Feb. Island Batik Ambassador Table Runner Challenge

Sparklers Table Runner  14 1/2" x 34"

February is the first month of the Island Batik Ambassador challenges for 2025.  We're starting the year with the Runner Up Blog Hop.  This month our Sponsor for this challenge is Deb Tucker's Studio 180.  Each Ambassador was given a ruler from Studio 180 to use in making a table runner, and a Fall 2024 fabric collection bundle from Island Batik.

I received the Island Batik Collection called Joyous by the designer Jerry Khiev.  This is a beautiful collection of 20 fabrics that are shipping to stores now. I also was given yardage in a light and dark fabric from the collection to use.

My final selection of fabrics was 13 from the collection above

I received the Square Squared ruler from Deb Tucker.  Each ruler comes with a nice sheet with instructions on how to use the ruler.  I love that the rulers show how to make blocks in many sizes.  This ruler makes blocks in 6 sizes from 1" to 6" blocks.

This is a completed Square in a Square block.

This ruler is very easy to understand and use.  It has three parts.  The first part shows you what size to cut the center block- depending on what finished size block you want.  This is very nice as that center square can be a very awkward size. This ruler makes blocks in finished sizes 1 to 6 inches.  She also has a ruler that will make blocks in half inch increment sizes.

The second part of the ruler gives you measurements on what size squares to cut so that they can be cut on the diagonal to make the corner pieces to the block.

The third part of the ruler gives placement of the block so that it can be trimmed to the correct size.  I love that this ruler you can make the blocks individually.  There is very little waste in the trimming which I appreciate.  As with all her rulers, you end up with very accurate sized blocks.

Deb Tucker also has Technique sheets that can be purchased to make variations of the block.  I picked the Technique Sheet to make Little Houses.  I made both the Square Squared blocks and the Little Houses block in my table runner. 

The Little Houses block is the same block as the Square in a Square without adding the last two triangle sides.

The fabrics in this collection look like stars and fireworks.  I turned the Little Houses blocks on their sides to make them look like arrows- with the idea of Sparklers shooting out from the center. 

Just to give you an idea of my design process- here are several different designs I had before I decided on the final one.  It's often hard to pick a favorite design!

Here are the blocks laid out in rows  in the design I decided on.

I used Hobbs Natural Cotton batting and used Schmetz needles to sew with.  These are my go to supplies!

I used the dark yardage from the collection for the back of the runner.

When the runner was finished I quilted it with a lovely blue/teal thread from Aurifil #4093.  This color blended nicely with all the fabrics.

Here's a closer look at the center of the runner

This sweet little table runner is 14 1/2" x 34". I can use it on my end table or under the tv.

Many thanks to Island Batik and sponsors Deb Tucker's Studio 180, Aurifil , Hobbs and Schmetz Needles for supplying products to use thru the Island Batik Ambassador program.

I have a giveaway of 3 half yard pieces from the collection that blend well together. These are pieces I didn't use in the table runner. Leave a comment below saying what you might make with the fabrics. USA entries only due to postage costs.

Be sure and go to the Island Batik blog and enter the drawing for one of two beautiful fabric collections.  You don't want to miss this chance to receive one of these beautiful bundles!

Also- be sure and enter the new contest on the Island Batik Blog.  This contest you can enter which of the Ambassador's projects you like the most each month.  I hope you check out everyone's blog to see what they have created.  Each month the Ambassador with the most votes will receive a prize and one of the persons that voted will also receive a prize!  This is a new and fun giveaway we'll have each month.