Marvelous Mini Challenge

Island Batik's August Challenge is simple. Make a mini quilt using the fabrics and techniques of your choice in a size not to exceed 24" on any side.

Here is my response #1

Goddess Lakshmi's Feet

It is a simple response to a simple challenge. If you are familiar with Hindu culture, this image needs no explanation. But I want to explain so please humor me.

Goddess Lakshmi is often called the Goddess of Wealth, but that is not entirely correct. She is the Goddess of Prosperity. The difference may seem subtle, but Prosperity includes well-being and happiness, whereas wealth is just riches. And although it is not bad to be wealthy, it is pointless if you don't have health and happiness to enjoy your good fortune.

During Diwali celebrations, Hindus draw Rangoli patterns that sometimes include Goddess Lakshmi's Feet pointing towards the front door of the house, as if She is entering your home.

The following pictures show my process.

Repurposing Scraps

Scrappy Borders Added

I improv pieced bright fabrics from Juicy Mosaics, Celebrate, Lace and Grace, and Flutter Wings collections to make strata which I then cut into feet shapes. The toes were tricky since they are tiny and not much room for stabilizing. I used Steam A Seam 2, purchased from Missouri Star Quilt Company.

Appliqued and Layered

I used Hobbs Cotton Batting and Schmetz 90/14 Needles.

Quilted and Trimmed

At this point, I could add binding and call it done. But there has to be more to the Goddess than just a pretty picture. I love this mini quilt and it would be absolutely lovely as a wall-hanging but I wanted to add more meaning. So I used a zipper and leftover vinyl (from Rooms with a View Bags) to make a see-through bag.

Zippered Vinyl Bag

Project Bag

I was so happy with my finish that I decided to make a second one :-D Here is my response #2.

Kalpataru (Tree of Life)

I followed the same construction process. 

Neutral Background, Scrappy Borders

Tree Trunk and Branches

Adding Foliage

Ready to Quilt

See-Through Zippered Bag

What do you think about making Mini Quilts? How do you use them? Do you like my twist to the mini quilt challenge? Do share your thoughts.

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

Unboxing Positivity

The second shipment of boxes from Island Batik arrived in the last week of June, loaded with gorgeous fabrics and other goodies/supplies from Island Batik's industry partners.

Last weekend, I shot the video. 

The setup below shows off my Island Batik projects from this year - Syzygy, Pobody's Nerfect and Harmony.

Ready to Roll the Camera

Here is the link to the unboxing video.
https://www.facebook.com/preeti.harris/videos/3339563136370078/

I received Batting from Hobbs. Cotton Queen Size, 80/20 Black Queen Size, Cotton Wool Blend Lap Size, Thermore Polyester Queen Size, and fusible batting strips.

Tree of Life Block on Board die from Accuquilt for the Accuquilt Christmas in July Project

Tucker Trimmer Ruler from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Designs for the September Project

Instructions, Supplies and Hardware from ByAnnie for the "Its in the Bag" October Project. I chose the  Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0. 

To make the bag, I requested fabrics from the Sunset Plains collection. Sunset Plains is designed by Kathy Engle and will be available in stores in September 2022.

Island Batik Fabrics (Sunset Plains Collection) to make the bag

A new industry partner - Prairie Spirit Alpaca sent us a pressing mat. 

If you knit, you must check out their blog.

Here are the rest of the fabrics from Island Batik.

Neutrals - 6 yards of Rice, 4 yards each of black, white and light grey solids.

Top - White, Black and Light Grey. Bottom - Rice

Spring 2022 Collection - Honeycomb, a signature collection by Kathy Engle for Jackie Kunkel of Canton Village Quiltworks, expected in stores in September 2022. 

Honeycomb by Kathy Engle for Jackie Kunkel

This collection came with four yards of matching yardage.

Daffodil Yellow & Imperial Red

Foundations Bundle - 4 solids, 4 blenders and 4 basics, half yard each.

Island Batik Foundations Bundle

Spring Precut - Stack of 10" squares of Cheers, a signature collection by Kathy Engle for Carl and Linda Sullivan of Colorwerx. I also received four yards of matching yardage in Aqua and Blueberry.

Spring Precut and Matching Yardage

The Summer Pre-cut and Aurifil Thread will be coming later and I will happily show you, once I receive them.

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Instead of writing a separate blogpost for the Positivity 2022 QAL, I am going to piggyback my completed flimsy on this post. Hence the title of this post :-) See what I did there :-)

Thank you, Paul

The fabric is Island Batik, including the white solid. Here are a few more pictures because she does look so lovely.

Beautiful Day

Ironed and Ready to Baste

I already pieced the backing (Island Batik Light Grey) and made the binding too. The binding is Turtle (by Island Batik). It will frame the purple and green blocks beautifully :-D

Dark Green Binding

Linking with Bernie on Sunday, 7/17/22 for the Positivity QAL Finished Flimsy Linky Party. You must link-up to be eligible to win the Level 1 Prizes.

Also linking with all my favorite Linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.

I know, I know I am behind on my RSC assignments. June took the car and got stuck in traffic, caused by all the fabric rain (it has been pouring). Since there is only car in the household, Julio is stuck at home. Trust me, he is fuming.  Once June gets outta this mess, they both will have to get to their destinations together - Dark Blue for June and Purple for Julio!!! That blogpost is next, I promise.

Accuquilt Christmas in July - A Pillow for Kip

The Island Batik July challenge is sponsored by Accuquilt who have recently launched the GO! Tree of Life Block on Board Die! Our challenge was to make an inspiring piece where the GO! Tree of Life pieces are the focus. 

Further, "AccuQuilt’s mission is to bring joy to everyone – especially when they need it. That is why, this month, we are encouraging you to make Christmas come early for someone who could use a little joy."

Also, "when you finish, AccuQuilt would like you to give the project you have made to someone you know who needs a little joy or donate it to a charity of your choosing." 

And remember, "when gifting the completed project, be sure to take photos, so this moment of kindness and love can be shared on social media!"

Block on Board

Paul: What's the matter babe?

Me: Not only I have to come up with an idea using the Tree of Life block, I also must donate it to a worthy cause AND take pictures. Oh and it should be Christmassy!!!

Paul: You could give it to Nikhil and Urjita, since they will be moving into a new home. 

Me: It says Christmas, not Diwali. 

Mari suggested that I send it to "A Doll Like Me", a charity that we have both supported in the past. I could. But I could not insist that they send me pictures.

No matter how I approached the challenge, I felt I could meet no more than three out of four requirements. Feeling frustrated by too many constraints, I set the thoughts aside.

Few days later, I received a text message from Mary Helen. (I had first met Mary Helen in 2006 at a Toastmasters meeting in Fort Lauderdale.) Here is what it said - "Hi Preeti, Kip is dying of pancreatic cancer. We are having a special meeting on Thursday morning. Hope you can join via Zoom." 

In 2006, I found myself in a new place with a new job and not knowing a soul in town. When a co-worker invited me to a Toastmasters Club meeting, I happily agreed. I had so much fun that I returned the following week and the next. After three weeks, Kip walked up to me, smile on his face, and handed me an application form. "This is just a formality", he had laughed, "since you are attending like a regular member." I was indeed ready to join. For as long as I lived in Fort Lauderdale, I was a regular member of the Early Bird Toastmasters, meeting at 7:00AM every Thursday. Within the year, I completed my first two manuals to become a Competent Communicator and a Competent Leader. Kip was instrumental in my journey as a toastmaster. He was always there and I valued his support and feedback. When I signed up to attend the District Conference, Kip was supportive - "it will be a great experience for you." But just before the conference, I lost my job. Kip made sure that the Club paid my fees to attend the conference. My new job took me to Maryland (and Virginia) but we stayed in touch via social media. Since then, I have attended many toastmasters meetings in many places. But I never found a club like Early Bird Toastmasters or a mentor like Kip!

I attended the meeting on June 23, via Zoom. There were several speakers and they shared many pictures going back over 30 years. Kip was there too but was too worn out to stay through the end.

When it was my turn to speak, I narrated my story of meeting Kip, how he led by example and was always a source of inspiration. By the time my speech was done, my cheeks were wet. I turned off the video so that I could sob. As I wiped my tears, my thoughts firmly on Kip - so energetic, so passionate and so full of life. Life? Tree of Life!!!

I was ready to make the Tree of Life quilt block. Not only because I had to do something to process my feelings but also because Kip could use some joy. 

Scrappy Bits of Blue

Since Kip's favorite color is blue and the mission was to bring joy to the recipient, I chose blue fabrics. The original Tree of Life has a droopy look like the Weeping Willow and I wanted to stay away from all thoughts of sadness.  I modified the block to its more traditional solid form. 

Layout

I decided it would be best to send it to Mary Helen, who could deliver it to Kip in person. I don't think Kip would make it to Christmas. Maybe Christmas could come to him.   

Chain Piecing

Using the BOB die is really simple. All shapes cut at once. I chose a white background and a coffee colored (BE32-F3) batik from the Island Batik Foundations.

The flimsy was done and I really liked it. But it wasn't Christmassy. 

Tree of Life

It was a Tree but not a Christmas Tree. What makes a tree Christmassy, I wondered. 

Ornaments? Too tacky. 

Star on the top? Possibly. I could applique that. 

And then it came to me. I remembered that the Winter Sky collection had an angel print fabric. In Blue!!! Perfect!!! I rough cut the angel shape and ironed it to the sticky side of a stabilizer. Cut it carefully using a pair of sharp scissors, removed the paper, placed it on top of the tree and ironed it in place.  Stitched around the edges to secure it.

Added Angel = Christmas Tree

I used Aurifil thread for piecing (50 wt) and quilting (40 wt) and Schmetz Needles - Microtex 80/12 for piecing and 90/14 for quilting.  I used Hobbs 80/20 Cotton-Polyester batting to make this quilted pillow cover. I used an 18" square pillow form. Making a pillow cover was quick. I used Light Gray solid from Island Batik Foundations. I could have just turned it but a bright blue binding provides a perfect frame and also gives a fine finish. Finally, I was happy with it. But the most important part remained.

Completed Quilted Pillow

Angel on the tree

Quilting Detail

Trimmed to Fit the Pillow Form

I received the GO! Tree of Life Block on Board Die! (along with the Island Batik Box of fabrics, rulers, batting and other supplies) on June 29th. I completed the quilted pillow over the long weekend and on July 5th, sent it via priority mail. There was no time to waste. I called Mary-Helen to give her the heads-up.

Me: Mary-Helen, you should be getting the package before the end of the week.
Mary-Helen: He will love it.
Me: Thank you so much for doing this.
Mary-Helen: Thank you for making it.

Me: I have a selfish request.

Mary-Helen: What hon?

Me: Will you please take a picture of Kip with the pillow?

Mary-Helen: I am sure someone can take a picture.

Me: I'd so appreciate that.

Mary-Helen: What if we cannot get it to him on time?

Me: I understand. We cannot control that.

The package reached Mary-Helen on July 7th and she took it to Kip the same day.  Time is of the essence. We all know that. She was kind enough to send me a picture.

Smiling Kip = Mission Accomplished!

Looks like I managed to achieve all four requirements of the challenge. But seeing Kip smile is the best reward. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. As always, I'd love to hear from you.

Disclosure: The Tree of Life Block on Board die was provided free of charge by Accuquilt. The fabrics, batting, thread and needles were generously supplied by the following companies: Island Batik, Aurifil Thread,  Hobbs Batting & Schmetz Needles.

Woods of Whimsy

I have a finish.

Whimsy

But let's start at the beginning.
When I made All Spruced Up, Julie of QuiltDivaJulie left a comment on the post.

Julie's comment - I want to make one of these - debating whether to go with the Christmas approach or make one for the rest of the year (perhaps rainbow colors for RSC next year).

Me - Try small print florals. It will look like a spring garden. I may just have to try that.

Julie's response - I LOVE IT — what a superb idea! I had thought about autumn trees since I have lots of oranges, browns, golds, rusts, and reds … you do spring and I’ll do fall.
  

The gauntlet was thrown. The challenge accepted.

Initial Fabric Pull

Grey Background

These should work

When I made my very first tree block pair, I had used Amy's method using two 8.5" squares.  That makes two trees - one positive and one negative.  In this case I wanted to make only floral trees on a dark background. A dark tree on a floral background (negative version) would be eerie, like a ghost of a tree in a garden.

I needed a new strategy.
Instead of cutting out fabric, I cut out shapes from freezer paper (FP) - a tree, a left triangle and a right triangle that fit neatly.  I numbered them 1.
I repeated the process, slightly varying the cuts and numbered these 2.

Set 1

Set 2

Now I could use the tree shaped (FP) unit to cut trees from my focus prints and use the side triangle (FP) units from the background fabrics.

This also allowed me to use fabrics that were smaller than 8.5". Scraps!!!! Yay!!!

FP templates - Trees

FP Templates - Backgrounds

Piecing

Of course, Julie was way ahead of me.

I trudged along slowly.

After I made about a dozen trees with the dark/gray background, I put them on the design wall. I stepped away and reviewed. 

The idea seemed terrific inside my brain. Not so much on the design wall.

It was a very dark place. I needed to get away from it.

Using scraps

Low Volume Backgrounds

I switched to a light background and made trees. Much better.

Much better

Bright

Fun Background

More trees grew out of the initial success.

Paul: Are you making a day forest or a night forest?
Me: Well it started at night, but now the sun has come up. Things are brighter now.
Paul: I don't like the grey trees.
Me: Yeah, I am not so keen about them either.
Paul: So what will you do with these blocks?
Me: May be I can throw the dark trees in between the light ones. 

Paul (aghast): Randomly?

Me: Not sure. I can use them on the back to make a pieced backing. May be.

And then it came to me. A forest of light with darkness held back at the edges.

Edge of Darkness

I needed 100 trees, 36 with dark background and 64 with light background.

I also wanted to add an element of whimsy to the quilt.
A fallen tree idea was considered and discarded.
A crashed plane in the woods? No, not feeling it.
A house in the woods? Blah.

But if there was a small clearing in the woods and some farm animals - cows, sheep and chickens - wandered there to graze.  That will work.

Touch of Whimsy

I am sure that they will return to the farm at nightfall.

They are not lost, just wandering. 

Yay!!!

The flimsy was finished. It has 99 tree blocks and one block of whimsy.

Finished Flimsy

I set it aside to focus on the Colorwash 360 class.

I completed the Colorwash layout on Thursday and decided to return to my trees.

Love these trees

Light shining through

On Friday, I cut the batting, ironed the flimsy making sure that seams were not twisted, pressed the backing and layered the batting on top of the backing, smoothing as I went.  As I reached for the basting spray, I realized that the can was only half full.  I'd need a new can to complete the basting.  I set the sandwich aside and made the binding.

Red Backing, Green Binding

Green Binding Works

On Saturday I bought a new can of basting spray and finished basting.  I cleaned the bobbin area, put on the walking foot, changed the needle to 90/14, and switched threads from 50wt (for piecing) to 40wt (for quilting).

I began quilting. While NPR played in the back, I thought - if I can quilt one column in about 45 minutes, then the whole thing should be done in 3 days. Perfect!!!

Quilting in process

Threads to bury

A beep on the phone made me look at it. And I saw the horrible, devastating, and gut-wrenching news.

Eleven people were killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Tree of Life? Tree???

Me: Oh no.
Paul: Sup babe?
Me: A mass shooting at a synagogue called "Tree of Life" in Pittsburgh.
Paul: I just saw.
Me: Here I am making a tree quilt when I see this "Tree of Life" news.
Paul: Coincidence. 
Me: I believe the universe just screamed in my face. Pay attention.
Paul: You always pay attention.
Me: Just for once, I wish the universe would stop talking to me. Because my ears are bleeding from the cacophony.

I cried, we hugged.

Paul: It was going to be loud when so many people died. 
Me: Why can I not be indifferent to this stuff, just like so many others?
Paul: Because you care.
Me: It keeps happening. I cannot stop it, no matter how strongly I feel about it.
Paul: Maybe not alone. But together with others, we can stop it.

At this time, I had to put away the quilt, turn off the machine and cry for the senseless loss of life.

Eventually the quilting was completed.  I set aside the green binding and chose a black binding to express my grief and anger.

Black Binding

Finished Quilt - 71" by 92"

Trees of Life

Quilting Texture

Labelled

Hope you find your way back

I have also decided to change the quilt's name from "Woods of Whimsy" to "Trees of Life" with the hope that the misguided and wandering souls may find their way home to peace and eternal life.

Darkness is always with us

And Light will destroy the darkness

My favorite tree

And this too

Thank you Rekha

I will share with all my usual linky parties but I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Please let me know I am not alone.

P.S. I am going to a nearby synagogue this evening to participate in the solidarity service. No, I am not Jewish. I don't have to be.  Paul insists on accompanying me.