Monday, August 31, 2020

Island Batik Tool Time Challenge

 


This month Island Batik worked with Studio 180 Designs and Deb Tucker to create a design with a tool that was provided.  We were also provided with the optional extra worksheets for the tools, and were encouraged to watch the free videos that Deb's created to show how to use the tools and create designs.  The tools and fabric were provided as part of the Ambassador program.  I also use Aurifil Thread 50 wt for piecing, and Schmetz Microtex needles.  

My tool was Split Rects.  It makes multiple sizes with the correct angle for the split, from 1/2" by 1" to 4 by 8" finished size units.  The unit is similar to a half square triangle unit, but it's a rectangle in even proportions.  The optional designs include a single and double diagonal seam, too.  I looked at that, but with the other projects I needed to get finished this month, I wanted to go simple.  

My original design was to add the Split Rects units to 4 patch centers, for 12" blocks, and to make a scrappy blue and black quilt for my great nephew.  I got 6 blocks done in June, then set it aside to finish another project.  

I used some of the Stash Builder rolls to make the 4 patch units, and yardage of the blues and Solid Black.

This is the EQ8 version.  I liked playing with the direction of the blocks, and finding the twisted star as a secondary design.  But when I found out Noah has a full size bed, and I don't have enough of the Navy Basics fabric (it's on back order) I played with a second plan. 

An easier plan.  One that is also smaller.  And possible to finish this month.  But you all know about the best plans, right?  

I grabbed the 10" Stack of Floralicious, and the Aqua Basics and Coconut neutral, and played on EQ8 again. 

I used the Split Rects tool to create the sashing.  Long story short, I made a mistake in the sizing.  I looked at the tool, saw it had a 2  1/2 by 5" size, and cut to make lots of the units.  I cut 16 pieces of Floralicious into 5" squares.  But that would make a 4 1/2" finished unit, not 5", so I had trim down the Split Rects units, and squares to 4 1/2" or 4" finished.  

I also opted to make it a smaller size, basically a baby size quilt, instead of lap.  Here's the top.  I also opted to piece all the Split Rects units going the same way, not as illustrated above.  I used units in both directions, but piecing was easier to just keep them all the same.  It's actually a very fast assemble with a little bit of sparkle for a quick project.  It allows Floralicious to shine, but it's more than a simple sashing.  

Chain piecing for the win!  

Then comes the precision trimming.  I use a Highlighter Tape to mark the lines I need to follow and the corner of the unit, so I can easily find them and make sure I'm accurate.  I use this removable tape on many of my rulers.  It makes finding the right spot so easy.  I'm sure you can find it in stationary stores. There are other similar ideas on the market, one with arrows.  

But once I realized the 5' finished was too big, I carefully pulled up the tape and moved it to the 4 by 8"  line.  There was a little waste because of my mistake, but not much when trimming the properly cut size, according to the tool. 

Here's the current top. 


I added a border of Coconut and I'm thinking about the next border I want to add.  I have squares I can cut for piano key, or more of the Aqua if I want to go solid.  Or maybe I'll use some of the Split Rects to make a wavy border, then add the Aqua.  I'll let you know when it's done. 


But using the tool was great.  I have a few of the Studio 180 tools, and like them all.  The directions and videos are great, and the options are many.  You get perfectly sized units each time, so your top is almost perfect!  There are also tons of supporting patterns, where you can use the ruler again.  I love that, most of all.  So many templates are only for one purpose.  These have multiple sizes and many patterns, and since the unit sizes are standard, you can use them for patterns that call for the same size pieces, too.  

Please visit all the other Ambassadors to see what they've done this month.  I actually feel like a slacker after seeing how creative they were.  Jaw dropping designs! 

Carolina Asmussen ~ Carolina Asmussen Designs
Megan Stanionis Best ~ Best Quilter
Pamela Boatright ~ Pamelaquilts
Jennifer Fulton ~ The Inquiring Quilter
Vasudha Govindan ~ Storied Quilts
Joanne Hart ~ Unicorn Harts
Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts
Carla Henton ~ Creatin’ in the Sticks
Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs
Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
Denise Jackson Looney ~ For The Love Of Geese
Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
Sally Manke ~ Sally Manke, Fiber Artist
Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine
Carol Moellers ~ Carol Moellers Designs
Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads
Sharon Riley ~ Sew Riley Designs
Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde
Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
Jennifer Strauser ~ Dizzy Quilter
Jennifer Schifano Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
Alison Vermilya ~ Little Bunny Quilts
Sandra Walker ~ mmm! quilts
Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt
Janet Lael Pedersen Yamamoto ~ Whispers of Yore

You have to look at Megan Best's blog.  Her quilt went traveling!   So funny. And Carol Moeller's design, Vasudha's, etc.  Really, go look at them all.  Get some inspiration and then get the tools.  Sally's design is great, too.  Have fun reading!

Thanks for visiting
Maryellen

3 comments:

For the love of geese said...

I love it. The sashing locks add interest.

Emily said...

This is fun! The aqua looks like water flowing across the top!

Kathleen said...

Fun to see where you started and where you landed. Love the quilt.