flutterbies, applique a different way
 

My great niece's favorite things are butterflies and purple.

I quilted the intertwining feathers on the quilt top first, no applique on it, only borders and center section. Then I quilted the butterfly appliques onto the quilt. It worked well. I didn't want the problems of trying to intertwine feathers in between those butterflies and make them appear as if they were going under the butterflies.

The butterfly on the bottom corner is dimensional going off the edge of the quilt. They get smaller and smaller as they go up the quilt. The top butterflies are cut from fabric. I haven't decided yet if I am putting on antennae. Maybe with a marker.

The small border is from the backing fabric. Then after it was quilted and squared I was able to use the scraps from the backing for the binding.

Very pretty. Good idea to do the quilting first.

Beautiful quilt and quilting. I love it!

Gorgeous. What a great idea!

Oh how lovely! The quilting really sets off your design too.

Beautiful, as always!

such a wonderful artistic quilt,great quilting too

That's absolutely beautiful and brilliantly done. Very lucky great niece. AND those quilted feathers are amazing.
Love those unique ideas. Thanks for posting such a bright day-starter.

hi

nice quilt and quilting

That is so pretty, she will love it. Love your quilting.

Beautiful quilt and quilting. Would you please explain what you mean by "I quilted the butterfly appliques onto the quilt." Did you machine applique through all three layers using a zigzag stitch or whatever? THanks for any additional info you can give.

Very nice! And a good technique to know about- thanks for sharing.

beautiful and beautiful quilting!!!

Clever idea and it's made a beautiful quilt. I bet she will just love it.

Beautiful as always. BrendaK

so fresh and beautiful it is!!!

beautiful quilt. Love what you did with this.

You did a really nice job at quilting all those feathers. I am sure she will be delighted with the final results because you made it with so much love !!!

Another gem from Deb Cavan!!!

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I actually FMQ around the butterflies and put feathers and pebbles on the butterflies to decorate them. They are fused on but I wanted to make sure they stayed on since it is a child's quilt. Then of course I got carried away and had to decorate them with the quilting stitches.

Gorgeous looking quilt! You could hand stitch some antennae with embroidery thread. Wouldn't take long!

Your niece is going to be one lucky girl. Beautiful quilt and your work is amazing.

I absolutely LOVE your quilt. You're very talented!

absolutely beautiful both the quilting and the butterflies. Love your work.

Clever technique! So I am assuming the butterflies were prepared applique all finished on the edges so all you had to do was plop them down and quilt them where you wanted them? I really like the finished product.

Oops should have read all the posts first. So you quilted the quilt, then removed it from the rack and fused the butterflies on, reloaded the quilt and quilted the butterflies?

Actually I never took it off the longarm. I fused the butterflies in place right on the machine. The were fused so the edges were not finished except the 3D one. That one I did a narrow decorative stitch near the edge.

Actually I never took it off the longarm. I fused the butterflies in place right on the machine. The were fused so the edges were not finished except the 3D one. That one I did a narrow decorative stitch near the edge. But with the outlining near the edges and the feathers decorating the wings, they should wash well.

Beautiful work I love the butterflies on top as you used them, such wonderful applique.

You made this your own technique which made it so unique. Your quilting is beautiful. I have been thinking of making my cousin who is like a daughter a butterfly quilt and haven't come up with any ideas. I have yours bookmarked for future reference. Brilliant!!:thumbup:

Love the arrangements of the butterflys, it really makes the quilt

What a stunning quilt....I absolutely love it!!!

Very pretty! lovely quilting!!

I remember the BIS quilt at Paducah a few years back (the one with the Peacocks) ... she did all of the background quilting first, then added the applique. Brilliant.

Beautiful, beautiful quilt. I love the colors, the butterflies and how you have designed the entire quilt. Great work.

Magnificent!!! Love your butterflies and color choices..... the quilting is fantastic as well!!

You sure can do wonders with that quilting machine. I just love your quilt. I have a grandaughter that would that quilt.

What a beautiful quilt. Just perfect in every way.

Wonderful use of butterflies...

Another glorious quilt from you Deb!!!

That's so pretty, and beautiful feathers.