The first challenge for the 2022 Island Batik Ambassadors was right up my alley. I love to create monochromatic quilts – in fact I wrote a whole book about them! So I was thrilled to receive the Glorious Greens bundle and take on the Step By Step Challenge.

Each Ambassador was sent a bundle of fat quarters. You can create a similar bundle from the Basics Gradations yardage available at your local quilt shop. I received the Glorious Greens and divided them into light, medium and dark groups. Then, I turned to my book. Monochromatic Quilts: Amazing Variety and decided to create another version of the Yellow Suns pattern.

Glorious Greens become the Forest Glow Quilt

It was so helpful to have products from industry partners AccuQuilt, Schmetz, Aurifil and Hobbs as I pieced and quilted this project. I used the 2-1/2″ strip die with my AccuQuilt GO! to prepare the glorious green fabrics.

The quilt blocks were pieced following the classic Courthouse Steps construction method. Sew smaller rectangles on opposite sides, then add the longer rectangles in each round.

The key to this quilt is the color placement. Blocks with light centers alternate with blocks featuring a dark center.

This contrast is carried into the setting triangles and binding as well to create a dramatic two-tone effect.

Quilting Supplies

I pieced the blocks using Schmetz Universal 80-12 needles and Aurifil 50-wt thread. Then, I moved to my longarm and loaded the quilt with Thermore batting from Hobbs. This polyester batting is lightweight but gives great definition to the stitching. In my collection of pantographs, I found “Tropical Fern 1,” a perfect complement to the glorious green fabrics. Halfway through the quilting, I switched from a forest green thread to a celery shade to continue the contrast of light and dark.

One-Color Wonders

Have you made a monochromatic quilt? Check out the Step By Step challenge projects from my fellow Island Batik Ambassadors for more inspiration!

Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs
Megan Best ~ Bestquilter
Pamela Boatright ~ Pamelaquilts
Elizabeth DeCroos ~ Epida Studio
Jennifer Fulton ~ Inquiring Quilter

Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts
Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts
Jane Hauprich ~ Stitch By Stitch Custom Quilting
Reed Johnson ~ Blue Bear Quilts
Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs

Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
Denise Looney ~ For The Love Of Geese
Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine
Anorina Morris – sameliasmum.com

Lisa Pickering ~ Lisa’s Quilting Passion
Claudia Porter ~ Create with Claudia
Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads
Brianna Roberts ~ Sew Cute And Quirky
Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde

Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
Andi Stanfield ~ True Blue Quilts
Sandra Starley ~ Textile Time Travels
Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt