Island Batik Ambassador – Final 2017 Challenge

Last challenge of the calendar year, but not the last of our IBA challenges for this season.

This month we were given the idea of Table Scraps  --something with a scrappy look, any technique or size. (Thanks Bea for the correction!)

I had one idea, that might still get made, but other ideas have surfaced and are in the works for that intended purpose, so I took something else that was going on and completed it into a ‘table scraps’ result.

My co-authored book, You Can Quilt! Building Skills for Beginners is the basis for a class I am currently teaching in Grand Coulee, WA. I know other shops use this book for instruction and the first 3 chapters are perfect for learning your basic quarter inch seam, a bit about color placement and values, and half and quarter square triangles. If you know someone who might like to learn how to piece a quilt top, this is a great way to get started. Consider purchasing one as a gift or an opportunity to start a new year with something to learn.

While I’ve been teaching, I’ve been using scraps of Island batik fabrics and a bit of extra yardage for background – from the basics Sprinkles!

some student results along the way

and mine in progress:

Once I had 9 blocks finished (the 1st three chapters of the book), I started playing with their placement on  my design wall.

 Settled....and a small border with some leftover half square triangles in the corners from another project that work with this one.

Then  I got to play on my long-arm, quilting each block uniquely to show different densities and styles of quilting. I used thermore batting which I really like to use when intended for a table top. Shows the quilting great, but holds a glass too. I used So Fine! 401 thread in the background and Superior Threads Lava variegated thread in the color.

I thought  it would be great for a card table, well we don't even have a card table! But I did have a little kidde table (adult chair left in the shot to show size)

Next month is our big finale as IBAs for this season and for me personally. I’ll have 4 posts, including new patterns, so I hope you’ll keep up with all the inspiration that will be going on all month long. Although I may still have projects that will be released with Island Batik fabrics in the future—yes, some coming in May at Spring Market for sure, I’m not going to be continuing as an IBA. I’ve got lots of projects queued up in my stash and want to work on them. I hope you’ve been inspired the last 3 years with my challenge results and will continue to follow me on my journey.

Whatever you celebrate, may you have peace, love and joy in your life at this special time of year.