Bubbles (Dizzy Dolphin)

Island Batik's June Challenge is co-sponsored by Funky Friends Factory. 

I chose Dizzy Dolphin.

Bubbles!

Let's start from the beginning.

I downloaded and printed the pattern. I chose a light and a dark fabric from an older Island Batik collection, called Exuberance. I had used this collection to make Trevor (the quilt with dimples).

2nd fabric in 1st column, 8th fabric in the 2nd column

The dots gave the impression of playful bubbles.

Pattern and Fabrics

The step by step directions were clear and the pattern was easy to make. I used Schmetz 80/12 Microtex needle for all the machine stitching.

In the process - Marked the Eye

The swish of the tail

The fins and the tail were stuffed first and set aside. Hobbs had provided (in addition to all the batting) a bag of polyester bonded fibers for this exact purpose.

Stuffing for Toys, by Hobbs

It may not seem like it, by the Dolphin needed a lot of stuffing. Slowly, first easing into the farthest corners and then adding some more, till I could stuff no more.

Stuffing

I used a larger black circle and a smaller green circle to make the eye and stitched with Black Aurifil thread in 12wt wool.

And here she is. 

Completed!

She is cute and look at all those bubbles she is blowing. Hence I have named her Bubbles :-) even though Pauline calls her Dizzy Dolphin.

Paul decided to model with Bubbles.

Paul & Bubbles

A few more shots trying to capture the different angles.

Atop the mailbox

Deep Sea Diving

Resting in the Pool

So fun!

Many thanks to Island Batik,  Funky Friends Factory, Hobbs Batting, Schmetz needles and Aurifil Thread for supplying product to make this project.

In other news, I completed the Green blocks for the Rain Scrap Challenge (May). 

Green RSC Blocks for May

June is Orange, said Angela. I have already chosen the fabrics. Look at these yummy Island Batiks.

Orange Fabrics for June

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

I've Been Better

Recently a former co-worker-turned-friend called me and asked the standard opening question - How are you? Unable to hide my sadness, because I had received yet another rejection email, I replied - I've been better.

I've been better

2024 was a horrible, terrible, very bad year for many reasons. Paul's mom passed. I lost my job. We were in a car crash. And those are just personal reasons. I cannot even begin to fathom the angst of the planet.

In a year so dark, it is easy to pinpoint the two bright spots:

1. Our long-awaited trip to Hawaii.

In Hawaii

2. My very first Improvisational Piecing Workshop. I was truly happy that day and I received excellent feedback.

Improv Class

Quilting wise, there were certainly some memorable moments, listed here in no particular order.

1. Diva was not only published in Make Modern's Issue 58, she also made the cover!  You can purchase a PDF copy of Diva in my Etsy Shop.

Grey Skies, Bright Quilt

2. Pesto Mushrooms was made for a 6-year old boy who loves the color Green and is fascinated with Mushrooms. I enjoyed making it and I am told the recipient is having fun with it. Mission Accomplished!

 

Happy Recipient!

3. Blush - A labor of love, I am thrilled with this finish.

Thank you, Bob

Thank you, Paul

4. Good Tidings was published in Annie's Christmas Pattern Book. I hope that the serene beauty of this quilt brings good tidings in the new year.

5. Aurelia was published in Make Modern's Issue 56 and is also available as a standalone pattern in my Etsy Shop. I am in love with Aurelia. Not my usual colors, but Aurelia has a regal and majestic vibe to her. Check out the Aurelia pattern on Etsy for a different colorway.

Blues and Purples

6. Bluey Boy - Initially difficult to manage (or potty train), Bluey Boy is my pet (pun intended) project of the year. Thanks to Funky Friends Factory and Island Batik for this adorable challenge. I had a great time with this photoshoot.

Walking on the banks of the Potomac

Such a Good Boy

Best Pet Ever!

7. Praying to Goddess Lakshmi - Ending this list with prayers to the Goddess for prosperity and well-being in the new year.

Marvelous Mini

The job search has been stressful and frustrating.  I am grateful for the love and unconditional support of my friends. You have kept me sane when I was going crazy and kept me together when I was falling apart.

With Mari in Raleigh for Quiltcon

Jennifer and Emily

Leah and Emily

With Roli - High school friends reunited after 30+ years

Manveen - You are my rock!

With Ruby and Savi in India

With Joyce on Mothers Day

I have no idea what 2025 will bring. I fervently pray for peace - both within and in the world. 

Celebrate safely. I will be back soon with new quilts and patterns too.

Sharing with all my favorite linky parties (see full list on the sidebar) and Meadow Mist Designs' Best of 2024 Linky Party.

Bluey Boy - Funky Friends Factory Challenge

It was a beautiful day and I took Bluey Boy for a walk. 

Bluey posing for the camera

The April challenge is sponsored by Funky Friends Factory, who provided each of the Island Batik ambassadors a free pattern of their choice.  

It was a difficult choice because all of these patterns are so cute. I chose the Digger/Dixie Dachshund. The difference in two options was the tail. I could choose a short upright tail or a longer downward one.

I chose the short tail version, because it would be easier to photograph. Besides I can just picture the cute little tail wagging for me :-)

Let's start at the beginning. I chose Aqua Blender for the body and a dark blue contrasting fabric for tails, ears and footpads.

The head and the ears

Although the pattern may seem intimidating, Pauline provides step by step detailed instructions with pictures for every step. 

The tail

Coming together

I used Schmetz Microtex 80/12 needle in my machine. Lots of pins were a must to keep little pieces in their proper place. 

Pins and Needles

It was joyful to see the little guy come together, bit by bit. 

Button eyes

I used charcoal buttons for eyes. I added the nose in advance, deviating from the pattern.

 

I used Crafter's Choice Polyfil to stuff this baby. If practice makes you perfect, I am only one step away from completely imperfect. Because I've done this only once before when I made Gertie Gecko. 

Almost there!

And here he is - meet Bluey Boy!

The tail!!!

Imperfectly Perfect

My stitching is far from neat and the project is not perfect. 

But Bluey is an entirely different story. He is absolutely perfect and I love him.

I immediately took a few pictures.

Bluey at the door

Guarding the Door or Asking to go out?

Next morning, it was time for a proper photoshoot.  Paul served as not only the photographer but also the Creative Director behind these pictures. 

Using Island Batik Ribbon as a leash

Well Done!

Bluey examining the output

Ok, you have done the deed. Are you done sniffing? Good. No need to taste it.

The leash and the poop (Twix) were Paul's ideas. But that is where he drew the line. 

Bluey is my dog and I had to clean up after him.

Yes, I clean up after my dog

Do you see his ear flapping in the breeze? Oh my goodness, so stinking cute :-D

Who is a good boy?

Such a good dog! I am so proud of you, Bluey Boy!

Good Bluey Boy!

This was such a fun project. Thanks to Funky Friends Factory, Bluey has brought me joy and I would have never attempted it if it wasn't for the challenge. I highly recommend that you consider making a toy from Funky Friends Factory.

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

__________________________________________________

Angela has announced the Rainbow Scrap Challenge color for April - Yellow. Looks like nature agrees.

Forsythias in Bloom

Here are my yellow scraps, all Island Batik. I will be working on my Hexie blocks. 

Island Batik Scraps :-)

I will be sharing with Angela's Linky Party on Saturday. But you don't have to wait to share your thoughts with me.