Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a great weekend and enjoying Phase 1 of "scrap-a-long." In this phase we'll be doing some fun quilting and piecing of these cute fish using the "mini peel template" by Missouri Quilt co. I had so much fun using this template. It's very versatile and if you make your fish a bit larger like I did all you do is do some curve piecing. Sew easy! I use a "flexible curve" to achieve the waves on my block, but you can definitely "free hand" them or just do curve quilting on your block. Many rulers have a curve end so check out your "quilting tools" you many already have on hand. You'll "a-play-que" around your fish once you have your background piece quilted. I love the background fabric "Graduation Chips" by Stonehenge for Northcott. It's perfect for the different hues in the water. The Banyan Batiks color ways were perfect for the different colorful hues of the fish. The 50 weight Aurifil thread hues compliment the Batik fabric perfectly. Remember this is your project so choose your favorite color scheme to coordinate with your home decor. I wanted a bright accent fish pillow, so the Batiks coordinated perfect! I'm breaking the steps into Phases so it's easier for a beginner quilter. You know me...less-stress-quilting! So let's get scrapin' Enjoy!
Blessed Quilting,
Cat
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Preparing the block for quilting...
* Rotary cut a "mock piece" of fabric 14 x 14 ( I use muslin) :-) for backing
* Rotary cut low-loft batting to 14 x 14
* Layer backing fabric (facing down)
* Batting
* Block (right side facing you)
* Pin or clip as desired to secure block when quilting
Note: the backing fabric and batting will be a bit larger. You will trim later once quilted.
Now let's make some waves!...
* Mark your curvy lines using your preferred method. I love the flex curve. A bit "old school" but great!
* Quilt on line as desired.
* From that first line...drop down using your presser foot as your guide and quilt second row following the precious curve line.
* Do as many rows as you wish using this same method.
I quilted in odd number of rows for a wavy design :-)
Tip...I did not quilt block all with waves due to adding fish in next step. You can always go back and quilt more if desired.
* Press your block before next step if needed.
Now let's get "Scrap Fishin!"...
Following design for inspiration. "Audition" your scrap pieces for fish. I drew the large by hand but you can do all small fish if desired. Use your preferred method of light-weight stabilizer...following manufacturer's directions...fuse to wrong side of fabric. On paper side of fabric trace around your "mini peel template" to make fish design. Carefully cut online. Per design, you can make your fish all solid or "challenge yourself" for the "advanced step" & cut them into curves per design. This also makes the fish larger using the same template. :-) Remember it's your pillow get creative at this stage and have fun!
I also did my fish in odd numbers. As a designer, making a design not so perfect ads more character to a design and it's more "eye appealing." Definitely a conversation piece!
I traced on paper using the mini peel template to lay out design (see pic below)
Once you have your desired design. Fuse your fish to background fabric following manufacturer's directions.
Tip: I use a pressing sheet to protect my iron from any fusible glue :-)
* Applique around your fish with coordinating thread. Play with your decorative stitches or do a staright stitch following the outline of the fish.
Tip...I use a small stitch length to make "pivoting" around fish outline easier :-)
Have fun...get creative & check back soon for Phase 3...
Talk soon,
Cat
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