Island Batik fabric Archives - Page 18 of 19

March 12, 2019January 19, 2024

Sew Succulent: Colour & Inspiration Tuesday

Sew Succulent colour scheme by Clever Chameleon

Sometimes you just have to get started. Then the ideas will finally come….

This week I have been working on my crazy diamond quilt idea from my previous post. I started this quilt with very little idea where I was headed…. A bit scary!……. But to put it off much longer would have been inviting worse disaster. Like, no quilt at all….

No captivating ideas had been forthcoming to me for the March Island Batik Ambassador challenge until now, and it certainly wasn’t for lack of pondering. All I had to show for about a month of ruminating was an urge to make improv diamond blocks from my Island Batik fabric scraps. Ever noticed that the calendar is relentless?!

Anyway, although I started this quilt with a sense of trepidation I have not felt in a while, my usual excitement is now building and I think I have a plan. I certainly have some blocks, and the void of ideas has made way for my more usual sea of squirrels. Come on in and see where I (think I) am headed. And of course, find out who scored last week’s Colour & Inspiration features. Happy Tuesday!

March 9, 2019January 19, 2024

Vintage Reimagined with Island Batik

“Give the Past a Personal Touch”

That is the monthly challenge for Island Batik Ambassadors this March. An invitation to reimagine a vintage quilt (or a building or furniture or another artefact of some kind) into a new quilt.

As the muse for my challenge piece, I have chosen an early Australian quilt by Martha Bingley. Not much is known about Martha Bingley or her quilt (pictured above). Except for one picture of her and the information contained on the quilt itself. There’s a good reminder to label your quilts right there, people!

Martha’s crazy quilt is now owned by Annette Gero. It is also featured in Annette’s book about Australian quilting history called “The Fabric of Society – Australia’s Quilt Heritage from Convict Times to 1960”. The quilt is dated 1883 and is slightly unusual for its time and place. Perfect Chameleon fodder!

Can you see why this quilt is notable? Let’s take a moment to muse this quilt from yesteryear. And I’ll share with you where reimaging vintage Australian quilts has led me so far.

March 1, 2019January 19, 2024

Love with a Twist Kuddly Koala Balloon

Kuddly Koala appliqué for the Love with a Twist series by Dione Gardner-Stephen of Clever Chameleon

Welcome to March!

Let’s begin March with a ‘Bang”! At least, we probably would if this was a real balloon koala. It is so hot here today that balloons taken outside would not last very long at all. Luckily, March’s first balloon animal for the Love with a Twist quilt along is of the more permanent variety and totally chilled. “Kuddly Koala” is not going anywhere, having found the perfect spot to hang out on my Love with a Twist quilts.

Also impatient as he is cute, Kuddly Koala introduced himself early on Tuesday. But now we have the free download ready to go, so let’s have a proper look at this appliqué. Keep reading to collect your koala balloon pdf pattern and find out all the details for making the most of the next block of the Love with a Twist quilt along.

February 24, 2019January 19, 2024

Love with a Twist Signature Block

Love with a Twist signature appliqué block Lasting Love Balloon by Dione Gardner-Stephen of Clever Chameleon Quilting

It’s only the 24th of February and I have completed this month’s planned Love with a Twist February blocks. And even better, the patterns too! Wonders never cease!

Today’s Love Balloon pattern is the second option for the large centre block of the Love with a Twist throw size quilts. You’ll also need it for the twin size quilt. It’s an easy block, I think the fastest so far. It only has two fabrics and no extra details to embroider.

Grab your pdf pattern download below, take a quick look at the assembly order and go for it. We all love a quick project. Also, once you have grabbed your pattern, it’d be great if you’d share your win with your friends. It’s always good to share the love around!

February 14, 2019January 19, 2024

Love with a Twist Balloon Pig

February’s first block for the Love with a Twist quilt along is “Happy Hog”, the prancing balloon pig. It seems only fitting to do the pig block next as the first block of the new Lunar year.

Happy New Year of the Pig

Happy Hog appliqué pattern by Dione Gardner-Stephen of Clever Chameleon

Too cute and ready to play, today’s pig balloon appliqué is one of the centre block options for the throw size versions of Love with a Twist. Of course, you will also need to collect Happy Hog if you are making the full twin-size quilt. In the latter, she struts her stuff in the top right hand corner.

Keep reading to collect your pig balloon appliqué pdf and find out all the details for making the most of the next step in the Love with a Twist quilt along.