Fly Away Challenge Project Stats:

• Project Type: Bed runner
• Size: 70 by 25 inches
• Island Batik Fabric Precut: Sorbet Collection, 2.5-inch strips
• Technique: Flying Geese block

I prepared for this challenge first by purchasing the Studio 180 Design Wing Clipper, flying geese (FG) trimmer. I very seldom used flying geese blocks as I found creating FG perfection intimidating. I gained confidence using the Wing Clipper which made trimming the blocks easier.

The challenge required the use of precuts, so I selected the lovely Island Batik Sorbet Collection in 2.5-inch strips by Claudia Pfeil (Claudia Pfeil Design) and the gorgeous Thistle as my filler.

I determined I wanted to do a bed runner since I had never made one previously. So I started the project by replacing my Schmetz quilting needle and cleaning the bobbin housing in my Brother Dreamweaver–I love this machine!

Using the instructions on the Studio 180 Design Wing Clipper, I created traditional square blocks, two columns 61 inches long for the sides. The center panel composed of three columns of FG blocks with extended sides of varying lengths sewn together mismatching the fabrics in the collection. This mismatching really shows the lovely ease of transition in this collection–the fabrics work so well with each other!

Additionally, single squares of matched FGs were used as filler with leftover Sorbet scraps in the three columns. Before sewing the three columns of extended FG compositions together; each of these were embellished with ribbon including Island Batik ribbon that comes with precuts. I have a large collection of the Island Batik ribbons and it was time to use them!! I love the gecko logo imprinted on these ribbons and the colors (cream, green and black) as shown in the picture below. The other ribbons used included some gauzy purples and sparkly greens. I have used ribbon as an embellishment on many of my art quilt pieces which have been shown at art galleries throughout the Metro Detroit region. The ribbons were placed at angles or straight across in no particular order. The surprise occurs when you sew the columns together and sew how each column compliments the others. Fun!!!

The center panel was flanked by Island Batik purple sashing. I wanted to create unique end panels so I tipped a FG traditional square and quilted as an applique adding to the 6 inch Thistle backed with a lovely purple from the Sunny Meadows collection (I had runout of Sorbet fabric:) I added some vintage lace, over 150 inches to the center panel sashing and on the FG block end panels. Of course, quilting was accomplished using my favorite Hobbs Batting 80/20 Heirloom; just enough left over from a previous project–I love when that happens–good thing I stick with Hobbs!! Finally, the Island Twilight Bed Runner is reversible!

Visit the following blogs to see all the Island Batik Ambassador’s flying geese creations!

Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs
Pamela Boatright ~ PamelaQuilts
Susan Deshensky ~ Lady Blue Quilts
Brittany Fisher ~ Bobbin with Brittany

Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts
Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts
Reed Johnson ~ Blue Bear Quilts
Victoria Johnson ~ Forever Quilting for You
Randi Jones ~ Randi’s Roost

Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs
Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
Denise Looney ~ Quiltery – For The Love Of Geese
Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine

Elita Sharpe ~ Busy Needle
Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
Sandra Starley ~ Textile Time Travels
Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt

Anorina Morris ~ sameliasmum.com
Lisa Pickering ~ Lisa’s Quilting Passion
Sarah Pitcher ~ Pitcher’s Boutique
Claudia Porter ~ Create with Claudia
Lana Russel ~ Lana Quilts