Stash Busting, with Batiks

Using up the stash is becoming a mantra. There were some sales in nearby shops this week and I resisted. Aren't I good? Anyway, This Batik collection is called Wood land Summer by Holly Taylor for Moda. I have a layer cake, (10 inch squares x 42)  and a pack of charm squares. (5 inch squares x 42)

I wasn't really sure what to do with them because my first love is not Batiks, but they are growing on me. I did recall a video I saw recently featuring a new to me method using pre-cuts by Lynne Hagmeier. (here) Why not said I!

So here is what I did. I opened each pack and matched one 10 inch square with one 5 inch square seeking as much contrast as possible.

Center the 5 inch square on the 10 inch square.

 Now, of course, there is a special ruler one can purchase to make the placement easier. It is essentially an L shape. When I measured I came up with 2 1/2 inches on all sides. I did include the pinked edge in that measurement but eventually ignored the pinked edge and made it just short of that by 1/16th. This is a layering technique, nothing fancy here. Ultimately the pinked edge will soften and form a little fringe around the small block. Here you can see that I cut a cardboard (the backing in the layer cake) into the shape of the ruler. I used it a couple times and it was more trouble than it was worth so I just used a ruler. No problems.   

 After placement Lynne instructs you to put a pin in opposite corners to stabilize the the square while you stitch. I did that on about 5 squares and had some bubbling of the small square. I didn't like it. Now what? Batiks are different in texture and I think that was the root of the problem

 The instructions tell you to sew 1/8th inch from the pinked edge. Well, mine is a fat eigth. To keep things consistent I used my quarter inch piecing foot and the laser beam. 

Such pretty colors in this collection.  I have been waiting to use the Elmer's School Glue basting technique popularized by Sharon Shamber and her daughter Cristy. Here was my chance. I have not been able to find the fine tip they recommend so I put a little in a cap and used a wooden skewer to apply. Well, good grief, I don't have all day here so I very carefully put little dabs of glue right from the bottle in the corners away from the stitching line. Bingo, we have a solution. No warping of the fabric while sewing.

I finished stitching all 42 squares in record time. The glue idea is good. Now remember, Elmer's school glue is washable, not permanent. Just try not to get it on your needle. If you do, just wipe it off with some water. Easy Peasy.  

I used the same smoke colored invisible thread to attach the small to the large square. It was already in the machine and I couldn't decide what would work with all these colors.

 Then you cut the square in equal fourths.

 Like so.

All 42 squares cut and stacked.

 Times up, need to empty dryer and come up with something quick for dinner. More to come. 

Conclusions for this part of the construction:

• Batiks are beautiful, the more I look at them the more I like them.
• Batiks are stiff, much different hand than traditional quilting cottons.
• I like trying new construction methods.
• I like basting with Elmer's School Glue. I will try to find that video for you. here it is!