Island Batik – March 2023 Challenge

Lucky for me, this month’s Island Batik challenge was “All Up to You”. We could do whatever floats our goats and after having a couple of rough personal months, it was good to have that flexibility.

Last month, I used this glorious bundle provided by Island Batik in the Ambassador shipment. It is called Double Dutch, a signature collection by Kathy Engle, that hit the shops last month.

I loved the colour so I decided to use it to try out a new technique with some new rulers. It was great to have the selection of Schmetz needles in the ambassador shipment as well so I could try out the Microtex needle, which I found to work really effectively with batiks. Using the Sew Kind of Wonderful quick curve rulers, I made this project.

It finished up at 18″. I could have made a small wallhanging, but thought it would make a wonderful cushion cover for our sitting room. The great folks at Hobbs had supplied me with some Hobbs Poly Down batting in the ambassador shipment and this needed some loft so it was perfect. I layered it with some cotton sheeting and set about quilting it on my DSM, using a lovely 28wt of Aurifil to give a nice texture. Note that since I have had a longarm for a long time, I rarely quilt on my DSM. I am obviously out of practice but I think it turned out ok, despite the results being wonky. Good thing I’m a better longarmer. 😄

A quick envelope backing of more batik and in short time, I had a cushion cover. Both Mr. P and myself think it turned out quite well.

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!

Happy Quilting!