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Monday, June 6, 2016

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?! 

LINKING:

31 comments:

  1. Прекрасная работа! Очень понравилась.

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    1. Thank you so much! I had a blast playing with this quilt!

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  2. Geometric bird from Kristy @ Quiet Play is one I've used a bunch. And I love the Zebra and the Lion head from Juliet @ Tartankiwi. Of all the paper pieced things I've made, I think the most spectacular one is the Eagle with American Flag from Janeen @ Quilt Art Designs. You can see a photo of it here:
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilts_by_lisa/22708170660

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    1. Thank you for the link! The eagle is spectacular! I'm familiar with Quiet Play and Tartankiwi as well…there are so many talented paper piecing designers!

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  3. I picked up a paper pieced project from Jelli quilts last month. I haven't done a lot but my favourite is Houses by Johanna Masko. I don't know if you can get it on line. I picked it up in a store. Great quilting. The texture really worked in the background.

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    1. I had so much fun 'messing' with this quilt! From piecing to FMQ, it was a blast! I'm looking for my next project, so thank you for sharing your favorite!

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  4. All I can say, Jayne, is WOW! Having seen one geese square, I really appreciate the scale of the piece. Piecing the bordering squares in the same angles is truly inspired.

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    1. I am so happy with how it turned out! While I love the geese, I really love how the background came out! I cannot wait for the next paper piecing project…I've become obsessed!

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  5. I love this, especially with the different background colors - it takes the piece to a whole higher level. It's a pretty perfect piece, if you ask me. I love any and everything by Amy Garro of 13 Spools. (I'm pretty sure you already know her stuff). I'm going to check out Jelli though - interesting patterns...

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    1. I really love the background too! I hope to do more of that one day soon! Amy Garro does have some amazing paper pieced patterns, she is definitely on my list!

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  6. I love washing FMQed quilts too - the texture is great and there's nothing quilt like it! You did a great job of quilting the mini with its design in mind! I hardly ever paper piece so I don't have any recommendations. :)

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    1. For me, washing any quilt is the finishing touch! There is nothing quite like having amazing texture and crinkle! The more I FMQ, the better I like it…this quilt was really a lot of fun, especially playing with different designs! One day I might actually FMQ a big quilt! Yikes!

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  7. Just gorgeous Jayne! Another fab finish!

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  8. I love what you did. Always the creative one you are!! One of these days I will get one of her patterns. Did you send her a pic of what you did?

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  9. Jeli Quilts patterns do not disappoint, certainly, but you really did take this to a new level by adding in the curved piecing. It is lovely and the texture from your quilting is great!

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  10. Love! Love! Love this! Your posts never disappoint. And the quilting is the icing on the cake. I actually really like the little punch of green thread on the back. It gives it isn't own little bit of quilting fun. Congrats on another great finish, Jayne.

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  11. I would be pleased too! That turned out fantastic!!!

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  12. So cool - I love paper piecing. It turned out gorgeous! I do love Jelli Quilts and have a couple of her patterns

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  13. You managed to turn a fun block into a great quilt! I love the shimmer and motion in the background fabrics. And the colored bobbin is just fine - better aqua in the back that white showing in front))

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  14. A standout quilt. The quilting does add so much texture and depth to it.. Enjoy it!

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  15. I'm always in awe of your quilting when I visit your blog ... another mini masterpiece! :)

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  16. This is so much more than what can be conveyed in an Instagram post. I love seeing the details and following along by your coat tails when you post about your projects! The quilting on this is absolutely stunning! Love the addition of the curves and especially on the corners of the mini. Clearly defines the edges and looks fabulous!

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  17. This is gorgeous! Those curved corners would freak me out too! I would love to see how you did this. in case you ever do it again!

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  18. This is so fantastic! The additions on the top are exciting but the quilting takes it over the top! Really, really terrific! I think it's fine that you used the aqua bobbin. Having the design show on the back is much better than little dots of white on the front. Well done!

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  19. Aaah....you are so freaking creative Jayne! Who knew those geese would turn into this fabulous mini quilt? Absolutely fantastic - both the design and the quilting!

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  20. Wow! This is an eye catching quilt! I love all the up close details.

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  21. Wow, this is amazing. I would not have had the patience with all the tiny pieces. I love the colours you have chosen.

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