This month I’m concluding the final challenge with the combination of two great loves, turkeys and appliqué quilting!

It’s funny that when I first started writing patterns, I asked my quilt group why the magazines still had appliqué patterns. I didn’t see them made in person, in the quilt shows, or in my social media feed. It was Charisma Horton who responded and shook her head “some quilters only do appliqué!”

That was news to me. Little did I know through these three years in the Island Batik Ambassador program that this form of quilting would spark the whole shift into hand work.

Specifically, needle turn appliqué, where you turn the edges of the cut shapes underneath and sew them to another piece of fabric, the quiet nature of this craft has been the most therapeutic outlet I have found to calm my mind after a busy day.

This technique can be learned from Jan Patek’s YouTube series where she gives a 12 lessons on 12 blocks of her calendar quilt pattern. I enjoy these videos on their own for her comforting tone and stories through her teaching.

I purchased her book “We Gather Together: A Harvest of Quilts” which includes a beautiful collection of autumnal projects. Particularly turkey designs are used throughout.

From a previous Funky Friends Challenge, I made the Turkey Tom pattern, which has been a staple mascot in our home ever since.

The whole month of November has been dedicated to Fall and Turkey decorations now. It was a great joy to find some turkey work in quilting as well.

Using various scraps from my Island Batik bundles, I created the Give Thanks pattern, excluding the appliqué lettering.

Hobbs Polydown batting is my choice for wall hangings for its fluffy loft while also being lightweight. I also color matched Aurifil thread to the fabric through out the hand stitching process.

As an Island Batik Ambassador, I was sent materials for my project from corresponding sponsors. Thank you so much to Oliso Home, Schmetz Needles, Hobbs Batting, and Aurifil for the generous supplies!

Make sure to check out the other Island Batik Ambassadors for their final projects for the year! You’ll find such an amazing range of inspiration!