In other news, I have been working on the October Challenge for Island Batik, which is sponsored by Accuquilt. We have to make a quilt/project using the North Carolina Star Block on Board Die.
The September Island Batik Challenge and Blog Hop is called Pieced to Perfection. We were required to make a paper-pieced project at least lap sized, using as many different fabrics as possible from our assigned collection.
I received Chromatic. It is an original collection designed by Deb Tucker of Studio 180 Designs.
Chromatic Bundle
Chromatic Fabrics
And here is my response to the challenge!
Bromeliad Garden
I chose "The Palm" block from EQ8 Block Library (under Old favorites).
The on-point layout uses 24 blocks. I used 21 (out of the 22) fabrics from the Chromatic collection. I used three fabrics from Island Batik Basics, so that each leaf uses a different fabric. I chose the solid white background for maximum contrast with these dark/bright fabrics.
I started with making an audition block and after about three attempts, I was ready to roll.
Audition Blocks
I chose this block because it gives me the opportunity to show off every fabric (except the white one) from the Chromatic collection.
Since paper-piecing is not my strong skill, I wanted a block where imperfections did not cause a fatal flaw. Leaves, you know, are not exact :-) Further, since each leaf is its own block, a mismatched/imperfectly shaped leaf does not mess up the adjacent one.
Imagine the horror of mismatched seams, especially after all the effort of piecing and tearing out (hair and) paper.
Since the quilt finished at about 47" square, I pieced the back, using the leftover fabrics from the front.
I like to think that I "zipped" the two white pieces together :-D
The quilt is named Bromeliad Garden, for the shape of the leaves.
Pieced (Zipped) Backing
I quilted diagonal lines using my walking foot. The Backing and Binding are Island Batik Solid White.
Quilting Detail
Of course I added my label and thanked my quilt model for his patience and support of all my quilty endeavors. He was rewarded handsomely for his efforts :-)
If you'd like to win a handsome reward (in Island Batik fabric), please leave me a comment on this post. I will pick two winners on September 15.
Be sure to check each of the Ambassador’s posts as many of them will be offering their own giveaways – all the more reason to enjoy the Pieced to Perfection Blog Hop!
The full list of Ambassadors’ names, collections they will be using in their projects, and their post dates are as follows:
I first made Avantika for the Island Batik catalogue. The working title was Mosaic Stars but once the quilt was completed, it needed a better name. Avantika means princess :-)
Avantika, the original princess :-)
Sunset Backing and Binding
Made using Island Batik Juicy Mosaics fabric collection, Avantika finished at about 64" by 84".
Juicy Mosaics is a beautiful collection and I love every fabric in it.
Of course, we took her out for a photoshoot, thanks to Paul!
Ooh, the reflection!!!
I was so much in love that I chose to make these blocks for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2023.
Since August is "Ambassador's Choice" month in the Island Batik Ambassador 2023 calendar, here are my finishes that serve the dual purpose - Island Batik Ambassador August project and completed RSC2023 quilts.
To differentiate between the three, I have named them Avantika (original), Avantika (cool) and Avantika (baby).
Meet Avantika Baby. Although it is the exact same block, the layout is different. Using only the warm colors, it has 32 different Island Batik fabrics.
Avantika Baby, 40" square
Since the yellow hues are lighter than the others, I struggled with the layout. Placing them in the center made sense. It also makes this baby princess glow from within.
Oyster (Island Batik Neutral) Backing
I took her with me when I traveled to Myrtle Beach earlier this year. These pictures were taken at Atalaya Castle at the Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina.
At Atalaya Castle
Princess in her tower
Cool location, warm quilt
No princess, no climbing trees!!!
Are you really going to jump off?
The little princess has loads of attitude, as you can see. But I love her so very much!
Let's meet Avantika Cool. Made using blue, green, turquoise and purple, she finished at 60" by 80".
Avantika Cool
Paul: How many fabrics does this one have? Me: Well, Avantika Cool uses 96 different Island Batik fabrics, plus the background, backing and binding. Paul: So 99, total? Me: Yes. Paul: 99 pieces of fabric on the wall...
I so enjoyed working on these blocks throughout this year, I could hardly wait to complete these quilts. Since I had so many more fabrics in blue, green, turquoise and purple, than in yellow, orange, red and pink, it made sense to divide the rainbow into warm and cool colors, resulting in two quilts, made exclusively with Island Batik fabrics I have received as a part of the Ambassador Program.
If you have ever doubted about using Island Batik fabrics, these two quilts should clear all misgivings.
Island Batik Fabrics are the Best!
I love how I have two princess quilts - sisters that could not be more different from each other, in spite of sharing the same basic block.
But wait there is more. Avantika is also my newest pattern, available in my Etsy shop, at a 20% discount till 8/31/23. If you wish to get a free copy of the pattern, please leave a comment on this post. Please include your email if you show up as Anonymous.
