December Island Batik Challenge

Anything goes this month.  As much as I love the more challenging projects we're asked to do, it's lovely having a month to just choose, or to finish something.  I have a few project done already, and hope to get another one or two done, as well.  

You may remember last year when my sister-in-law's twin asked me to make a Christmas topper.  Well, I love how it came out, but her table is grey, and she didn't think the background of a creamy tone worked for her, so this year I did it again, using Coconut for the background.  I used the same Poinsettia embroidery from Embroidery Library, and the same Aurifil 40wt threads, but used some Basics from Island Batik, since I didn't have any more of the holiday tjaps.  

I snapped a few quick photos tonight to show her, and she wants to buy it.  So, yay. 

I did have to quilt this on my Janome 9450 machine, and I haven't used it for free motion before, so I had to get out the book and figure out the settings.  My Handi-Quilter Amara is in Pocono Sew and Vac getting a spa treatment, and a new board.  So, free motion feathers were used, and I used 50wt Dove for the background, and red and green for those units.  It's bound with green, and has Hobb's Heirloom bleached 80-20 in the middle.  

The second finish so far is a new lunch bag.  

I used the By Annie Out to Lunch 2.0 pattern for this one!

Occasionally when I do day trips, I'll grab some snacks and extra water bottles, and wanted something to pack it in.  This was made with left-over fabric that was quilted for the October Round Trip Duffle, with the Poetic Bouquet collection.  I purchased the pattern, foldable elastic and zippers, and had enough mesh from the kit I was provided for October.  I used a Basic fabric for the stabilizer sleeve, and some foam core I had here.  I had to be creative when cutting the pieces, but I actually had just enough from the October bag.  The pattern is pretty easy, the videos are wonderful, and the bag is large enough to carry my Yeti 30oz mug, and a sandwich or snacks.  

The little aqua tab is actually a patch.  I made the mistake of not removing a safety pin, and the pin caught when sewing the zipper and made a little tear in the fabric.  The patch hides it.  But it is luckily centered, so no one will know, just looks like a cute accent.  

Front and back slip pockets, plus the handle has the strapping inside, so it's really sturdy.

Inside full mesh zippered pocket on one side, 2 mesh pockets on the other, with folded elastic top.  

Gussets on each side allow the bag to be opened without stuff falling out. 

It looks so cute with my duffle!  

Yeti inside!  I can't wait for the next day trip, probably to pick up my long arm.  Of course, for both, my Oliso Pro iron came in very handy, as did Schmetz needles.  These were supplied for the Ambassadors by the industry partneres. 

So there's more to come.  

Happy Holidays, and I hope you have some fun sewing projects planned, and wonderful events scheduled.  

Thanks for visiting, and please check out the other ambassador projects.  I'm sure you'll find something to inspire.  

Maryellen