fussy-cutting
v.— «The term “fussy-cutting” has come into favor for describing the art of cutting out desired portions of a fabric, usually small areas, to create specific effects in a quilt.…Take time to look at fabrics for their potential for appliqué elements, and then “fussy-cut” them out of their backgrounds.» —by Susan McKelvey Fancy Feathered Friends for Quilters Mar. 1, 2003. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)