Island Batik Challenge & Blog Hop

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. 

On the Design Wall

I used Aurifil Thread for piecing (50 wt) and quilting (40 wt). I used Schmetz Microtex 80/12 needle for both piecing and quilting. I chose Thermore batting from Hobbs. 

Completed Quilt

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:

WEEK 1

September 5

Elita Sharpe, Busy Needle Quilting

Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese

September 6

Sandra Starley, Textile Time Travels

Sarah Pitcher, Pitcher’s Boutique

September 7

Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs

Brenda Alburl, Songbird Designs

Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts (You are here)

September 8

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway

WEEK 2

September 11

Brittany Fisher, Bobbin with Brittany

Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail

September 12

Susan Deshensky, Lady Blue Quilts

Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine

September 13

Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood

Anorina Morris, Samelia’s Mum

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations

September 14

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia

Victoria Johnson, Forever Quilting for You

September 15

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway

WEEK 3

September 18

Lana Russel, Lana Quilts

Lisa Pickering, Lisa’s Quilting Passion

September 19

Randi Jones, Randi’s Roost

Suzy Webster, Websterquilt

September 20

Mania Hatziioannidi, Mania for Quilts

Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts

Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights

September 21

Renee Atkinson, Pink Tulip Quilting

Reed Johnson, Blue Bear Quilts

September 22

End of Blog Hop + Final Round Up

Finally, the winners of the Avantika Quilt Pattern are comments #9 (Lisa Marie) and #42 (Sara). Emails have been sent.