The fabrics and products are shown/described below.
Four queen sized batts from Hobbs Batting, including 100%Wool from Tuscany, Heirloom 80/20 in Natural, Heirloom 80/20 in Black, and 100% Cotton with Scrim Binder.
Hobbs also sent a bag of stuffing that will be used to make the soft toy from Funky Friends Factory in June.
Used to make Flying Geese Units and other similar shapes, I will be using this tool for the February Challenge and BlogHop, along with the Fall 2024 Collection shown below.
Designed by Jerry Khiev, the Radiant Burst collection will be available in stores in February 2025. I also received matching yardage.
Radiant Burst
As usual, our boxes came with four yards each of White, Black and Dark Grey.
I also received six yards of Meringue. It is a beautiful neutral. See another picture below.
Meringue
We received a generous supply of Precuts, including a stack of Ravishing Reds and a Strip Set of Precious Pinks, from the Island Batik Gradations collection. These are available all year round, unlike the seasonal collections.
I received a Stack (10" squares) of Cosmic, a Fall 2024 collection and a Strip Set (2.5" Strips) of Splish Splash, a Winter 2024 collection. Both precuts came with matching light and dark yardage.
Showing the Inspiration Boards for Cosmic and Splish Splash. Aren't they yummy!
I also received the Island Batik Foundations Bundle with 12 half yard cuts including four solids, four Basics and four Blenders. Island Batik Foundations are available all year round and pair beautifully with seasonal collections.
Island Batik Foundations Bundle
Also received three stash builders, each containing 20 strips of mixed fabrics measuring 5" by width of fabric. I often turn to my stash builder fabrics for use in Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks.
This die makes 10" Blocks, while the grid is 6 by 6. If you make this quilt (without the die) using 2.5" strips/squares, the block will finish at 12". The 10" block is unusual but allows this Irish Chain Block to play well with other 10" blocks. We will be using this die for the May Challenge and BlogHop along with the Winter 2025 collection(s).
I received the Oliso ProLight Iron (Pink) and a carrying case, which fits the iron neatly.
In other news, I am going to participate in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge once again this year. Angela has announced that January is Pink. Here are my blocks! All fabrics are leftovers from those provided by Island Batik.
Blushing
Bashful
It is good to be an ambassador :-)
I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties, including Angela's. See full list on the sidebar.
Designed in EQ8 and made using the Island Batik collection Shadow Blooms, Garden City is a layer-cake friendly quilt finishing at 64" by 88".
We chose a particularly cold and windy day to take pictures.
Backing is Aruba (Tantalizing Teals)
The collection includes Blues, Teals and Purples. I used Egg White (Neutrals) as Background. The Backing is Aruba (Tantalizing Teals). I used Hobbs Thermore Batting.
Hi Handsome!
Walking Foot Quilting
To make Garden City, you will need just one Layer Cake and 4.5 yards of Background fabric. The pattern is available in my Etsy Store. It includes colored graphics and step by step directions. Garden City is on sale (25% off) till Wednesday, 1/15/25.
What is a pattern release without a giveaway? So if you'd like a copy of the Garden City Quilt pattern, please leave me a comment on this blogpost, mentioning the favorite book (and author) you read in 2024. If you show up as Anonymous, please include your email so that I can reach you.
I will announce two winners next week.
1/19/2025 Update - The two random numbers are #1 and #13.
#1 - Carolyn, you are a no-reply blogger. Please contact me at sewpreetiquilts at gmail so that I can send you your pattern.
#13 - GranChris - Email sent.
In other news, Island Batik has announced the slate of ambassadors for 2025. Slashing the number from 26 to just 22, the competition was even tougher this year. Many applicants did not make it. I am thrilled (and relieved) that I made the cut.
We have received our first box of supplies. I will share the Unboxing video and blogpost next week. But here is sneak peek.
I will be participating in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. Angela has announced that January is Pink. Here are my selected pinks (Island Batik fabrics).
I am working on my January RSC 2025 blocks. Will show you when I post next time, along with the Unboxing video. Sharing with Angela's and all my other favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.
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.
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.
