Butterfly Garden

Every quilt I work on is an opportunity to learn new skills and practice others.  This pretty top was put together by one of my quilting ladies.  The pattern is called Disappearing Nine Patch and is made from a nine patch block that is cut down the middle horizontally and vertically, and then sewn back together.  We have made several of tops with this pattern, and it work best when using three colors, as this top does.  

Looking through my quilting books, I was inspired to give butterflies a try.  

 They were quite fun to do and not at all difficult.

In the patterned areas, I created some tropical style flowers, the inspiration for which came from a fellow quilter who had also quilted this pattern.

A serendipitous moment occurred when I looked at the completed quilt.  On the front, the little butterflies stand out, while the flowers fade into the patterned fabric.  On the back however, the butterflies, quilted in blue thread, disappeared in the blue fabric.  The flowers on the other hand stood out, and due to their shape, gave the effect of large butterflies scattered over the back.  

 Happiness!