The Evolution of a Butterfly Block

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Many of my designs for 100 Blocks are inspired by nature. Knowing that 100 Blocks volume 9 would released in May, I decided to go for something springy. I searched for ideas in Google  images.

Butterflies? That says spring! Who couldn’t find inspiration in pictures like these?

I roughed out a butterfly on paper, then I spent a few hours drawing the foundation block in EQ7. When I was happy with its shape and patches, I dropped in fabric colors. The more colors I added, the better I liked it–but I wasn’t 100% satisified with the design below.

butterfly31 300x300 The Evolution of a Butterfly BlockI called my husband over to take a peek and give me some feedback. He said it was the biggest butterfly he had ever seen. I was sorry I asked. I wasn’t about to put a 2″ butterfly in the middle of a 12″ block. Still, something more was needed. Then it hit me–the butterfly needs to look like it’s in motion. I used EQ7′s Serendipity tool to tilt it about 30 degrees. Much better!

butterfly8 300x300 The Evolution of a Butterfly BlockCould I find the right fabrics? (Yes, I’m an incurable batik-aholic.) The oranges, golds, pinks and purples in Minerals by Fresh Batiks for Clothworks fit the bill perfectly.

photo2 e1399584210699 The Evolution of a Butterfly BlockWhen the piecing was finished, I arranged a few heat set crystals on the wings.

photo1 e1399651512608 The Evolution of a Butterfly BlockWith some purple floss, I embroidered the antennae and added a couple of curls on the bottom of the wings for balance. A few more crystals here and there and I had one blinged-out butterfly.

QMMS 140044 FOWLER 300x300 The Evolution of a Butterfly Block

Butterfly-by Block #820 from volume 9

If you like butterflies, here’s an on-point layout filled with them.. I reversed a few so they aren’t all flying in the same direction.

butterfly 300x300 The Evolution of a Butterfly BlockFor a smaller quilt with a single butterfly, here’s simpler layout.

butterfly2 300x300 The Evolution of a Butterfly BlockAfter a long winter season, I’m basking in the longer days of warm sunshine and breathing in the fresh smells after the spring rains. I love watching trees bud and flowers bloom. Isn’t this a wonderful time of year? What are your favorite signs of spring?

 

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