September is back to school month and for a lot of us, back to quilting after a fun-filled action-packed summer!
Welcome to The Quilt Rambler, I’m sew happy you have joined me in the Island Batik Ambassador Blog Hop. The Ambassadors have been diligently working to showcase the newest fabric lines from Island Batik to assist you in your fabric shopping list while inspiring you for those fall projects!
So grab that cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy….they don’t call me The Quilt Rambler for nothin’. Be sure and read to the end for a special giveaway!
Diner Days Collection By Island Batik
The collection I was given to work with is Diner Days. The hues are so soft that they almost reminded me of pastel Easter eggs. Indeed among some of the designs, there were eggs…and kitchen gadgets…and apples with apple cores! Such imagination and potential!
I love back to school time. I’m always ready to replenish my school supplies. Elmer’s Glue for glue basting, composition notebooks for jotting down quilt designs or fabric shopping lists. Pencil boxes make great containers to store bobbins, rotary cutters with extra blades or small sewing supplies. And what about file folders or binders to store quilt patterns! There’s plenty of things for quilters when it comes to back to school shopping!
The Perfect Pattern to Showcase Diner Days
One of my favorite block design is the Lemoyne Star, and my all time favorite method to make the block is using Deb Tucker’s Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star Ruler and technique. I recently returned from Certified Instructor training with Deb, but that’s a ramble for another time….PS I did graduate and am available for workshops, lectures, and demos at quilt shows….
Back to Diner Days….I quickly decided I wanted to use Deb’s pattern Sugar and Spice with this collection. Not only did it mimic her color pallet on the original pattern but it would be perfect to use the majority of fabrics in the Diner Days collection therefore truly showcasing the fabric. Not to mention I would be making my favorite stars!
Back to School Project – Sugar and Spice
Deb’s method calls for strip piecing the background fabric to the “star” fabric and is quickly done with chain piecing.
Before long I had the star point units together and was ready to assemble the 8 pointed star blocks.
Next Technique
Also using the Tucker Trimmer tool by Studio 180 Design I made the half square triangles and the quarter square triangles to use in the setting solution. I love Deb’s techniques of oversizing the cuts, sewing together, then trimming to perfection. Makes me look good when my blocks all come together!
Once all the units were made I played around with switching the scrappy star blocks to make them pleasing to my eye. I am so loving these fabrics!
On To The Longarm
As the old saying goes, it’s not a quilt until it’s quilted! It’s hard to say what I enjoy the most, making the quilt tops or quilting the quilt tops. My husband is always telling me “enjoy the process” so I guess in reality I do just that, enjoying each step that I’m on, from the planning stages to the binding. It’s all a joy for me.
Presenting Sugar and Spice Showcasing The Diner Days Fabric Line From Island Batik
Admittedly I am pleased with the way this quilt turned out. I’ve had the pattern on my bucket list for a couple of years – ever since I quilted the original one on the pattern cover for Deb Tucker. At one time my thought was to make it in more tropical colors since that’s my usual color preference, but the moment I saw Diner Days I was smitten. This is a beautiful collection that is currently in stores now – so please ask for it by name! So many design possibilities!
But Wait! There’s More!
In case you have missed the beginnings of the Back To School Blog Hop here’s the schedule. There are lots of giveaways so be sure and visit each of the Ambassadors blogs. We all love to have comments on our blogs so don’t be shy!
WEEK 1
Monday, September 4 – Beaujolais
Quilting Affection Designs • FunThreads Designs
Tuesday, September 5 – Country Dozen
Cheryl Lynch Quilts • Inspired Layers
Wednesday, September 6 – Bonsai
Little Bunny Quilts
Thursday, September 7 – Sakura
Masterpiece Quilting
Friday, September 8 – Empress Garden
Dessert Bloom Quilting • Slice of Pi Quilts
WEEK 2
Monday, September 11 – Fresh Pick’ins
KISSed Quilts
Tuesday, September 12 – Lotus Blooms
Kathys Kwilts and More
Wednesday, September 13 – Olivera
Moose Stash Quilting • Vicki’s Crafts and Quilting
Thursday, September 14 – Rise & Shine
Den Syende Himmel • Sally’s Quilting Corner
Friday, September 15 – Diner Days
Ark Angel Creations • The Quilt Rambler (you are here! Thank you!)
WEEK 3
Monday, September 18 – Seas the Day
KISSed Quilts • Whispers of Yore
Tuesday, September 19 – Vineyard
The Inquiring Quilter • Inchworm Fabrics
Wednesday, September 20 – Abalone
PamelaQuilts • Yellow Cat Quilts
Thursday, September 21 – Batiks Go Retro
Adventures in Applique and Quilting
Friday, September 22 – Captain’s Anchor
Purrfect Spots Designs • Beaquilter
WEEK 4
Monday, September 25 – Cherry Berry
Freemotion by the River • Mary Mack Made Mine
Tuesday, September 26 – Lobster Bake
Seams to be Sew
Wednesday, September 27 – Solstice
Bejeweled Quilts • heARTs Creations
Thursday, September 28 – Sour Apple
Seams Like a Dream • Kauffman Designs
Friday, September 29 – Zen
Lizard Creek Quilting • Quilt’n Party
Good Things Come To Those Who Read Until The End!
As promised – I have my own special giveaway and it’s not limited to just those in the United States! During my recent visit with Deb Tucker and the gang at Studio 180 Design, Deb was gracious enough to offer the “blog prize” for my post. An autographed copy of her Sugar and Spice pattern so you can make this beautiful 45″ x 62″ for yourself. The pattern calls for 12 fat quarters plus background, but I didn’t limit myself to just 12! The more color the merrier! I highly recommend fabrics from Island Batik! In fact, I’m going to include a few samples of Island Batik fabrics as a bonus…
To register to win:
Click on the link below to register to win. There are multiple ways to have chances of winning – from commenting to following on social media – but you must click on the link to do so. Random drawing on Sept 30th. I will contact you via email to get your shipping address!
News Flash:
Here’s the giveaway sponsored by Island Batik for more fabulous fabrics!
This is Karen Overton, The Quilt Rambler, sew happy to have you join me in this quilting journey!
I can’t remember how I found this blog. It might have been because you are an Island Batik ambassador.
I’m working on some fall placemats right now. I love fall colours!
My favorite back to school memory is getting my new school supplies ready (box of crayons and new tablet–sometimes a new pencil box) and anxiously waiting for the first day!
I still like a new box of crayons!
I first heard of you through this blog hop.
Thanks for visiting Barb – I hope you will subscribe and enjoy future ramblings
I am actually working on a 11 year old UFO trying to get it quilted this fall. Your quilt is beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Those UFOs keep on going sometimes, don’t they? Keep at it! They have a story to tell! I’m glad you enjoyed my quilt – thanks for stopping by!
I 1st heard about you from the Back to School – Island Batik Blog Hop.
So glad you stopped by, hope that you will subscribe for more ramblings – would love to share the journey with you
My fall project is a wedding quilt for my BIL. I love your version of the Sugar and Spice pattern. Your quilting is amazing too!
Family occasions make the best excuse for quilting – as if we need an excuse to quilt! I know that your wedding quilt gift will be cherished for a lifetime! Thank you for the compliments on my quilt, it was a joy to make and share with you.
I just found you from this Island Batik blog hop.
Welcome, Linda! I’m so glad you are following the blog hop! Hope you will subscribe and enjoy more ramblings
I remember those first day jitters that disappeared as soon as I saw all my friends again. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com
I like to say “I get by with a little help from my friends” – it sounds like that rings true for you too. Friends are to be cherished!
I heard of you through Island Batiks. But I don’t really remember how or when I heard of Island Batiks. Your quilt is absolutely beautiful! My quilts are almost always autumn colors but I love the pastels in this quilt! It looks so soft and soothing.
I’m so glad you found us – Island Batik has fabulous fabrics and the people in the “home office” are equally special (I’ve had the pleasure of meeting several). The ambassadors are a good group to be associated with also – hope you will keep up with all of us. Isn’t it funny how we are all drawn to different colors – you, autumn – me, tropical – yet a pleasing arrangement in a totally different colorway can truly catch our eye. That’s what I love about Island Batik – the collections make me get out of my comfort zone and try different colors! And they work so well together!
The first day of Junior High School. My sister and I (twins) had to ride the bus to school for the first time. We wore the Blue slacks and white and blue tops (Garanimals).
Thanks for participating in the Blog Hop although you’re dealing with the flooding. Your quilt is beautiful and thank you for all the techniques and tools. I’m going to visit Studio 180.
Thanks for hopping along Monica! What happy memories you have of you and your twin sharing the first day of school together! And yes, we are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and all the flooding…we are coming back stronger than before, just going to take a little time to find a new normal. Concerning Studio 180 Design – you will not find a better method of making block units than Deb Tucker’s techniques. Her designs are top notch, and I can truly say she and her entire family/team are the real deal. It’s nice to be associated with such nice people! Tell’em Karen O in TX sent ya’
We are Island Batik Ambassadors.
and what fun we have been having! Good luck on the giveaway! thanks for commenting, means the world to me
such a cute quilt, and no mention of Harvey!?
Makes me want to busy out my LeMoyne accuquilt die and make a quilt now 🙂
It is a fun quilt….and yes, no mention of Harvey – today it’s all about my love of quilting with Island Batik fabrics and Deb Tucker tools from Studio 180 Design. Tomorrow I may do a recap of our recent accomplishments in the Harvey cleanup….for anyone interested you can also follow my personal FB page and see lots of photos and comments about our experiences. thanks for asking Bea! Can’t wait to see your Lemoyne star quilt, you are such a fast quilter I bet you have it done in no time at all!
Very pretty, thanks for sharing and the great giveaway!! I found you by following the blog hop.
cork@pa.rr.com
So glad you stopped by Carol, I hope you will subscribe and keep up with the ramblings. Best of luck with the giveaway!
Just beautiful quilt. I love the line of fabric and the colors you chose. One day I want to make this quilt
Thank you Sally, it was a joy to make. Perhaps you will win the pattern, if not you know where to get it! I am pleased to say that I have more fabric from this line and am eager to make something else – Island Batik fabrics are like candy to me….I want more more more!
Absolutely beautiful quilt. I don’t know how I heard but glad I did. Honestly no favorite memories except I always liked science classes.
Glad you found us! I always liked Math class. It kinda fits with quilting, right?
My fall project is a quilt for my brother-in-law who is recovering from surgery. Love the star quilt;thank you for sharing the process.
A quilt for recovery is so like a quilter – love your generous heart!
This is so pretty! I really need to get some rulers and patterns for Studio 180. I’m also an IBA. Thanks.
I will be glad to help you with that Maryellen ???? coming soon
I’ve been following the blog hop and found you through that. Love your quilt and the fabrics! I’ve seen Deb Tucker do demos at quilt shows and she has amazing ways of doing things.
Indeed Deb does! Island Batik and Studio 180 Design is a good match! Thanks for stopping by
I always loved getting new school clothes.
My mom made most of mine – back to school fabric and pattern shopping was always the highlight of the end of summer
My Mom made a lot of our school clothes. With 6 kids to dress, it was a must. But we always got a certain amount of store bought too. Today it is the homemade clothes that I remember best.
I was blessed by a mom who sewed too. My favorite memory is a dress she made me for the 1st day of 8th grade! Thanks for visiting with me Carmen both here and FB – good luck in the giveaway!
I have so many ufos and proubly always will..right now I am working on a stare table runner…. happyness04431@yahoo.com
That sounds interesting! And PS – it’s okay to have UFO’s ???? better busy than bored!
I have so many ufos and proubly always will..right now I am working on a star table runner…. happyness04431@yahoo.com
Your quilt is really beautiful! I am usually drawn to bright colors, but I really like yours! I am working on a row by row quilt right now, which I hope to have done by the end of October.
Thank you. I usually like brighter colors too but this one just came together so wonderfully. Glad you are enjoying the row by row – end of October sounds doable!
I loved playing games at recess… marbles, skipping, etc etc
Now that’s a good school memory! Recess ????????
I try to keep on top of my UFOs and am pretty good for finishing projects…. but if I’m not happy with how one is going, it’s put aside for a bit.
I get easily distracted wanting to start another one before I finish the current one! Sounds like you have a good plan for completing
I heard about you through this
Welcome! Hope you enjoy all the blogs – would love to have you follow my ramblings too ????
I love these colors and the cute prints! This quilt is on my to do list and I like using Deb Tucker’s rulers. I always loved the smell of new books and crayons at the beginning of the new school year.
Good luck in the giveaway- Deb’s patterns and tools are the best! And of course everything looks better made from Island Batik fabrics ????
I found you through the Back to School Blog Hop! One of my favorite school memories is learning to read in 1st grade. I was sure my teacher was a magician because I never thought I’d learn!
Learning to read is indeed magical – oh the places we can go through reading! Thanks for sharing your memory!
Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous! I found you through this Blog Hop. Thank you for the giveaway.
I’m so glad you enjoyed my small contribution to the blog hop. Good luck in the giveaway!
My favorite back to school memory is getting new school supplies.
A shared memory! I still love school supplies ????
I found you via. Blog Hop!!!
I’m so glad you did! Hope you will visit often or better yet subscribe. Good luck in the giveaway!
Found you on Island Batik newsletter-blog hop! Very pretty pattern – love your colors! Starting school- the smell of paper, pencils & new notebooks! Thank you for sharing, Susan
I’m so glad you visited and shared your back to school memories Susan! You might like my covered composition notebook blog post and free tutorial ????
Oh my! This is gorgeous! You have mad quilting skills, I love the quilting you have done. Very inspiring and I have thought about trying to do the 180 certification, I am a sucker for Deb’s rulers. Love using them…everything is so easy and accurate!
Sharon you should absolutely look into being certified with Studio 180 Designs – they do this once a year. And thank you, I enjoyed quilting this one!
I found the back to school blog hop through Moose stash quilting 🙂
Welcome – thanks for joining us
I am working on some wonderful orange place mats, wonky log cabin blocks.
Orange is a great color to work with! Enjoy the process!
Wow! This has to be one of my favorite Island Batik lines to date. I also tend to use more tropical and bright colors, but I love the more muted tones. My favorite fall memory is raking leaves out in the yard with my dad. I always loved raking more than mowing grass and shoveling snow.
I agree with you Dawn, I was equally surprised at loving this line since I too like bright colors. I hope you will seek it out at your local quilt shop. Raking fall leaves is indeed a wonderful memory. We raised our boys in Tennessee and I’d forgotten about that as we now live in the gulf coast of Texas and the fall leaves aren’t quite as colorful. I don’t miss the snow ???? thanks for joining in the fun. Hope to visit again soon????
I will be quilting a watermelon table topper.
That sounds like endless summer to me! I’d enjoy that myself – great plans Laura!
Back to school memory…a rebellious youth…after 8th grade I asked to go to school early. That meant I got to leave home! They packed me up that June and sent me to boarding school for the next 4 years! Being independent was important then…and I guess still is as I enjoy the freedom of quilting with no rules!! Scrap piecing is a joy! Thanks for your inspiration!
You my dear Pat are a joy – independence looks good on you! Good luck with the giveaway
I am a retired teacher and, believe it or not, I always looked forward to the beginning of the school year. Of course, I always looked forward to the end of the year as well!
Both mark seasons in our lives! Thanks for visiting my blog – good luck with giveaway
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