Island Batik mini quilt-Nirvana

The products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge. As an Island Batik Ambassador I receive two shipments a year filled with beautiful Island Batik fabric. Included in these shipments are products from industry partners Hobbs Batting, Schmetz Needles, Deb Tucker Studio 180 Designs, Aurifil Thread and new this year, Oliso Irons. I am a Missouri Star Quilt Co. Partner and earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Today I am sharing my August Island Batik finish. The challenge this month is a Marvelous Mini wall hanging or mug rug between 12″-24″. The pattern I chose to use is Nirvana that captured my attention 30 some odd years ago. There is no mention of the designer in the pattern, I wish I could give credit because it’s a great pattern.

Fabric

The fabric I chose is Summertime left over from my T-shirt quilt, you can see it here. Missouri Star Quilt sent the FQ bundle to me as a partner. Summertime must be a bundle of Island Batik fabrics that MSQ put together to offer on their site because I see no mention of it on the Island Batik website.

The fabrics are bright and cheerful, I love the bundle.

Sewing the background

Instead of using a solid piece of background fabric that the pattern calls for I chose to use strips. The bottom is 1″ strips from the collection for water, and the top is 1″ pieced squares for the sky. 3 shades of green for bamboo. After the background was finished I did some fmq of wavy lines using 40wt Auriful Thread.

Applique

The swan applique is made of 2 cheerful yellows. The stitch down and feathers are fmq using Aurifil 40wt thread. The needle was Schmetz Microtex, I love these for all of my sewing needs.

I cut the sun out with pinking sheers to add a little texture to the edges.

The bamboo leaves are appliqued and also fmq down with Aurifil Thread. I need more practice on the edge painting.

It is a little longer than 24″ but I think that is still okay.

My Oliso TG1600 pro is super hot and I had to remind myself to turn the heat down a little more than half way for the fusible. The heat is great for nice crisp fabric and sharp edges though.

For batting I used Hobbs Thermore® batting. It is a lightweight, low loft batting that is perfect for wall hangings as well as clothing.

Island Batik

Last week I received another precut from Island Batik that wasn’t available when they shipped boxes for the second half of the program year. Tropical Bliss by Kathy Engle for BestQuilter will be shipping to shops later this year. Wouldn’t this have been a beautiful collection to use for Nirvana?