Island Batik March Challenge - Scrapbuster

The March 2021 Island Batik Challenge is to make a Scrapbuster Quilt.  

Being a new ambassador I do not have a lot of Island Batik fabrics.

Me: How do I make a scrapbuster without scraps?
Paul: You have no scraps?
Me: How do I make an Island Batik scrapbuster quilt without Island Batik scraps?
Paul: Did you not get a big box of fabric?
Me: Well, yes, I did. However, some of that fabric has been used in previous projects and some is earmarked for later projects. Whatever is left is a bit limiting.
Paul: So what did you do?

Me: I had to think outside the proverbial box. 

Paul: And what did that entail?

Me: I begged, borrowed and bartered.

Paul: Not steal? I am relieved.

I have a FINISH!!!

Meet "Beg, Borrow and Barter" - My response to the Island Batik Scrapbuster Challenge.  I bartered with Claudia, borrowed from Bernie and begged Emily to build the perfect scrappy stash of varied Island Batik fabrics to make this quilt.

Beauty in my Bed :-D

I had a specific pattern in mind but the size would depend upon the amount of scraps I could gather.

Scraps

Brightness

Flimsy

Thanks to my generous friends, I had enough to make a large quilt.  I used Hobbs Cotton Batting. It quilts beautifully.

I used Schmetz Microtex Needle 70/12 for piecing and Schmetz Needle 90/14 for quilting and binding.

"Beg, Borrow and Barter" finished at 72" by 84".  

In the Breeze :-)

It is so bright that the fire hydrant pales in comparison :-p

I love Island Batik

Island Batik has such rich and saturated colors - they are a joy to work with.  I am in love with this bright and spicy finish. The binding is Yolk.

Speaking of binding, it is amazing how much my binding has improved after 150+ quilts :-D

Binding Detail

Scrappy Yumminess

Ready to Snuggle

A joyful celebration!

Color = Happiness :-)

One last look!

Once a quilt is completed, it is time to tidy up. Put away the fabric scraps. Put away the batting bits. Find the errant pins under the sewing machine. Sweep the floor. Vacuum the carpet (or ask Paul to do it) etc. You know - the usual...unless there is a squirrel lurking in there somewhere.  

Chasing Squirrels

Oh Design Wall - what would I do without you?

As I was putting away the scraps, I noticed some odd shaped triangles of a very pretty fabric. What if?

And I forgot about cleaning and started playing. 

What else was I supposed to do when it was bitterly cold and frozen outside?

Playing with Scraps

I had already completed my challenge quilt so there was no need to make another.  But but but that bright fabric was so tantalizing to just set aside. So here we are...

Zany Triangles

These triangles are zany, Paul proclaimed.  I rest my case.

"Zany Triangles" finished at 39" by 42".  

So much fun!!!

As much as I love "Beg, Borrow & Barter" I am tickled by "Zany Triangles" because it was just so much fun to play with random scraps and a totally unexpected finish!!!  It is my Dreami (drop everything and make it) for March 2021.

Quilting Detail

I quilted gently waving lines using my walking foot. It took me just one afternoon to complete the quilting and I am loving the texture. 

Texture :-D

Paul: So you did not have enough scraps and you made two scrappy quilts?

Me: I am magical...

Paul (huge eye roll): Uh Huh

Me: It is the magic of the scraps...they multiplied :-D

Oh but wait there is more.  Even the scraps have leftovers, which I dutifully turned into a boxed bottom zippered pouch.

Zippered Pouch

Neon Zipper, Purple Tab

Bursting with Color!!!

Disclosure: The fabrics and needles used in making this project were generously supplied by the following companies:

Paul: It is cold outside.  
Me: OK, I will stay indoors and play with fabric.
Paul: It is very windy outside. 
Me: I know. I will stay home and sew.
Paul: It is rainy outside. 
Me: I should stay home and quilt.
Paul: Babe, it is a beautiful day outside.  
Me: Oh perfect, you can help me with quilt pictures.

Paul: BRAT!!!

What is the weather like in your neck of the woods?  I'd love to hear.  I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties and Sandra's Dreami. See full list on the sidebar. 

Kind and Strong

Hope you had a great Easter!

Me: If I had to describe you in one word, then that word would be KIND.
Paul: Awww... you are so sweet
Me: Your turn.
Paul: My turn?
Me: Yes. If you had to describe me in just one word, what would that be?
Paul: Hmm... STRONG
Me: STRONG?
Paul: Yes. You are STRONG.
Me: But that can be good or bad.
Paul: Yep.

There was nothing left for me to say?  I am glad he did not say headstrong. 

Little does Paul know that this month I have been anything but strong in resisting fabric.
First, there was the fabric shopping spree at the Mook Fabric Store in Amish Country.

Then I found some amazing deals on Etsy - materialgirlchic. She has a sale section with FREE shipping at $75.

50% off Layer Cakes - Yes, I have a plan for these!!!

And finally, I went to Joann Fabrics and splurged only because the premium brand fabrics were half-off PLUS there was a coupon.

Love these florals and paisleys

Ooh Shiny!!!

Spring has sprung

I was all but done at this point, when I choose to chase these cute hedgehogs.  But I was completely seduced by the deep dark red, with just a hint of mint!!!

Cuteness & Passionate Red

_____________________________________________________________________________

I do have a finish to share. Surrounded by scraps, a scrap vortex quilt is always in the works.

Design Wall

But since the scraps do not need to be in any particular order or layout, the final quilt often looks different from the design wall version.  Blocks moved, slabs turned, rows trimmed - but finished.

Trust me, it is the same as the one on the design wall above.

Paul - the quilt model!

I quilted this with straight lines, spaced two inches.  Thanks to painters tape.

And then, I quilted gentle curves in between those straight lines. It was fast and easy!!!
Since all my scrap vortex quilts look kinds similar, the best way to tell them apart is by the backing. So let's see the backing on this one.

No, let's get closer.

Two out of these three fabrics came to me in a scrap bag and I was not too fond of them.  Combined with another orange/fall fabric from my stash and a bright orange near-solid, resulted in this pieced backing.

Here is the funny part - Paul thought that the backing was the front :-)

I used the same bright orange for the binding.

What shall I call this one?  Already have Side Effects and Whatever Works.  I may be getting low on names for my scrap vortex quilts.

Since it has fall colors on the back, what do you think of "Falling For You"?
I know I am so full of it :-D

Actually, I see leaves and some fall colors on the front as well.  So it is settled - Falling For You.

Falling For You finished at 40" by 44" and it is my seventh finish of 2017. Yay!!!
But that is not all.

Remember this scrap vortex in the works picture from my last post?

I finished this flimsy!!!
This is a separate quilt from Falling From You.  Yes, they all look the same.

Here is Paul holding it up.

Flimsy Finish - To be Named

This is what he had to say.

Why are you photographing this?
It is not even finished. 
No batting. No backing. No binding.
It is just patchwork.

It is a flimsy finish, I clarified.  And I was laughing and rolling my eyes at the same time.

With a finished quilt and a finished flimsy I am declaring that I have achieved my April OMG!!!
And here they are both side by side, to prove that they are indeed two separate pieces.

I will be linking with Elm Street Quilts for the April OMG completion and all my favorite linky parties.

I wish that you are surrounded by kindness and hope you stay strong through tumultuous times.  I look forward to you thoughts.

Something Old, Something New

I am happy to report that Side Effects is complete.  Read about the process here.

Paul, the model

Even though I had (still do) at least two other projects that are urgent, this is the one that I wanted to finish.

For Sandra, who loves this shot of quilts (see the cute elephant in the corner)

Why?

Feathers, Beads and Cupcakes

May be because these scraps helped me through my doldrums.

I see Fish. Can you find the rabbit?

Chose a Christmas backing.  Quilted with gentle curves. Red binding makes it pop.

Red Binding on a Christmasy Backing = Christmas in July

I am happy about the side effects of quilting - Scraps to make more quilts!

Color me Happy

Am I happy about the side effects of marriage - Fighting?  Not directly.

Labelled

But, indirectly speaking - "make-up sex is worth fighting for", said Nick (Dermot Mulroney) in the movie - The Wedding Date, 2005

And, I would never argue with Dermot Mulroney.  Paul knows :-)

Side Effects

Once we had made peace, it was perfectly logical for Paul to ask for food, dates and other favors.
He asked for a zippered pouch.


Me: What? Really?
Paul: Yeah.
Me: Whatever for?
Paul: To keep stuff in when I am traveling
Me: OK. Do you know how big?
Paul: Awkward silence
Me: Do you want to pick out fabric?

He picked the stamps fabric (thanks to Jake) and also chose a peachy zipper to match.

Fabric from a dear friend Jake :-)

Me: What about the design?
Paul: What do you mean?
Me: Stiff or Soft, 3-D or flat, handle or not
Paul: 3-D is good, don't really need a handle.
Me: OK, stiff or soft?
Paul: Soft. You know I like soft things...

the tall & short of it

(The twinkle in his eyes met with a glare in mine.)
Me: Are we still talking about fabric bags?

Green Lining, Peach Zipper

What did I do?  Well, since I am the ideal, loving wife, I not only honored his request, I made him a set of coordinated travel pouches.

Only batting, no interfacing for soft bags

Between the Side effects and many pouches and baskets, I had used up a lot of scraps.  Time for something new :-D


Let's go shopping.

These are a few things that caught my eye for obvious reasons and that they are on clearance!!! Like 40 - 50% off. YAY!!!

1. Marcus Fabrics Intrigue Pink

2. Anthology Shibori Fat Quarter - Imagine skinny strips of this gorgeous fabrics between wide black/charcoal strips

3. Moda Tucker Prairie Fat Quarter Bundle - You will not get this FQ bundle at this ridiculous price anywhere else.  Guaranteed.

4. Andover Sun Print Precuts - Love these colors - so rich and so versatile. Must for every stash.

I know, I know you are on a fabric diet because you are oh so swimming in fabric.  Well then, may be you would consider one of these classes, all of them are just $19.99


I will be linking with all my favorite linky parties as well as One Monthly Goal.

Which fabric caught your eye and why?  Please let me know cause I love hearing from you.

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