I’ve had this paper pieced take wing butterfly pattern for over a year. I grabbed some civil war reproduction, a few modern and then just what I have in my stash.
Did I mention that I really like paper piecing? This is a well-designed paper pieced pattern. Many people have made this in bright colors, it is a butterfly after all. Take a look here. I wanted something more subdued but rich.
People tell me I have a very good color sense. It’s true, part of it is innate, part is the fact that I’ve worked with fabrics for so long and part of it is because I studied and then worked as a textile designer. You learn things the more you do them.
A lot of thought was put into these fabrics, even if there are only a few slivers of some of them.
Look how neat and clean the back is. I love paper piecing. I love tight patterns that really match. Free form improve quilting is just not for me.
Yes, I did plan out the color placement, but more in a general way, the end result always surprises me a little.
I quilted in the ditch around the wing sections and just filled in with swirls on the background. I added a narrow gray frame as well, the large edges of the background were often on the bias and would easily get stretched. I measured carefully and reined them in with the narrow border.
Serendipity, I fussy cut the tail section on the fabric, I wanted this effect, I didn’t realize how spot on it would be, down to the tip that is dark as well.
The one bright clean fabric is this yellow, although it stands out from the rest, I don’t feel like it becomes the only focal point, sure it draws the eye right to the center, but I feel the other fabrics balance it out quite well.
Because the background fabric is so busy, the quilting sort of blends in, unless you get the right angle of light. Btw, a great way to practice FMQ, do it on a busy fabric.
When I bound the quilt, I added a narrow sleeve on the back. I would like this to be hung on a wall, not placed on a table.
Speaking of that, this is a hostess gift for dear friends who will be hosting us for a few days. I am using my Spoonflower printed label. I made it that large so I could embroider if I want, in this case, I didn’t. Years ago, as in 30 years ago I made this couple a bed quilt, they don’t use it on the bed anymore, but I know they still cherish it. So I have no doubt this will be loved as well.
Oh, along with the quilt I’m gifting them a wonderful Butterfly soap, courtesy of my friend Lisa from Goatboy Soaps, the best soaps ever. I’ve been using them for a while and the ‘eczema’ the Dr. claimed I had has pretty much disappeared.
Leah