As some of you may know I am slowly moving everything over to my new website and blog, please head over to see my latest post as an Island Batik Ambassador
Please come and join me on the other side… 🙂
hit the follow button and take a look round my new shop/website, share with family and friends
Wishing you a fabulous weekend ahead
Michelle
If you love Island Batik fabrics and love seeing inspirational quilts and other makes… Be sure to be following all 25 of the Island Batik Ambassadors
I’m so excited to tell you that I’ve been chosen to be an Island Batik Ambassador for the 5th year running…
Come back soon, to see my first challenge and a sneek peek at all the new gorgeous fabric I will be working with this year
x Michelle x
The months Island Batik Challenge, was left down to us as ambassadors to decide what to make. Head over to the Island Batik page to see all the amazing creations from this month
I’ve been busy over the last few months completing the first of three modules of a surface pattern design course, so I was keen to bring some of my designs to life…
I used Jewel Quest fabric collection, along with some bright green and purple threads from Aurifil to create my cushion covers
I really love free motion quilting, its just like drawing but with your machine, and I get a real buzz from it, here are some close ups, each cover is quilted using Hobbs 80/20 cotton mix batting.
If you love these cushion covers, I have some exciting news… I’m currently taking orders, so please get in touch as I’d love to make something that fits your living room or bedroom decor. These cushions covers are made to order, which means they are available in all sizes and colours, prices start from just £20.
These two cushions are already looking stunning in their new home, and look brilliant on their new owners snuggle sofa
Thanks so much for stopping by to read my blog, happy Monday!
Michelle x
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.
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
I’m thrilled to be an Island Batik Ambassador for the forth year running, and I cant wait to show you all the beautiful fabrics and products I will be using throughout this year… so grab a cuppa and enjoy
We receive boxes twice a year, filled with beautiful batiks and other goodies from our program partners, so be sure to hit the follow button, so you don’t miss anything. There will quilts, bags, home decor item to see, along with patterns, blog hops and prizes to be won along the way.
First up is this beautiful new collection ‘Melody’ designed by Claudia Pfeil of Claudia Pfeil Designs.
I have some gorgeous light and dark Blenders to use with the pre-cut strips
Aurifil Thread is one of the Island Batik program sponsors
They have sent 7 spools of thread in two weights
50 wt and 40 wt. – colours are listed below
50 wt is a general all-purpose thread, for quilting, piecing and machine applique.
40 wt is a slightly thicker thread, for machine applique and embroidery
I have some more beautiful fabrics to show you… I think these are my favourite so far, a collection called ‘Jewel Quest’ designed by Kathy Engle for Nan Baker of Purrfect Spots.
Another program sponsor is Hobbs Batting, and this year we received 4 Queen size wadding bundles.
Heirloom premium 100% natural cotton batting.
Heirloom premium 80/20 cotton/poly blend in natural
Heirloom premium 80/20 cotton/poly blend in black
Poly down batting
Some beautiful stash builders, just love those oranges
Next up is Schmetz Needles, they are another program sponsor, and they sent a selection of their Chrome Professional grade needles, along with some other goodies.
Solids are great for making your prints pop, and we received 4 yards of Island Batik black, white and grey
AccuQuilt are another program sponsor, and they sent me a new Die for the AccuQuilt cutting machine ‘ Hattie’s Choice’.
We are filling the whole month of June with projects we create with our new dies.
An array of beauty, with these Island Batik Blenders, Basics and Solids
Did you know Island Batik did Rayon?
Super soft, and perfect for clothing that drapes
New collection ‘Mystery’ designed by Claudia Pfeil of Claudia Pfeil Designs.
Don’t miss February blog hop with a giveaway
Look at these stunning fabrics, I cant wait to use them in my February Quilt.
Available in the shops this February
Can you keep a secret???
Come back in May for Island Batik Blog Hop, and I will share with you the new collection designed by Kathy Engle for Sherry Shish of Powered by Quilting.
Be sure to visit all the Island Batik Ambassadors to see the new Winter collections.
Available in the shops from May.
Here is a list of this years Island Batik Ambassadors, be sure to follow their blogs
Megan Best ~ Bestquilter
Pamela Boatright ~ Pamelaquilts
Elizabeth DeCroos ~ Epida Studio
Jennifer Eubank ~ Archipelago Quilting
Jennifer Fulton ~ The Inquiring Quilter
Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts
Joanne Hart ~ Unicorn Harts
Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts
Jane Hauprich – Stitch By Stitch Custom
QuiltingConnie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs
Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
Denise Looney ~ For The Love Of Geese
Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
Sally Manke ~ Sally Manke, Fiber Artist
Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine
Claudia Porter ~ Create with Claudia
Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads
Brianna Roberts ~ Sew Cute And Quirky
Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde that’s me!
Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
Andi Stanfield ~ True Blue Quilts
Jennifer Thomas ~ CurliCue Creations
Janet Yamamoto ~ Whispers of Yore
Thanks for stopping by, here is a little video I put together of all the beautiful fabrics and products I received from Island Batik, Hobbs Batting, Schmetz Needles, AccuQuilt and Auriful Thread.
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
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…
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.
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.
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
During this month, all the Island Batik Ambassadors have been taking part in the ‘Inspired by nature’ blog hop, using the new summer 2020 collections. Head to www.facebook.com/islandbatik/ to see all the stunning quilts and to enter this weeks giveaway.
Welcome to my day, I have an amazing giveaway to tell you about, plus this gorgeous quilt to show you that I made with the new summer 2020 collection ‘Tread Brightly’ designed by Bella Nonna Quilt Design. Which hits the shops this month.
I took my inspiration from Rainbows and a beautiful windmill I often drive past in Kent…
This quilt is made up of HST, using a beautiful Island Batik cream, paired with the stunning new ‘Tread Brightly’ collection.
The finish of this quilt coincided with the return of my cat ‘Roo’, he has been missing for 81 days, and last night he returned. We are over the moon to have him home, and still cant quite believe it.
He was super keen to be in the photos of my quilt, so I thought id share them with you.
This quilt has Hobbs cotton batting inside, and all sewn together using Aurifil threads.
Island Batik are giving away two beautiful bundles of fabrics, enter below to win…
Thanks for stopping by, I hope this quilt has inspired you to make something colourful, or simply to stop and spare a few moments to appreciate the beautiful nature around us.
Here is a list of all the Island batik Ambassadors, please head over and take a look at all the beautiful quilts they have made and the stunning new fabric collections
Week 1:November 9
Jennifer Fulton – Bliss
Carla Henton – Bliss
November 10:
Denise Jackson Looney – Coco Cabana
Carolina Asmussen – Coco Cabana
November 11:
Alison Vermilya – Heart to Heart
Janet Lael Pedersen Yamamoto – Heart to Heart
November 12:
Megan Stanionis Best – Just My Type
Jennifer Strauser – Just My Type
Week 2:
November 16:
Joanne Hart – Love & Kisses
Maryellen McAuliffe – Love & Kisses
Jennifer Schifano Thomas – Love & Kisses
November 17:
Gail Sheppard – Ohana
Mania Hatziioannidi – Ohana
November 18:
Sharon Riley – Sweet Hearts
Sandra Walker – Sweet Hearts
November 19:
Carol Moellers – Tickled Pink
Emily Leachman – Tickled Pink
Week 3:
November 23:
Connie Kauffman – Tiki Punch
Suzy Webster – Tiki Punch
November 24:
Pamela Boatright – Tread Brightly
Michelle Roberts – Tread Brightly
November 25:
Vasudha Govindan – Tropicana Twist
Leah Malasky – Tropicana Twist
November 26:
Sally Manke – Venetian Marble
Gail Renna – Venetian Marble
Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.
Looking for handmade Christmas items?
Please check out the ‘pages’ listed on my home page (or click the link below), you will find all my quilts which are for sale, most of which have been published in UK, American and Australian quilting magazines.
https://wordpress.com/pages/creativeblondeblog.wordpress.com
During the month of November, I’m including FREE UK delivery.
‘Do what makes your heart smile’
Happy Sewing
Michelle
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.Â
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
Michelle aka Creative Blonde 