The Skinny On Skinny Minny

That's a wrap!  In part one of this adventure (Skinny Minny ~ Fun and Games), I began making my Skinny Minny (pattern by Jelli Quilts) center pieces but really had not idea where I would take it.  Not that the pattern needed anything else, it can certainly stand on its own.  Me being me...I had to take it to another level.  

23" x 23"

Once the four center squares were finished I began making additional blocks for the corners, top, bottom and sides.  I took the paper piece templates for a Skinny Minny block and extended some of the lines in order to keep the basic shape and flow of the blocks. Grabbed my scraps of whites, cream and ivory and haphazardly paper pieced six blocks. The corner blocks took a bit more thought, but they came together as I had hoped.

The curves just happened.  From out of the blue an idea hit and the next thing I knew my glue applicator was out and the corners were cut!  Maybe it didn't happen quite that fast, but I knew where I wanted to go.  The glue is for the curves.  Glue, iron and stitch! 

Glue basting works like a charm for me, especially since it isn't something I do often.  I was freaking out when I cut the corners on the center blocks!  I wasn't sure what I was doing and after all the work on the blocks...I didn't want to mess them up. 

Nothing is ever perfect!  Case in point:  the points didn't exactly match up.  And I'm fine with that.  

My biggest worry now was how should I quilt it?!  The possibilities are endless don't you think?

I let it sit for a while, staring at the task ahead of me, contemplating my next move.  I wanted to have fun with it.  I channeled my inner free motion quilting spirit and went to town!  Once I started there was no turning back.  I FMQ it into submission!

Starting in the center, following the angles was the starting point.  It didn't take long to get into a rhythm.  At that point, I couldn't stop!  

I tried to use different designs around the outside that were new to me.  The plan...texture!

The other plan...don't stop!  While I am critical of my skill in the FMQ department, I also am very aware that once it was all said and done it would turn out to be fine.  Yes, I did wash and dry it.  It's my secret weapon, my saving grace!  It hides a multitude of issues!

The texture I was after came through loud and clear!  I couldn't be happier with those results!

The backing is 'Orbit' from Andover Fabrics, a piece from my stash I bought a long time ago. I figured the metallic would be a good choice to coordinate with the Heavy Metal print on the front.  Plus, it's busy enough that the free motion quilting would blend.

I wish I had tried using an off white bobbin with the aqua thread.  Live and learn ... there is always next time!

I'm pleased as punch with the finish!  I totally love the quilting, love the shade variations of the background and the center geese?  They are still the star!

I highly recommend this and other patterns by Jeli Quilts.  If you love to paper piecing, you'll love these patterns!  

Because I'm always looking for projects, does anyone have a favorite go-to paper pieced project they love?! 

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