Rich, vibrant and versatile batiks!

Forest Flora

Do you love walking the forest trails this time of year? The ground underfoot, the towering trees, and the scurry of forest critters stimulate our sense of sight, smell and sound and draw us into the awesomeness of nature.

Island Batik and Deb Tucker of studio 180 designs have produced a gorgeous collection of batks called Forest Flora which brings the wonder of the fall forest into our sewing rooms!

The 22-piece collection displays rich vibrant hues of greens, burgundy, cranberry, orange, tan, and browns with hints of forest vegetation such as mushrooms, leaves and lichens.

The richness of the reds and greens can carry right into the Christmas season!

The full collection is available as yardage, Fat Quarter and Fat Eighth bundles, Layer Cakes, Jelly Rolls and Charm Packs.

SHOP FOREST FLORA

A Year of Quilts Calendar by Studio 180 Design

The cover page of the calendar features the Studio 180 pattern "Radiance" in the Forest Flora fabric collection!

Studio 180 Design's 2026 "A Year of Quilts" calendar is their first venture into the calendar space and it is a beauty. The 11x17" wall calendar is printed on high-resolution ultra-glossy paper and features twelve hand-picked photos highlighting some of Studio 180 Designs favourite patterns.

These calendars are en route to us now. Limited quantity available - order yours today!

A YEAR OF QUILTS CALENDAR

RADIANCE PATTERN

Batiks are Beautiful!!!

As many of you are aware, Leianne, our exemplary teacher specializing in Studio 180 tools, is also a fan of batik fabrics. When asked why she is fond of them she was quick to respond with:

Why I Love Batiks

gorgeous colours and intriguing hand stamped patterns with the metal "chops"
design and colour is close to identical on both sides of the fabric so no need to worry about “right” or “wrong” side
less bulk in block construction, and better pressing results with crisper seams
stiffer feel of the fabrics provides very accurate cutting, piecing, and trimming during block construction, but fabric still softens with use and washing
tighter weave means less fraying along cut and trimmed edges, and fewer threads on the back of quilt tops to clean up prior to quilting with batting and backing
Batiks make Beautiful Quilts!

She also shared with me this intriguing video showing the batik dyeing process. Gain some insights into how this handcrafted fabric is created by watching this 22-minute video:

Batik Production Documentary Video

Batiks Galore

Our batik wall has been expanding over the past few weeks -- take a look now at our newest additions from Banyan Batiks, Island Batiks and Batiks by Mirah:

Willow Creek by Island

Boho Spirit by Banyan

Midnight Savannah by Banyan

Batiks by Mirah

Pop Dots Jewel Tones by Banyan

Pop Dots Earthy Tones by Banyan

Lake Loop Shop Hop

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Lake Loop Shop Hop this past Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It was wonderful to meet everyone and we hope you had a fabulous time! Prizes will be drawn and winners announced tomorrow, Monday, October 6th.

Demo Days Video - An Off-Camera Apology

My apologies for stepping out of the range of our camera during our Demo Day video recording! Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

News:

Closed Saturday, Oct 11 for the Thanksgiving weekend.

We are hosting a bus tour group on Friday afternoon, Oct 10th - you may to shop with us in the morning to avoid lineups!

Watch your inbox for an email on Friday evening for news you won't want to miss!

You still have time to make these adorable pumpkins - click here to order your kit!

From your beloved Editor ...

This the last editorial I will write from West Quaco, New Brunswick for this year as next Friday I will return to Ontario. It will be tough leaving my homeland - this is the best time of the year in the Maritimes as the leaves are changing colour, the temperature is pleasant and the air is crisp (sadly, with just a hint of the forest fires in Nova Scotia - hopefully they are dealt with quickly). After I adjust to the jet lag I will be back in the shop to change some burned out light bulbs and ....... well, that's about all I do around the shop. Maybe rake up some leaves. Nothing too taxing. I'm not young anymore you know.

Don