I was chosen to be one of the Island Batik Ambassadors for 2023. There was much excitement when I received the news and two large boxes arrived, shortly before Christmas. In January, we had to post an unboxing video. Schmetz Needles, Hobb's Batting, Deb Tucker Studio 180 Design Tools and Aurifil are the sponsors that I have received items from, as well as Island Batik.
For February's Challenge, we had to make a puff quilt using a designated bundle of fat quarters. My bundle was called "Juicy Mosaics", shipping to stores in February 2023. Juicy Mosaics has the most gorgeous yellows, purples, oranges and pinks. First, I researched on-line what a puff quilt was. It is also called biscuit or bubble quilt. I cut my batik squares 6" and the muslin squares 5-1/2". I tried out several different designs, but there was too much yellow! Finally, I chose a design that I call "Batik Blossoms".
I sewed three sides of each square with a pleat on each side. Then I sewed the squares into rows, stuffing each row of squares as I went along. As I progressed and the quilt became larger, it was challenging to maintain an accurate 1/4" seam allowance. I used a 40 oz. bag of Ultra Plush Polyester Fiber Fill. I used a backing out of my stash. I did not use batting. I hand tied each intersection with black #12 Pearl Cotton and I used a yellow #8 pearl cotton in the center of each yellow puff, which represents the center of each flower. I also used Schmetz 70/10 Microtex needles, which is my go-to needle and Aurifil 50 wt medium gray thread.
I think the puff quilt would be great for seniors as a small lap quilt or for children of any age who would benefit from the tactile nature of the puffiness of the squares. I have some friends who want to make a puff quilt, so I am sure that I will be making another one in the near future.
Be sure to check out the Island Batik Blog to take a look at all of the puff quilts created and for a chance to enter to win some beautiful batiks!
If you love these batiks and you gotta have them, these shops are carrying Juicy Mosaics:
Creekside Quilts, Oregon
Hancock's of Paducah, Kentucky
Stitching' Heaven, Texas
Castle Sewing Center, Canada, British Columbia
JellyRollFabric.net, Indiana
Lovely quilt, looks warm and cozy
Beautiful quilt. I love this bright, cheery collection!
This looks so cozy and beautiful! Thanks for sharing your beautiful work!
Beautiful!!
Beautiful quilt!