#batik

The funky shapes make me wonder for the sanity and marvel at the skill that went into this thing, even with the prolific use of applique. (My mom seemed to imply applique was less difficult than straight sewing, but I have limited experience sewing and none with applique, so the wonder is unfazed.)

Then she mentioned that the fabric used was what really sold her on this quilt: batik.

Batik, for the uninitiated (me, I'm the uninitiated), is a method of dying fabric involving patterned wax preventing the dye from taking in certain parts of the fabric, then melting the wax off and re-dying the whole thing.

I got this pattern and jelly roll/yardage kit for my birthday and was so excited. Figuring out the gradient alone took more than two hours but it was a fun process and I absolutely love how it turned out. I used some scraps for a bonus gradient on the back (which my cat clearly approved of) and went with a very fun scribbly free motion design. Doing all the free motion on my domestic machine in two days to get it done in time for the guild meeting was a bad choice for the sake of my elbow but a great choice for the sake of my satisfaction.

Spotted deer. Javanese batik designs from metal stamps. 1924.