Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Top It Off-Island Batik Challenge


It's Island Batik challenge time again.  This month we were challenged with Top It Off, create a holiday themed table topper and use applique.



First part of the challenge, assess my Island Batik Ambassador stash and figure out what holiday I would tackle.  A bundle of blenders caught my eye, and I knew when paired with the solid white batik..I could make a beautiful Valentines Day runner.




Look at all those beautiful purples, pinks and turquoise!  It makes my heart go pitter patter.


As far as the design goes, it was just kind of a wing it process.  I started off with a pretty easy layout.  Large white rectangle, add a small border and then a larger white border.  Nothing too crazy.


Then I printed out different heart shapes from online to create my appliques.  I played around with placement and heart shapes and size until I found what felt right.


After deciding on what would go where, it was time to break out the Wonder Under and get my applique bonding on.


I kinda already had my quilting in mind before I officially started this project.  I had been admiring this free tutorial on Moda Bake Shop, Let's Quilt it-A Valentine For You.  I just had to figure out how to incorporate it into my runner.  Out came the quilting pens and the drawing began.


After I had my registration lines all marked out, the quilting could begin.  I went with Aurifil 50wt white thread for the background fabric and matching threads for appliqueing and quilting the hearts.


And I used Hobbs 80/20 cotton blend Heirloom Batting left over from another Island Batik project to sandwich the quilt together.

This project from start to finish was a fun fast process.  Hands down the quilting took the longest.  I think I have decided if I have to do applique, I'm batik all the way!  I love the fact there is very little fraying.





This was definitely a fun challenge.  Any time I work with applique I feel like I step outside my comfort zone.  But you know what?  That's a good thing.  We only improve by doing.  

Now that I have my bottle of rum and the Black Pearl (fabric line not pirate ship), I'm ready to set sail on next month's Tool Time Challenge.  Batten down the hatches!  The fabric's looking a little choppy...probably because of the rotary cutter.






9 comments:

Nancy J said...

Ho,Ho,Ho!!! Love that runner, and the quilting, great way to outline it first. And for applique, batiks are my #1 every time. I will try a lighter fusible web next time. it does keep the finish a lot softer. Batten down your hatches before the cold days arrive.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Pretty quilting, I love your table runner!

Stitchin At Home said...

Beautiful quilting Tish! Love the runner!

Connie W. said...

Wonderful quilting! It makes the runner even more than the batik appliqued hearts.
Connie

Dots said...

That is beautiful. I love your process and your quilting. Too pretty to use on the table!

Cheryl said...

Beautiful table runner, I love the colors and the quilting.

Kathleen said...

That runner...all the hearts...appliqué and quilting! I just love it and am also intrigue by your comments for you November project!

Emily said...

This is so pretty, Tish!! I LOVE the colors! Isn't the lack of fraying the absolute best side benefit of these lovelies?!?!!

Sandy Panagos said...

So simple, and yet so beautiful. Of course, the quilting is fabulous!

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