It’s a free month for Island Batik Ambassadors, and I’ve been putting a flurry of energy into my Works in Progress (WIPs). I started off the year with 19 projects, which includes 8 new projects for Island Batik Ambassador Challenges.

Thank you to the Aurifil, Oliso, Schmetz, and Hobbs Batting for the materials used in the creation of these projects! Please note, I am a Fat Quarter Shop Affiliate, which also sponsors some of my materials and allows me to use affiliate links. These links take you directly to the products I am featuring and I will make a small commission when you purchase, at no added expense to you.

A major tip to quickly finish up a WIP–simplify it! I started the Simply Jelly Rolls Quilt Sew Along last year with Pat Sloan. I used the Bamboo Groves strip set from Island Batik and a neutral background from Island Batik.

I was on track for each block, and fell off at the border.

I also wasn’t a fan of the finishing size, 80″ x 86″ so I made my adjustments. I wanted to go without the pieced border, and have it be a longer quilt. Luckily, I had enough of my neutral background from Island Batik to make the outer border taller. In just a focused week, I was able to put all my blocks together with sashing, cut new borders, and get it quilted together with a simple pantograph!

In true quilter’s fashion, where one project stops, two more begin! I will be participating in two more sew alongs with Fat Quarter Shop!

First, Fat Quarter Shop sent me their newly released Strippy Spools Pattern By It’s Sew Emma. Of course I’m using the orange solid from Island Batik Foundations for some Aurifil Spools in there! The Sew Along starts in May, plenty of time to pick up your favorite Island Batik Strip Set! There are 2 sizes in the pattern, Lap and Twin, but you can easily make an adorable mini quilt.

I dug up some of my favorite colors for inspiration and my scrap bin is ready to go!

Next, The Prairie Home Sampler kicked off in March and runs for a year. I didn’t think I’d make this one because I thought it was the cover of the Prairie Home Book by Lori Holt, but it ended up being this layout!

Of course, I’ll be using my coziest Island Batik scraps! The sew along just kicked off, so there’s plenty of time to get the book and dive in!

I’ll be challenging myself by using all neutrals and browns! I love working with the Breathtaking Browns gradient collection from Island Batik each year. This is stunning collection that always gives my projects a warm and stunning depth in their finish.

Don’t forget to watch the announcement video! You can follow along with my progress each month as I share on my YouTube Channel! There are weekly tips, tutorials, and inspiration that you will enjoy!

I can’t wait to see your projects this year!