Vicky and the Zips

The Island Batik challenge for April is Crazy Quilts with Aurifil Threads.  

The Zippered Pouches - in progress

The challenge is to show off the thread from the Color Builder set in a Crazy Quilt! Try out different block combinations and layouts and experiment with decorative stitches and embroidery to highlight the tread you received.

I received the Frangipani Color Builder from Aurifil Threads.

To ensure that these threads/embroidery/stitches showed well on the fabric, I decided to use Island Batik solids.  Since I also wanted to make a modern interpretation of Crazy Quilts, the solids were a perfect choice.

I also tested various decorative stitches on a piece of scrap fabric. I kept a list of stitches that would look good, the ones to avoid and what modifications to make, if any.

I was at a loss for a name so I asked Mari, what should I name my Crazy Quilt. Mari suggested that I name the quilt, Victoria, because Crazy Quilts are from the Victorian era. Since my crazy quilt is a modern version, I have named her Vicky. Let's meet Vicky.

Vicky likes to play outdoors

Vicky likes to embellish

Although I started with the three threads in the Frangipani Color Builder set, I soon added in other threads in colors like Orange and Purple, all Aurifil, of course.

Binding with Zigzag Stitch

A black binding on a black background with a black thread is blinding. So I used a zigzag stitch to secure it in place. That way I don't have to strain my eyes to make sure that the needle hits the fabric in the 1/32" width.  This is a relief for my eyes and goes so much faster. 

Labelled - Vicky is mine

I used Island Batik Solid Light Gray for backing.  Used Hobbs Thermore batting. Quilted with my walking foot.  Can you see the zig-zag stitching on the label? I used 80/12 Schmetz Microtex Needle for both piecing and quilting.

Vicky is bright

Vicki is ready to party :-)

Vicky finished at 38" square and I am very happy with her but...

But there is more.  Meet the Zips.

Two Zippered Pouches

They are the Zips :-)

So what do you think of Vicky and the Zips? I think they rock. But I am dying to know your thoughts.

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The winners of the Celebrate etc. charm pack giveaway are #25 and #33. That is TerryK and MissPat. Emails have been sent. 

In RSC news, I have completed my Purple blocks for April. Here they are.

Reddish Purple

True Purple

Bluish Purple

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties (see full list on the sidebar), including Angela's RSC Linky.

Aurifil Color Builder Challenge - Innamorato

The March challenge is sponsored by Aurifil Threads.  Here are the simple guidelines to complete the challenge.

Create a piece inspired by your assigned Italian destination. It could be a city scene, a landscape, or something you associate with the location.

• Size: 20” x 20” or under

• Must use each of the 3 thread spools from the Color Builder box, how the thread is used is up to the maker!

• Utilize thread painting, some type of appliqué or a combination of the two

  
  

I chose orange for two reasons. 
1. I like orange :-) 
2. I had leftover orange fabrics from the Farm Fresh collection that would match perfectly with the Aurifil threads.

The following picture is provided by Aurifil for the Tuscany Orange Color Builder Thread set.

Such a beautiful sky in my favorite colors, I knew what I wanted to do.  Using the techniques learned in Gloria Loughman's class, I could create a landscape showing off those gorgeous sunny vibes.

Fabrics

Work in Progress

I layered Island Batik Foundation Pumpkin as the base on top of the Hobbs Cotton Batting before adding the tiles for appliqué.  A 90/14 Schmetz Needle was perfect for securing the appliqué to the base.  

Time for Thread

Hills and foreground were added. And then the tree. 

For the Hill

Tree Foliage

It was coming together nicely. The beautiful Island Batik fabrics and the gorgeous Aurifil Threads had captured the beauty of the Tuscan sunset. 

Almost there?

But something was missing. 

Looking at this gorgeous landscape, I knew I wanted to be there with Paul, exploring vineyards, walking hand in hand and soaking up the sun while basking in the warmth of his presence.  

Paul: It looks lovely.

Me: Hmm...

Paul: You don't seem happy.

Me: Something is missing.

Paul: What?

Me: The soul.

Paul: Huh?

Me: WE are missing. 

Adding a couple in silhouette would complete the picture. But not any couple. It had to be us. I rummaged through our pictures to find a suitable one.

Nah - too much going on

Nope - It will look like a blob

Same problem

When we get our pictures taken, the impulse is to get closer, but those pictures will not look good in a silhouette. I realized that we need to be close but not touching.

I could make this one work

I traced the outlines as two separate bodies. There was nothing romantic about that. And cutting out the silhouette was no fun either. I am sure my nose and chin are smooshed.  

Once completed, I stepped away to admire my handiwork. 

It is us!!!

Picturing the Future

I had goosebumps. Mission accomplished!

I was there. We were there. Someday we will be. 

Sitting in the living room, watching TV and eating dinner, I found myself looking into the studio area, staring dazedly at the picture of us. Paul noticed that I was not paying attention to "Resident Alien" on TV.

Paul: You are silly.

Me: Nah, I am crazy. About us.

Paul: I am too.

Me: Look at us.

Paul: I did. It is beautiful. 

Since I am in love with Paul and I love this finish, I have named it Innamorato, which means "in love" in Italian. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. 

A few closeups.

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

Works in Progress

I don't have a finish, but should that stop me for sharing?

According to Angela, February shall be devoted to teal, aqua and turquoise scraps. Here is what I did.

Teal/Aqua Scraps

Fish :-)

Scrappy Improv 

Block in the works

15 blocks in two days!!!

My Island Batik Row by Row quilt (for the February Challenge and BlogHop) is complete.  I received the collection Lace and Grace, designed by Kathy Engle for Chris Hoover of Whirligig Designs. This signature collection should be in stores now. 

Lace and Grace :-)

 Although I will share on February 16, here is a sneak peek of my Row by Row quilt. 

Sneak Peek :-)

Floral Backing

I have been enjoying the Row by Row quilts created by other Island Batik ambassadors. Check out these posts by fellow Island Batik ambassadors, Emily Leachman and Connie Kauffman.  Not only these are super cute and absolutely adorable quilts, they both have giveaways. 

While I was anxiously waiting (darn the supply chain issues) for the Aurifil Thread and Schmetz Needles to arrive, I needed to do something to minimize the anxiety level.  Playing with leftover Island Batik scraps and Island Batik Solid White has been therapeutic.  

Therapeutic Piecing

The colorful fabric in the foreground sparkles as the colorful Christmas lights twinkle in the room behind. No, it is not an old picture. The Christmas lights will stay up till Valentine's Day (my house my rules).

Finally, this week I received the Aurifil Thread Color Builder for the March challenge.  I love orange :-)

Aurifil Color Builder - Tuscany Orange 

Here is the Island Batik fabric to match. I am so excited about this project.

Fabric Pull for the March Island Batik Project

I also received the pack of Schmetz needles, I have come to rely upon. I don't use anything else. Is there anything else?

Sewing, Quilting and Topstitch Needles by Schmetz

I will be sharing with Angela's Linky Party and all my other favorites (se full list on the sidebar). 

If you are suffering from the effects of the supply chain doldrums, I recommend ignoring the dishes, getting takeout and playing with scraps. It has worked for me :-)