August 2023 Island Batik Ambassador Challenge

The Island Batik Ambassador Challenge for August 2023 allowed for the ambassadors to select their own project. The creativity of each ambassador is amazing during each challenge. This being my first year as an ambassador, getting to know the other Ambassadors through their posts has been very inspiring.

I wanted to use my new Accuquilt so I scoured their website that would allow me to use the 8-inch Mix & Match set and settled on a cute tote pattern. Well, while browsing, I found a die I could not resist, the Camper die. So that settled my August challenge choice, I would make two totes and attain some experience using the Accuquilt GO!

Prior to starting, I cleaned my Brother Dreamweaver bobbin housing and changed the Schmetz needle. I started on the cute fish tote pattern I found at the Accuquilt website while I waited for the Camper die to come. I tend to make changes to patterns to suit my preferences. So I did use some artistic license on the Accuquilt tote pattern. I opted to make each tote double sided. The fish tote pattern was so cute but I did get a little turned around on the numbering of pieces coupled with the fact I wanted my fish to be an all orange fish. One side of the tote was the fish using Accuquilt 8 inch Mix and Match pieces and the other side was a free form applique of my own design. I used some mini fish buttons from my huge button stash and free form pieces of Island Batik Glorious Green as seaweed for fun additions to the design.

I used Hobbs Wool Batting and Pella interfacing on both totes and of course, my favorite Aurifil thread.

The Accuquilt Camper die was so adorable! I selected a dark and light pink to layer in my first cut of the Accuquilt Camper die. Each dark and light camper window, door and axle pieces were switched rather than take more cuts with white and black fabrics. Buttons were used to embellish each tote–so much fun! I also used applique techniques –my Brother Dreamweaver is a master for my design embellishments. For the camper tote I added a tent, campfire, fun trees and of course, a pocket inside. The Island Batik fabrics used were blenders and absolutely fit the project so well!! Loads of fun and cannot wait to use my Accuquilt Go again!