The City Sampler, Island Batik Style

This month my Island Batik challenge was to make something. No theme, no requirements, no assigned fabric collection. I’m so, so pleased that I started a big project a while back. Now, when I have a free theme, I have a fantastic project to share.

I decided to make a second version of Tula Pink’s City Sampler way back in 2018. It is one of my favorite patterns ever. It is so much fun – each block is it’s own little composition. I took full advantage of my ginormous Island Batik scrap horde for this project. It did take me the better part of two years to finish it.

For this project, Island Batik was kind enough to send me a large cut of this gorgeous dark blue swirl – it is called Marble in Storm. I’m thrilled with how it makes the colors pop.

I shared more about this project on a few past posts.
May Project Update
Project Beginnings from 2018

I used Heirloom Cotton batting from Hobbs – it has a lovely drape, and is so cozy. I quilted it on my longarm using the Ikat pattern from Urban Elementz. I’ve had my eye on it for a while, and it does not disappoint. Aurifil thread Medium Delft Blue (2783) was the perfect compliment to this top.

I cannot even tell you how relieved I am to have finally finished this one! It’s pretty big – 90″ square.

Thank you to Island Batik, Hobbs Batting, Schmetz Needles, and Aurifil for the materials used to make this project.

Oscar and I played around a bit, trying to get the perfect photo. I was sure a Wienie roll would be fabulous. I was wrong. We didn’t hit it out of the park, but I had fun. Oscar, not so much. Don’t worry – he was paid in cookies.

I hope everyone is staying safe and happily quilting away. I know my longarm clients sure are! I’m a busy quilter these days.

22 thoughts on “The City Sampler, Island Batik Style

  1. Nice to have a free theme and time to finish up a terrific project. It is a beauty.

  2. This is really quite incredible, Jen! I love the storm as the background, and all the amazing scraps hiding out in the quilt. Amazing!

  3. I love the way this turned out, I remember when we both started these blocks and you finished all of yours I never did get through the whole book, maybe next time! I think the dark border really set the blocks off. The whole thing looks gorgeous, and the quilting is just icing on the cake so to speak. As for poor Oscar I believe he needs more than just a few treats for this photo shoot, he needs the whole bag!

  4. Oh what a fantastic finish! It’s lovely, and the blue thread and Ikat design was perfect for it. I have five blocks completed for mine (started about four years ago….) Guess I should just do a block a week and get ‘er done!

  5. Your quilt is amazing. I’m always happy to hear details about the making. It was good to hear that you worked on it for 2 years. Many beautiful quilts are made over a longer period of time and they provide a focus for the creator. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to be discouraged when something takes forever to be completed. My hat’s off to you.

    1. Thanks! Long term projects are great for me, but it really helps to also have quick ones going at the same time.

    1. I really wish I had cut out a piece of each fabric when I started with Island Batik. Then every year I could make a memorial quilt including every fabric I had received that year. I’m going to start with the July box.

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