Island Batik 2023
Island Batik Crazy Quilting Challenge
Apr
Our challenge for April was to create a project of crazy quilting with Island Batik fabrics and specific Aurifil thread collections that we received in our shipments from Island Batik. I had received Spider Lily, which includes Aurifil #2024, 4652, & 4665, in 50wt.
As I often use Aurifil #2024 for piecing, that was the easy part. Crazy quilting and variegated threads were going to be a bigger challenge to my comfort zone. These threads are not my usual choice so I was looking to use pretty concentrated colours of Island Batik to highlight the threads. I chose two rolls of the Stash Blender:
I really liked the sewing machine images, along with the red buttons and scissors.
While my Bernina 152 is lovely and has been a workhorse for the last 22+ years, there are a limited number of specialty stitches.
Nevertheless, I tried out what I had. The 90/14 Schmetz needle I used had no problems going through the Island Batik fabrics layered over Pellon Peltex.
A bit of specialty stitches, some zigzags, and some FMQ over some of the designs, I trimmed them up and created these oversized bookmarks. They are a bit big for the average paperback but they are perfect for this lovely book from my personal quilt library. An unexpected result of using the satin stitch was that with variegated threads, one can get a neat striped effect, which is nice to have on the edges.
This book, The American Quilt – A History of Cloth and Comfort 1750-1950, is quite interesting. It has a nice section on crazy quilting as it was becoming quite prevalent in the early 1880s.
I am very grateful to Island Batik for providing the fabric, Schmetz Needles for the needles, and Aurifil for the thread. It is my pleasure and privilege to work with these awesome products, making beautiful things with ease.
Be sure to stop in with my fellow Island Batik ambassadors and check out the inspiration from their creative minds!
Renee Atkinson @ Pink Tulip Quilting
Pamela Boatright @ Pamelaquilts
Connie Kauffman @ Kauffman Designs
Emily Leachman @ Darling Dogwood
Denise Looney @ For the Love of Geese
Claudia Porter @ Create with Claudia
Susan Deshensky @ Lady Blue Quilt Studio
Brittany Fisher @ Bobbin with Brittany
Victoria Johnson @ Forever Quilting for You
Sandra Starley @ Textle Time Travels
Jennifer Thomas @ Curlicue Creations
Gail Sheppard @ Quilting Gail
Preeti Harris @ Sew Preeti Quilts
Randi Jones @ Randi’s Roost
Reed Johnson @ Blue Bear Quilts
Leah Malasky @ Quilted Delights
Maryellen McAuliffe @ Mary Mack Made Mine
Lisa Pickering @ Lisa’s Quilting Passion
Sarah Pitcher @ Pitcher’s Boutique LLC
Suzy Webster @ Webster Quilt
Lana Russel @ Lana Quilts
Mania Hatziioannidi @ Mania for Quilts
Anorina Morris @ Samelia’s Mum
Brenda Alburl @ Songbird Designs
Happy Quilting!
so pretty. this looks like a wonderful book to have
Your bookmarks are fun! Great idea for the challenge. I love that sewing machine, sewing tools fabric. Apparently, it was a special fabric just sold at Missouri Star.
Rod Kiracofe is a friend and fellow quilt historian. I always recommend his book as the best overall Quilt History resource.
Nice bookmarks!
I have that book in my quilt library, too! Your bookmarks came out beautifully. What a cute idea. Have a great day!