Island Batik Step by Step Challenge

 The Island Batik challenge for January 2022 reads as follows: 

Island Batik has developed ten colorways of gradations with 20 steps in each. There are so many quilt projects that make use of gradations in color and value. Your challenge is to create a project that demonstrates this step by step change in color value!

I love this challenge. I absolutely do. I love creating quilts with gradations, where color (or value) gradually changes from one to the other. I made a Gradations quilt in Konark, even though it wasn't a requirement. Cross Currents was based on the same theme. Even the Iberian Lynx Project relies on gradually darkening values to convey the message of strengthening populations.

Tantalizing Teals :-)

I received the letter for the 2022 Ambassador Program in December 2021. I had recently completed my Synergy Quilt for the Make Modern magazine. As I read the requirements of the first challenge, I wondered - how would Synergy look with changing values of blue and green (instead of rainbow colors in the original)? Absolutely snazzy, said EQ8!

I wasted little time in cutting fabric but when I started cutting the grey background fabric, it did not feel right. Neither white nor black were giving me the warm fuzzy feeling I was looking for. Back to EQ8. Yellow it was!!! Although I had plenty of solid neutrals (Black, White and Grey). I had very little yellow solid. Within minutes, I ordered solid yellow. Now I had to sit tight and wait. So many gorgeous teals and I had to wait??? UNACCEPTABLE.

So, while I was waiting for the yellow solid fabric to arrive, I made this other quilt with the step by step gradations theme.  I am calling this one Supernova :-)

Supernova

I know I am crazy. But look at these tantalizing teals. Do you really blame me? I was hungry and Gradations is my favorite food group :-D

Frozen Pond = Poor Reflections :-(

I used Hobbs Thermore batting. This is my favorite batting because it is really light and so easy to work with. I used Schmetz Microtex 80/12 needles for both piecing and quilting. I used Aurifil Thread (40 wt) #2600 Dove for quilting.

Here are a few more pictures.

Supernova on Snow

Thank you Paul!

Yummy Fabrics - Step by Step

Once yellow solid arrived (thanks to a rapid response from Maryellen), I made Synergy in Tantalizing Teals with a Solid Yellow background.  I used Hobbs Premium 80/20 Cotton batting and quilted with Aurifil thread (40 wt) using the Schmetz Microtex 80/12 needle.

The Yellow sings and the Teals dance on the hot surface. And I am thrilled with this song and dance quilt!!!

Jubilant Quilt - Dull Reflection

I wanted a reflection of this simmering yellow in a cool pool, but alas all ponds are frozen resulting in blah reflections. May be in a couple of months, I will try again.

Against a red brick wall will do nicely

Winter is cold, Quilt is Hot

Snow does make a great setting

Dreary Urban Backdrop = Perfect for a Bright Quilt

Supernova finished at 52" square and Synergy (in Tantalizing Teals) finished at 56" by 70". Quilted using my walking foot. Used background fabrics for both bindings. Overall, I am very happy with my January, except the frozen bit. But enough about me. I'd love to hear from you. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.

The Island Batik February Challenge and Blog Hop begins on January 31. I will be posting on February 16. You don't want to miss it. 

The other Island Batik Ambassadors are busy posting their “Step by Step” challenge quilts.
Do check them out. 

• Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs
• Megan Best ~ Bestquilter
• Pamela Boatright ~ Pamelaquilts
• Elizabeth DeCroos ~ Epida Studio
• Jennifer Fulton ~ Inquiring Quilter
• Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts
• Jane Hauprich ~ Stitch By Stitch Custom Quilting
• Reed Johnson ~ Blue Bear Quilts
• Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs
• Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
• Denise Looney ~ For The Love Of Geese
• Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
• Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine
• Anorina Morris – sameliasmum.com
• Lisa Pickering ~ Lisa’s Quilting Passion
• Claudia Porter ~ Create with Claudia
• Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads
• Brianna Roberts ~ Sew Cute And Quirky
• Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde
• Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
• Andi Stanfield ~ True Blue Quilts
• Sandra Starley ~ Textile Time Travels
• Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
• Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt

Disclosure: The fabrics, batting, thread and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: Island Batik   Aurifil Thread   Hobbs Batting & Schmetz Needles !!