Island Batik Ambassador Runner-Up Blog Hop

Welcome to the final day of the Island Batik Ambassador Runner-Up Blog Hop! This month, my fellow Ambassadors and I have been showcasing table runner and bed runner projects made from beautiful fabrics from the Fall/Winter Collections by Island Batik for Lumin Fabrics. Additionally, these projects were created using tools from Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 Design, our wonderful sponsor of this month’s blog hop. If you missed any of my fellow Ambassador posts, you can find the complete list at the bottom. Additionally, there is a special giveaway from Island Batik.

I am excited to share a special fabric collection designed by Jackie Kunkel, of Canton Village Quilt Works called“Cosmic.” This vibrant, rainbow-colored collection features designs that depict the sun, moon, and other elements of the universe throughout all the fabrics. This fabric collection is arriving in your local quilt shops soon.

Additionally, the collection includes off-white and black fabrics that incorporate these celestial elements. It’s a fun and lively collection!

What Studio 180 Design tool will I be using for my project? Studio 180 Design provided all of the Ambassadors with new tools. As a Certified Instructor for Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design, I already have all the necessary tools and technique sheets. When I received my Island Batik Ambassador Box, I discovered a gold package and a note stating, "Do not open until February." This left me curious about what could be in the gold package.

As I opened my gold package, I was filled with excitement. As a Certified Instructor, Studio 180 Design sent me a new Pint Size Wedge Star tool, which was absolutely adorable! The public has been requesting a smaller version of the tool that helps create small-sized units, and Deb Tucker from Studio 180 Design has answered with this forthcoming release!

The size difference becomes apparent when you place the two Wedge Star tools side by side. The Pint Size tool allows you to create all 3 Wedge Star Blocks in 11 different sizes, from 2” finished to 12”.  It works with all the Studio 180 Design WedgeStar Technique Sheets.

If you are familiar with the Original Wedge Star tool, you will appreciate the new compact version, which functions just like the original. It includes the same cutting lines for cutting out those shapes such as Small Wedges, Large Wedges, and Diamonds. You also have the exact same trim-down lines for making your Wedge Star units.

My plan was to create a vibrant Wedge Star sampler bed runner that highlights the colors from the Cosmic collection, along with samples of different sizes and Wedge Star blocks using the Pint Size Wedge Star. 

My runner is made from 19 fabrics from the Cosmic collection, combined with Island Batik Solid White for the background. It features 53 Wedge Star blocks, varying in size from 3 inches to 12 inches. Many of these blocks are created using the Studio 180 Design Wedge Star Technique Sheets.

Let me show you the sizes and Wedge Star Blocks used in this runner. We will start with the largest size first.

I began with a 12” center block that featured my favorite Candle Tip Wedge technique sheet from the Wedge Star block. 

Next, I created four different 6” blocks, including the Wedge Star, Fractured Wedge, Edged Wedge, and Diamond Four Patch Wedge blocks.

The next step was to create 4" blocks that consisted of a Wedge Star, two Twisted Wedge Stars, and an edge wedge.

Then I finished making 3” blocks, which include Twisted Wedge Stars, Wedge Star, and Mixed Wedges. 

I also added 3' Wedge blocks to create some accent for the whole runner.

When you combine all the Wedge Star Blocks and add white background filler pieces, you create a beautiful runner that measures 60” x 30”, which fits perfectly on my queen-size bed. My little helpers also love having the runner on the bed.

I assembled my project with a BERNINA 740 sewing machine and a combination of Schmetz 80/12 needles and 6722 Aurifil thread.

I quilted my runner on my BERNINA Q16 using White 2026 Aurifil thread from my stash, incorporating simple ruler work to make the Wedge Star blocks really stand out. I used some of the Cosmic white on the back of the quilt.

The following products I used in this blog post were provided by Island Batik for Lumin Fabrics, Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 Design, Aurifil Thread, Oliso, and Schmetz Needles. 

Now, Island Batik has a great giveaway that allows you to win one of the Fat Quarter bundles of a complete collection giveaway, Whispering Woods by Jerry Khiev or Cosmis by Jackie Kunkel of Canton Village Quilt Works. Be sure to visit and enter below or on the Island Batik Blog for a chance to win. Just follow the simple Rafflecopter prompts below to enter.

Also, don’t forget to check out all 22 Island Batik Ambassadors to see their beautiful projects. Stay tuned! All 22 runners will be featured in the Island Batik Ambassador’s Viewer’s Choice contest on February 28th. You will have a chance to vote for your favorite runner and win a prize at the same time.

February 4:

• Kim Jamieson-Hirst, Chatterbox Quilts
• Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood

February 5:

• Brittany Fisher, Bobbin with Brittany

February 6:

• Mania Hatzioannidi, Mania for Quilts
• Carol Stanek, Stitch With Color

February 7:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway

February 10:

• Connie Kresin Campbell, Freemotion by the River
• Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights

February 11:

• Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs

February 12:

• Denise Looney, Quiltery
• Renee Atkinson, Pink Tulip Quilting

February 13:

• Brenda Alburl, Songbird Designs
• Lisa Pickering, Lisa’s Quilting Passion

February 14:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway

February 17:

• Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations
• Susan Deshensky, Lady Blue Quilt Studio

February 18:

• Susan Michaels, Dragonfly Fiber Art
• Suzy Webster, Websterquilt

February 19:

• Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail
• Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts

February 20:

• Sarah Pitcher, Pitcher’s Boutique LLC
• Solomae Stoycoff, Cuddle Cat Quiltworks

February 21:

Blog Hop Round-Up Week 3 and Final Giveaway

February 24:

• Kimberly Flannagan, Kimberly’s Quilts

February 25:

• Tina Dillard, Quilting Affection Designs

February 26:

End of Blog Hop + Final Round Up

Block Party Block #55 – Cross Roads Tutorial Part 2

In Part 2 of the Block Party Block #55, titled "Cross Road," we will cover Units B (Half Square Triangles) and Unit C (Square Squared).

If you missed Part 1 of the tutorial for this block, you can find it here

To download the block, click on this link.

When creating your block size, please consult your pattern-cutting charts and tool instructions to determine the starting size for the squares and strips.

Unit B

Begin with Unit B: Half Square Triangles. You will need 16 half-square triangles divided into two different color combinations.

Using your Quilter's Magic Wand, mark two stitching lines on the reverse side of the background fabric.

Place the marked background square on top of the other square, aligning the right sides together. Stitch along the marked lines.  Cut the units down in the middle. Press to the darker fabric.

Right-Handed

Left-Handed

Place the pressed Half Square Triangle unit on the cutting mat. Place the Tucker Trimmer on the unit using the Cutting Size listed on your block pattern, lining up the sizing line across the sewn seam and the common diagonal down the center along the other seam. Trim up and across the unit.

Right-Handed

Left-Handed

Rotate your unit 180 degrees, replace the Tucker Trimmer on the unit, realign the sizing line and the clean-up lines on the previously trimmed edges, and trim up and across the final two sides of the unit.

Repeat this for all the Half Square Triangle units.

Arrange your Half Square Triangle units as shown in the image above. Stitch the units together to form a square, pressing the seams to one side or keeping them open, according to your preference. Make 4 squares.

Unit C

Position the Center Square Section of the Square Squared® tool on the size according to your pattern instructions. Place the tool Center Square section on your starting center square, lining up the square with the center mark according to the size you are making. Trim up and across the unit.

Cut the side triangle squares into triangles.

Position the side triangles on opposite sides of the precisely trimmed center square. Stitch with the triangles on the bottom with a 1/4" seam allowance. Pressing away from the center.

Repeat for the opposite side.

Next, place the remaining side triangles on opposite sides of the center square. Stitch and press the seams away from the center.

Right-Handed

Left-Handed

Use the trim size specified in your pattern instructions and position the Trim Down Section of the Square Squared® tool over the unit. Carefully align the "X" marks on the finished size with the sewn seams. Then, trim across and up the unit.

Right-Handed

Left-Handed

Rotate the unit. Reposition the Square Squared® tool, lining up the "X"s and then lining up the cleanup lines on the tool with the previously trimmed edges.

 

For the block assembly, refer to the diagram on page 2 of your pattern instructions. Press the seams according to your preference, either away from the center or open.

Block Party Block #55 - Cross Roads Tutorial Part 1

Block Party Block #55—Cross Roads is a simple block comprising Lemoyne Star, Square Squared, and Half Square Triangle units. You will utilize the Rapid Fire® Lemoyne Star, Square Squared, and Tucker Trimmer tools for this block. 

In Part 1 of this tutorial, I will cover how to create the Lemoyne Star quadrant units. Next week, Part 2 will be released, which will cover the Square Squared units and Half Square Triangles.

The fabric used in this block comes from Deb Tucker Studio 180 Design's “Bubbles, Curves and Corner” Collection by Island Batik for Lumen Fabrics. For the Lemoyne Star, you'll need two colors: one for the background (white) and one for the stars (green).

Download your block: https://bit.ly/BPB55CrossRoads

However, I will refer to the finished block size in the cutting chart. For instance, if you make 4” units, you will check the 8” finished block size on the Lemoyne Star Tool instructions cutting chart. If you divide the 8” into four quarters, those will be 4” units.

To begin, determine your block size and consult the cutting chart on your Block Party Block pattern. Next, refer to each tool-cutting chart to identify the starting squares and strip sizes needed.

Please note that you will need a standard ruler, For example, a 6 ½” x 12 ½” ruler. I'm using the new Studio 180 Design First Choice Ruler in the images below as my standard ruler. This new series of rulers features the appropriate lines, including 45-degree lines for making sub-cuts and secondary cuts. Like the other Studio 180 Design tools, these rulers are designed for left- and right-handed cutters.

Lemoyne Star Quarter Units

To create your Background and Star Strips, you will need to cut them according to the size of the block you are making. For example, if I am making a 12” Cross Roads block with 4” units, I will need to use an 8” finished block size. So, I will cut one 3 ¾” Background strip and one 2 ½” Star Strip. Since I am only making one block, I will then cut those strips in half.

Strip Sets

Place your background strip's right sides up on the cutting mat. Label the strip on the left “A” and the other “B.” This will help you as you work through the making of the Lemoyne. Now, you will need to measure the down the width of the strip. A quick way to do this is to fold the top outward, ensuring the points align as shown in the image.

Place the star strip below the marked point, with the right sides up between the background strips.

Flip the star strips on top of the background strips with the right sides together and stitch the length of the strips. 

Press the “A” Strip toward the background strip, and the “B” strip you will press toward the star strip. 

For right-handed cutters, place the “B” strip set on top of the “A” strip sets, nesting the seams together. Arrange it horizontally to cut from left to right.

For left-handed cutters, place the “A” strip set on top of the “B” strip set, nesting the seams together. Arrange it horizontally to cut right to left.

Set the 45-degree angle.

Now that we have our strip sets on our cutting mats, it’s time to make some 45-degree angle cuts. It is very important to maintain a good 45-degree angle during this process.

Right-handed cutters, position the Rapid Fire® Lemoyne Star ruler so the ¼” line is on the star strip fabric (shown) or place it on the seam line. Then, line up the standard ruler next to the Rapid Fire® Lemoyne Star ruler so they bump up next to each other following the 45-degree angle. Carefully remove the Rapid Fire® Lemoyne Star tool and make your first cut by trimming the ends of the strip sets.

Left-handed cutters position the Rapid Fire® Lemoyne Star ruler on the ¼” line so it is on the seam line. Then bump up the standard ruler next to the Rapid Fire® Lemoyne Star ruler to secure that 45” angle. Carefully remove the Rapid Fire® Lemoyne Star tool and make your first cut by trimming the ends of the strip sets.

Right-Handed

Left-Handed

To continue those 45-degree cuts, use the standard ruler to make 2 ½” cuts across the strip sets. You will need four cuts for one block.

Second Cuts

Now, we need to make a second cut that will go vertically from south to north. This cut-off triangle will be placed in a triangle on our pieced units.  It is important to keep your cut going as straight as possible.

Right-handed cutters will line up with the standard ruler so that the 45-degree line is along the sub-cut and is just right of the tip of the star strip to the ruler, and the tip is touching. Cut straight up to make the triangle.

Left-handed cutters need to carefully flip the sub-cut so the “B” is now on top. Line up the standard ruler so a line crosses the top of the star strip and the end of the ruler. Cut straight up to make the triangle.

Layout

Open the sub-cuts so they are laying right sides up.  Placing the cut-off triangle on the outside short edges of the sub-cuts.

Stitch the cut-offs on the edges of the pieces. Pressing carefully, “A” will be pushed toward the star point fabric, and “B” will be pressed to the background fabric. 

Trim to Size

Trim using your Rapid Fire® Lemoyne Star tool to the exact size of the finished Lemoyne block size listed on your Block Party Block Cutting Chart. For Example, for the 12” block, we are making 8” finished Lemoyne blocks, so we will use the 8” line on our tool.

Right-Handed

Left-Handed

Place your unit's right sides up on the cutting mat. Then, Right-handed cutters position the unit with the diamond point at 2 o’clock, and left-handed cutters position it at 10 o’clock. Place and align the desired block size lines with the seams of the lines. Trim along both sides of the tool.

Stitch

Now that the piece units have been trimmed, it is time to stitch the “A” and “B” pieced units together to create the quarter unit. Place the pieced units' right sides together and match up the star point to nest the seams. Then, stitch with a reasonable ¼” seam allowance. Press the seams open.

Trim to Size

We need to trim the Lemoyne Star quadrants to size before sewing them into our block.  

Right-Handed

Left-Handed

Place your unit's right sides up on the cutting mat; positioning stars “dog ears” are removed first. Right-Handed cutters position so the seam runs from the upper Right-Handed Corner to the bottom Left. Left-handed cutters position so the seam runs from the upper left corner to the bottom right.  Place the edge of the Tucker Trimmer to the edge of the star points, keeping the common diagonal line down the center of the seam. Trim off the dog ears.

Now, we are going to trim the background fabric, so it is now to the exact size, giving us that good ¼” from the outer star points. This size we will be trimming to is half of the finished block size, for example, for an 8” finished block, we will be using 4 ½” lines. 

Right-Handed

Left-Handed

Rotate the trimmed quadrant 180 Degrees so the previously trimmed dog ears are now in front of you. Place the Tucker Trimmer Common Diagonal down the center seam, lining up the desired size clean-up lines on the trimmed edge of the quadrant. Ensuring the ¼” seam allowance lines are lining up on the outer points of the quadrant.

Now, you have a perfectly trimmed unit for your block. This process can be used for any of the Lemoyne Star Techniques. 

Next week, we will cover the remaining units for this block.