Bluey Boy - Funky Friends Factory Challenge

It was a beautiful day and I took Bluey Boy for a walk. 

Bluey posing for the camera

The April challenge is sponsored by Funky Friends Factory, who provided each of the Island Batik ambassadors a free pattern of their choice.  

It was a difficult choice because all of these patterns are so cute. I chose the Digger/Dixie Dachshund. The difference in two options was the tail. I could choose a short upright tail or a longer downward one.

I chose the short tail version, because it would be easier to photograph. Besides I can just picture the cute little tail wagging for me :-)

Let's start at the beginning. I chose Aqua Blender for the body and a dark blue contrasting fabric for tails, ears and footpads.

The head and the ears

Although the pattern may seem intimidating, Pauline provides step by step detailed instructions with pictures for every step. 

The tail

Coming together

I used Schmetz Microtex 80/12 needle in my machine. Lots of pins were a must to keep little pieces in their proper place. 

Pins and Needles

It was joyful to see the little guy come together, bit by bit. 

Button eyes

I used charcoal buttons for eyes. I added the nose in advance, deviating from the pattern.

 

I used Crafter's Choice Polyfil to stuff this baby. If practice makes you perfect, I am only one step away from completely imperfect. Because I've done this only once before when I made Gertie Gecko. 

Almost there!

And here he is - meet Bluey Boy!

The tail!!!

Imperfectly Perfect

My stitching is far from neat and the project is not perfect. 

But Bluey is an entirely different story. He is absolutely perfect and I love him.

I immediately took a few pictures.

Bluey at the door

Guarding the Door or Asking to go out?

Next morning, it was time for a proper photoshoot.  Paul served as not only the photographer but also the Creative Director behind these pictures. 

Using Island Batik Ribbon as a leash

Well Done!

Bluey examining the output

Ok, you have done the deed. Are you done sniffing? Good. No need to taste it.

The leash and the poop (Twix) were Paul's ideas. But that is where he drew the line. 

Bluey is my dog and I had to clean up after him.

Yes, I clean up after my dog

Do you see his ear flapping in the breeze? Oh my goodness, so stinking cute :-D

Who is a good boy?

Such a good dog! I am so proud of you, Bluey Boy!

Good Bluey Boy!

This was such a fun project. Thanks to Funky Friends Factory, Bluey has brought me joy and I would have never attempted it if it wasn't for the challenge. I highly recommend that you consider making a toy from Funky Friends Factory.

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. 

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Angela has announced the Rainbow Scrap Challenge color for April - Yellow. Looks like nature agrees.

Forsythias in Bloom

Here are my yellow scraps, all Island Batik. I will be working on my Hexie blocks. 

Island Batik Scraps :-)

I will be sharing with Angela's Linky Party on Saturday. But you don't have to wait to share your thoughts with me. 

Aurelia

Aurelia was published in Make Modern Issue #56.

Aurelia is now available in my Etsy Shop as a standalone pattern.  It is a detailed pattern with 8 pages of step by step instructions including a coloring page. 

I am offering a 25% discount till Friday, April 5, 2024.

Designed in EQ8, Aurelia uses Island Batik fabrics from two collection. The blues came from the Porcelain Blue collection and the Purples are from the Morris Mist collection.

Aurelia finished at 60" by 84". Not my usual colors, nevertheless I am thrilled with this finish. 

Blue Skies, Breezy Day

For background I chose Egg White (Island Batik Neutral) and Island Batik Solid Black.

I used Fondant (Island Batik Neutrals) for Backing. The Binding is Powder Blue (Brilliant Blues).

Fondant Backing, Powder Blue Binding

I chose a variegated thread and quilted using my walking foot with my favorite squiggly lines.

Walking Foot Quilting

Labelled

We took it out for pictures. I had a fun time, shooting with the polar bear :-) climbing up on a short wall at a roundabout, till the security guard asked me to step down. I apologized sincerely and got down immediately. We had already taken the pictures ;-P

Thank you Polar Bear!

It was a breezy day and Paul held the quilt in place atop the polar bear, discreetly hiding in the shadows, while I took the picture. 

For the next pictures, I modeled and Paul photographed. 

Polar Bear in the background

Fiery Tree Backdrop

I am in love with Aurelia. She has an ice-maiden vibe about her - regal and stunning. But I promise you she is very approachable. Here are a few close-ups. 

Texture

Crushing on You

One last look!

What is a new pattern release without a giveaway?

Two random readers of this blogpost, who leave a comment (with their emails if they show up as Anonymous/No-Reply), will win a free PDF copy of this pattern. I will announce the winners on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Winners Update - The winners are Jenny (#9) and Deb (#26). Emails have been sent

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.

But wait there is more. Visit Emily's blog to see her version of Aurelia (Hint - it is pink). Who knows she may have a giveaway too. 

Nishat and Meteor Shower

Nishat was published in Annie's Bright & Colorful Quilts

Nishat

Designed in EQ8 and made using the Flutter Wings Collection, Nishat embodies the spirit of famous terrace gardens in Kashmir, India.

Flutter Wings Collection is available in quilt stores now.
I used Egg White (Island Batik Neutral) as background.  The binding is Fiery Orange. 

Everything ok here?

Spring has Sprung!

Nishat finished at 64" by 88" and I am very happy with it.

Swirling Spring

Published!!!

She walks in beauty

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Meteor Shower was published in Colorful Quilts for Kids.

Finished & Published

Meteor Shower is a layer cake friendly pattern and finishes at 51" by 59.5".  

Meteor Shower

I used the Island Batik Constellations Stack (10" squares) to make this quilt.  No background fabric required. The backing is Blurple :-D  I used my walking foot to quilt it. The binding is light gray solid.  

Labelled

Meteor Shower was instantly claimed by Joyce and I am happy that the quilt found a new home.

Grey Binding

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As promised I have completed my Purple Blocks for Rainbow Scrap Challenge. All scraps are Island Batik. It is great to be an ambassador :-)

Light Purple

Dark Purple

March blocks are done and I am wondering whether April will be Blue or Orange?

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties, including Angela's. See full list on the sidebar.