Blueberry Swirl Quilt…

This months Island Batik Challenge was a scrap busting challenge…

I was keen to use my 2 1/2″ strips from the Crystal Sea collection, as this collection is bursting with all my favourite colours.

The bonus of using pre-cuts strips is the top quilt will come together quite quickly

I used Hobbs 80/20 black cotton batting , as its perfect when sewing with black or dark fabrics, as it helps maintain the fabrics true colours, and avoid light fibre lint transferring onto your quilt top during the quilting process

My gorgeous 10 stone Newfoundland was only too happy to pose for a photo 🙂

You can download my ‘Blueberry Swirl’ quilt pattern by heading over to my patterns page

https://creativeblondeblog.wordpress.com/patterns/

Don’t have time to sew, please contact me via my website here to place an order.

www.creativeblonde.co.uk

To see more of my tutorials or to place an order, you can head over my website www.creativeblonde.co.uk and/or Instagram page www.instagram.co.uk/michelle_creativeblonde and www.facebook.com/creativeblonde66

Happy sewing, thanks for stopping by, wishing you a lovely weekend

Michelle x

Medallion Quilt challenge…

This challenge is the last one for all the 2020 Island Batik Ambassadors, and is also the first time I’ve made a Medallion Quilt.

I wanted to use what I had left from the ‘Tread Brightly’ collection by @bellanonnaquilt for @island_batik.

“A medallion Quilt is made of a central motif surrounded by multiple borders. … The center and borders can be pieced, appliqued, or embroidered, in any number of combinations.”

I really wanted something striking for my central motif, so I designed this star… and I was super pleased with how is turned out. I do love a crisp sharp point…

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It was time to add my first border, I went with something simple, so as not to detract from the center star. I used the gorgeous Cobblestone – Forest, from the Tread brightly collection.

My next border I wanted to be eye catching, so I decided on some Flying Geese. I wanted it to appear as they were moving around the centre star, so I arranged them in groups of 6.

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My final boarder was another simple stripe, using the Cobblestone – Pinecone, from the Tread brightly collection.

I used Hobbs Cotton batting inside, and backed my Medallion Quilt with a lovely Vanilla – neutral from Island Batik.

I decided on a bit of crazy binding, which I thought would complete this quilt perfectly, I chose Texture Stripe – Marble from the Tread Brightly collection.

Would to love to know what you think of my first Medallion quilt, please leave me a comment, they really do make my day.

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Wishing each and everyone of you a really special Christmas, and I hope you get to spend time with those that mean the most to you.

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find/tag me on Instagram and Facebook with your makes.

‘Do what makes your heart smile’
Happy Sewing


Michelle

Thread Painting – Aurifil threads…

Welcome to the Island Batik October challenge – Thread painting using Aurifil threads

Island Batik are celebrating art this month. With the fabric as our canvas and Aurifil thread is our paint. we need to create an art quilt or project using Aurifil thread and our beautiful Island Batik fabrics.

The threads I chose were mauves, purples, navy’s and blues, and having just celebrated my birthday which had a purple theme, my project was decided

Inspiration….

My threads and fabrics…

My birthday cake had a beautiful quilt theme in purple, and I wanted to capture the theme, so I decided to make a mini quilt using paper piecing

I had so much fun, drawing with my machine and the Aurifil threads, adding a few decorative stitches into the finished piece.

I even like the reverse …

I love the idea of creating a quilted piece, as it will bring back memories of my special day for years to come.

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I hope you like what I’ve done, be sure to head over to the other ambassadors pages this month, there is some really beautiful work.

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

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A little weekend inspiration…

Welcome to October… a month that’s a little bit special, as its my birthday!

With the sewing/quilting magazines back up and running in the UK, I was thrilled to get two of my quilts featured inside, one in this months and one in last months issue of British Patchwork & quilting.

My Marrakesh bohemian quilt is a great geometric quilt, a great alternative to a flowery quilt, made using the stunning new collection from Petal Signature for Spoonflower. 48″ x 48″ finished size. Using Gutermann threads and Vlieseline 278 soya mix batting. Find it inside the September issue.

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My Colour Brush quilt is a simple, classic nine patch block, using the modern new collection from Stoffabrics. Sewn together using Aurifil threads and Vlieseline Cotton mix batting. This quilt is a lovely 54″ square, perfect for a cosy night in. Find it inside the October issue.

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Thanks so much for stopping by, wishing you a lovely weekend.

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

Island Batik Blog Hop bag challenge…

Hello, thanks for stopping by, today is my day to share the bag I made for the Island Batik blog hop bag challenge, over the next four weeks, all 25 of us Island batik ambassadors will be show casing the ‘by annie.com‘ bags we have made using some of the brand new Island Batik fabric collections.

The new collection I used is called Deco Revival by Kathy Engle .

Buildings – Olive Deco Revival for the main fabric

Columns – Opal Deco Revival for the lining

Circle – Jelly bean for the coordinating fabric

I will be honest with you, when I first received our second box from Island batik with the products and information to make the bag, there was panic on my face… I’ve only ever made simple tote bags and pencil cases, so this sure was going to be a challenge…

The pattern I chose from ‘by annie.com‘ bags, was called ‘Take A Stand’ (stand up tote bag, a zippered tote that opens wide for easy access)

The instructions were amazing, and I really do recommend them to anyone who wants to make their own bag, really clear step by step instructions, with the option of an add on video tutorial if you get stuck. I was overwhelmed with the amount of pieces, but with clear labels and instructions it came together really well.

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With all the pieces made, I was ready to start constructing the bag…

This pattern comes with two sizes, the size I chose was the smaller one

8 3/4″H x 12″W x 6 1/2″D, the larger size is 12 1/2″H x 16″W x 8″D

Two outside zippered pockets, 5 internal mesh pockets, and an adjustable strap.

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Island batik are giving away two FQ packs, one to each of the two winners, to enter simply click on the link below…

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d463e29d16/

Best of luck…

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

Island Batik August challenge…

This months challenge was really exciting, we got to try out our new tool from Studio 180 Design that we received in our second Ambassador box. 

I received the Corner Pop 3 ruler,  the challenge was to make any size quilt.

I used the stunning stash builder packs I received in box 2, purples and teals are my favourite colours

Is used Hobbs 80/20 black cotton batting

Quilted using Aurifil threads and backed with Island Batik Tossed feathers in midnight blue.  I used Mosaic Burst to bind this quilt, as I wanted the teal stars to really burst with their colour

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

 #islandbatikambassador #islandbatik #iloveislandbatik #studio180design

 

Hashtags for industry (only if you are actually using the products): #hobbsbatting #aurifil #aurifilthread #accuquilt #accuquiltgo #schmetzneedles #doyoueq #janome #bernina #juki #dritz #olfacreates #junetailor #brothersews #cloverusa #oliso #omnigrid

Christmas in July – Island batik Ambassador challenge…

Welcome along to my Christmas in  July project, this months challenge was all about using the AccuQuilt GO! Me Fabric Cutter Starter Set and the 2 dies included.  

 

We have been asked to give away our project, along with the GO! Me Fabric Cutter Starter Set (which we received in our ambassador boxes) to someone special,  or a quilting friend in my community who would benefit from the GO! Me, or someone i know that has expressed interest in beginning to quilt, but has yet to try AccuQuilt products… so I’m going to do a giveaway, as sadly I don’t know any other local quilter – Watch this space…

‘AccuQuilt is re-releasing their GO! Me Fabric Cutter Starter Set, a small version of their GO! Fabric Cutter that includes a GO! Half Square Triangle-3” Finished Square and GO! Quarter Square Triangle-3” Finished Square. The GO! Me Fabric Cutter Starter Set is ideal for a quilter who is looking for a tool that provides fast, accurate and safe cuts in an ultra-portable and completely affordable package for quilts and applique. It is perfect for a quilter who is interested in trying out our product, the occasional quilter, quilters with small spaces or those who quilt while traveling.’

 

• Ultra portable – allows quilters to take the GO! Me with them anywhere
• New quilter gains confidence in their art form faster
• Elevates workmanship of the quilter
• Same cutting performance as the GO! – Fast, Accurate, Easy and Safe
• Includes two GO! Dies, cutting mat and pattern book
• A great gift for any quilter

My table runner is made using the Island batik collection ‘Seasons Splendor’ by Kathy Engle, along with some white and black solids.

I added a simple boarder to the smaller block, to make them all 6″ squares

Finished off with simple quilting, and hand binded using Island batik solid black

I can just imagine my table runner on the table this Christmas with candles and a plate of mince pies

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my Christmas in July project, I decided to give my project away to my very special mum, she is into mixed media – take a look at her Instagram page here www.instagram.com/shirleyceramics/

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

 

Island Batik June Challenge…

Can you believe its June already…

If I’m honest everyday seems to feel the same at the minute, but today I will celebrate June by sharing with you my Island Batik June project

This months challenge was a ‘free’ theme, that meant we could make anything, using any fabric from box 1… I couldn’t resist using more fabrics from the stunning ‘Northern Lights’ collection from Kathy Engle for Island Batik.

I had been given a sample of Vlieseline R200, a new thermo insulating wadding… Its is lush. Vlieseline have developed two new thermo-insulating waddings made using 100% recycled polyester: R80 and R 200. These exceptional waddings have a high migration resistance so they will retain their shape and smooth handle, even after washing. They are suitable for use with all fabrics and are great for quilts, patchwork, bag making and garment applications. R200 is a more substantial, extremely bulky wadding with a soft handle.  It can be hand sewn and is washable to 40°

I chose to make a cat bed, I have four cats, and they love to sleep on my quilts (usually when I’m trying to quilt them), so this one could be theirs…

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I made a row of 6″ hearts using different fabrics form the collection

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I quilted the row of hearts and this created the surrounding edge for my cat bed

I self covered 4 small buttons, and these were added to the base of the cat cushion

I hand sewed the surrounding edge to the base, and the cat bed was ready for its first guest…

One very happy and comfy mog

I couldn’t resist sharing a few more photos of my cat making herself comfortable

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

Borders and Binding challenge…

Welcome to April’s Island Batik challenge – Creative Borders and Binding…

I completed this challenge just in time (she checks her watch, yep with hours to spare), we have certainly all found ourselves in different and sometime difficult times over the last few months, but we are all a little bit closer to getting back to ‘normal’ times.

I know one thing, I could never be a school teacher – hats off to all teachers out there!

Just this week alone, I’ve revisited the history of the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell, Food chains, Probability and Fractions…

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This months challenge was to get creative with borders and binding, some examples of these were… Easy Braid, Prairie Points, Piping, Yo-Yos, Scalloped Edges, Log Cabin Spiral, Flying Geese or Double Sawtooth

I was super excited to work with my pack of 40, 2 1/2″ strips of Ancient Etchings designed by Jackie Kunkel for Island Batik

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I graded the colours of the strips as they cascaded their way through the quilt

I kept the darker colours to the one side, to create the borders, and teamed them with Island Batik solid black…

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It was time to bring it altogether, to create a 60″ x 60″ quilt…

I may go back and add a silhouette or two to the centre piece, I’m thinking a lizard, a tree or a couple of love birds , would love to know your thoughts…

I quilted using Aurifil threads, Schmetz needles with Hobbs cotton batting inside. The yellow binding really popped against the black border.

I backed the quilt with Island Batik Marbles from their basic range, and Cherio in Lemonade

Thanks for stopping by to see what I’ve been up to this week, hopefully this bright, colourful quilt has made you smile…

Next months challenge is to create something for the home, using a new line of fabric – I’m so excited as I haven’t even opened the ‘surprise’ fabric bundle yet… be sure to keep an eye out to see what all the Island batik ambassadors make next month

Stay safe, stay strong

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

Island Batik One Die Wonder challenge…

Hey, I really hope this post finds you safe and well…

March’s Island Batik challenge was called ‘One Die Wonder’, and was all about using the truly awesome AccuQuilt Ultimate cutting machine and one die from our first Ambassador box to make a quilt 45″ x 60″ or larger.

I’m been bursting to using the pack of 10″ squares I have from the kaleidoscope collection, and here in the UK, people have been drawing rainbows and putting them up in their windows to show support for all the amazing NHS staff who put their own lives at risk every single day to help others during this Coronvirus outbreak, so these rainbow fabrics seemed just perfect to be working with during these times.

 

The Die I chose was called ‘Chimney sweep’ and is part of the Accuquilt BOB dies collection, this set came with all the pieces I needed to make this block, and with the specialized dog-ears and 1/4” seam allowance for easy alignment and piecing, it made making this block really easy. I love the crisp finish I have on each and every seam.

I made 12 blocks to create my quilt, and I just have to show you each and every one, I simple love Island Batik fabrics

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I added strips of white sashings to emphasize each block, and found inspiration for the quilting from wallpaper. I used Aurifil threads and Hobbs cotton batting.

I used Aurifil thread and Island Batik strips of fabric to bind this quilt by hand

Head over and visit all the Island Batik Ambassadors on the Island Batik Facebook page to see which dies and Island Batik fabrics they used – full of inspiration and eye candy

 

 

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle