Saturday, March 16, 2024

Ambassador's Choice

In the land of Island Batik, March is Ambassador's Choice Month.  Mine is Lula May. 


EQ8 Design


Lula May

Designed in EQ8, and made with Island Batik's Celebrate Collection, Lula May finished at 62" by 82".

Love this collection!!!


I wanted to step away from square blocks. I designed a rectangular block measuring 12" by 16". The triangle in a square made the basis for the elongated star. The strip pieced alternate block combines the colors used in the stars, using the leftovers and tying the pattern together. 


Design Wall


Alternate Blocks


I used Aurifil Thread to piece (50 wt) and quilt (40 wt). The batting is Premium 80/20 Black Cotton/Poly Blend. I used a Microtex Schmetz 80/12 Needle for both piecing and quilting. Microtex needles are "sharp" needles which is an absolute must if you want the needle to pierce the tightly woven Batik fabric. 



Quilting in process



I used my favorite squiggle stitch with my walking foot to quilt Lula May. I added a skinny border to make sure that my binding did not eat up my star points. I chose a yellow binding for maximum contrast with the black background. 


My favorite - Model and Picture :-)

Paul - This looks like a Gay Jewish quilt.
Me: It kinda does.
Paul: Intentional?
Me: Nah, just happened.
Paul: I like it.
Me: Yup, she has pizzaz!


She walks in beauty...


Lula May was claimed by Ted, a former co-worker turned friend. 

____________________________________________________________________


The Rainbow Scrap Challenge color for March is purple and I have gathered my geraniums, lilacs, irises and violets. All fabrics are Island Batik scraps. It is good to be an ambassador :-)

March = Purple

 
Looks like Mother Nature got the memo too.  I plucked these tiny blooms on my morning walk.

Grape Hyacinths


I am busy making my purple blocks. These yellow hexies will become the centers of the purple flowers. 

Flower Centers

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties, including Angela's. See full list on the sidebar. As always I'd love to hear from you!

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Rainbow Parade - New Pattern, Bloghop & Giveaway

Spring is around the corner and I am ready to say goodbye to winter blues. Here is a new colorful quilt to get us in the mood for the new season. Meet Rainbow Parade.

Rainbow Colors



Made using Island Batik Blenders, Rainbow Parade finished at 57" by 70".

Basting


Light and Dark



The quilt uses eight colors (light and dark) for a total of 16 fabrics, plus the background.  
I am thrilled now that the pattern is published. 
The instructions are super simple and the detailed graphics ensure that it is a breeze even if you are a new quilter.


Yours Brightly



Is it Spring yet?


I am sure you would like to see this done a few different ways. And that brings me to my awesome pattern testers.

Ahead of the pattern release, Cathy, Bonnie, Frederique and Diptee agreed to test drive Rainbow Parade and they will be sharing their versions today. Please visit their blogs/social media  - for they have their separate giveaways. 

Love a Rainbow


The Rainbow Pattern is now available in my Etsy Store and it is on sale (20% off) till March 12, 2024.  I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.

What is a pattern release without a giveaway? So, I have two prizes.
1. A PDF download of the Rainbow Parade Quilt Pattern (you can be anywhere in the world)
2. Fabrics to make your own Rainbow Parade Quilt (US readers only)

To be eligible, please leave me a comment on this blogpost. If you show up as Anonymous, please include your email, so that I can contact you. I will announce the winners on March 16, 2024.

Update - Astrid (#49) won the Rainbow Parade Quilt Pattern. Pat (#4) won the fabrics. Emails have been sent.



Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Everything, Everywhere, All in One Month

Paul's mom, Krissy passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2024.  

Picture from Paul's graduation in 2007


We went to Georgia for her memorial service. It was a solemn occasion but I could not be sad for long since I was being enveloped in so many hugs from all the relatives and cousins, some I had never met before and some I think I had met once that Christmas.


Lots of Hugs


Paul kept it together and he looked so handsome. 


Love you so much!

Paul spoke at the service mentioning how his mom was a rebel and rarely followed rules. Krissy was feisty and resourceful. Although she did not finish school, she was smart enough to read a library book on accounting and apply for a job. That she lied on her application was but a small technicality. Taking care of two boys as a single and working mom, she did not have a lot of options.


At the church


We drove home and settled into our routines, making sure that we check on Paul's dad more often than ever before. Paul is doing fine, I think.


I was scheduled to present at the Waterford Quilt Guild on Valentine's Day. In the frenzy of preparation (trying to compress 11 years of quilting journey into one 90-minute presentation), I realized that I did not get a card for Paul. 

Me: Did you get me a card for Valentine's Day?
Paul: I will.
Me: But you don't have it yet?
Paul: Correct.
Me: Is it acceptable if we don't exchange cards this year?
Paul (suspiciously): Why?

I told him the truth. 

Paul: I will accept that you don't have a card.
Me: PHEW!!!
Paul: But you can write me a Haiku.
Me: A Haiku?
Paul: Yes.
Me: I can do that.

Across seventeen Valentines
My cold heart and my cold feet
Warmed by your loving touch


Then it was Quiltcon time. I was (still am) frantically working on two quilts for publication and I considered canceling this trip but I had already paid for hotel accommodations in Raleigh and convinced myself that it would be a welcome break with friends and loads of inspiration. 


Quiltcon 2024 in Raleigh


Mari and I drove together. I met Leah and saw Emily. We got together for dinner on Friday evening. We three Island Batik ambassadors chatted about forthcoming projects, ideas and fabrics.


With Leah and Emily


On Saturday morning, we met Jennifer and posed with our ByAnnie bags. ByAnnie is an industry partner with Island Batik and we love her patterns.


Jennifer and Emily



We love our ByAnnie Bags


I saw Vasudha (forgot to take pictures) and chatted about design and deadlines.  Yes, I took several quilt pictures but you can find most of them on Instagram, winners and rejects and everything in between. I did not have a finished quilt, so there wasn't a photoshoot. But Raleigh offers some picturesque backdrops that would be ideal for quilty pictures.

The Capital in Raleigh


The Acorn


Somewhere in the middle of it all, I managed to complete my RSC blocks for February, thanks to receiving some reds from Connie. Although I have a lot of Island Batik reds, I needed just a few more to make eight blocks.

Island Batik reds


Connie sent some :-)

Making Hexies



I will be sharing with Angela's Linky Party, this Saturday.  We will be in March by then!!!  Holy Cow and Thank Goodness!

Red Blocks for RSC February

And four more


I hope I can catch my breath in March. Two new quilt patterns are coming. Yes, there will be giveaways too, so watch this space.

On March 6, 2024, I will be releasing a new pattern - Rainbow Parade, along with a mini blog hop. My dear quilter friends, Cathy, Bonnie, Frederique and Diptee, generously tested the pattern and will be sharing their versions. 

How do I stay sane
Through deadlines, trips, blocks and more
Miracle truly

I hope you will forgive me my Haiku phase, or blame it on Paul. 

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.



Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Island Batik Log Cabin Challenge and Blog Hop

Me: Have you heard of Door Dash?
Paul: Yes.
Me: Now meet Dashing Doors!

Dashing Doors

Dashing Doors is my response to the Island Batik's Log Cabin Challenge and Blog Hop that begins today.  My pun on Door Dash got a huge eye roll from Paul :-)




I received a half-yard bundle of Breezy Collection.  Purples, Greens, Coral and Pink make this a lovely collection.

Breezy Bundle




An original collection by Kate Colleran Designs, Breezy is a bright collection with a beautiful gradation of values and I wanted to show off that aspect of the collection. 


Light to Dark!


I started playing in EQ8. Several designs were made and most were discarded. Here is what was selected. The Door Block is 16" square. 

EQ8 Mock-up


Here are some process pictures, showing green, coral, purple and pink doors.

Making Doors


My colors!!!

I used Aurifil Thread for piecing (50 wt) and quilting (40 wt). I used a 80/12 Microtex Needle from Schmetz for both piecing and quilting. The batting is Hobbs Tuscany Cotton-Wool Blend

I chose a dark purple (Boysenberry) backing from Island Batik Basics and the binding is Light Grey Solid. 

Here are some pictures from the photoshoot.

Dashing Doors in front of Staggered Windows


What door will you pick?


Rock Star Backing and Binding :-)


It is a Sunny Vibe!


Paul suggested this "ART" location. 
Not only the colors match, it is a nod to my creative pursuits. 
I did not argue. After all, he has excellent taste :-D

No arguments from me :-)


Of course you want to see close-ups.  Of course I will.

Juicy


Walking Foot Quilting


Labelled

Once Dashing Doors was completed, I started tidying up the scraps. There were several 3.5" and 2.5" strip segments left over. The work was done. May I play?

I am allowed? Right? So I did. 

Here is the result of playing with scraps left over from Dashing Doors. Meet Aprajita.

Aprajita


The blocks in Aprajita are 7" by 12". The quilt finished at 42" by 48".  I did not design Aprajita in EQ8. But it is not an improv quilt either. It is really a design-build project :-)


Work in Progress

Using the scraps, I designed three types of blocks, each measuring 7" by 12". Then I made a few of them and added to the design wall. To prevent the project from getting out of control, I decided that I would limit myself to the scraps leftover from Dashing Doors, but it was acceptable to add neutral (Almond) and coordinating solids. 

Design Wall

Aprajita uses the following Island Batik Solids - Dark Grey, Red, Fuchsia, Pink, Lime Green, Amethyst, and Orange. Each solid is used once.

A second finish!!!


Walking Foot Quilting


If I love Dashing Doors, I am completely besotted with Aprajita.  She is fun and modern and so cheerful. She has this intimate, minimalist wedding in a botanical garden vibe about her. How do I capture all that in a name? 


You are my sunshine!


I chose Aprajita because it is the name of a flower that is usually purple but also comes in pink and coral colors. Aprajita flowers not only embody the spirit of Spring but are also considered auspicious and used as offerings in prayers. 

I used Aurifil Thread for piecing (50 wt) and quilting (40 wt). I used a 80/12 Microtex Needle from Schmetz for both piecing and quilting. The batting is Thermore by Hobbs

I chose Platinum (Island Batik Neutral) for backing and the binding is Fuchsia Solid.  

Cheerful!


Ah Spring!


Labelled




I am so happy with my quilts. I love them both.

Purple with Grey, Grey with Purple :-)



Paul: I thought you were too busy to even make one quilt.
Me: I was. I am.
Paul: But you made two...
Me: I did
Paul: How?
Me: Let's see. When you are too tired from working you go play...
Paul: Yes
Me: But you work and play at the computer...
Paul: Two different computers, but yes. 
Me: In this case both work and play happened at the sewing machine and resulted in two quilts.
Paul: I see. 
Me: Thank you for the photo shoot!

Paul: Oh you are very welcome.
Me: Silver Diner?
Paul: Sounds good.


What sounds good to me is a comment from you. And if you tell me which of the following Island Batik collections you like the most, I will enter your name for a chance at a giveaway (Island Batik fabric packs).  I will pick two winners on February 13, 2024. 


UPDATE - The two winners are Heather (#1) and Nancy (#26). Emails have been sent.


The Blog Hop continues. The full list of Ambassadors’ names, collections they will be using in their projects, and their post dates are as follows:

February 6:

February 7:

February 8:

February 9:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway

February 12:

February 13:

February 14:

February 15:

February 16:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway

February 19:

February 20:

February 21:

February 22:

February 23:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 3 and Giveaway

February 26:



In other news, Angela has announced that February is Red. Here are my red fabrics for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge and I am ready to paint the blogland red :-) Will be linking with Angela's Linky Party

February is Red!