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Butterfly and Flowers Applique Project

A few weeks ago I showed you some new fabric that I brought home from my favorite quilt shop (aka The Granary).  You can go here to see that post.  I just finished the quilt top yesterday and I really like it.  I know, it’s not true love yet, but it will be once I’ve quilted it and added some blue piping around the outside and all.  The pattern is from the book, Sisterhood-A Quilting Tradition: 11 Heartwarming Projects to Piece & Applique.

There were some big prints in this fabric line from Michael Miller (aptly named “Bella Butterfly”) and I really wanted to use all of them.  The large hydrangeas in the outer corners are actually made up of little butterflies.  So cute!

TIP:  Make a fabric swatch color guide before you start a new quilt project.  It really helps to keep things organized and then you don’t have to think so hard!  Here’s what mine looks like:

On the right side of each fabric swatch, I wrote the corresponding color and letters as given in the pattern.  So, for instance, any time the pattern said to cut the tan fabric or to use piece C, I would know to look for my green fabric.

And here’s a close up of the applique:

There are so many techniques for applique and I wanted something that was done by machine.  I chose a turned-edge technique using lightweight fusible interfacing and then it’s finished off with invisible thread and a blind hem stitch.

I decided to use the flowers and butterfly that were printed on one of the other large scale fabrics.  This is similar to Broderie Perse which uses pre-printed elements to make up an applique scene. Here is the fabric before cutting it up and after:

I am working on a tutorial for the turned-edge applique technique that I used in this project.  It works well for larger, simpler applique shapes.

And where ever I am in the house, you’re sure to find Cooper close by.  He loves quilts too!

Have a happy day!

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14 Comments

  1. The quilt turned out beautifully Julie, and the use of the large flowers is brilliant. Along with the turned edge appliqué, it’s given me some ideas in how to use some large floral Kaffe Fassett fabric I have, and am loath to cut up! I would never have thought to use the invisible hemming foot for appliqué and am dying to test it out.
    Thanks for great ideas. I see you have another project lined up already….I’ll be following it.
    I sent my daughter the Banana cake recipe which she said was great. She had no walnuts but used pecans instead.

    Have a great weekend!

  2. Very pretty! I found out about Broderie Perse when I did research for my SIL’s GWTW quilt. I admire anyone that can do that kind of work.

    Found your blog from SewManyWays. Enjoyed browsing. I will be back!

  3. LOVELY and I have the large flowers that are just what I need for this lovely Appliqued Quilt, so I guess I best start looking and getting started,,Take care Cheers HUGS Jeanne xox

  4. What a lovely quilt! I have never seen the Broderie Perse as you mentioned, a great idea. Thanks for the tip on the fabric swatch. I have never used the same colors as a pattern called for, so next time that will make it much easier.

    blessings, jilly
    visiting from sew many ways

  5. This is gorgeous! I love the flowers. So appropriate for spring time. Are you going to show it at The Granary? I would love to know so I can go take a look at it. You are very talented.

  6. Hi Julie. I cannot believe you finished this project already. It is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing the entire process. 🙂

  7. Hi Julie,
    Your butterflies and flowers appliqued quilt is beautiful. You did a terrific job on the applique. It is very pretty. I love it! Looking forward to seeing how you quilt it. Happy stitching.

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