Each year, I look forward to participating in the May the 4th swap on Instagram. It is a Star Wars themed swap, and in my opinion, the best swap of the year. Everyone involved is highly motivated, talented, and has a geeky love of Star Wars. It is awesome!
This year, my secret partner gave me a pretty wide range of likes, but did mention that she likes both the strong women characters and the droids. Since I did Leia last year, I decided to take on a droid.
I found a fun pop art themed pin on Pinterest. From what I can tell, the pin was created by a Hungarian man named, Dragonya, who is a huge fan of Star Wars. I am assuming he made the graphic - thank you! I chose it as the inspiration for my mini.
I am not sure why I do these things to myself, but instead of using my usual fusible applique methods, which I have become quite adept at, I chose to make this mini using the Applipiecing technique that I have recently learned (my most recent class taken was by Sheila Frampton Cooper). Anyhow, this technique requires a lot more finesse and cursing than fusible applique. However, it does result in a quilt top with fewer layers and no fusible to sew through. Well, I did put a few fused pieces on the quilt, but the majority has zero fusible.
Then I got to the part I have started to dread - the quilting. I think I have just gotten out of practice a bit. It feels like every time I put a quilt together and start quilting it, it takes me a long time to get into the groove of things and my stitching to start looking acceptable. Sadly, I just don't have time to quilt a practice quilt before I start on actual projects. I usually need them done yesterday. So, I have to live with my stitch quality being a bit inconsistent from start to finish. Usually, one can't tell.
I think R2 turned out pretty good in the end. He looks great from the front, and while the back had a couple of spots of inconsistent tension, I managed to cover most of them with the label - ha!
Cool design, right?
And while extras are optional for this swap, I also made this BB-8 in watercolor for my partner. I made several mistakes while painting it, including dropping my brush full of orange paint, not once, but twice! Also, some of the shadows didn't soften as much as I was hoping. I think it turned out alright despite my mistakes.
The person who had me as a partner, Sarah Jay, didn't disappoint! She made me this awesome Grand Admiral Thrawn mini.
I don't think I would like Thrawn as much as I do if I hadn't read Timothy Zahn's book series that features Thrawn as a main character. His development of Thrawn's character is amazing, and really sheds light on why he is so ruthless and successful as an Empire commander.
I hope you enjoyed these Star Wars inspired minis. While I am publishing this on the 5th, remember May the 4th be with you, always!
Jen
