BEHIND THE SCENE : PROTOTYPE

Once I have prepared something on my computer, I then move on to make a prototype.

What I call a prototype is the first making of the quilt, that will allow me to write the pattern text, to determine the amount of fabric needed, the sewing techniques needed, the color position on the pattern, because even if the pattern looks good on the computer screen, once I start going through my fabric, changes usually occur!!

There are occasions also that I will give a shape a try, for example I wanted to try out my paper piece Flying Geese, so I printed out the paper* and liked the result, I then printed out another pattern and gave it a go.

Afterwards, I wanted to find a way to connect all these patterns and make a quilt top, but since I did not pay attention to the finish size of each square, they don't really match, so I have to add extra fabric on each side to make them match.

That is the fun side of being a designer, you try things out all the time, you make discoveries that are really interesting, and you experiment all the time.

Hope you enjoyed these behind the scene of my work.

Thank you

Emmanuelle

*Side note, it is said that PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT, well trust me that I put that saying into action, because when you create paper piecing patterns, first thing to do is to "mirror" the pattern, meaning that when printing it out it needs to be in the opposite direction, since the fabric goes on the back of the paper. And guess what? Well on one of my projects, I printed out all the paper, started sewing the fabric on, and once I had finished the piece, I realized I had forgotten to mirror the print that piece. To tell the truth I kept my pattern with the original drawing and left my quilt top as it was, I really didn't want to do it again and waste all that fabric and work. So trust me I check it twice now when I am ready to sew, Practice Makes Perfect!!