October Announcements: Part 1

October has just begun and I couldn’t be more excited! So many wonderful things are coming together this month, I can’t wait to share with you…but one thing at a time!

I have been sitting on this news for a very very long time! Normally I’m not very good at keeping secrets, (except the ones that are just too special to share)…but this secret’s time has come and I can now share!!!!

The Big News

My pattern Illuminated Journey will be included in the Fall-Winter 2017 Island Batik Catalog focusing on the new fabric line Paisley Dot  

Pg 52 in the Island Batik FW17 Catalog is Illuminated Journey by The Quilt Rambler

Yes, not only can you see my quilt in Fall-Winter 2017 Island Batik Catalog but I also have my mug shot in the catalog! And yes, I’m excited to be on the same page as my favorite designer, Deb Tucker of Studio 180 Design. I’m so excited to be a new Certified Instructor with her…that’s a ramble for another time.

This is the third page of designers – I’m so excited to be counted among this group of my peers

Illuminated Journey’s Quilt Story

Briefly, before I show you highlights of the current quilt in Paisley Dots I wanted to share the history of this design…

Illuminated Journey Class Quilt Cruise 2015

Back in 2014, Carla from Cactus Quilts in Texas City asked if I would be interested in teaching on her 2nd annual quilting cruise! Of course, I said YES! It goes without saying how much I love Deb’s method of constructing Lemoyne Star units so I asked if she’d mind if I designed the cruise quilt around her ruler and technique sheet and she said YES!

Karen Overton holding her quilt Illuminated Journey outside near a breathtaking view of Arizona
Illuminated Journey and The Quilt Rambler journey to Arizona

I’ve enjoyed teaching this project – in case you missed it, Illuminated Journey traveled to Arizona for a quilt lecture and workshop. You can read about it here.

AND! While we are talking about teaching, traveling, and such….I am now taking bookings for the  2018 season – I’d love to come to your quilt shop, guild or retreat and share my pattern and other fun topics and techniques…

Okay, back to the current ramble…

 

Illuminated Journey – Paisley Dot version

EQ7 version was submitted to Island Batik.

This journey began earlier this year due to my involvement as an Island Batik Ambassador. Requests were sent out for pattern submissions to feature the upcoming Fall Winter 2017 line of fabrics….and Illuminated Journey was chosen!

Before too long the fabrics were sent to me to construct the quilt. I found it very interesting how many months in advance things must be completed to have a fabulous presentation at Fall Market coming up at the end of October here in Houston. As a side note, “Market” is the weekend before “Festival” – it is a trade show where buyers come to see the newest items in the quilt industry, including new fabrics and new patterns!

This version was made for my son Jake using precuts from Island Batik

I love using pre-cuts. The original pattern used Island Batik precuts.  I’ve made Illuminated Journey multiple times. Island Batik never disappoints! The collection is curated so well that you look like a fabric color coordinating pro with the end results. I’ve found it amazing that even when my students use the same line no two quilts are ever the same.  I love it!

Illuminated Journey – Let the Quilting Begin

In no time I had the quilt top pieced and began the process of quilting. I wanted to do something unique and different for this version. Coming up with the design was so much fun and I had the opportunity to audition some new longarm specialty rulers. Can’t ask for anything better!

On the longarm…dots and more dots
I don’t know what I enjoy the most, designing and making the quilt top or designing and quilting the quilt. Both! Enjoying the process!
Hot off the frame – this is one of my favorite parts – seeing how the light bounces off the texture of the quilting highlighting the fabrics

Illuminated Journey -Pattern and Fabric Coming Soon

My quilt was shipped to Island Batik to be photographed for the catalog and to be made available this upcoming year for travel and trunk shows. There’s a possibility that Illuminated Journey will be on display at the upcoming Fall Market in the Paisley Dot display with Island Batik. If so, you know I’ll be sharing those photos!

Illuminated Journey, designed, pieced, and quilted by Karen E Overton, The Quilt Rambler

Here’s the cool thing – you can tell your local quilt shop that new fabrics are being released at Fall Market (well, actually your local quilt shop knows that already)…anyway…you can share this sneak peek of a new line and new pattern that will be available soon AND you can suggest a workshop with this traveling rambler!

By the way, the pattern will be available either at the end of 2017 or the start of 2018. Stay tuned for that big reveal! Quilt shops will be placing their orders for these new fabrics that will also ship the first of the year.

But Wait – There’s More!

Did ya’ notice that this post said “Part 1” – observant aren’t you! Yes, this is just one happy announcement for this the first day of October…there’s soooo many good things coming this month and beyond…but that’s all for today.

This is Karen Overton, The Quilt Rambler, finally able to celebrate the inclusion of Illuminated Journey in Island Batik’s Fall-Winter fabric lineup! Cheers!

Taking an informal poll – how important is it to you to have a kit to make “just like the pattern” or do you like to choose your own fabrics? Inquiring minds want to know. Leave a comment, please!

 

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