May 08, 2018

Island Batik May Challenge - Flower Box Cushion

Note - the fabrics for this project were given to me by Island Batik as part of their ambassador program.

I'm finished the Island Batik Ambassador challenge well in advance this month! The theme for May is Playful Pillows and it really did feel like I was playing as I made this one 😊
Flower Box was my first published pattern, in Make Modern magazine (affiliate link) back in May 2015. I made a cushion for that publication, then made a mini quilt in December 2015 using 4 blocks.

I made a cushion again to fit this challenge, but completely changed the colours, using two bright orange batiks for the flower and two greens for the corners. Normally when I think of orange and green together I think of fall, but the limey colour of the greens makes this feel more like spring to me.
Flower box cushion | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com
I used Warm and Natural batting and basted it together with a random bit of old (content unknown) fabric for the backing, which will not be seen, and got to the quilting.

I love to use blanket stitch around applique shapes, this time in Aurifil 2210 (caramel). My first ever quilt had hours and hours worth of hand embroidered blanket stitch done with black embroidery floss, but machine stitching goes much faster!
Flower box cushion | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com
I quilted a design called Flourish, from Christina Camelli's book Step by Step Free Motion Quilting, in the flower petals and a spiral in the flower center, both with the Aurifil 2210.
Flower box cushion | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com
In the green triangles I used Aurifil 1231 (spring green) to quilt loops. This is my favourite design for triangles and I'm sure it has a name, but I don't know it.
Flower box cushion | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com
Using Aurifil 2024 (white) I stitched around the applique, then again about 1/4" away from the applique. Finally, I quilted a stipple in the background. Even with the tight stipple I finished all of the quilting in one evening 😊 I had forgotten how quickly you can quilt something so small!
Flower box cushion | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com
I used the bright orange dot batik to make an envelope back for the cushion. I managed to put it together with the outside piece facing the wrong way, but since batiks don't have a wrong side and the stitching looks neat enough, I decided to leave it.
Flower box cushion | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com
Having now made this pattern 3 times, it is really fun to see it in such different colours. If you'd like to make your own Flower Box cushion or mini quilt (or full size quilt, for that matter!) you can get the pattern from either my Payhip or Etsy shops.

Zachary and I had fun at one of my favourite beaches last night getting these pictures and some of another quilt that I'll be able to share this summer. I love Newfoundland scenery!
Coachman's Cove | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com
Can you see Zach out climbing on the rocks? And there's a sneak peek of the quilt 😉
 Coachman's Cove | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com

Coachman's Cove | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com
Thanks again to Island Batik for letting my play with these beautiful fabrics and for the fun challenge. Now it's time to get started on the June challenge!
Flower Box Cushion | DevotedQuilter.com
Don't forget to pick up your copy of the Flower Box pattern from Payhip or Etsy!


This post contains an affiliate link, which means that if you click the link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay.

10 comments:

  1. This is a great pillow and fun to see the pattern in another colorway.

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  2. Beautiful pillow and finish. Your quilting adds such a nice texture and detail. :)

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  3. What a fun, whimsical pillow! Makes me think of a happy day at the beach. Your quilting just adds to the fun!

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  4. Very pretty. I agree it looks like spring.

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  5. Such a bright, fun cushion Leanne it is a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day :)

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  6. The flower looks like spring for sure. Love the colors in it.

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