I've finally decided what to do with my Butterfly Challenge, even though I'm way past the May deadline. The others in my Quilt Bee have all made their tops and they're awesomely creative. I just couldn't come up with anything I liked that would complement the batik panel Sophie gave me as a Christmas gift.
But I had a breaktrough!
While blog-surfing last week I came across a quilt that combined a panel and the Winding Ways block. I fell in love and immediately knew that's what I wanted for Sophie's Butterflies. I even had the acrylic templates I needed to cut out the fabrics.
I made a practice block, which is what you see in the photo. I'm thinking of using the brick reds and some of the pinkish taupe on a black background. I have black and some reds that will work, but definitely don't have the taupe color I want to pick up the light colors in the butterfly's wings.
You know that means a trip to Rachel's Quilt Shop, don't you? It's a tough job, but I guess I'll just have to do what has to be done. This challenge was supposed to be done by our May meeting, but I didn't want to do anything until I was satisfied with the design. I think this works because the four lobes of the Winding Ways block mimic the butterfly's shape. I'll have to play with a cheater border to make it fit, but that's doable.
One thing I learned from the practice block: use starch on the fabrics for this block! I tried it without and wasn't happy. I made a second block with starched fabric and it went much better.
I'll be using acrylic templates to cut the fabrics, which will make it fairly easy to get the cutting done. With a little luck and some careful sewing, this shouldn't take too long.
I'm also working on a Linus quilt and the Christmas Diamonds, but no pictures of those.
I'm linking up with Patchwork Times today. You might want to click on over to see what's going on in the quilting universe today!
Edited June 26, 2012 to add a link to Plum and June. I love finding new blogs to follow and there are some here I"ve never seen.
You did the wise thing and came up with the right design for that block.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The others' designs were terrific, but I think this is right for me.
DeleteThese blocks will look great with your butterfly. The colors you are talking about sound perfect.
ReplyDeleteLooks great, I agree with you. Even with a deadline, never rush a project just to get it done. I am rarely satisfied with those finishes. Love that green!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I like to have my projects figured out before I start. Fewer ripping sessions that way.
DeleteGreat idea...I think it will be perfect. Sometimes inspiration takes it's own sweet time in arriving, but is worth the wait!
ReplyDeleteIt is, isn't it?
Deletei like that idea!! Enjoy your trip to the quilt shop ;-)
ReplyDeleteRachel's is a really nice shop about half an hour away from me. The staff is friendly and the prices and selection are great. I'm looking forward to it.
DeletePerfect!! I'm like you, cant' move forward until it is just right!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
I really like this idea. Can't wait to see the final result. You'll be so glad you waited.
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration! I'm sure you're glad you waited until the right thing popped up for this really pretty panel.
ReplyDeleteI love a challenge, but the colors in this panel really threw me for a loop, so without a plan I was really stymied. I'll be able to move on with this fairly soon, after I finish my Linus quilt which I haven shown yet.
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