We’ve arrived at our final day of Island Batik Week and today we introduce not just one, but two collections! Double the fun and double the giveaways;). We’ve loved every bit of this week and have learned so much about these remarkable designers. The gorgeous fabrics from Island Batik are incredibly versatile and have produced one stunning project after another. We hope you’ve drawn some inspiration from what you’ve seen and that you enjoy our final post today… all about the woman behind many of the successful collections at Island Batik, Kathy Engle.
ISLAND BATIK WEEK SCHEDULE
7/18 – Introduction to Island Batik
7/19 – Seashore by Tammy Silvers
7/20 – Equinox by 4th & 6th Designs
7/21 – Surf Squirt by Claudia Pfeil
7/22 – Tide Pools & Sand Dune by Kathy Engle (Today)
To learn more about Island Batik and the batik process, please visit their website. For a peek at the full range of Spring/Summer releases, click here or on the image below to browse the catalog.
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THE COLLECTIONS
Island Batik’s Kathy Engle has introduced two brand new collections, Tide Pools & Sand Dune. From vibrant periwinkles and seaweed greens to lively greens and sun-kissed oranges, these two collections offer a rich palette of colors on opposite ends of the spectrum. The coordinating Aurifil thread collections are available in two separate large boxes featuring our 40wt thread.
Peer just a little beyond the surface and you’ll find Kathy Engle’s palette paradise in this season’s Tide Pools collection. Vibrant periwinkles and seaweed greens only scratch the surface of this collection’s spectrum! Seashells, swirls, bubbles and netting all play amidst the flamingo pinks and sandcastle tans. Spy a sea urchin inspired purple fabric and bottle green sea foam fabric. Tide Pools will only leave you wanting to explore more!
Tide Pools
100% Aurifil Cotton
Large – 40wt, 1094yds each, 12 colors, Large Spools
1243 – 2145 – 2545 – 2562 – 2740 – 2850 -2884 – 2887 – 2915 – 4030 – 5003 – 5006
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Embark on a journey to Kathy Engle’s Sand Dune collection where a lush desert oasis is surrounded by lively greens and sun-kissed oranges. Tanned browns and sandy hues dance in the arid winds. You’ll be craving to see what other desert diamonds lay beyond this sand dune! An assortment of leaves hand-dyed on nutmeg, toasted marshmallow, and eggshell browns will only leave you serenaded in their shade. Wild parakeet glitter amidst sage-brush greens in this hidden paradise. Take a peek at this collection and see what Sand Dune colors you fall in love with!
Tide Pools
100% Aurifil Cotton
Large – 40wt, 1094yds each, 12 colors, Large Spools
1133 – 1231 – 2310 – 2318 – 2350 – 2360 – 2600 – 2610 – 2886 – 2892 – 5009 – 5024
To view all thread collection info on our website, click the collection images above. For purchasing, please contact your local Aurifil Dealer.
THE INTERVIEW
How did you first get started in this wonderful world of textiles?
From an early age I was very drawn to graphic art and textiles. I chose it as my career and I graduated from CSULB (California State University, Long Beach) in illustration and textile design.
Do you recall the first collection that you designed and what was that experience like for you?
For the first 10 years of designing fabric, it wasn’t by collection, but rather by individual hand painted tropical surf wear and action sports themed wear. It was from the next 13 years of transfering to the hot new up-and-coming quilting division that collections were inspired. Anything with nature has always been a favorite; but after 30 years I really dont have any favorites. My process moves on to the next, always moving forward. It’s never boring.
What first drew you to the business of fabric?
The fabric industry has made it possible to be an artist, designer, and business woman. It has given me opportuntites to teach, travel and continue to develop and learn with each new project. The love that people have for fabric is infectious!
How long have you been involved with Island Batik?
I have worked for Island Batik since 2008. The integrity, quality, and virtues that they have established have informed the success of their collections.
What do you love most about Batik fabrics?
I love the brilliance of the colors, the saturation of the dyes, the variety and diversity of the tjaps (chops). There is so much history to making batik. The whole process of manufacturing seems like magic.
Can you tell us a bit about the process of making a batik fabric and how that factors into the design process?
First, I create black and white designs in repeat for positve and negative images. The drawings are then sent to Bali. The chop, or stamp, is created by welding copper strips and pins together into an 8-1/2″ x 11″ design. The chop is dipped in melted wax and stamped directly on the fabric. The colors and textural pattern for the background are selected and then the colors for the forground are chosen. Fiber-reactive dyes penetrate the cloth and are dried by the sun. The wax is removed with boiling water to reveal the pattern beneath. The process may be repeated to achieve the final result.
What inspired your latest collections and how did you translate that inspiration into the designs that we see in the collections?
The inspiration for all four collections, Tide Pools, Surf Squirt (for Claudia Pfeil), Seashore (for Tammy Silvers) and Sand Dunes came from my love for the ocean coastline, where I live with my family. The commom elements used are all tied to the earth; as is with most of my designs. Fish scales, seahorses, seaweed, coral, waves and sand all relate to a summer vacation or just a walk along the beach. I describe my colors as sophisticated clean and muted tones, realistic to nature, one that has many values and color.
Do you have a favorite project that was made using the fabrics from these collections?
I am always amazed at the creative ways designers use my collections. The diversity of their creative spirits come together in so many different projects that I couldn’t begin to choose. I love them all!
The prints showcase such a variety of rich and neutral colors. What is your process for selecting the colors for the coordinating thread collection?
I try to imagine how the quilter is going to use the thread. Do they want to make a bold quilting statement or a subtle one? Will they try to match the thread colors for piecing? I want the quilter to be able to have some creative choices for their projects within the thread collection.
How did you first discover Aurifil threads?
I saw a project that one of our designers had made I was taken by the magic the thread brought to the quilt.
Is there something about Aurifil thread that you feel brings out the richness of the batik you design?
Aurifil thread has the same wonderful brilliance and saturation of color that is characteristic of our batik. I like the cotton on cotton combination with the thread and fabric. I think the two natural fibers work together to produce amazing results.
THE GIVEAWAY – TWO PRIZES!!
Click here to head to the Rafflecopter page to enter-to-win one of these two prizes:
— 1 Large Tide Pools Thread Collection and one Fat Quarter Bundle of Tide Pools fabrics from Island Batik
— 1 Large Sand Dune Thread Collection and one Fat Quarter Bundle of Sand Dune fabrics from Island Batik
You do not have to complete all the options to be entered but the more options you choose, the more entries you have! Entries will be accepted from now through 11:59pm Eastern Time on Thursday, July 28! One winner will be randomly selected for each collection and announced here on Friday, July 29. Good luck!
UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Carol Nelms & Gillian Moore!!
ABOUT KATHY ENGLE
Kathy Brett Engle is the Vice President of Design at Island Batik. An established member of the textile industry for over 30 years, she brought her expertise of Batik design to Island Batik in 2008 to develop batik collections and products specifically designed for quilting related retailers.
Prior to Island Batik, Kathy worked for Hoffman of California. During the 23 years she was with the company, she designed fabrics for both sportswear and specialty manufacturing, and then the fabric retail division serving fabric stores and quilt shops as Design Director until 2007.
A native Californian and graduate of CSULB, Kathy is married, a mother to two grown sons, and grandmother. She lives and loves the Southern Californian coastal lifestyle!
ABOUT ISLAND BATIK
Website — Blog — Facebook — Pinterest — Twitter — Instagram
Island Batik is a manufacturer, importer and distributor of cotton batik, rayon batik and hand-printed cotton from Indonesia. Originally established in 1997, Island Batik’s mission is to share the ancient cultural art of batik and hand-dyed fabric with our many valued customers around the world.
I love the fabrics don’t fray and the fantastic colours. XXX
These two batik fabric collections certainly stir the creative juices.
I love the gorgeous colors of batik fabrics.
Absolutely love the beautiful colors. They remind me of sand and water. Ahhhh.
Love how each piece is so unique and transformable. One piece can take on many properties depending on the coordination of colors.
I love the variation of color and stamped designs. Beautiful collections!
Oh my, the Tide Pools collection is gorgeous! Batik fabric has amazing colors!
I love the colors and patterns on the batik fabrics.
I love the lovely saturated colours of the batiks.
I love the watercolor look and saturated colors in batik fabrics. Tide Pool combines my favorite colors — blues, greens, and purples.
I was instantly drawn to batiks-the colors, the designs-looking through fabric, batiks just stand out! I am working on my collection & one day the perfect quilt for them will also draw my attention!
What deep, rich colors. Very beautiful
The colors are gorgeous. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Love the depth of colour
Besides the colors and feel of the fabric, I love that you can use Batiks in traditional or Modern quilting. Dress it up or down…It all works!
I just love the colors and designs in the batiks. I also like the way they sew up so nicely. These batiks are gorgeous!
Love the colors!!!!!!
The batik design process through finished fabric has always held a huge fascination for mek. I am drawn to the colors, “layers”, textures and prints–to be a designer. .. dream job!!! The Aurifil thread colors are like icing and sprinkles on the batik quilt frosting. Yummmm…
Tide Pools has all my favorite colors – beautiful!
I love the colors, patterns and versatility of batiks…can’t get enough of the beautiful fabrics!!
Either side can be the right side.
I like the saturated colors
I love the feel of them, especially for batiks and the saturated colors!
Love the incredible colors and the texture batiks give to my projects.
I love the variety of colors and the smoothness of the fabric.
Love seeing these batiks made up into quilts.
I love how the saturated colors and subtle designs tug at the imagination.
I love the way the bright colors glow and also I love the feel of the fabric.
I love the colors and the nifty designs in batiks. The color combos are so soothing.
They play well together!
I love Batiks for the saturation, everywhere and regardless of how I cut my pieces or piece my pieces its never a boring layout /design. Thank you Kathy for all you insight and I truly enjoyed reading about chops and sun drying.
I don’t work a lot with batiks, but these are absolutely wonderful. Would love to get started on a project!
The Colors! Batiks are just so pretty, I have only a few in my stash, I buy them and use them!
I love the colors and that they are not directional.
Love their designs and color blends! Thanks for sharing!
I love how batiks have a variety of hues and tones that can blend and match so well that get your creative juices flowing!
I love the range of colors of batik fabrics. And it seems that each fabric can work well with each other which makes it easy to select fabrics for a project.
Batik colors are so alive! They’re never static – and – they’re beautiful on each side!
Batik fabrics are wonderful, the large variety of colors and patterns are so easy to integrate. Batik fabrics always make any project look crisp and brillant.
I love the variety of color and designs
I love the batiks and the richness and depth of color they bring to a project. The video showing how batiks are made should be watched by everyone who uses the fabric…it is very labor intensive. We couldn’t have such lovely projects without the love that goes into making this fabric.
I have several batiks in my stash and love them all! What I like best about them is the variety of patterns, colors and the ability to mix and match them so easily. There is no wrong way to coordinate them!
Sand and sea–perfect summer colors
They are both so pretty! But my favorite today is Tide Pools. I love purple, blue and aqua together. I love the amazing color saturation and subtle printing of batiks–the artistry is wonderful. I just finished cutting pieces for my first quilt featuring Island Batiks–they cut like butter, are sturdy and strong with little running, and feel amazing. Can’t wait to get sewing!
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
The watercolor look of batiks is very appealing to me — as well as the feel of the
fabric and the ease of working with them. Great giveaway — thank you for
the opportunity.
I have always been drawn to batiks. They are the fabric that got me interested in quilting in the first place. I think both of today’s groups are particularly gorgeous and Tide Pools is my absolute favorite.
The colors of Batiks and the feel of the fabric draws me in everytime. That blue and purple has me drooling.
I love the beautiful colors and patterns of the batiks.
These batiks and threads are so brilliant — love them all!
Tide Pools colors sing! I’d love to make a quilt with them.
I love the colors and the subtle shades of the blenders, and finding the little designs from the “chop”. Island Batik had gorgeous paisleys and pineapples and animals. It’s just so fun.
I haven’t worked much with batiks but I love the range of colors and hues you can get in one piece. And the motifs on them are so much fun to look at!
Batiks have such a beautiful hand, and I love the mottled effects.
Si love the play of shades in each batik and how beautifully they press.
Oh my! Both are real winners.
I love the colors and subtle changes in design throughout the fabric.
I love the colors and the way they blend. Batiks are so wonderful to sew with.
I love the color shadings and the crispness of the fabric.
I like the colors of batiks
It is all about the colors — rich and yummy
I love the vibrant colors and the density of the weave…doesn’t fray, and when sewn on the bias, there is less chance for the fabric to stretch out of shape.
rich colors and crisp fabric make batiks my go to fabrics now.
I love the clear colors of batiks.
Color, pattern and texture of the fabric. Very little fraying.
For the most part the variety and color!! thank you! Love the tidepool quilt!
You saved the best for last, love them all
The crisp feel of the fabric and the infinite variety of colors and prints. I also love the handmade nature of batiks where the artists hand shows in the fabric.
I love working with Batiks. They stay crisp and do not fray. The colors are vibrant and they all play well together. Love, love, love Sand Dune and Tide Pools.
I love the variation of colors and designs.
I love that they sew beautifully and the colours are vibrant. Thanks for the opportunity!
Love that batiks look great in traditional and modern quilts!
Love the pastel shades!
I love the beautiful colors and designs.
I love all the amazi g happy colours.
I love the batik fabrics for applique they do not fray. I also love that you can use either side for a more muted quilt.
I love how batiks create a “mood”. They can go from fire to ice to serene to happy…sometimes within the same collection.
LOOOOVE how they are different, and still go together! So pretty…shadings & prints are amazing! & the colors are AWESOME!
Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way too! 😀
Those purples are gorgeous . Nice job.
I love the “island” look that so many of the brighter colors have. I also love that they don’t fray like some of the regular quilting cottons.
Beautiful
I love the depth and vibrancy of batiks, and the way they bring something unexpected to my quilts.
I love the painterly quality, the rich colors, and the durability of batiks.
Beautiful fabric and beautiful thread. I love the colors. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love the crispness of the fabric and the vibrant colors. Thanks,
I love the depth, movement, & saturation of color in these batiks.
They don’t fray. I love the colors! And I can use either side of the fabric. What else could you ask for.
I love the rich colors and the amazing feel of the fabric.
Batiks are so nice to work with. They seem to be a tighter weave and don’t fray like regular quilting cotton. Love them!
I love the depth of color of batiks. They make a quilt sparkle. I like the feel of them and cutting is so easy.
the fabrics they use always seem to be the best. thanks for the chance
I love the color saturation in batiks and the interesting patterns which add so much vitality to quilts. I particularly love batiks with bright clear colors for quilts and other more subtle tones for realistic landscape quilts. Thanks to the artists and artisans who create these lovely fabrics.
I love the depth of color in batiks. Other fabrics are boring after working with batiks.
I love the saturated colors of batiks.
I love the colors of batiks.
I love that the fabrics don’t shrink.
The colors and quality of the fabric. 🙂
craftyccain@gmail.com
The Sand Dunes pallet is the one that speaks to me.
The variation of color makes the batiks so interesting.
I love how versatile batiks are!
I love the colors and shading in the individual fabrics.
Batik fabrics don’t stretch when piecing and don’t shrink like cottons.
The gorgeous colors!
I love the colors! I also love how easily they press. I feel like it’s sometimes easier to get crisp seams with batiks.
Beautiful! I love the colors!
I love the colors!
My favorite thing about batiks fabrics is all the beautiful colors.
I love the saturated colors!
Beautifo;mfabric
I love the batik colors, bright and always differents
Love the colors and the hand…
I enjoy the vibrant colors of batiks.
Batiks blend so well together!
Batiks can be so interesting, with saturated colors, overlaid designs, and creative, organic feeling motifs.
I like quilting with Batiks because the quilt feels so nice when it’s completed. It’s light and airy. And my son uses it on the couch. Can’t get any better than that! Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
I love how they flow and are so bright and colorful!
I love the color variations within a fabric, and the uniqueness of each piece of batik fabric.
What do I love the most about Batiks? Vibrancy of the colors and the fact that no piece is identical. It is like a unique quilt every time you work with Batiks!
What I love most about batiks is how they blend so well with almost any fabric combination!
Jackie