Did you know that a group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope?
This month my kaleidoscope of butterflies includes the above collection.
Gosh, I didn't realize a lot of my floral fabrics are so dark.
Ghost Moths is a free pattern I used to make my butterflies in case you want to make your own. These are actually pretty quick and easy to make.
And I made a few little butterflies on blue to add to this kaleidoscope of butterflies.
Do you recognize the fabrics? They are the "waste triangles" left over from the first set of Ghost Moth/ Butterflies I made.
For most it is probably obvious as to how to turn waste triangles into "butterflies" but I'll tell you how I made mine anyway. There might be some new persons just learning to sew that don't even know you can use "waste triangles" in a variety of ways. Or there might be some folks curious as to size of the blocks or any other number of things. Warning...some might find the following little tutorial boring because you are already experts at using your waste triangles in a variety of different ways so if that is the case skip on down to the bottom of the post for a linky party.
1. Gather together sets of two triangles that are of the same fabric for each butterfly you want to make. In this example I had 9 sets waste triangles that resulted from my Ghost Moth/Butterfly making.
2. Cut four 2.5 inch squares of background fabric (blue tone on tones for me) for each butterfly set of waste triangles you gathered in step 1.
3. Position your waste triangle in a corner of your background square leaving about 1/4 inch of the triangle overlapping on each side of the background square. Sew a 1/4 inch seam along the edge of the waste triangle. Repeat for all your waste triangles.
4. Clear off the end of your ironing board so you can put a new ironing board cover on. Press all triangles toward the background corner like top set in photo.
5. Turn squares over and trim excess triangle fabric so they are even with the background fabric. If, after pressing, the waste triangle doesn't completely cover the background fabric it is okay if it is within the 1/4 inch seam allowance like the 3 at the top of the photo but if the waste triangle is really out of alignment then try again to be more precise especially if you don't trim away background fabric. (You don't want any of the butterfly wings flying free...well, at least I don't want that).
6. You could cut away the background fabric even with the waste triangle 1/4 inch seam if you want but for these butterflies I just leave it on.
7. Line up the extra background squares with each "butterfly wing" like you see above and chain piece until you have little four patch units or completed 4.5 inch butterfly blocks that will finish at 4 inches.
8. Since I left the background fabric under the butterfly I "twirl the seams" and press to reduce bulk.
9. Admire your work and take a photo
10. Link up to "Kaleidoscope of Butterflies" with
Ann of Fret Not Yourself or Cathy (me) of Sane, Crazy, Crumby
Glad you added the tutorial - like you say, there are always newbies who look at what we do and wonder how we do it.
ReplyDeleteI usually cut away the fabric, but I can see that leaving it and twirling the seams is a good way -- maybe a better way! Something to try. Both projects are looking awesome, Cathy!
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ReplyDeleteYou are the champ of butterfly quilts, Cathy. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love these floral butterflies!
ReplyDeleteI agree, lovely floral butterfly blocks and 'liberated' butterflies.
ReplyDeleteMoths are actually my favourites in many ways, though butterflies get most of the good press. Your floral Ghost Moths are very cool.
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