Runner Up Blog Hop with Studio 180 Design & Fabric Giveaways!
The products featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik and their industry sponsors.
This Blog Hop includes fabric giveaways! You will find TWO ways to win at the bottom of this post!
Welcome to the first Island Batik Blog Hop of 2025! As this is my first year as an Island Batik Ambassador, I'm really excited to be participating for the first time!
For February, the Island Batik Ambassadors were each given a specialty ruler from Studio 180 Design. We were tasked with making a table or bed runner using a specifically assigned fabric line from the Fall 2024 collections. I was provided with the Square Squared ruler and Sunlit Garden fabrics (shipping to shops in February), designed by Jerry Khiev for Curlicue Creations:
We were allowed to make any size runner we wanted, but were required to make at least 12 units using our assigned tool. For my runner, I decided on Stacked Square blocks, as I wanted to show off as many of these beautiful fabrics as possible!
In addition to the Square Squared ruler and the gorgeous Sunlit Garden fabric, I added some basic black batik fabric from the Foundations fabric collection, also provided by Island Batik. As with all my piecing, I used my favorite go-to thread and needle - Aurifil 50 wt cotton thread along with a Schmetzmicrotex size 12 needle.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I have never been a specialty ruler kind of gal. I don't have many in my quilter's toolbox. However...the Square Squared ruler has changed my mind! As I was using this ruler, I was actually thinking, "Where have you been all my (quilting) life?!"
Using this ruler made it SO EASY to make perfect square-in-a-square blocks! The ruler includes options for making 1" to 6" finished units. The Studio 180 design rulers are designed so you cut your fabric pieces a little oversized, then you use the ruler to trim the block to the perfect size. Below are some of my center squares. Notice how there is a perfect 1/4" allowance around the corner of each center square:
The Square Squared ruler has markings to help you cut the perfect center square according to your desired block size:
The measurements are listed right on the ruler so you know what size to cut the side triangles for whatever size finished block you want.
I pressed my units using the OlisoM3Pro iron, provided by Oliso to the Ambassadors. This is a lightweight and versatile iron and a great addition to my sewing room!
After I pieced the square-in-a-square blocks I used the Square Squared ruler to trim the block to the perfect size. There are markings on the ruler that align with the center square so it is aligned perfectly in the center of your block.
Here is an untrimmed block and a block after trimming:
The Square Squared ruler also comes in a larger size, suitable for finished blocks that range from 1" to 12". Here is the Large Square Squared ruler (it comes with two parts):
Using the Large Square Squared ruler, I turned my square-in-a-square blocks into Stacked Square blocks! I used my prepared center square-in-a-square units and followed the chart included on the Large ruler to add the next two sets of triangles. I then used the Large Square Squared ruler to trim the block to my chosen size.
After arranging the blocks for my runner, I added sashing between the blocks:
I then layered and quilted my runner top, using Hobbs Heirloom Premium cotton batting. This was the perfect batting for a runner because it lays nice and flat, without too much loft.
The finished runner is 52" long, so it was a bit difficult to photograph!
Here is a full length picture. I love how the black squares really help show off the fabrics!
The Sunlit Garden fabric collection arrives in shops this month! You can use this handy store locator to find a shop near you that carries Island Batik fabrics.
Fellow Ambassador Sara Pitcher is also using the Sunlit Garden collection for her runner! You can see her completed project here.
Runner Info:
Size: 18" X 52"
Fabric: Sunlit Garden designed by Jerry Khiev of Island Batik for Curlique Creations.
1. Island Batik is giving away TWO fat quarter bundles this week - Follow this linkto enter the giveaway!
2. I'm giving away a strip pack from the Sunlit Garden collection! Follow this link to enter the giveaway!
Be sure to visit all the Island Batik Blog Hop stops for February! Below is the complete list of Ambassadors, the fabric collections featured in their projects, and their scheduled post dates:
This ruler looks like it could really be helpful. I’ve always had trouble getting them the right size.
Hello Solomae! I love your runner. The colors are just poppin’! Plus after reading your post I think I need the square in a square tool. It is always a challenge to get the 1/4" seam at the square points. Happy Sewing!
Solomae you did an amazing job with these tools and explained your process perfectly! Your runner is beautiful. This is a tool I may have to add to my arsenal soon!
I’m thrilled you are an ambassador this year. Great project, gorgeous fabric, and I’m so happy you now see why Studio 180 tools rock!! lol Great post!
The black squares really help the fabrics shine.
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13 comments
This ruler looks like it could really be helpful. I’ve always had trouble getting them the right size.
Hello Solomae! I love your runner. The colors are just poppin’! Plus after reading your post I think I need the square in a square tool. It is always a challenge to get the 1/4" seam at the square points. Happy Sewing!
Solomae you did an amazing job with these tools and explained your process perfectly! Your runner is beautiful. This is a tool I may have to add to my arsenal soon!
I’m thrilled you are an ambassador this year. Great project, gorgeous fabric, and I’m so happy you now see why Studio 180 tools rock!! lol Great post!
The black squares really help the fabrics shine.