Radiating drops of Sunshine to Cuddle up on. Radiance, Medallion V

Radiance, medallion V re-inspired by Island Batik Fabrics: 

Fall 2015

Design! Fabric! Color!

These are the aesthetic concepts that a quilter works with to create a piece that comes to life.  This season Island Batik debuts fabrics that inspired me to re-envision Radiance, Medallion V.  See them all at Houston International Quilt Market/2015.

I couldn't wait to begin to hand create this great beginning pattern...Deep blue with a wash of rainbow colors across the design for the top and drops of sunshine exploding out through the radiating swirls of the design.  It brought me joy every step of the way.

pic 1. Trace the design onto the wrong side of the background.

Using our Trace, Baste, Snip & Stitch process I eagerly began.

First: Trace

Tracing the full-size pattern onto the wrong side of the background. (pic 1)

 

Second: Baste

After layering the top fabric on, I Basted right on the design lines.  This process transfers the design to the front, stabilizes the fabrics, and rids me of the need for pins to torment me. (pics 2a and 2b)

pic 2a. Baste, as seen from the back

pic 2b. Baste, as seen from the front.

Third: Snip

pic 3. Snip to trim away the top fabric.

Oh the fun of seeing the bright yellow design appear as I began to snip away the top fabric.  I got giddy as I saw the sunshine dawn, like rays of sunshine emerging from the clouds. (pic 3)

Fourth: Stitch

pic 4. Stitch under the raw edges at the basting line to let the design emerge.

And then to stitch the beautiful multi-colored blue top fabric. Peace and contentment.  It never grows old seeing each design come alive in fabric. (pic 4)

Now to give the piece softness.  It's time to quilt!

pic 5. Radiance, medallion V with quilted softness.

As I hand quilted Radiance (pic 5), I was struck with the idea of making this explosion of sunshine into a big, squishy inviting pillow.  I got a 26" standard pillow form from my local Jo-Ann's and turned it into a rumpus pillow. 

NEW DIRECTIONS!

The pattern directions have been re-designed to include instructions to make this wonderful Radiance pillow.  This version of the pattern debuts at Houston International Quilt Market/2015.  See the piece in Island Batik's booth, 2026/27. Get patterns in our booth, 2811.

The pillow beckons to dream on and to brighten up a child's room with cuddly joy.