Island Batik Ambassador August Hot Stuff Challenge

 

The Island Batik Ambassadors have a new challenge this month. At the start of the year, each ambassador received an Oliso M3 Pro iron along with a small carrying bag for their irons, provided by our sponsor, Oliso. For August, our challenge is to decorate these small iron carrying bags. We can use various techniques, including quilting, embroidery, appliqué, paint, and more.

The Oliso iron carrying bag is constructed from strong, durable polyester felt, designed to protect the irons. Initially, I had difficulty figuring out how to decorate this carrying bag. However, during my visit to the Road to Virginia quilt show, I stopped by Oliso's booth and spoke with Michele Muska, the Director of Content and Community. She shared several beautifully decorated bags from the show, which served as great inspiration for my own design ideas.

I knew I wanted to work with leftovers from Jackie Kunkel's Canton Village Quilt Works Cosmic Fabric Collection by Island Batik Lumin Fabrics, which were part of my February challenge. I initially thought about adding just Flying Geese units to the bag, but the main question was what size units to create. I started by experimenting with the smallest size I could make using one of my Studio 180 Design Wing Clipper Tools. After some trial and error, I decided on a finished size.

I used six bold and vibrant colors for the body of my Flying Geese and black for the wings. I created Flying Geese units that measure 5/8” x 1/4” finished size, trimming them down to perfection with my Eighth Inch Wing Clipper. It was quite enjoyable to make these small Flying Geese units!

For the center of the bag, I sewed two sets of six units together to create a long section of Flying Geese. Then, I added black strip pieces to the top and bottom to allow for a clean finish when folded under. I did the same on the sides as well.

Looking at the sides of the bag, I decided to incorporate a smaller set of Flying Geese units. I added two long pieces to the top and bottom of the geese for another fitting. Once I placed them on the bag, it looked good, but I felt it needed something more.

I decided to use my Studio 180 Design Star 60 tool to create a variety of units that finish at 1 ½ inches. 

After making and trimming them to the correct size, I sewed them together in a long row to achieve a diamond effect.

To finish the sides, I placed a long, narrow strip between the Flying Geese row and the Star 60 row. I also added a strip at the bottom beneath the Star 60 row, which will be folded under to complete the bottom edge of the sides. For the top, I planned a long, wide strip that will help finish the upper edge of the bag's side and will be shaped later. 

I repeated this process for the other side as well.

To finish the sides and center of the bag, I used freezer paper templates to accurately shape the edges of the pieces. 

Next, I applied Hobbs Heirloom fusible batting to these shaped pieces using my Oliso M3 Pro iron. 

Finally, I quilted the pieces together with Aurifil thread using my Bernina 790 Pro sewing machine.

Next, I used my Bernina 700 to embroider my logo on the bottom of the bag as a finishing touch.

I then decided to hand-stitch the center and side pieces, as well as the bottom logo, onto the bag. Although it was challenging to stitch through the felt, after several evenings of hand stitching, I finally completed it.

I loved the result, and it was such a fun project!

 

Island Batik Ambassador – July Unboxing Reveal

It’s hard to believe we are already halfway through the 2025 Island Batik Ambassador program; this year has flown by so quickly! Lumin Fabrics has sent me a new box of Island Batik fabrics and products that will help us create some exciting projects over the next six months. I created an unboxing video, which I've shared in the blog post below.

First off, I received four stash builders containing five rolls of 4-5” x WOF strips. These stash busters are a lot of fun to work with!

Next, I have two stunning gradient precut packs: the Precious Pinks pack, which consists of 2½” strips, and the Ravishing Red pack featuring a 10” stack.

Check out this ½-yard bundle from the Garden Glory collection, which will be featured in September's Blog Hop, along with 2 yards of light neutral and dark fabrics that will complement the collection. They also provided us with ½-yard cuts of foundations to coordinate with the Garden Glory collection, plus spools of coordinating Aurifil thread. This is going to be a fun blog hop, so stay tuned!

Additionally, I received this beautiful 6-yard Neutral Mocha fabric with cream and green highlights. It will make a great accent or background.

In October, I look forward to making my Two Little Totes by Annie bags. I’ve chosen these fabrics for my bag, so stay tuned to see how it turns out.

I also received a precut bundle featuring Fossil Finesse 10” squares, along with 2 yards of light and dark coordinates. I have plans for this collection later in the year.

Moreover, I received a Surprise collection that will be featured in November's Blog Hop, and I can’t wait to open it and get started. I also received a Foundations bundle to accompany the Surprise collection, which I’m sure will be a lot of fun.

Lastly, I received a restock of Dark Grey, White, and Black solids that are always essential. Additionally, Hobbs supplied us with a restock of Hobbs Batting.

Well, it looks like I’d better get busy on all these projects! See you in August with a new Challenge, featuring Oliso. 

Island Batik Ambassador Funky Friends

This month, the Island Batik Ambassadors are doing something a bit different. We’ve been tasked with creating stuffed Funky Friends, and our sponsor is Funky Friends Factory. Each ambassador has chosen one of their patterns for this challenge. After visiting Scotland last year, I fell in love with Highland Cows, so I decided to make Harmony the Highland Cow.

 

Next, I needed to choose the fabrics for making this cute cow. I aimed for Harmony to resemble a real Highland Cow as closely as possible. For the main body, I selected the Red Burgundy Mushroom Time from the Fall 2024 Studio 180 Design Forest Flora collection for Island Batik. For the hooves, I used a scrap of dark brown fabric from the Summer 2022 Studio 180 Design Modern Opulence collection, and I picked an Island Batik Blender Dandelion Crumbs for the horns.

The pattern is easy to follow, and the tutorials for making this Highland Cow are enjoyable to make. I highly recommend using all the tips included in the pattern and tutorials when working on any Funky Friends Factory design, as they really help the project come together well. 

As I made Harmony, I used my Bernina 790 Pro, along with a combination of two different colors of Aurifil thread and Schmetz needles. Lowering my stitch length to 2.0 made the project look neater and gave the seams extra strength.

Once I filled Harmony with Hobbs Simply Stuffing, I made sure to pack it in firmly. 

I decorated her forelock with flowers made from scraps of the Jackie Kunkel Collection “Cosmic” for Island Batik and added a ribbon from the Island Batik Bundles around her neck. Now, Harmony is all ready for her adventures!

Her adventure began with Harmony introducing herself to Lucy. Lucy was uncertain about this large cow.

Then she headed out to the backyard to see what mischief she could get into.

Climbing onto rocks and wood piles. She loves the grass. 

Then Lucy said enough and guided her outside the gate. I hope you enjoyed Harmony the Highland Cows adventure. 

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with creative sewing time.