilting Gail

Monday August 26

Maryellen McAuliffe - Mary Mack's Blog 

Jennifer Strauser - Dizzy Quilter

Tuesday August 27

Connie K Campbell - Freemotion by the River

Joan Kawano - Moosestash Quilting

DREAM, CREATE, INSPIRE - Artsy Fartsy Challenge

(nice little wind going)

I had actually picked out the theme of my quilt several months ago.

I searched my mind and the internet for an idea for a house for my Bejeweled Sewing room.

Then one day it hit me.  My idea of retirement, happiness, freedom is on a beach, living in a hut.

Sometimes a gal has just gotta dream!

One of my most happy times was the three years we spent in Amerika Samoa and three years on the island of Oahu.

I have said this a thousand times "I am an island girl!"

So this month's challenge is to create a project using three different weights of Aurifil threads.

Aurifil 50 wt. threads

Accuquilt Go circle die.

What inspires me?

Color, beauty of this world, friends, and having the right tools.

"A Thing of Beauty is a Joy forever" John Keats

Aurifil 40 wt. thread.

I love this quote and when I think of the Islands, the joy still lives in my heart.

As I think of quilts, the beauty  just lives on forever and if we care for them they will live long after we are gone.

The orange is Aurifil  40 wt. and the cone is  Aurifil 50 wt. (notice I am almost out).

I decided to use Hobbs batting logos for my clouds.

Aurifil 50 wt.

I should have picked a darker thread for my Bejeweled Quilts but in person it is darker.

Aurifil 50 wt. thread

Isn't it amazing that Island Batik can find you anywhere?

Even on a small island out in the pacific!

So if you were stranded on a deserted island, what would  you most want to have besides food?

What about a sewing machine (the machine had to go in front of the window)?  A package from Island Batik?  Aurifil Threads?  Notice the Accuquilt Go cutter?  Hobbs batting?

If you look close enough at the top shelf, that is a picture of my last Island Batik box....ummm ummmm good.  

Here are seven Island Batik challenges and projects that I have done in the 4 1/2 years I have been an Ambassador.

Aurifil 28 wt. thread

I have to tell ya, I am in love with the 28 wt. thread, it is great for machine applique.  I see a collection coming on.

I used Hobbs 80/20 cotton batting.  Notice how the wrapping is all messed up (that was me cutting out the logos for my clouds).

I used Avery Fabric Transfers, which was a breeze compared to what I had originally.

                                        Here are just a few of the pictures around the quilt.

I have enjoyed being an Ambassador, as I was trying to find some of my favorite quilts to put on this quilt, I was amazed at how many projects I have completed in the past 4 1/2 years.

Many of the quilts I still have, a few I have sold (but not many), gave some to friends and family. and charities.

I look forward to putting this quilt on my sewing room wall.

It is fun to create when you have such wonderful tools to work with.

Island Batik fabric inspires me with the vibrant colors along with the Aurifil threads.

The Accuquilt Go is an amazing tool that makes life less complicated and the cutting process to go a lot faster.

Hobbs batting is just a dream in the clouds.

As most of you know, all of the items have been given to me through Island Batik and I have enjoyed every minute of it and just want to take a moment to thank Island Batik, Aurifil Threads, Hobbs batting, and Accuquilt.