Butterflies just for Fun Quilt

38 comments
For a few years now I had been noticing butterfly quilts sewn in several variations in some of my Japanese quilting books, but was a bit daunted by the block construction methods shown there. So when Amy's tutorial popped up on my Google reader and I started seeing friends showing their butterflies on blogs, I became more curious about them and somewhat jealous. However, at that time I was working on deadlines, and couldn't spare time to begin my own quilt.
After completing my market obligations I began making butterflies using Amy's tutorial as almost as a reward. I found the blocks incredibly fun to make and decided on my red/pink, blue, white and black color theme. My blocks are very scrappy and not more than 2 of each print fabric is used. My new method of storing my stash made the choosing of fabric so simple and fun.
I have always loved hounds tooth ever since 1st grade when I wore my green and white hounds tooth wool outfit for school picture day. The black and white hounds tooth seemed perfect to balance out the black background for the butterflies.
Now my "just for fun" quilt is all completed, sewn, quilted and bound. I really like it. I am a bit sad to finish it. I've listed it as a project I would like to teach at a retreat. I just think it would be a very fun quilt to sew in a classroom while enjoying time with other quilters.

-nanette

38 comments

Michele said...

The hounds tooth is so fun! You are the quickest quilter in blogland.

debbie m said...

Wow, I like it. I saw your blog posts when you had sewn a few butterflies here and there and was not so keen on the shape of the butterflies, but love the overall look of them put into a quilt, and the hounds tooth really accents them nicely. Great Job!

Darlene said...

Oh, I like it a lot. The black houndstooth is perfect.

May Kristin said...

Love it! I've seen them popping up in blog-land too, thinking I need to make me one! So, who knows!

Nedra said...

I love the setting you used, and the houndstooth brings back so many memories, especially in the Fall.

Truffle queen said...

I love this quilt! Hmmm - should I start ANOTHER project?! Well - I'm going to look at the tutorial - and chain myself to my UFO bins - right....

Linda at Roscoe's Ma said...

I will admit, I was a doubter when you started this quilt. Houndstooth...really?!? You definitely had the vision and this really turned out to be a wonderful quilt! The houndstooth is PERFECT! It's a happy quilt!! I want to make one!!

Truffle queen said...

just looked at the tutorial. She talks about using a set of rulers so you don't waste fabric. I have the rulers - but don't you lose the "character" of the blocks if they're all the same? What's your opinion? I have black w/white polka dots that I'm thinking would be fun with the '30s butterflies! I DO love the houndstooth - but I'm TRYING to thin my stash! lol

Browndirtcottage said...

ALRIGHT!!!....now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!!! The houndstooth setting is perfection...I'm swooning!!!
I played with mine just the other day...I finally decided on how to set mine....now I'm inspired by you to get mine finished!!!

karen @ badlandsquilts said...

Oh, I do love the houndstooth - a very nice contrast/complement to the other fabrics. Lovely quilt.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Wow, Nanette, that really turned out pretty! I like houndstooth, too. I made for myself a knit top and matching stockings (I still have the pattern for the hose!) when I was in high school. I wore them a LOT!

Trisha said...

Wonderful quilt, Nanette! I love how you seperated the columns of butterflies. And the houndstooth was a perfect choice!

Steffi´s Candy Quilts said...

Very beautiful! I like the color theme and the way you hung it to the wall!

Brandie said...

Beautiful! And what a quick finish.

Jennifer said...

Adorable! The houndstooth is perfect for this quilt. Nicely done!

Jennifer :)

AnnieO said...

I just love how you set this with the strips! The houndstooth is really jazzy and fun. How big did this one turn out to be? I agree it would be a fun one to work on at a retreat.

Lori Holt said...

it looks fantastic nanette...i like how the quilting turned out.
i can't believe you already got it bound and hung. you are amazing as usual!
xx
lori

Annette said...

I LOVE it! Great quilt and I like your plan for putting it together as a reward while working on your other projects.

Momoo said...

Love your quilt, what a neat way to use up scraps. The hounds tooth brings back memories. Years ago I made myself a jacket using black and white hounds tooth.

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

Wow, you are speedy! Can't believe you are finished with this one. The houndstooth is the perfect compliment to the butterfly block colors!

Barbara said...

I love, love, love this one!

Carrie P. said...

Fabulous!

pratima said...

It's wonderful and fun! I love the layout and the hounds tooth complements the black perfectly! You've made a very pretty quilt, Nanette :)

nettie said...

it's amazing! i love it.

Betsy said...

It looks great Nanette. A fun quilt is always a joy to make.

Retrogirl said...

Nanette,
Your quilt is fantastic. LOVE the houndstooth and bright butterflies!! What a fun project.
All my best,
Heather

Lynn said...

I love it!! Good for you making a "just for fun" quilt. My guess is though you have one to follow it in mind? Thanks for sharing the link to the pattern!

Shari said...

This is lovely! So glad you made a quilt just for you! This is on my 'one day' list... 2011 is the year of the UFO for me...

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Love the houndstooth, just makes the quilt pop.

em's scrapbag said...

Thanks for the link with the tutorial. I love your butterflies and just might need to make one of my own.

Marj said...

The butterfly quilt would be a really fun class to take at a retreat. I hope you get picked to teach it soon. You have a good eye for color.

Sparky said...

Wish I may, wish I might...be a quilter like Nanette someday or night...

another beauty...and mark me down as one of your want to be students..

Niesz Vintage Home said...

So, so cute! I just love the dark background and houndstooth sashing. It really makes the butterflies stand out!

Kimberly :-)

alobsiger said...

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, Nanette! Oh my goodness -- it's just the happiest quilt! I adore the houndstooth dividers -- really sets off the butterflies. The "body" fabric is superb too! Oh, congrats! Very happy you had fun making butterflies!

Joan said...

What do I say....Love at first sight. I want one just like. The picture hanging on the wall made me want to make it for my new bathroom shower curtain. Probably not a good use but it would look very very amazing as my bathroom shower curtain. I'll probably never get around to it. Way too many unfinished project and I refuse to start anything else until I finish something, anything. But in the meantime it's a beauty and you should be very proud.

Brenda said...

Just love it. I'm trying to avoid starting something else so hopefully will mange to resist!

Unknown said...

Love your little butterflies.
I saw your projects at market and I am so sorry I didn't take photos for you! I am glad that someone else did though.
I may have to try this butterfly technique--- hmm when all my NEW deadlines are done. :)

Annie said...

oh I just love it, and you've inspired me to have a go.