Adventurous Applique September 2024 Island Batik Ambassador Blog Hop

The Island Batik Challenge Parameters:

Project Type: Quilt
Size: Lap or Larger
Island Batik Collections used:
Technique: Edge-coloring (painting) appliqué
Island Batik Fabric Collection:Geometrica by Jerry Khiev. Shipping to shops in August/September):
Schmetz Needles, Oliso Smart Iron, Hobbs Batting Tuscany Collection

This project was done in conjunction with a Denise Schmidt Sew- ALong (SAL) using her Wagon Wheel quilt pattern. I wanted to hone my circle skills and this SAL was ideal, plus there were some great SAL giveaways!!

The inspiration for this quilt was a recent trip to the Shiawassee National Wildlife refuge. The 10,000-acre Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1953 for use as a sanctuary for migratory birds. It is a place of global significance for migratory waterfowl. The Michigan site includes a drive through the marshlands where visitors can view egrets, swans, ducks, hawks, eagles, and herons plus aquatic mammals. It is a beautiful place.

Each quadrant of the wagon wheel represented elements of the Shiawassee Marsh. In the picture below, the top left quadrant represents the turtles and other aquatic mammals. Top right, the forest; bottom left, the lily pads representing the marsh; bottom right, the migratory birds. The Island Batik Geometrica collection created a beautiful wagon wheel and were also wonderful in the center applique. Other Island Batik fabrics used included neutrals (Rice), Bodacious Blacks (shadow), (Tanzanite), Teals (Aruba)and solids (Cobalt, Navy, and Turquoise) but the majority were the Geometrica collection.

Before I started sewing, I switched out my Schmetz needle and cleaned out my bobbin case. As I auditioned colors for the wagon wheel, I used the gray scale technique to determine the best options. The Wagon Wheel squares are 20 inches, so with sashing this quilt measures approximately 70 by 90 inches.

When starting a nature applique project I research pictures of the applique topic. I usually print a picture that I find has good values and artistic setting. The center block applique started with marsh foliage to create the setting for a Blue Heron. The Oliso Smart Iron was a great teammate for this project! As was the Karen Kay Buckley scissors! I used Pellon 705 fusible to set the applique elements.

Aurifil threads provided for this project plus some Aurifil variegated from my stash and my Brother Dreamweaver were also great teammates for the edge painting technique. I used a variety of stitches available on my Dreamweaver rather than only a straight stitch. I especially like the stitching and Aurifil threads used on the Heron’s head. I hab=nd embroidered the heron’s eye. Once the longarmer is available I will bring her my favorite Hobbs Batting, Tuscany Collection!

The products featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik. If you are interested in learning more about the edge painting applique technique, see below for the blogs of the other Island Batik Ambassadors.

WEEK 1

September 3: