Island Batik Tool Craze Blog Hop

Welcome to May! Island Batik is having their second blog hop of 2023, which is called the Tool Craze. The Island Batik Ambassadors received a special tool from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design. The tool that I received was the Wing Clipper I. After using the Wing Clipper 1, I also purchased the Wing Clipper II, because I thought it was a great way to make flying geese.

The Wing Clipper I has sizes based on heights that finish to ½” or whole inch, while the Wing Clipper II has sizes that are based on heights that finish to ¼” or ¾”. Both Wing Clippers have great directions, as well as videos at https://deb-tuckers-studio-180-design.myshopify.com. The Wing Clipper tools can be used by right handed and left handed people.

Deb Tucker also has technique sheets that you can purchase for each tool. I have the Geese on the Edge and the Pickets & Quickets technique sheets. The technique sheets have some additional units that make up different blocks, which can be made with your specific tool.

My special fabric bundle to use was Celebrate by Kathy Engle. It is a bright and cheery bundle of beautiful batiks, which has swirls, balloons and confetti designs. I used every fabric in the bundle, as well as gray, white and black foundation batiks.

I wanted to make something different than just the usual quilt. I thought a bed runner or large table runner would be perfect to show off all of the beautiful colors. I used Electric Quilt 8 and designed some layout ideas, using the sizes from the Wing Clipper ruler. I then cut out my fabrics according to the Wing Clipper cutting chart. You will need one large square and four smaller squares, which will make four flying geese units. Also, the Quilter's Magic Wand by Deb Tucker helps you to mark 1/4" lines.

Next, you use the Magic Wand and a chalk pencil to mark the 1/4" lines.

You line up the squares on opposite corners, just a few threads in from each corner. You then sew on the white lines. I used Aurifil 50 wt. thread. After you have sewn on both lines, cut evenly down the center between the lines.

You will end up with two of these units. Place another small square in the bottom, right corner and sew on both chalk lines. When you are done sewing on the lines, cut evenly again between the lines.

Here's a tip when beginning to sew points or thicker ends; place a small piece of paper or newsprint under your foot and sew a few stitches, then place your fabric on the paper and continue sewing. This helps eliminate your fabric from being caught in the needle plate hole.

You will then use your Wing Clipper tool and align it onto your flying geese unit. Be sure to match the ruler lines to your seam lines. Hold the ruler down and trim around all four edges. Repeat this process with the other units.

Isn't this ruler fantastic? I love how you make four flying geese units all at once!

Don't you just love this bright and cheerful batik collection?

I used Schmetz Microtex needles 70/10 and Aurifil 50 wt for piecing. I also used Hobbs premium batting. I would like to thank Erin Byrne of Cotton Candy Fabrics in Brookfield, Connecticut for quilting my bed runner. Be sure to look her up online at www.cottoncandyfabrics.com.

My bed runner measures 76" x 26". I went to Rye Town Park in Rye, NY to take pictures of my bed runner.

Don't forget to head on over to Island Batik's blog and enter to win a great prize. Check out my Facebook page: Lady Blue Quilt Studio, because I will be giving away a Wing Clipper I and (40) 10" squares from the Celebrate collection by Kathy Engle.