Inspired by Nature for Island Batik

Imagine my delight at learning the Island Batik Ambassador November Challenge is “Inspired by Nature.” ! I live in a tiny town on the shore of Lake Michigan surrounded by vast and varying preserves. As a volunteer with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, I visit preserves on an almost daily hike. The Island Batiks I received for this project capture the Blue Herons I photographed this year at GTRLC Arcadia Marsh preserve perfectly.

Island Batik along with their industry partners, Hobbs Batting and Aurifil Thread provided the batik fabric, batting and thread used in this project as my role as an Island Batik Ambassador.

Fabrics used in this art quilt are from the Venetian Marble line of Island Batiks designed by Claudia Pfeil. They are shipping to quilt shops in November 2020.

So let’s get started. A.) gathered photos taken at the marsh this year along with research photos online. B.) Thoughts of a on point patchwork background. C.) Island Batiks from collection plus basics. D. Blue Heron photographed for this art quilt.

The organic nature of this background suggested horizontal bands of color rather than the originally planned on point squares. A.) Shows the progression of color and pattern in my photo while the tiny notes in the margins indicate the size of each strip. B.) All seams are pressed open after strips are cut and stitched. Strip Stick makes ironing seams a snap without distorting previously pressed seams. C.) Considering changing up fabric locations so Blue Heron has a lighter background. D.) Unsewed, relocated, restitched background fabrics. 

Island Batik Basic White is placed over enlarged photo on CutterPillar Glow Ultra light table to trace image. B&C.) Derwent Art  Inktense Pencils capture texture and depth of Blue Heron on fabric. D.) Fabric medium intensifies the colors before quilting begins.

A.) Rinsing fabric medium after heat setting Inktense pencils. B.) Loading backing, batting and Blue Heron on Handi Quilter. C.) Thread painting Blue Heron close up. D.) Island Batik Basic White, Hobbs Thermore Batting and Auriful Thread used in this step of art quilt. 

A.) Blue Heron, log and water reflection painted, layered, quilted and cut out. B.) Despite rearranging, un-sewing and re-sewing background multiple times…yup…I’m doing it one more time. Good thing Island Batik fabric is so sturdy. C. A few strips resized, a few rearranged AGAIN and one more added so final background is complete. D.) Shiva Paint Sticks and nature stencils add a bit of depth and texture to the background before quilting. 

It’s off to the Handi Quilter Amara for a variety of quilting. A.) Adding a bit of depth to the tree tops with free motion quilting. B.) Layering previously quilted Blue Heron and his shadow over quilted background. C.) Stash of sari silk ribbon, novelty yarns and fibers become foliage in the foreground. D.) Art quilt is ready to come off the long arm So bindings can be auditioned.  

Art Quilt…which still needs a name…is completed with binding and hanging sleeve. It finished at 12-1/2” x 37”.

Give Away

Leave a comment below stating what in nature inspires you to enter for a chance to win on of my art quilt patterns. Be sure to leave contact informations so I can notify you if you win. You can view these and other in my Etsy Shop under the Art Quilt Patterns tab. Comments posted by Saturday, December 5, 2020 with contact information will be eligible for the giveaway.

Island Batik Give Away

Hop over to the Island Batik Blog to register for this weeks fat quarter give away. You could win one of these two fat quarter bundles.

Be sure to check out all the other Island Batik Amassador’s blogs this month!

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