Thanks everyone. My sewing friend isn't coming to town until the end of October now and I can't wait for her to have this so I'll mail it to her.
The fabric is Quilt Pirates by Michael Miller. A friend found some at a jobber and then I managed to find the other two colourways on the internet.
http://www.ladybuttonfabrics.com/cgi...5#.VBmr4bktDcs
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1800...w_type=gallery
There is also a fabric with skulls and knitting needles.