
When Island Batik challenged us to make a mini quilt this month, I knew exactly what I wanted to do! During the great Christmas sales AccuQuilt had last year, I purchased the 4-inch Qube and the Angles and Corners Companion sets. I must say, they served me well for this challenge! The piecing is made easy because of the precision cuts using AccuQuilt dies.
For the fabric, I chose the Baroque 2-1/2″ strip set and coordinating fabrics sent to me by Island Batik in our July boxes. These 2-1/2″ strips were perfect to cut the pieces from for this mini challenge, and I love every strip of fabric in this precut!! They are gorgeous and Island Batik fabrics are so easy to work with because the quality is outstanding! I fell in love with Island Batik fabrics years before I became an ambassador for this very reason. I’ve used a lot of batiks, but, honestly, none compare.

Next, I went to work in EQ8 and designed the two blocks I wanted to use, which were the bow-tie and the signature blocks. Each individual bow-tie and signature block measures just 2 inches square!! Of course, when you add two and two you get four, so my blocks measured four inches square. Below are the pieces for the bow-tie blocks. By looking at the pencil, you can get a good idea of the size of these little babies.

I didn’t get a picture of the signature block pieces, but here are two of the completed blocks.


These blocks are photographed on the pressing mat given to us by Prairie Spirit Alpacas, a new industry partner with Island Batik. I’ve used wool mats for pressing before, but pressing on this alpaca/wool blend pressing mat really makes the block lay flat! I love using it!! Check out their website. It is awesome how they love and care for the alpacas. They also have some other great products such as yarn, scarves, dryer balls, and socks!!
Without further ado, I present to you my marvelous mini, Hugs and Bow-Tie Kisses!
I pieced this little quilt using an 80/20 Schmetz needle, which is perfect for piecing batiks, and Aurifil thread – THE best piecing thread I’ve found. Lint does not build up in my machine like with most cotton threads. I quilted it with simple in-the-ditch stitching using Superior Threads Rainbows #834 from my stash, which, unfortunately, they no longer make. The colors in this variegated thread matched my fabrics perfectly! I used #60 wt Bottom Line Silver in the bobbin which blended so well with the Island Batik foundation Honeydew backing I used. I had a piece of left over batting from Hobbs 80/20, which was perfect. The 80/20 batting gives just enough loft for this little quilt. It quilts well without bearding, which I appreciate so much!! I decided to have some fun and use pieces of the strips to make the binding and I love how this turned out!
I wish to thank Island Batik, Hobbs Batting, Prairie Spirit Alpacas, Schmetz needles, and Aurifil thread for generously supplying the products used to make this fun little mini!!
Please visit my fellow ambassadors and check out their Marvelous Minis this month!
Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, keep on stitchin’ and grinnin’!!
Great idea to create a hugs and (bow tie) kisses mini quilt.
A bright and beautiful hug and kisses mini! The colors work very well together!
Beautiful blocks Brenda! I have the 4-inch Qube set and need to order the companion set. The batiks look great too!
Very cute. I knew when I saw that project that it was Accuquilt cut. Don’t you just LOVE Accuquilt stuff? Have a great week. Beautiful finish.
Soooo cute Brenda! I love minis! xx
Very cute mini! I love those colors and especially the colorful binding. Have a great day!
Wow those are some tiny blocks!! This is so pretty! I love the swirl quilting on the border. Beautiful mini!
The colors are beautiful and your finish is stunning. It never occurred to me to use the strips with the 4” Qube, thank you so much for that. Maybe I’ll use up some of those strips now.!
Beautiful Brenda! Mini quilts are always so much fun to make!
Love the mini and the colors!!!
Brenda your mini is just adorable! I think I might need to check out that 4” cube next time I’m near a store that Carrie’s them.
That is a fun mini! That 4″ cube served you well for this challenge. Love the colors and the arrangement you made, too!