May Tool Craze Blog Hop and drawing

 

Cirque du Soleil

27 1/2" x 27 1/2"

May is time for another Island Batik Ambassador Blog Hop.  

This hop is called Tool Craze and our challenge was to use the Surprise fabric bundle that was in our latest box.  Along with that we were to use the Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design ruler that we were given.  Interesting challenge!

This was my surprise bundle.  It's always exciting to see what we receive.

I received the V Block ruler. 

The Island Batik fabrics in my bundle was the collection Make a Wish by Kathy Engle.  These fabrics should be in the shops now, so go to your local stores and ask if they have it.  If they don't have it now- tell them they should order it!

Aren't these cute prints!  Such a feeling of a party with balloon, candles, steamers, etc.

The Studio 180 Design ruler I received was for making V blocks.  The block is just like it looks on the label.  The ruler enables you to make 11 different sizes of V blocks.  An added challenge was that we were to make at least 30 blocks with our ruler and to make 2 different size blocks with it AND if we had other Studio 180 rulers it would be good to include them in the design.  That's a big challenge, but I was able to do it!

I am easily inspired by fabrics, but putting the requirement of what kind of block to use with it requires a bit more thought.  I like that these rulers allow you to make different size blocks, although making two different size blocks in one design was an added challenge.

I selected 13 fabrics above from the collection to use and also Island Batik solid white.  Two of the fabrics were used for the backing.

As I worked with the fabrics and the design it reminded me of a circus.  See if you get the same feeling.

I ended up making  4 V blocks that finished 3" x 3".  They are surrounding the center square.  I made 40 V blocks that finished 2" x 2".  These are in the outer border.  They may be harder to see as I butted the blocks up to each other in pairs.  

I also used the Corner Pop ruler I received last year.  I made 4 corner pop blocks that measure 3" x 3".  They also surround the center block.  

I added some fused appliques with Lite Steam a Seam 2 that I button hole stitched once the quilt was basted.  I used Hobbs Cotton batting which is great for wall hangings and one I use a lot.

I used three colors of Aurifil thread that matched perfectly.  It's so great when you have the perfect color on hand. I always use Schmetz needles in my machine.  I love their non stick needles when working with any fused applique.

I used two fabrics from the collection for the backing - an extra surprise!

For added embellishment I added 22 buttons.  It took awhile to sew them all down!

Does the quilt remind you of a circus?  I named it Cirque du Soleil which is French for Circus of the Sun.  I think it's a perfect name.

Thanks to Island Batik, Aurifil Threads, Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design, Hobbs Batting and Schmetz Needles for providing products to make this project.

I have a drawing of two stash builder rolls.  Leave a comment below to be entered.  USA entrants only due to postage costs.  I will draw a winner at the end of the blog hop.  Make sure that I can contact you if you win.

This is the first week of the blog hop.  Island Batik has a great drawing of two fat quarter bundles this week - either Make a Wish or Let it Snow.  Don't pass up this chance to win some great fabric!  Be sure to enter here.

Also, be sure and check out all the Ambassadors to see what fabrics they are working with and what they have designed.