Welcome to Island Batik Week!! In this final month of Summer, we are celebrating the vibrant colors of Island Batik’s Spring/Summer releases. We absolutely adore working with this wonderful company and have so much respect for its designers. We’ll be featuring one designer every day this week and each post will offer a fabric + thread giveaway, so make sure to come back daily to learn more and to enter-to-win some gorgeous prizes!
To learn about Island Batik and the batik process, please visit their website. For a peek at the full range of Spring/Summer 2017 releases, in-stores now, click here or on the image below to browse the catalog.
ISLAND BATIK WEEK SCHEDULE
August 21 – Jackie Kunkel (Jackie’s Post — Island Batik’s Post)
August 22 – Tammy Silvers
August 23 – Cheri Good Designs
August 24 – Nan Baker
August 25 – Ebony Love
Fresh Pick’ins is a new collection by Kathy Engle for Jackie Kunkel of Canton Village Quilt Works. This bright, cheerful collection features fruity, citrus designs in yellows, pinks, oranges, and greens. A bright dash of blue is a surprising and stunning accent. Jackie brought the collection to life with a series of show-stoppingly gorgeous quilts constructed of the top-quality batik fabrics + Aurifil 50wt thread. Her coordinating thread collection features 12 Large Spools of perfectly bright colors.
THREAD COLLECTION DETAILS
Fresh Pick’ins
12 Large Spools, 50wt (1422yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
3660 – 3320 – 4658 – 4659 – 2440 – 2430
5017 – 2870 – 1133 – 1104 – 1135 – 2132
To view this info on our website, click the image above. For purchasing, please contact your local Aurifil Dealer.
THE INTERVIEW
What first drew you to to the world of sewing and quilting?
I was first drawn into sewing in my 6th grade Home Economics class. Learning to sew a simple patchwork pillow and onto more intricate garment making is how I first began. Fast forward to 1993, I took my first formal quilting class and really didn’t like it. So I took a second and fell in LOVE! It was all over at that point, the quilting but had bit me and it became a hobby, and then a business… but still remains a hobby.
Who or what has been your greatest creative inspiration?
Now that is a tough question…. I really get inspiration from all over. As far a “what”, I would have to say nature or the environment that surrounds me. I am always looking at things with a different “eye” so to speak. As far as a “who” I would have to say that Judy Niemeyer. I have been following her since the late 1990s and had always admired her designs. Since then I became a Certified Instructor for her.
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!!!
Tell us about Fresh Pick’ins. What inspired the designs?
This collection is a Signature Collection designed for me by Kathy Engle. When I selected the collection, I was drawn to the freshness of the colors, and the fruit designs. It reminded me of a Spring/Summer day! The colors are such happy colors, when you look at them you can just help but smile.
Do you have a favorite project or projects made with the collection?
Actually I do! I adore all of them… but my hands down faves are Springtime Desert and Geometrics! They are a great representation of this collection!
When did you first discover Aurifil threads and what do you love most about them?
I know it was a while ago, but I can’t pinpoint the date. Back in 2013, I was an Aurifil Block of the Month Designer and I know it was way before that. What I love most about them is all the colors offered, and different weights of threads too! The variety is phenomenal. I also love that they are low lint too!
How did you go about selecting colors for Fresh Pick’ins and what excites you most about releasing the collection to the world?
Well… I wanted the thread colors to compliment and coordinate with all the yummy colors in the collection. I also wanted to use some variegated threads too! The ones that I chose are subtle but do the exactly what I hoped they would do. They accent, complement, and coordinate with every one of the fabrics that are in Fresh Pick’ins!
FUN LINKS
Fresh Pick’ins
Fresh Catch by Jackie Kunkel
THE GIVEAWAY
To enter-to-win 1 Large Fresh Pick’ins Thread Collection, one Fat Quarter Bundle of Fresh Pick’ins fabrics from Island Batik, and one set of 5 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 Thursday, August 31! Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on Friday, September 1. Good luck!
UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Becky! (Winner has been emailed 🙂 )
ABOUT JACKIE
Website — Blog — Facebook — Pinterest — YouTube — Flickr — Instagram
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.
** Images courtesy of Island Batik and Jackie Kunkel **
I haven’t worked with batiks very much. I love that I can use either side of the fabric.
I love sewing with batiks because there is no wrong side and the colors are always beautiful.
I love the richness of color and the variations found in it.
Love the feel of batiks. I love Jackie’s Clamshell quilt.
The colors is what I love the most about working with batiks.
I love the crispness of batiks, they don’t ravel. The colors of this collection are awesome.
I love the hand weight of batiks. They are so nice and crisp. thanks for sharing
I love the feel of batiks, it is amazing and cool to the touch is a way I can describe when I work with them. Great colors by the way!
These are beautiful batiks. I like how batiks feel and especially all the color variations.
I love the colors and patterns of batiks.
I love quilting with batiks because they’re like fun blenders that go with everything!
I like using batiks for bags and totes as the fabric is sturdier and at the same time so beautiful.
I love the vibrant colors and also the patterns of the batiks!
Love working with batiks – my applique works so much better with batiks because they are tightly woven!
I love batik fabric! My favorite fabric to use!
Love the colors of batiks and how they feel! So very beautiful! My favorite fabric!
I love the feel and the variety of color–the movement in the color.
i love the silky feel, the gorgeous colors, and how easy they are to sew with; like butter.
The colors are always so pretty and usually detailed
I’m currently piecing my second queen size quilt of batiks. I just love all the shading and design nuances in each piece. And even though there’s no right or wrong side I always preview both sides of each piece before stitching as there are subtle differences that may be only noticeable to me, but it makes me happy to know that I’ve found and featured them.
i love the stability of the batik fabrics. I also love the patterning on these beauties.
I love everything about batiks! From the depth of shading in them to the patterns and the richness of the colors. They are my favorite style of fabric to use.
I love the saturated colors.
I haven’t worked much with batiks but love the variety of colors and designs they come in. It makes a quilt so much fun seeing all the different designs!
I love the variety of colors of batiks as they blend with so many other fabrics. With the variations in shading, the fabrics seem to be alive with movement.
I like the array of color in one piece of fabric. Piecing with batiks also give various colors and interest within the block. Plus batiks are just pretty to look at and pet!
I’ve not used Batiks yet in my quilting but I love the rich colors
I love the crispness of Island Batiks. The hand makes it so easy to piece with!
Love the variety of colors in batiks
I have been in love with Batik fabrics from when they first started sewing up in the stores. I saved the for years. I probably took me close to 10 years to cut into my first one from then on I had no problem making quilts with batiks. I love colors and prints.
I love the feel, the color, the way it slides under the machine, everthing about batiks.
Wow. I love these thread options! I can’t wait to try them soon 🙂
I love the colors and the patterns
I love the beautiful range of patterns and the wonderful colors.
Island Batik has the best batiks. Great designs, colors, and the fabric is better than other batiks. Hardly any fraying, gorgeous colors, and wonderful to work with.
I work with batiks about 95 percent of the time. They PLAY well together, like a tray of watercolors.
Great colors! Beautiful fabric! Fabulous thread
I love working with batiks because of the fine quality thread count, the way my projects look bright and fresh, and how well it quilts.
I love batiks as the colours are so vibrant and they play together with everything!
I LOVE the vibrant colors of batik fabrics! They inspire and energize me!
I love the colors in Haiti’s…so many to choose from and no way to pick just one. Yummy😊
Auto correct at it again!! I love the colors in batik fabrics!!!
Batik colours are so rich and beautiful. I love using batiks for many different projects.
I love the colors… it’s like wow to my eyes… happyness04431@yahoo.com
I love that they look so vibrant and just add such a special feeling to a quilt
I love the richnes of color and texture of batiks…my favorite fabrics to use.
The appearance of texture and movement and ‘not just flat’ colour are all things I love about Batiks!
I love the muti colored backrounds and stamped designs.
Batiks are timeless – beautiful colors !!
I love the vibrant colors of batiks. I also appreciate that there’s no right or wrong side to the fabric! They can shout out at you or be a blender depending on their patterning. Batiks are timeless in my opinion. ‘Luv the Fresh Pick’ns citrusy colors, both in batik and in Aurifil!!!
The blend of colors is outstanding & the variety lets use of them in just about anything! Thank you, Susan
I love the colors, the feel of the fabric and that you can use both sides. It make such wonderful projects!
What I like about batiks is their vibrant, gorgeous colours!
I love the rich dimensional look and vibrant colors of batiks! I just finished a batik quilt top!
I love the colors of batiks and The life they bring to a quilt. I just purchased a pattern that is done in pastels, but I’m going to Use batiks. I am excited to get started.
I love the bright saturated colors. They are so vibrant and rich. Thanks.
I love the beautiful colors of batiks!
Love the saturated colors
I love the gradation of color most about batiks. The ability to use both sides of the fabric is a big plus for me also.
I love all the wonderful colors, I love the feel of batiks and that you can use either side. They are wonderful. My favorite fabric type.
I made my first quilt with batiks last year, it is by far the most beautiful quilt top i have ever made in my craft, and i have made so very many quilts. Its funny though, for some reason, they intimidated me at first. I was not sure how i was going to work with them. Now, its all i want to use. Using batiks also expanded my craft and gave me courage to grow in my applique and more detailed work. I have to say, i have become so much more involved in my process as an artist since using them. I dont just pick prints or solids and try to find patterns to jazz up how i want a quilt to look or feel, nor do i rely on the quilting i use. I am always recommending batiks to my quilter friends when they are hesitant or think they can not possibly work them into a project. I have been wanting to make a certain project for a few months with some batiks but had to take care of my father while he was on hospice in my home, he has just passed recently. I am hoping to get started soon if i can get my funding, lol. But it will be good therapy for me and i know its going to be beautiful no matter what batiks i use. They are just all so versatile and beautiful.
i love the look of batiks and I love that both sides are usually the same so it is like working with solids.
I haven’t worked with Batiks very much, but I like the fact you can use either side of the fabric.
These batiks are bright and would be a joy to use!!!
I like the tight weave and reversibility which make them so easy to use.
Batiks are my favorites. I love the color variations and the versatility of batiks. Batiks are just beautiful.
I love the tighter weave, great for applique, and of course the great colors. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love the vibrant result due to all different hues of color.
To be honest, I’ve never worked with Batiks. They have nice visual texture.
What’s not to love? I love everything about working with batiks … the quality of the fabric (tight weave), the beautiful saturated colors, it’s timeless, both sides of the fabric are the same, the crispness, and I feel it will wear much better than fabric that is not batik.
Love using Batiks 💟 In my pieces. Sometimes alone & sometimes mixing with my prints! The saturated swirl of bright colors! Such expressive color.
I haven’t worked with them yet but have a few pieces in my stash. I like that both sides of the fabric could be the “right” side. 🙂
I love the tight weave that batiks have. They don’t stretch much on the bias.
I love the natural coloring of batiks. They work so well for beautiful organic looking appliqué.
I love the softness of Batiks fabric & the colors!! Easy to work with too! 🙂 These are GORGEOUS!! Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way! 😀
I love the deep colors and the smooth feel. Thanks for the giveaway.
Beautiful colors!!! I love working with batiks and aurifil thread!!! Beautiful patterns too!!!
Oh my gosh!!! These fabrics are so fresh and cheerful!!! Loving the fabric, Threads and quilt patterns! Why do I feel like I need a refreshing beverage??!!
I love the brightness and multi-colors of batik fabrics.
I love the colors and there usually is not a right or wrong side.
I love the vibrant colors of batiks
Batiks are my go-to fabric! I love them because of the feel and the colors. If I want to hand applique, threads don’t slip and shred and it’s SO easy, plus they lie flat. I mix batiks indiscriminately with other fabrics, and they always look wonderful. I love batiks!
i love the colors and the feel of the fabric and how easy they are to work with!
I like the beautiful
colors and patterns.
Carla from Utah
These are beautiful!!! I love the intensity of color and the feel of batiks!!
Thank you!
Bright and fresh colours! I need a quilt in these colours to ward off the February blues.
Fabulous colours and fabric don’t fray. 🙂
Batiks are my favorite! I love the gorgeous colors and the tight weave that doesn’t fray. Thanks for this awesome giveaway!
the colors!
I love the feel & variety of colors & textures batiks provide! Thanks for the giveaway!
I like the vibrant colours and no right or wrong side.
I love that they are timeless never going out of style. The bright colors give life to my quilts.
Beautiful quilt patterns using these bright and vibrant batiks!!! Congratulations!!!! I am always inspired by your creations!!
I love batiks! I’m all about colors and never get tired of using them in my projects. New colors=new projects!🤗
I love everything about Batiks! The colors, the designs, the crispness, and how they don’t leave extra thread all over the place.
What’s not to love about batiks…..they are a magnificent medium from which to create countless sewing and quilting projects.
I love working with batiks because there is no right side or wrong side of fabric.
I love the luscious hand of batiks and how beautifully they blend together. Not to mention how forgiving they are if I use the wrong side…..I always look for the Island booth at the Q and S expo…which is always mobbed!
I love batiks, but my favorite thing about them is how beautiful they are, all the variation of colors, which makes them perfect for applique.
The colors over the years have become brighter but have always been beautiful. I love the saturated colors!!
The beautiful blends of color! Thanks for sharing!
I love batiks because of the variation in a color, no flat, consistent colors. Plus, like like the weight and feel of batik.
I love the richness of colors and the variations of designs.
I love that batiks allow the pattern to stand out – not the print on the fabric
I love the feel and body of batiks. And the colors are awesome too. Thanks!
Absolutely love the colors! I haven’t done a lot with Batiks but loved what I did!! 🙂
What I love most is the wide range of colors and patterns! There is always something to fit my mood and project, so I don’t have to look further!
I love batiks I use it a lot in raw edge appliqué and just love all the colors and patterns
I like the beauty of batiks.
What’s not to love?…the colors, the exotic prints, the fact that it doesn’t ravel, and more.
Batiks are easy to work with–they don’t fray, cut with nice clean lines, great for applique and sonderful colors. What’s not to like!
I love the colors and designs of the fabric.
Gorgeous fabrics, and I love the threads that she has chosen to go with them. I especially love the variegated orange thread: my favorite!!
I love Batiks and am slowly building a stash. I love the colors and how they can be mixed and matched.
wow these are wonderful projects I love the quality if the fabrics. It is such a pleasure to work with
There is SO much to love about batiks!!
Because of how batiks are made, each piece is actually a unique work of art!
No two blocks (or zippered bags, or whatever your project!) will be exactly identical to any other… this gives a very special artisan/artist touch to your work!
The fabric has a wonderful hand… batiks feel substantial yet luxurious!
It’s wonderful to work with, too, because of it not fraying like ordinary fabric. *And*, both sides of the fabric are unique and useable!
I love the depth and richness of the colors of batik fabrics!
When I first discovered batiks I fell in love with their richness… I collected batiks, but didn’t start to sew with them. I sensed how unique and extraordinary batiks were, and I think I felt a little intimidated (these were actual ART fabrics!! I needed a worthy project!!).
I finally cut a little out of my collected yardage to make a “sock sack” drawstring knitting bag as a very special gift for a loved one… finally, a worthy project! I discovered how *wonderful* it was to work with batiks! … So I next ventured into using more precious stash batiks to make a series of zippered bags as gifts… Again, a wonderful experience, and I was struck by how absolutely *unique* each bag was! Batik fabric took an ordinary item, and elevated it to art/artisan level!!
That gave me courage to make a special gift quilt with batiks… and again, ordinary was elevated to extraordinary!
Yes!… I love batiks!
Pat T.
I am obsessed with all the colors of the batiks and the Aurafil thread!! They’re beyond beautiful!
I love this collection. I love Island Batik fabrics.
I love how clear & bright these fabrics are
I love the feel of batiks. It is nice and lightweight. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
I love everything about batiks!!
The colors are so lovely, great variety and it all looks pleasant
I love batiks. I have two bins of them. They are so versatile. Great for landscape quilts.
I LOVE!!! the colors of your collection and the aurifil thread. So fresh!
Your work with bright colored batiks is refreshing! Love the happiness of your quilts. sjvonfumetti at yahoo dot com
I love batiks because of their vibrant colors and subtle designs.
The vibrant colors are my favorite!
Batiks are my favourite, the blend so well with each other and with other fabrics.
I love how batiks all seem to coordinate so well together!
Those bright colors are just beautiful!
I love the solid feel of batiks, and that I can’t go wrong with sides of the fabric!
There’s so much to love about batiks! I love how crisp the fabrics are and how well they press, I love how the patterns and colors change within the same print, and I love that you can use both sides. I think what I love best is how brilliant the colors are!
I love that you can use either side!
Wow! I love following Jackie because her designs are fun and because of the Island Batiks. I love Desert and Clamshells.
I love Island Batiks because their high quality makes them easy and fun to work with. I love their deep colors and color combinations, and their textures and prints are gorgeous.
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
What I love most about batiks – the colors – and they don’t fray like cotton – and the colors – and the way they make everyone smile – and the colors – that they make fabulous blenders AND focus fabrics – did I mentions the colors?
I love how batiks feel, the rich colors and patterns.
I love the crispness of the fabric – makes it easier to work, the surprises in the colourings, the richness of the patterns, I could continue for ever!
I love the colors the most! So vibrant!
I love the texture! Feel, saturation, they’ve got it all!
Buena reflexion.