March 2019 Island Batik Challenge – Vintage Reimagined

A step back in time to the 1700’s, that is when the pattern we know today as the mariner’s compass was first designed. This design was also referred to as Chips and Whetstones, Explosion, and sun related names like Sunburst and Rising Sun. It is a stunning pattern and complex in design. I am fascinated looking back at the tools available to be able to make this stunning design. In the 1700’s they did not have software to aid in designing a complex pattern like this, or the quality fabrics and threads we have today. They simply used their design skills, paper, pencil, templates, scissors, needle, cotton thread, and what ever was available to make their quilts. I am amazed at how these stunning quilts were created and this is the reason I choose a mariner’s compass designed quilt for my March Island Batik Vintage Reimagined Challenge.

I designed Beacon’s Pointe using Electric Quilt 8. It is a combination of flying geese, New York Beauties, diamonds, and of course the beautiful mariner’s compass as the center focal point.

I selected a beautiful array of Island Batik fabrics for my challenge and corresponding Aurifil threads to coordinate the batik fabrics. The Island Batik fabrics I used were from the Basic’s collection – Blueberry, Bermuda, Taxi, and Waterfall. From the Blender’s collection I used a beautiful orange leafy batik BE27-C1. and for my background fabric I selected from the Neutral’s the Yolk batik. The Aurifil threads I selected coordinated beautifully with the Island Batik fabrics. I used 2735, 4140, 2870, 1133, 2135, and 2000 for my thread color choices.

Beacon’s Pointe is created using a combination of templates and paper piecing.

Each template was cut from the corresponding Island Batik fabrics and carefully sewn to create the mariner’s compass for the medallion center of the quilt.

I thought it would be fun to use my vintage Singer sewing machine to make the quilt. It is a model 128 and from the serial number was made in 1926. It sews beautifully and it was like stepping back in time as I worked on making Beacon’s Pointe. It is hard to believe this sewing machine is 93 years old and it sews beautifully.

I quilted Beacon’s Pointe on my Gammill longarm using 40wt Aurifil threads and the Hobbs Heirloom cotton batting.

I hope you enjoyed Beacon’s Pointe as much as I enjoyed designing it and making it using the wonderful Island Batik fabrics.

I want to thank Island Batik, Aurifil, Hobbs Bonded Fibers for providing me the wonderful materials for making this months challenge.

Be sure to check out the other Island Batik Ambassador March Vintage Reimagined challenges and see all the beautiful projects that have been created for you to enjoy.

Carol