Friday, May 29, 2009

Debra Spincic's Butterflies

Debra Spincic, as most of you know, is opening her new Etsy store on June 7th, selling her hand-crafted machine-embroidered motifs and designs (she'll take custom orders, too.)

Well, I couldn't wait for her store to open, so ordered four butterflies to go onto my Spring CQ.
I am ecstatic with them!

(Please pardon the quality of my photos. I'm using an old digital camera until my Nikon gets back from the shop next week.)

This is how they arrived, on organza with stabilizer on the back, which was a breeze to tear off.

At Summerset's suggestion, I ran a thin line of fabric glue around the edges and let that dry before cutting out my butterflies. It was a wise move; I had almost no fraying or stitch loss whatsoever after I cut them out. It was easy to applique them into place.

I don't have their little antennae sewn on yet!
I chose to place some of them on a background of similar value and color. This was to add interest but not busyness. (Crazy quilts can get way too busy.)

This one found its perfect spot on the checkerboard tie fabric.

This yellow guy's distinct shape stands out, but color wise he still doesn't glaringly jump out at you.

This one begs to be noticed, however.
But the black in him is balanced out by the black in the hummingbirds that are on the quilt, so visually this butterfly completes a kind of circle around the quilt's center with the hummers.
I'll show you the overall effect after one more beaded butterfly finds a home up at the top....

16 comments :

Marty52 said...

Lovely flutterbys... here's a WooHoo! to Debra. I like the way you have tucked them in with areas that they match... "This was to add interest but not busyness." I'm finding myself doing the same thing on my Alliance for Quilts piece. I want there to be something there but I don't want it to compete with the main elements of the design. It's a very good way of phrasing what we do, Ms Allie!

Judy S. said...

Great butterflies, and so fun on your quilt. How about an overall shot sometime, maybe when you get your camera back? I love studying your work!

black bear cabin said...

the butterflies are lovely, and you did a wonderful job placing them in the right color fields for your projects. i look forward to checking out her site when it goes live on Etsy...be sure to post the link when she does :)

FredaB said...

Hi Allie

Gorgeous as usual. I am going to order some butterflies for my quilt when Debra returns from NY.
I am also going to do some beaded ones. You are such an inspiration and glad to have you back.

Hugs
FredaB

Debra Dixon said...

Ohhh! Ahhh!

Isn't this fun??!

You can also melt the organza right up to the edge of the motif with a soldering iron.

Vicki W said...

They are beautiful and seem to be very happy in their new garden!

kerrykatiecakes2 said...

I also hope you will post the link when Debra's Etsy shop opens. These buterflies are lovely - especially the way you have used them!
Hugs,
Kerry

Robin said...

Oooooooooh! Debra's butterflies are FAB-U-LOUS!!!!! And so is your placement of them on your quilt. Not only are they a pleasing addition without being busy or detracting from your flower and hummingbird features, but also, it's what butterflies tend to do as a safety measure. I still like your beaded butterflies best, but all are great and all have their part to play in your beautiful quilt!

Speaking of stitching, I've just taken 5 glorious days off-computer and off-responsibility! It's been heaven to stitch 'til my fingers were sore! I've been working on the block from your class... just need to get some fabric for the binding and then I'll post pictures. I'm lovin' it!!!

Hugs, Robin A.

Summerset said...

Beautiful and such a great idea especially for those who love embellishment but don't have an embroidery machine! I think the placment is just perfect - adds interest without screaming for attention.

You do know that I'm going to have to add a beaded butterfuly (and a few other insects, all part of the grand plan) to GP?!?

Lisa Boni said...

This is looking so lovely! Can't wait to see a complete view of it soon!

Susan said...

Allie,
What type of applique did you use? As in whip stitching, or needle turn or what? Can you tell I am new to this?
Thanks,
Susan

Possibilities, Etc. said...

Exquisite detail on that swallowtail!! Good for Debra - these are beautiful.

Melissa ;-) said...

I also use a stencil cutter for melting the organza. Very pretty!

Wendy said...

And I thought that this quilt couldn't get anymore beautiful. I love the butterflies. They add so much to the quilt.
Stunning!!!
Wendy

Kay said...

Those really are beautiful butterflies. They have so much detail. And you helped, of course :)

Susan Elliott said...

I too love Debra's butterflies! Add me to the fan club!