Bias Tape Table Runner {Finished March IBA Challenge}

This month's Island Batik Ambassador challenge was to try a new-to-us technique using the fabrics provided in our Ambassador boxes. I chose to try out bias tape applique and I made these four blocks before I went on vacation:

I had originally thought about making a mini quilt from the blocks, but decided to add four purple squares with the blocks and made a table runner instead!

Another new thing I got to try with this project is my BRAND NEW SEWING MACHINE!

Meet Marcie, my Janome Memory Craft 6600P. As I remarked on Instagram, the only thing that's missing is a cupholder! Working on a little project like this table runner was perfect to test out the different settings for straight stitching, free motion quilting, and all of the different feet!

For the quilting, I used a purple and pink variegated thread from Superior Threads with purple 50 wt. Aurifil in the bobbin and did a simple all over meander. The backing is an aqua coordinate of the Sunflower Serenade line. I used a fat quarter of one of the pink floral prints for the binding and used one of the decorative stitches on my machine to do the top stitching (also using the variegated/Aurifil top/bobbin thread combination!).

All in all, I'm very excited about my new machine (which I can guarantee you'll hear more about!) and adding bias tape applique to my portfolio of quilting skills!

Don't forget to join in the Blocked Rainbow QAL! Block directions don't start being released until April 2nd, so you have plenty of time to start gathering fabrics! Our Kona sale is for a short time only so grab what you need for the QAL or just stock up!

Sharing at Finish it up Friday and Linky Tuesday!

Goodbye, Comfort Zone {March IBA Challenge}

This month our Island Batik Ambassador challenge is truly a challenge -- we have been tasked to "try a technique" -- something that we've never done before!

I've used quite a variety of techniques in my nearly 15 years of quilting! Hand applique, machine applique, templates, paper piecing, free motion quilting, quilt as you go, walking foot quilting, mystery quilts, quilt alongs, designing quilts, strip piecing, leaders and enders, improv piecing, to name just a few! It was slightly difficult to come up with a list of techniques that I haven't tried that I was interested in trying! I'm not necessarily interested in garment making or bag making, which were my first two ideas.

I ultimately decided what I wanted to work on this month was to make a mini quilt or table runner that used bias tape applique. I didn't want to pick something that I would potentially do once and abandon -- I think bias tape applique is a good skill to add to my arsenal! I pulled a few fat eights from my Sunflower Serenade bundle to work with for this project, which I think will end up being a table runner.

I started working with the wider 1/2" bias tape maker and cut my own strips of fusible web because the roll above is only 1/4" wide and supposed to be used with the smaller 1/4" bias tape maker on the right.

I cut 8.5" squares from two different fabrics and these are going to act as my block bases.

I used the pink and purple zig-zag stripe for my bias tape fabric. It really didn't take that long for me to turn my strips of fabric into pressed bias tape! Easy peasy! (don't you just love my obnoxious ironing board cover?)

I "drew" various curved lines on four different blocks. After ironing on the fusible strips, I pinned my desired curves, pressed the strips to the block base, and used purple thread to attach the strips to blocks.

Here are my other three blocks:

Here are all four together:

Now to decide how to put these together! I'm not sure if I am going to add more blocks with applique or additional plain blocks.

Are there any techniques that you haven't tried yet that you're itching to try? Any tips for me in my bias tape adventures?

Today starts the Magnolia Mystery Quilt Parade at Meadow Mist Designs! My quilt top is included today!