briskgo

with this method you won't have to trim quite as much, hope it helps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgV64kXet7s

Bree123

I thought I posted here already, but I guess not...

I got some fragile fabric from a customer once that was from the 50's/60's & was very, very well loved. I fused it to some muslin. That would both help stabilize the blocks and give you a bit of extra fabric to work with so you just barely have to catch the butterfly background into the seam. Misty Fuse is a nice light fusible that doesn't change the hand as much as other fusibles.

lclang

Do NOT wash the blocks now. Go ahead and put them together into the top, then layer and quilt, and then you can wash. Feedsack fabrics were coarsely woven, but sturdy, so washing now will cause fraying. Make sure they are all the same size and squared up, and then proceed to make your quilt.

quilterpurpledog

I doubt that the blocks could have stabliizer in them because those are very new products. I think you should do as little as possible to the appliques. Adding the triangles as shown above is a nice solution. I think you could vary the size of the triangles as needed to make the finished squares the same size. If it is a bit obvious it becomes a point of conversation as you explain what you needed to do to preserve the lovely butterflies. There is another post on today's list that shows the 1930's butterflies in a new setting and it is very nicely done.

waltonalice

Once again, Maniac, you've done a lovely service by showing your idea with an EQ illustration. I'm sure that you're an expert with the program, but, even so, your demo took more time (and talent) than a simple post. Thank you.

ladydukes

I think they would be beautiful with black sashing around each one, then set on point!

Mdegenhart

Thank you again for all the great advice everone!

love to sew

Beautiful!