Gertie Gecko, My Funky Friends Challenge With Island Batik.

This month, the Island Batik Ambassadors were challenged to make a stuffed animal from Funky Friends.

I made a Gecko!

You can warm him in the microwave as a heated comfort animal.

This easy pattern is a downloadable PDF so super easy to access. I printed the pattern pieces on cardstock and traced on my fabrics. I used 2 Island Batik scraps.

I then stitched out, paying attention to the instructions.

I then trimmed and turned the critter.

I stuffed the arms and legs.

Adding them was a bit tricky.

I fille the critter with wheat as the pattern suggest. I happen to have lots as we do bake bread and grind our wheat.

Filling the Gecko was a bit of a challenge. I did stitch it close as I filled.

As soon as it was filled, he escaped to greener pastures.

That was a close call: nearly got a flamingo!

He made it to the quilt ladder.

Attacked a quilt!

Finally, cuddling with a sewing machine!

This was a fun and quick project.

Its 2022 and things are looking up! We still really need do what we can to bring joy to our lives. The bright colors and act of creating with fabric can bring so much joy in a stressful time. I will continue to create while I am travelling and teaching. Follow me on Instagram to find more fun and colorful quilt projects (and some gardening and cooking too!). @bestquilter

Disclosure: The products featured here were provided to me free of charge by Island Batik, and Funky Friends.

Visit all the Island Batik Ambassadors for inspiration.

• Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs

• Megan Best ~ Bestquilter

• Pamela Boatright ~ Pamelaquilts

• Elizabeth DeCroos ~ Epida Studio

• Jennifer Fulton ~ Inquiring Quilter

• 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