Island Batik Candle Mat
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Every month the Island Batik Ambassadors have a different challenge and this month we were to do something we haven’t done before. I’m sharing my Island Batik Candle Mat.
So what did I decide to try?
My favorite way to applique is to apply a fusible to my fabric and then do raw-edge applique using free motion quilting. I decided to use sew-in interfacing instead. Of course, that meant that I had to run to the store before I could start as I haven’t used sew-in interfacing for years.
In the meantime, I pieced some neutral batiks together for my background.
I pulled out my AccuQuilt GO! Flower Power Die and some of the 5-inch strips of batiks. I cut out the sew-in interfacing and batiks.
Next, I cut a little slit in the back and turned the petals inside out. The nice thing about most batiks is that both sides look the same so you don’t have to worry about the right or wrong side of your fabric.
I used my old Dritz Point Turner to poke out the points. I actually think I have one of the newer Dritz Point Turners which are white….somewhere. I knew there was a good reason I had kept it! My points might not be perfect but flowers in nature aren’t perfect either.
I used another my of 5-inch strips for the center of the flower. I pinned and stitched the flower petals before adding the center.
I thought this would be a good time to use my Viking Husqvarna sewing machine that I seldom use. This sewing machine makes a beautiful blanket stitch, of course, I had to get the book out as I couldn’t remember how to find it.
Joan from MooseStash Quilting made a quilt using the X-Blocks template this month. I am taking part in a blog hop next month using the same template, I have used the mini before and I’ll be creating something that uses the bigger template. Joan also makes many projects that are done with her beautiful machine applique which is much better than mine.
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Once I had the petals appliqued it was time to pick a Aurifil thread color for the center of the flower. I also wanted to add some lines to the petals. I found a violet Aurifil thread that was perfect.
Once I was done with all of the applique and stitching I decided to add a little color with my Derwent Inktense pencils. I have only used them a couple times but I plan to work with them more this year. I chose a color that was similar to the violet stitching, drew some lines, and then added water to them to blend.
There was just enough of the 5-inch strip that I used for the center to make the binding. I always cut my binding 2½ inches.
I will probably use this as a quilted candle mat.
I could always use this as a mug rug, I’d be able to put lots of cookies on it!
I even snapped a photo of me when I took this picture of the little candle mat. Hi there!
Here are a couple of other posts that I did using this same AccuQuilt Flower Power die
Kona Table Topper – wow I guess I have had this die for a long time!
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About Connie
Hi, I’m Connie Kresin Campbell, the quilter, writer, and photographer behind Freemotion By the River. I enjoy inspiring others with my quilt tutorials and patterns. You’ll also see my sweet adopted dogs from time to time.
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Dobrý den. Vaše stránka se mi moc líbí. Ale vzor s květem musím vyzkoušet. Je moc pěkný.
Thanks for the great tutorial….I must give this a go!
A very cute candle mat, Connie! Thanks for the tutorial.
Very pretty, Connie. I think I would use it as a mug rug with plenty of room for cookies. lol I was really startled when your Viking popped into your post as I’m so used to seeing your Singers.
Nice candle mat! But…. my mom has 3 of those antique dressers, we’ve all used them at one time or another, when I was at home.
Connie you look beautiful and so does your Candle Mat. I also love your piece of furniture in your photo. Very interesting how you used the Derwent pencils to add some color to the petals. Very clever of you….<3
Very pretty candle mat Connie. The dresser (?) you’re standing in front of has gorgeous wood. Beautiful piece of furniture!
Hi Connie, Good job on your pretty candle mat. I like the technique.
Very pretty, I also love the 2 older ones you did:)
Really pretty Connie. A nice dresser as well.
That looks like a fun project Connie, thank you for sharing!
I haven’t played with those pencils yet…although I have bought them… Now you have me thinking! Thanks for the plug, but I guarantee I’m not professional with applique stitching! Yours looks fabulous! I am excited about the X-block hop coming soon. Now if only I’d get my longarm back from the repair shop. At least the top is pieced.
That looks great. Your applique looks perfect to me. I also like the subtle color change using the Inktense pencil. Does that wash well? Love that beautiful dresser too!
Love this project! I had trouble thinking of a technique, too. I find this way of doing applique can be very helpful! I have a friend who does needle turn to the interfacing then to the backgroun – but that always feels like double work. I like the idea of the mug rug – so many cookies!
Such a cute candle mat! This is a technique I will have to try. Like you, I have only used the fusible technique so far, but this turned edge looks so nice. Thanks for the link!
oh that’s so cute! didn’t know about this die!! hmm might need to get that soon!! and didn’t realize your new technique was NOT the painting 😉 cute candle mat and fun pic with you 🙂 Hi Connie!!
Cute project Connie. 🙂 I tried something similar to this a while back, but with a thin batting as well as the interfacing. I really liked the puffed effect it gave – I was sticking peaches and pomegranates on a picnic quilt and they looked great a bit rounded. And I adore inktense, I don’t know why I don’t think to use mine more often…. hmmmm thanks for the reminder.