Category Archives: BlockBuster’s

Island Batik’s “A Piece Of” Blog Hop

The fabrics shown in this post were given to me by Island Batik.

Last January Island Batik gave me a secret bundle to hold onto till November, it was Tropical Escape shown above. I sat and looking at the bundle of gorgeous fabrics, waiting for them to talk to me. The goal is for me to introduce the Tropical Escape fabric line by making a quilt showcasing as many of the 20 fabrics as possible.

I decided to use Studio 180 Design’s BlockBuster pattern #29 Pointsettia. This block requires the Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star, Split Rects and Tucker Trimmer I tools. You can download the BlockBuster pattern below:

29-pointsettia Download

I loved that the Poinsettia block could be made in 7″, 14″ or 21″ finished blocks. I chose the 21″ blocks.

Time to break out the paper plates. I sorted my fabrics by color and value, pairing a light/medium value with a darker value. This would allow me to use 16 different fabrics to form the flowers. I would use the lighter value fabric for the Lemoyne star quarters and the darker value fabrics for the split rects units.

My tip for staying organized while making Lemoyne stars is to label two paper plates, one “A” & one “B”. Follow the Lemoyne star tool instructions. When you come to Step 7, make one 45 degree cut – then imediateley reposition your ruler to cut the side triangles as you go.

If you are right handed the “B” strip was on the bottom & the “A” strip was on top. Place the “A” unit on the plate marked “A” and the “B” unit on the plate marked “B”, place one triangle on each plate also. (If you are left handed the “A” strip would be on the bottom and the “B” strip would be on top). Continue cutting your units, placing each unit on their assigned plate. Construct the Lemoyne units as instructed. Throughout the process you will always know which units are “A” and which are “B”. This is important for knowing which way to press your seams. Another tip for pressing the lemoyne star units is to “remember, the Lemoyne star point should always be pointed to the left”. To make Lemoyne star quarters you will square them up using your Tucker Trimmer 1 before stitching them to the split rects units.

Layout your Lemoyne quarters with your mirror image split rects units and stitch together.

Press seams as shown above.

Continue making your Lemoyne star quarters/split rects units. They are all constructed the same way.

Stitch a background rectangle with each Lemoyne quarter/split rects unit as shown. Follow block assembly instruction in the BlockBuster #29 pattern.

At first I decided to make 6 – 21″ blocks measuring 60″ x 83″.

But I discovered I had enough units to make 9 blocks with left over Lemoyne quarters for the use in the outer border. Quilt measures 83″ x 83″.

It’s funny how this quilt came about. It stared with Island Batik’s fabric line: Tropical Escape; BlockBuster’s Pointsettia block (a Christmas flower); and it is named after a canyon in Arizona. I named this quilt Copper Canyon Blooms as I think they look like desert blooms! In the supply list below I’ve given you fabric requirements for both the 6 block top and the 9 block top.

copper-canyon-blooms-supply-list Download

#islandbatik #bestofbali #tropicalescape #studio180design #blockbusters #EQ8

I visited the Oneida County Historical Society to take this photo on the steps.

Whistle Stop Tour – Steam Engine

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Deb Tucker’s “Steam Engine” fabric line from Island Batik is simply Gorgeous.

Card Shark: what a great block, made with Half Square Triangles, Non Mirror Combo units & a Stacked Square. Constructed using Studio 180 Design Tucker Trimmer I & Square Squared tools with Stacked Squares & Non Mirror Combo Units Technique Sheets.

Download your Cutting instructions here:

card-shark Download

Half Square Triangles:

Your Tucker Trimmer Tool Instructions give you the information you need to complete your Half Square Triangles. Cut your squares and using your Magic Wand draw two diagonal lines. Match up your dark and light fabric squares aligning the raw edges. Stitch on the lines, cut apart and press to the dark fabric. Remember: whatever you are pressing toward, goes on top. Trim your Half Square Triangle units to 4 1/2″.

Non Mirror Combo Units: Past construction methods would result in mirror image units. Sometimes we need combination units that are the same as in Card Shark which requires two of each units below:

Determine your color placement. Follow the instructions in the Non Mirror Combo Units Technique Sheet.

Make the half square triangles first by using the Magic Wand and mark 4 diagonal lines from corner to corner. Follow the stitching instructions in the technique sheet. Cut apart.

Press toward the dark triangle.

Cut squares for large triangles once diagonally.

Pair small triangles with the large triangles, center and stitch. Press toward the large triangle.

Trim units to 4 1/2″.

Stacked Square:

Layout your Stacked Square unit pieces.

Start by making a four patch and swirl the center. Our Stacked Square is a 4″ finished unit. Check the chart on the Stacked Square Technique sheet to find the Cut size for the center square, which is 2 1/2″. Using my my Tucker Trimmer I trimmed the four patch to 2 1/2″.

Check your color placement and stitch two triangles. Press toward the triangle and add the two more triangles pressing toward the triangles as before.

The Large Square Squared Tool is broken up into two different parts. Part “A” & Part “B” to include guidelines for making 12 different sizes. The chart in the Stacked Squares Tech sheet tells us what size to cut our side triangles and how line up for trimming. The first trim uses Part “A” to trim before adding the second round of triangles.

After adding the second round of triangles, use Part “B” to trim the stack square to a cut size of 4 1/2″.

Lay out your units, stitch together in to rows.

Card Shark is now ready to add the quilt!

I use my Groovy Seam Rippers made by fellow quilter Nancy Townsend as my little helpers while quilting.

The Whistle Stop Quilt is made up of 12″ blocks and 6″ finished blocks.

This is “Roll the Dice”. It is made with Studio 180 Design Square Squared and Split Rects tools. Click below to download the cutting instructions.

roll-the-dice Download

Using your Split Rects tool, cut 4 side triangles for Type 1 units, per your tool instructions from your two fabrics making sure your fabrics are right side up. Stitch triangles together and press seams open.

Trim your Split Rects to 2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″, rotate and trim again.

Square Squared

Cut your center square using Part “A” for a 2″ finished unit.

Trim to the cut size of 2 1/2″ using Part “B” of your Square Squared tool. Rotate and trim again.

Layout your block units.

Place the center square/squared unit right sides together with a Split Rects unit aligning the raw edges of the top and sides. Stitch a partial seam along the dark fabric of the Split rects stopping just past the center of the Square/Squared unit.

Now add a Split Rects unit across the top. Be sure the dark fabric of the Split Rects Units are against the center square/squared unit. Press toward the split rects unit.

Add a third split rects unit and press as before.

Add the fourth Split Rects units.

Fold over the split rects unit with the partial seam and align the raw edges. Stitch meeting up with the partial seam.

Below is the complete schedule for the Whistle Stop Tour:

Monday September 9^th

Karen Overton – The Quilt Rambler

Tuesday September 10^th

Michelle Renee Hiatt – Sew on the Go
Marie McKay – Ribbon Star Studio

Wednesday September 11^th

Sarah Furrer – Studio 180 Design

Thursday, September 12^th

Gail Renna – Quilt Haven Threads
Kathie Beltz- Kathie Beltz Designs

Friday, September 13^th

Jackie O’Brien – If these Threads Could Talk

Saturday, September 14^th

Tammy Silvers – Tamarinis
Carolyn Ratola – CaTs Quilting

Sunday, September 15^th

Tina Dillard – Quilting Affection Design
Bonny Peters – Cat Den Mountain Quilts

Monday, September 16^th

Sarah Furrer – Studio 180 Design

#studio180design #SteamEngine #Islandbatik #WhistleStopTour

Island Batik Getaway Blog Hop

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The fabrics shown in this post were given to me by Island Batik

Deb Tucker’s Twilight Chic by Island Batik

Well, if you can’t getaway, go to the library for a good book! The Utica, NY Public Library opened in 1904. I love the inside of this Library.

The upper floors of the Utica Library are made of thick glass. I used to love coming here as a child.

In every box of fabric we Island Batik Ambassador’s receive, there is a secret bundle of the newly released batiks. I was lucky enough to be assigned Twilight Chic by Deb Tucker for Studio 180 Design. This is my third quilt from the Twilight Chic line.

Shaded Chic is based on BlockBuster # 35 Hidden Blossoms.

Each block has 8 Shaded Four Patch units and 8 Sliver units.

This block is made using Studio 180 Design’s Tucker Trimmer I & Corner Beam tools with the Shaded Four Patch & Sliver Technique Sheets.

Shaded Chic consists of nine 12″ blocks and measures 50″ x 50″.

Be sure to visit Island Batik to enter their give away of 20 fat quarter bundle.

Here is the list of all the ambassadors for this month-long hop!

WEEK 1

Monday, January 7 – Crystal Ball

Maryellen McAuliffe– Mary Mack’s Blog

Sandra Walker- mmm! quilts

Tuesday, January 8 – Ditty

Stephanie Jacobson – Steph Jacobson Designs

Michelle Roberts – Creative Blonde

Wednesday, January 9 – Elk Lodge

Connie Campbell – Free Motion by the River

Anna Branch– Ark Angel Creations

Thursday, January 10 – Feline Fine

Bea Lee– Bea Quilter

Sharon Parcel– Yellow Cat Designs

Friday, January 11 – Flea Market

Geraldine Wilkins– Living Water Quilter

Jessica Caldwell– Desert Bloom Quilting

WEEK 2

Monday, January 14 – Fortune Teller

Sarah Goer– Sarah Goer Quilts

Sherry Shish– Powered by Quilting

Jennifer Fulton– The Inquiring Quilter

Tuesday, January 15 – Gypsy Rose

Jen Strauser – Dizzy Quilter

Janet Yamamoto– Whispers of Yore

Wednesday, January 16 – Paisley Park

Dione Gardner-Stephen– Clever Chameleon

Nancy Scott– Masterpiece Quilting

Thursday, January 17 – Soul Song

Carole Lyles Shaw– Carol Lyles Shaw

Toby Lischko – Gateway Quilts & Stuff

Friday, January 18 – Twilight Chic

Jackie OBrien – If These Threads Could Talk

Tina Dillard– Quilting Affection

WEEK 3

Monday, January 21 – Winter Park

Jennifer Thomas– Curlicue Creations

Anita Skjellanger– Quilt In a Not Shell

Tuesday, January 22 – Bazaar

Karen Overton– The Quilt Rambler

Alison Vermilya– Little Bunny Quilts

Turid Bakken– Den syende Himmel

Wednesday, January 23 – Blossom

Karen Neary – Sew Karen-ly Created

Leanne Parsons– Devoted Quilter

Thursday, January 24 – Boho

Laura Piland– Slice of Pi Quilts

Suzy Webster– Adventurous Applique and Quilting

Myra Barnes– Busy Hands Quilts

Friday, January 25 – Brookview

Vicki Schlimmer – Vicki’s Crafts and Quilting

Amy Warner– Sew Incredibly Crazy

WEEK 4

Monday, January 28 – French Blue

Pamela Boatright – PamelaQuilts

Joyce Mullis– Hearts Creations

Tuesday, January 29 – Midsummer Night

Kathleen McCormick – Kathleen McMusing

Connie Kauffman– Kauffman Designs

Wednesday, January 30 – Oh Deer

Jen Shaffer– Patterns by Jen

Jeanette Jones– Inchworm Fabrics

Thursday, January 31 – Snow Berry

Sally Mannke– Sally Manke Fiber Artist

Joan Kawano– Moosestash Quilting

Friday, February 1- Candy Cane Lane and Icicle

Terri Vanden Bosch Icicle – Meanderings along Lizard Creek

Anne Wiens- Icicle – Sweetgrass Creative Designs

Mania Hatziioannidi Candy Cane Lane- Mania For Quilts

Barbara Gaddy – Candy Cane Lane –Bejeweled Quilts by Barb

# Islandbatikgetawaybloghop #islandbatik #twilightchic #debtucker #studio180design #bestofbali

Whimsical and Wonky

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The Island Batik Ambassador’s December challenge was to create a project that is Whimsical & Wonky”. Well, I settled on Tipsy! My Holiday Tipsy Tree is based on BlockBuster pattern # 27 Roll the Dice . This year I have made many quilt projects using Split Rects Units so it is only fitting I end the year with Split Rects.

For this quilt I used Island Batik’s “Alpine Jungle” line of beautiful batiks. I also used Studio 180 Design Split Rects, Square/Squared, Wing Clipper I & Lemoyne Star tools. I chose four different green fabrics, 9 for block centers.

Cut your elongated triangles according to the Split Rects tool instructions.

Cut your background side triangles the same way.

Lay out your split rects, align and center the two pieces with just a bit of overlap at the ends. Stitch and press seams open. I love using my “Stick Strip” for pressing seams open.

Following the tool instructions trim, rotate & trim again.

Make the 9 Square/Squared units following the Square Squared tool instructions. I chose 9 different unit centers but you could make them all one color if you like. Each side of the square/squared unit will be different to match the fabric used for the split rects units.

Lay out your units as they will be stitched. Choose a square/squared unit for the center, rotating the square/squared unit so the side triangle matches the same fabric used in the split rects unit.

This block is constructed using a partial seam. Place the square/squared unit right sides together with one of the split rects units being sure to match the fabrics and stitch half way down the square/squared unit.

This gives you the next complete edge to stitch another split rects to, again matching the square/squared unit fabric with the split rects fabric.

When stitching the split rects to the square/squared unit, always place the precision cut square/squared unit on top be careful to stitch using the unit center as a guide.

Continue stitching the split rects units and complete the partial seam, pressing toward the split rects units. Make the other 8 blocks the same way.

Tree Trunk: Make one set of 2″ x 4″ finished flying geese using the Wing Clipper I tool instructions. Only 3 flying geese units will be needed.

Tree Star: Make the 6″ finished lemoyne star using the Lemoyne Star tool instructions.

Lay out your quilt blocks and construct the quilt center. Once the borders are added the finished quilt measures 38″ x 38″.

Happy Holidays!

#islandbatik #thebestofbali #islandbatikambassador #alpinejungle #iloveislandbatik #debtucker #studio180design #whimsicalandwonky

Holiday Tipsy Tree Supply List Download

My Evening Elegance Revealed

Evening Elegance Blog Hop

Great Outdoor Blog Hop Week 4

Great Outdoor Blog Hop Week 3

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I love Island Batik fabrics, Studio 180 Design Tools & EQ8! So I wanted to share some of my Sunday morning creativity.

I started with BlockBuster 19 Exploding Lemoynes (you can find all the BlockBuster patterns on http://www.ifthesethreadscouldtalk.com). There are 3 different color versions of this block. These blocks require the Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star tool.

This is Exploding Lemoynes version 1

This is what happens when you put 4 version 1 blocks together.

Exploding Lemoynes version 2 block.

Exploding Lemoynes Version 2 with 4 blocks.

Exploding Lemoynes version 3 block.

Exploding Lemoynes version 3 with 4 blocks put together. These are so cool and easy to make with the Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star tool that makes Lemoyne stars in 10 sizes from 3″ to 12″ blocks!

I want to share links to Island Batik’s Great Outdoor Blog Hop for week 3:

Monday, August 20 – Ocean Odyssey
Toby Lischko, Karen Overton

Tuesday, August 21 – British Rose
Busy Hands Quilts, Mania for Quilts

Wednesday, August 22 – Dear William
The Inquiring Quilter, MMM Quilts, Living Water Quilter

Thursday, August 23 – Dragonfly Dreams
Inchworm Fabrics, BeaQuilter

Friday, August 24 – Fur-ocious Friends
Quilting Affection Designs, Dizzy Quilter

Be sure to visit all the links and enter to win “Give Aways”.

#iheartislandbatik #islandbatikfabrics #studio180design #debtucker #EQ8 #electricquilt

Scrapodopolis – BlockBuster’s #1 – #9

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I just finished my quilt containing Deb Tucker’s BlockBuster patterns #1 through #9! Scrapodopolis seems like a pretty good name.

I used the Tucker trimmer 1, Wing Clipper 1, Square/Squared, V Block & Four Patch Square up tools from Studio 180 Design. I was encouraged by fellow Certified Instructor Sarah Furrer to try a block layout a little outside the box, and I totally did!

This is the layout I chose. I did change it up a little.

My blocks are 12″ when finished. that indicated that my Square/Squared units would finish at 6″. I Needed 16 square/squared units and decided the center squares would be cut from 16 different fabric pulled from the blocks & the side triangles would be the same background fabric used in the blocks. The 3″ rectangles on either side of the square/squared units would match the border fabric. The outer borders would finish at 6″ also. I added a 3″ border outer border to enhance the four square/squared units in the border.

Don’t do what I did. I started in the center and stitched the outer square/squared units to the center blocks, (they had to be un-sewed and sewn to the borders pieces). In each of the corners, I stitched a 12″ block to a square/squared unit & stitched a square/squared unit to a 6.5″ square and then stitched it to the block. The two blocks on either side of the center were stitched to a square/squared unit

This is much better. Now there are 3 rows of blocks in the center ready to be stitched together & the border square/squared units are pieced to the border strips.

Once all the pieces were stitched together I decided I needed to add a 3″ outer border so all the units appear to be floating.

I am so pleased with how it came out! My finished quilt measures 67″ x 67″.

I can’t wait to start the next quilt with BlockBuster #10!

BlockBuster #9 – Three In One

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This block requires your Tucker Trimmer I and V Block tools. BlockBuster 09 Three in One provides 3 different possible block layouts. The block is made up of V Block, Combination & Quarter Square Triangle units. I’m making Block 1 as a 12″ block, with 4″ finished units.

All of the units in these three blocks are the same (and placed in the same location), yet just by rotating the units and changing your fabric placement, you’ll get three very different blocks.

These are my fabric choices. I will be making Block 1. I decided where I wanted my fabrics in the block by looking at the colors in block 1 and assigned my fabric choice for the units.

I need four V Block units with the center triangle cut from the background fabric and the side triangles cut from each of my four fabric colors. For a 4″ finished unit I cut a 5″ WOF strip of the background and each of the four fabric color groups. (check the Size Cutting Chart in the tool instructions and on the tool itself.)

The center unit is a Quarter Square Triangle made from each of the four fabrics. I cut a 5 1/2″ square from each of my four fabrics. ( Check the Size Cutting Chart in the tool instructions.)

The corner units are Combination Units. Each combo unit is made from fabrics that match the side triangles on either side of the V Block units and the background fabric. Cut 2 each 5 1/2″ squares from each of the four fabrics and four 5 1/2″ squares from the background fabric.

V Bock Units

Everything you need to know for making V Block units is in the tool instructions. I’m starting with the V Block center triangles. To cut the center triangles, layer no more than two layers deep. Fold the ends deep enough to accommodate the slanted cut for a 4″ finished unit and finger press it.

Position the tool on the strip so that the dashed line labeled “Fold Line for Center Triangle” is aligned with the fold and the correct size line of the tool is against the bottom edge of the strip. Trim along the slanted edge of the tool and unfold to reveal the center triangle pieces.

Move the cut triangles to the side and flip the strip over from top to bottom. Align the center triangle trim line with the previously trimmed edge and cut your next pair of center triangles. For this block you need four center triangles.

For the Side triangles. place the strips facing each other, either right sides or wrong sides together on the cutting mat. Locate the bold solid line on the tool that reads “Cut Line for Side Triangles”. Position that line against the trimmed end of the strip and the proper size line against the bottom of the strip. Trim along the slanted edge of the tool.

Cut one set from each of the four fabrics.

Lay out the V Block units, making sure you are lining up the long edge of the side triangles with the edges of the center triangle. Position pieces right sides together lining up the slanted cut edges “tip to tip” and stitch one side triangle to the unit. Press toward the side triangle. Position second triangle, stitch & press as shown. Repeat with the other V Blocks.

Lay the V Block unit on the cutting mat with “V” pointing toward you. Lay the tool on the unit aligning the “Finished Size” measurement with the seam lines. Trim up the right side and across the top. (For left hand cutting directions see tool instructions.)

Lift the tool and rotate the unit. Reposition the tool on top aligning the correct “Cut Size” measurements with the previously trimmed corner and “X” with the sewn seam intersection. Trim up the right side across the top.

Quarter Square Triangle – Center Unit

Check the Size Cutting Chart to determine size of the starter squares. For 4″ finished units cut one 5 1/2″ square from each of the four colors. Make half square triangles (HST) by marking two diagonal lines on the back of 2 of the fabric squares with your Magic Wand, stitch on the lines and cut apart. Press seams toward the darker fabric. Do Not Trim. Check your fabric placement choices to determine which fabrics to make HST’s out of.

Note: When making half square triangles, combination units and quarter square triangles, you will be making two units at a time. You can make two blocks or save the units for something later.

On the back of one of the HST’s, use your Magic Wand and mark two diagonal lines. Position the HST units right sides together, carefully nesting the sewn seams. Stitch on the lines, cut apart and press swirling the center.

Position your Tucker Trimmer over the pieced unit. Carefully align both the common diagonal and the size diagonal lines over the sewn seam lines. Trim up the right side and across the top. Lift the Tucker Trimmer tool and rotate the unit. This time be sure to position both the common diagonal, the size diagonal lines and the outline of the square to the exact measurement desired. Right hander’s trim up the right side and across the top, while left hander’s will trim up the left side and across the top.

Combination Units

Check you fabric placement choice to group your fabrics for making the combo units. There are three 5 1/2″ squares (one background & 2 darker fabrics) for each combo unit. Start by making half square triangles (HST) by marking two diagonal lines on the back of one of the darker fabric squares and placing it right sides together with the other dark fabric square. Stitch on the lines and cut apart and press. Do Not Trim. Do this for each color group.

Mark two diagonal lines on the back of one HST. Place one HST on one background square centering it and stitch on the lines.

Cut apart and press toward the large triangle. When you make combination units with this process, you are making mirror image combo units. You will only need one set of combo units for one block. Deb Tucker has a Non Mirror Combo Technique Sheet that shows you how to make only the combo units you need.

Position the Tucker trimmer over the unit, carefully aligning both the common diagonal and the size diagonal with the stitched seams. Right hander’s trim up the right side and across the top, while left hander’s will trim up the left side and across the top. Lift the tool and rotate the unit. This time line up both diagonal lines and the outline to the exact measurement desired and trim as before.