Here we are at the final day of Island Batik week. What a joy it has been to not only present these stunning collections but also to learn more about the amazing women who designed them. We’re feeling incredibly inspired and are so looking forward to seeing what you all create with this gorgeous palettes. What is on your batik to-sew list?
As a recap, we featured one Island Batik designer each day this week to showcase new fabric & coordinating Aurifil collections. Each post offers a fabric + thread giveaway so make sure to visit all posts to learn more about our talented designers to enter-to-win some gorgeous prizes!
ISLAND BATIK WEEK SCHEDULE
1/10 – Coastal Mist by Tammy Silvers
1/11 – Glowing Embers by Cheri Good Designs
1/12 – Dotalicious by Claudia Pfeil
1/13 – Surf and Sand by Fourth and Sixth Designs
1/14 – Fresh Catch by Jackie Kunkel (YOU ARE HERE!)
To learn about Island Batik and the batik process, please visit their website. For a peek at the full range of Fall/Winter 2016 releases, in-stores now, click here or on the image below to browse the catalog. To check in on Island Batik’s news, please visit their blog.
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The Fresh Catch collection by Kathy Engle for Jackie Kunkel is a rich display of oranges, greens, and browns that remind us of a brilliant day of fishing in the NorthEast! Her coordinating Aurifil collection features twelve large spools of 50wt thread that compliment each other perfectly and serve to highlight the rich hues that are so typical of batik fabrics.
THREAD COLLECTION DETAILS
Fresh Catch
12 Large Spools, 40wt (1422yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
1147 – 2145 – 2155 – 2235 – 2310 – 2318
2390 – 2887 – 4150 – 4653 – 5009 – 5015
To view this info on our website, click the images above. For purchasing, please contact your local Aurifil Dealer.
THE INTERVIEW
How did you first get started in the world of sewing and quilting?
I actually began sewing in 6 grade Home Economics class back in the early 70s. I sewed mainly garments, but did make my first patchwork pillow that I still have. I was also very crafty and loved embroidery. If I had a pair of jeans or a jean jacket it was like a blank canvas to me… it got embroidered. But I really didn’t pick up sewing again until I was pregnant with my first child in early 1993. I took out the sewing machine and began making baby clothes. Then my hubby prompted me to “get a hobby” so I took a quilting class and it was history!
Who has been the most inspiring person within your creative career?
Now that is a tough question as there are so many people that I can name and for so many different reasons. But I guess if I had to pick one it would be Judy Niemeyer. I have followed her career since the late 90s and then went on to become one of her Certified Instructors. I love teaching her techniques and patterns all over the country.
Do you remember the first quilt that you ever made and how you felt once it was complete?
Yes I do! I made a Quilt In A Day – Star Log Cabin by Eleanor Burns. It changed my life and thinking about quilting. I thought it was revolutionary, the whole strip piecing, rotary cutting thing. I was thrilled when I completed it from start to finish! But I no longer have it, I gave it to my best friend. It was made of blues and pinks in calico fabrics. She graced her dining room table with it as it was a table topper.
What inspired you to open up your quilt shop, Canton Village Quilt Works, and what do you love most about being a small shop owner?
Truth be told, I am online only. I never had a brick and mortar shop. But I intentionally did online only as doing it this was allowed me to continue to design patterns and travel teaching. But the inspiration was… of course… FABRIC!!! We quilters love fabric and have to have it. I specialized in just a few different kinds and that was it. Batiks were the biggest part of my inventory, then solids, Kaffe Fassett, and black and white fabrics. So in answer to your question as to what I love most…. it was the fabric and being online gave me different freedoms than owning a physical shop. It was a win, win for me! Love every moment.
You recently moved from CT to AZ — how did that affect your business and have you found new inspiration with your new surroundings?
As far as the teaching and designing part, it hasn’t really affected it at all. But the online part has downsized a bit.
What does being a Judy Niemeyer Certified Instructor mean to you and your business?
To me it means everything. I admire Judy as a designer, business woman, and a person. I have learned many things from her and continue to…. being a Certified Instructor and Certified Shop enhances my career and my business.
What is your favorite quilting technique and why?
I would have to say that I love to paper piece and have designed a few paper piecing patterns myself. In fact one in the collection that we are giving away is paper pieced, Spinning Wheels. I love it for the accuracy in the results that it gives. Also, it allows you to piece designs that you might not be able to do with traditional piecing methods. A close second is curved piecing.
How did you first get involved with Island Batik?
Well….. I have been using Island Batik fabrics for quite a while, but my first “official” design for Island Batik was launched 2015. It was my pattern “Who’s Got The Button?”. After that Island Batik and I met at Fall Quilt Market 2015 and they asked if I would like to come aboard as a designer. The timing was right and it has progressed from there.
What do you love most about Batik fabrics?
What is not to love?? Batiks are timeless, they don’t go in and out of style. They are not trendy, they mix and play well with other fabrics, they are versatile, and so much more. Each one has such variation in color and can give you a look that no other type of fabric can do. All quilters need to have batiks as part of their stash!!!
What do you love most about the Fresh Catch line and how has it inspired the projects you created?
Fresh catch is bright and bold! Anyone who follows me knows how much I love bright and bold fabric and to use these colors in projects is a delight. One of the colors that is prominent in this collection is orange and some people find Orange difficult to work with and I wanted to show them how they could use it. I think, I did orange justice… What do you think?
Do you have a favorite project that you’ve made using the fabrics and threads of Fresh Catch?
I love them all… That is a tough one. I suppose I would pick Fractal first as it is a great representation of the entire collection. Then I think I would pick Link Em’ Up because it is a very unique design using curves!!!
How did you first discover Aurifil threads?
I remember a friend of mine introducing them to me for piecing. She showed me that little spool and told me to give it a try. I was all in at that point I love Aurifil’s 50 weight for piecing and for quilting too!
Do you have a favorite color or weight?
The one that I use the absolute most of is 2600 Dove for piecing. However, I switch between that and 2311 Muslin. They are both neutrals and are great for any kind of quilting or piecing. But really you can give me any color and I can find something to do with it!!! So worth it!! Treat yourself right and get some Aurifil in your thread stash!
THE GIVEAWAY
To enter-to-win 1 Large Fresh Catch Thread Collection, one Fat Quarter Bundle of Fresh Catch fabrics from Island Batik, and one set of 6 new patterns from Jackie Kunkel & Canton Village Quilt Works click here to head to the Rafflecopter entry page, or simply click on the image above. 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 Wednesday, January 18! Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on Thursday, January 19. Good luck!
UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Mary Okruhlik!!
ABOUT JACKIE
Website — Blog — Facebook — Pinterest — YouTube — Flickr — Instagram — Google+ — Bloglovin
Jackie has been a quilter since 1993 and has owned her own business, Canton Village Quilt Works since 2000. Beginning her business as a long arm quilter and then in 2009 adding an online quilt fabric shop! She has also been a quilt designer for magazines and fabric companies since 2009, a quilting Podcaster – Jackie‘s Quilting Chronicles, and a Certified Quiltworx.com (Judy Niemeyer) instructor and shop. Jackie travels throughout the country to lecture, do workshops and trunk shows. Jackie‘s first book was published in September 2015 by Martingale & Co-titled Splash of Color: A Rainbow of Brilliant Black and White Quilts. Jackie is also a Craftsy Instructor with two online classes, one is a Quiltworx exclusive and the other is her own! Also, Jackie has her own line of published patterns in 2015, there are now 9 in the series with more to come! This year will also mark a new beginning for Jackie as she moves to Arizona and begins designing fabric for Island Batik as well as the patterns that will go with the fabric!!!
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.
on my batik to sew list is a quilt for the master bedroom
such fun quilts. and a great interview
To do list includes a half square triangle quilt with all colors from my batik stash.
I would love to make the Walk in the Woods quilt or the Treasure Chest quilt…love them both
My batik to-do list includes a couple of table runners and cushion covers. I love the quilts shown in this article, and would like to make Treasure Chest and A Walk in the Woods; thank you for the inspiration.
I’ve always admired Jackie’s work–hope to take a class from her some day. Fresh Catch is beautiful!
I would love to make a large quilt with batiks. I’ve only used them in small projects but just love the feel and rich colors of batiks. Thanks so much for the chance to win 🙂
All of Jackie’s designs here are awesome and it was a great interview!
A “winter” wall hanging. I so love batiks!
These are so pretty. I hope to win; can never have too much thread!
I can see a Batik Flying Geese Quilt in my future!
a wall hanging in batiks!
The batiks would look great in chair cushions.
On my batik sewing list is a Double Wedding Ring table topper.
I would love to make Jackies Treasure Chest!
Wonderful! These are the most perfect colors of fabric for the pattern I recently purchased and have no idea where to find the fabric I need. You have my mind in colors. Thanks!
I would make a fall wall hanging.such beautiful colors.
I’ve joined a mystery quilt and plan to make it with batiks.
I am looking forward to making a wall hanging for my studio. I think these fabrics will be perfect!
I’d like to make a Hunter’s Star quilt with these beautiful fabrics!
I just love that pop of orange! A runner for my daughter is on my batik to sew list. Batiks are her favorite.
I am still looking for the perfect quilt pattern that will best show-off my collection of batik fabrics-I will know it when I see it! Thank you, Susan
I love, love batiks. I have a Prismatic Star quilt started which I need to finish. I have purchased Jackie’s Craftsy class and need to get started now that Christmas projects are out of the way.
A quilt for ME! I’ve been so focused on quilting and gifts for others, now it’s finally time for our home!
woven /strip baskets, to hold various sewing/quilting supplies in my sewing space. Thank you Jackie and Island Batiks. This has been a beautiful and colorful week to our dreary winter landscape .
I love to make colorful placemats for family and friends.
i have followed jackie’s blog for years. i love her use of color and black and white together. thaks for the chance to win.
A table runner and a quilt.
I love making summer shirts from batiks!
I want to make Halloween table runners, and have mostly cool Aurifil colors. Sew, I need Aurifil in this colorway!
some summer shirts …
Great colors and would like to make a Walk in the Woods.
Beautiful collection of batiks and threads. I’m inspired by all of the quilts shown, but my to do list includes some modern quilt designs using batiks.
QuiltShopGal
http://www.quiltshopgal.com
Beautiful fabrics! I am working on a batik quilt for my king size bed now. I want to make a double wedding ring quilt with batiks next.
I have lots of flower leaves and stems to create with some batiks!
I would love to make a double wedding ring quilt with batiks!
Very pretty tropical colors of the fabric and threads. Love all the different quilts featured.
I made a court house steps quilt top from Pat Sloan. This quilt top is made with beautiful batiks. My plan is to quilt the top soon.
I love the mix of the green and orange. Beautiful quilts!
A wallhanging.
Allot of quilts made with batiks.
Gorgeous work….beautiful threads….the colors are just so rich and lush. I always look forward to Auribuzz posts.
My batik project is my Glacier Star quilt in a TOM class with Jackie.
My project is a paper pieced star quilt!
Actually, my next project is all batik fabrics. One of my granddaughters attends Murray State in Kentucky. The school team is the Racers, so I am going to make a wall quilt with 4 horse heads. I have the pattern and the fabric. I just need to finish the graduation gift for her sister first.
I have never sewn with batiks; but, have a few fabrics that I like an easy pattern to try out with. Love this!
I did a mystery quilt a couple of years ago in cool colours and all batiks. I would like to do the same quilt in Jackie’s colours. I have some batiks but not enough.
Love these colors! I mix batiks with some ice dyed fabric – I’m making a scrappy quilt “Geese Migration”
I would enjoy making a quilt with these batiks so much. The colors are so energetic and will be fun to work with.
My next batik quilt will be a scrappy sampler, as I have alot of scraps from the last 6 batik Quilts I made. I love this grouping of fabrics and I have never met a spool of Aurifil that I didn’t absolutely love.
I want to make a quilt for our oldest son! Batiks would just be perfect. He loves green and there are sooo many beautiful greens out there to mix and match!
I am working on a wall hanging made of batiks. Love the color variations on every piece of fabric.
I would like to make a batik quilt for my bedroom.
I think the collection would make great pillows for our cabin at the lake.
Batiks are always on my list…would like to make amariners compass quilt with them.
I’d like to make a triangle quilt using batiks. I think the fabulous hand and tight woven qualities would make piecing triangles easy.
I’d like to make some throw pillows!
love your new line. Thank you
I think some new purses/bags are in order.
I would make a quilt–Spinning Wheels looks like it would be fun!
On my list is a quilt for my daughter’s new apartment!
I am thinking a new quilt for my bedroom. Love the colors Jackie has selected.
So bright and cheery! Love it!
I am almost ready to start a Storm at Sea. Just finished a Twisted Log Cabin and a 1910 Vortex.
I need to make something colorful and cheery to brighten things up during a dreary winter, and nothing works better than batiks! I already have Jackie’s gorgeous Island Breeze pattern, and the batik fabrics that are similar to the cover. But I also LOVE this new line from Jackie, and the new patterns. She really knows how to use batiks!
I want to do a man’s quilt with batiks.
I plan to make an owl quilt for my sister using batiks
I am going to make a bright batik table runner.
I love sewing with Batiks. They make the prettiest quilts! These colors are fabulous!
Everything is on my batik to-sew list! I love quilting with batiks! Oh, and making purses and clothing, and just about anything!
My current batik project is a Disappearing Hourglass – no white or neutrals. Just clear, intense batik color!
I LOVE batiks!!!!!
Lovely work for sure!
I have a supply case
I am doing in Batik.
Carla from Utah
Beautiful fabric!
I am just finishing a queen size bed quilt using my mother earth batiks! 🙂
I love following Canton Villagd and seeing all the yummy IB projects they have!
One day, I want to do some Judy Niemyer patterns. I want to make a large lone star. I hope more Hawaiian appliqué is in my future–I love using batiks for that!
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
Beautiful fabrics and threads!
These are AWESOME colors and can be used for a variety of things. I see Citrus, Pumpkins, Flowers and Landscape possibilities. I love Batiks and Aurifil is my favorite brand of thread.
I love batiks and have collected them for a long time. I have some quilts to make for the men in my life, and batiks are perfect for that. The fabrics echo nature but avoid the florals and cute things that don’t appeal to most men.
I never know what is next on my batik project list. Right now, batiks are the background of a star BOM. They were the fabric of choice for a Pony Club quilt, too.
i LOVE THE COLORS AND i WOULD MAKE A TRIANGLE QUILT.
What fun fabrics! Beautiful.
I love these fabrics. I would probably make the walk in the woods.
When I look at these colours I see Autum or Fall, would be great to create an autum bush/woods scene on a lap rug.
I’d love to make Jackie’s pattern, A walk in the woods. That’s a beautiful quilt. Thanks for the totally awesome giveaway!
I’d love to do a Cathedral Windows with batiks.
I want to make a modern log cabin quilt !
Thank you
I’m just starting a quilt with Christmas-themed batiks. The Fresh Catch colors are wonderful!
On my to-do list with batiks is a row by row pattern from a local batiks store.
I have a BOM that a group of friends were doing a couple of years ago. I got side tracked. I would love to finish it and add a border of New York Beauty Blocks.
Spinning Wheels!!
These are not my normal colours but, love what I have seen and can’t wait to try them.
Love the colors I like the spinning wheels pattern .
To finish quilting my batik rails quilt, divided into 23 sections for 23 different fmq designs…and 12 of that quilts flimsy friends. Batik is all I’ve used for the last 3 years.
So many gorgeous things in this post! I would love to sew a Judy Neimeyer pattern with batiks.
On my batik sewing list is some colorful spring table runners and wall hangings.
The next item on my batik list is my new purse. I love using batiks when making my bags.
These are my favourite colours!!! I am currently making the biggest quilt I’ve ever made for our master bedroom. It has an array of batik fabrics and all I need yet to do is finish the hand quilting on my Dream Batik quilt.
I want to do a New York Beauty and think that batiks would make a beautiful quilt. Between the prints and semi-solids, it would just be a great quilt.
I would like to make a cool tore for work….happyness04431@yahoo.com
I have a Rose of Sharon batik quilt kit in my to do pile!
Currently nothing is on my batik to sew list as I’ve never sewn with batiks other than finishing my Makenna Ryan project.
I love the blues and greens of batik fabrics and would love to one day make a beautiful turtle quilt like the one shown yesterday, Mr T by Fourth and Sixth Designs.
I plan to make some chair cushions for my wicker chairs on the front porch.
I have visions of lots of quilts and quilting dancing in head with all these beautiful batiks and oh so yummy Aurifil thread!
Something with bright batiks against a black background!
I want to do a clamshell quilt in batiks.
Something modern to prove batiks can be modern!
I would make a graduated strip quilt. Love the colours
I am thinking of doing the Aurifil BOM in batiks this year.
My batik to do list includes a fish quilt for my grandson! How great Fresh Catch would be for that!
These look like my garden after the first light frost when the colors are still bold! Applique!
My first item on my list is to sew is clothing. Batik fabrics make wonderful summer tops. I always have to start something like that in the winter because I seem to get sidetracked on so may other projects calling to me. The very first project would probably be a new coin purse though.
One item is a landscape quilt.
I have been saving scraps of batiks to make a scrappy quilt. I love making scrappy quilts. thanks for the wonderful giveaway.
I have enjoyed making zipper pouches with batiks. What a super giveaway!
I love the way batiks look in quilts and how well they blend. I enjoy making Judy Niemeyer quilts and also scrappy quilts.
I want to make a bed runner for our master bedroom out of batiks.
I don’t use batiks much, so I guess I need to start using them more in all my projects.
Make some skirts for my granddaughter and a throw for me 🙂
My batik sew list includes a new spring tote and table topper.
Haven’t really used Batiks yet..looooove them tho…and am “collecting” some already. 🙂 Plan to make a quilt with my daughter..we are thinking a Tumblers for a first try…and I would like to do a Jelly roll Jam too…
Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way too! 😀
I would like to try some curved piecing with batiks. Inset circles are really appealing to me and I would like to see how they sew up in the more tightly woven batiks.
I use batiks quite a bit. I love using them in table runners and wall hangings but also make bed quilts too!
I love Batiks & love using them in my quilts. The other day I saw a lady wearing a skirt made out of a batik & now I’m thinking of trying my hand at doing that. It was beautiful
I want to finish up my Vintage Compass that is made with batiks.
I have a quilt I want to make for my bed out of Batiks that I am hoping to get started on this year.
I want to make a kimono jacket, a purse, and a sea themed art quilt.
I am making a wedding gift with some batik pre cuts in browns and greens – great thread inspiration for my quilting.
I would love to make some pillows for my couch.
I would like to make seasonal bed runners. Thank you !
I have Bird Walk Block of the Month on my to do list. I have the pattern and fabric, just short of time right now. Thanks for the giveaway.
I think these would make an awesome baby quilt!!!
I Have a small stash of batiks love them I would love to find just the right pattern to use them
Window swags in the colors of sky & water for my bedroom is on my list.
I would love to make some quilts for charity with this beautiful fabric.
Thanks,
Peggy
Peggy_verdongibbs@att.net
Making some quilts for charity again this year.
Thanks,
Peggy
Peggy_verdongibbs@att.net
I want to make a quilt called “Seasonal Silhouettes” from a book by Edyta Sitar. Thank you for the giveaway.
I really want to make some stained glass quilts with batiks. Thanks!
I have a wall quilt I am making with quotes from Psalms. It has batiks for highlights around the quotes.
Love to make one of Jackie’s quilts. I use batik more as accent fabrics but I would love to make a whole quilt. Thanks.
I don’t really have a list but if I won I’m sure I could make one. Kerry-ryan (at) att (dot) net
i want to make a floral applique wall hanging with my batiks.
lin.web.28 at gmail dot com
A huge vibrant batik wallhanging
I would like to sew a lap quilt using warm and cool half square triangles. x
I’d love to make one of Jackie’s patterns. Thanks for the chance!
50wt ismy favorite thread! These patterns are great, it would hard to decide if I win.
Gosh, I’d like to make your Scattered quilt in your beautiful colors.
I have a batik quilt to finish (my own pattern/design, needs quilting and binding) that’s a 50th anniversary gift for my daughter-in-law’s parents!
Then, I have a couple toddler quilts in batiks up next!
Pat T.
The orange and green together is great.
I have a new BOM that I am using batiks in. They are always on my to-sew list.
I enjoy using batik fabrics, and would like to make a stained glass quilt with some. Thanks for the chance to win these wonderful colors.
I’d love to make Jackie’s Spinning Wheels or Fractals quilts!
I would love to make a batik art wallhanging! tks!!
Where do I have to look to find out who are the winners of the giveaways? I’ve been checking the blog every day but I can’t find any post
I’d love to make a coin quilt or maybe a churn dash. Thanks for the chance to win!
Thank you Aurifil, Jackie Kunkel and Island Batik! What at thrill to win this beautiful Fresh Catch collection!
great post!