Let there be giraffes

I finished the patchwork for the reverse applique of my new stencil quilt yesterday. It's mostly half square triangle units, a bit less than 2.75" finished size.

 I find it easier to line up the reverse appplique with the quilt top if I square it off, rather than try to trace the shape of the pattern. Here I've used a yellow and brown print (on the left side and a few other places) that I'm unlikely to use anytime soon. The print is in a bunch of the triangles, too. It's lovely, but this is clearly the project it's meant for.

I spray basted the applique patchwork to the top, then the two layers to the batting.

And finally the back.

I transferred my design to the quilt top using Saral transfer paper, then sewed around the edge of the design several times using my free motion quilting presser foot. And finally it was time to start cutting away the green background to reveal the giraffes.

 First the mother.

And then the baby.

It won't be done until it's quilted, bound and washed. The green raw edges will fray and pull back a bit more in the washer. I can't wait to see it!