Hummingbird Mini Quilt

I’ve recently become completely obsessed with mini quilts.  I’m quite certain the instant gratification is the biggest attraction for me.  It’s always so much fun to finish a project quickly.  Plus, I basically have zero patience so a fast finish is spectacular in my book.

My love of minis began last year when I signed up for my first mini quilt swap on Instagram.  I was immediately hooked.  What’s not to love about a fast finish and making new friends by swapping quilts.  {Shameless plug here…you should check out my Instagram feed, @OrchidOwlQuilts, because my friend Ida and I will be hosting a swap starting May 1st}

Today I want to share my hummingbird mini quilt that I made for my mom and step dad.  They love hummingbirds so I knew I had to make one for them.  I wanted to do something less than traditional so I decided to quilt the hummingbird and do a whole cloth mini.  I used a purple peppered cotton for the background.  It has such a beautiful sheen.  I’m completely addicted to peppered cottons right now too!

I used Superior Threads So Fine 40 weight variegated thread for the body of the hummingbird.  The background feather swirls were made with So Fine 50 weight thread.

Here’s a close up of the quilting I did to make the bird.  I used pebbles and baby clam shells for her head and body.  I originally used a purple thread on the belly and it didn’t show up.  So I grabbed my metallic pearlescent fabric paint and glitzed up her belly.

And a close up of the feather swirls.  These are so fun for background fills. I also used a double layer of Quilter’s Dream batting, one layer of cotton with wool on top.  This really makes the quilting pop.  Double batting is another super addiction I have at the moment.  Apparently I have lots of quilting addictions.

I hope you enjoyed my little hummingbird mini quilt.  She is currently on her way to Missouri to her new home.  I cannot wait for mom and Gene to see her in person.

Vicki