I printed out a 8x11 inch version (top left) then cut it in half length-wise and then in thirds. I ran those small bits through a photo-copier at 400%. As you can see there were some sections that got cut off, so I measured key sections (like the beak) to see where the missing bits were and then did a little math (shut up Mrs Casper..yes I now know you can use math in the real world) to mathmatically figure out the proportions, and then drew them in. (I'm math challenged...if I can do it , anyone can.)
Using the original challenge criteria...these are fabrics from my stash. I'll be using reverse applique, so the blue fabric will be the bird fabric. The background, is a batik with dragonflies. What could be better for a heron or similar water bird? The batik is heavy enough that I can use a darker fabric for the "under" fabric in a reverse applique technique.
For my next step, I plan to trace the pattern on to tissue paper, then (for the first time) try "front basting" applique appoach. As a back-basting girl, I've been totally stumped about how front basting might work. I think I finally got it figured out. Stay tuned for details.
