Monday, January 9, 2017

Herding and Bordering Flying Geese:Day 9




Rows of Geese
I made these flying geese with a method that produces bias edges on all sides of the original HST. Check it out HERE. After turning them into flying geese strips, I was left with just a bias edge on each outside edge. These will all be bordered with fabric so it won't be a problem. 




I'm sure many of you were shaking your heads when I told you I stacked upwards of 6 sewn blocks--that's 12 layers of fabric, and cut them on the diagonal with my rotary cutter. My Olfa is in the picture, but I used my Martelli Ergo 2000 Rotary Cutter , and it sliced right through the stack. There was no precise cutting corner to corner with that method, but they still came out surprisingly good. I wanted you to see how I didn't fuss too much while sewing them into strips sets, and then into a row. When my row had 6 blocks, I lined up my edges for a quick trim. The fact that these were produced on the bias gave them a lot of ease to get the row straightened up. 



Afterward, I starched and pressed, and sewed 3 sets together. You can tell the rows were exactly even here, but I didn't trim any length yet.



Imagine I'm in a lovely studio, and not on my kitchen floor tonight, but I'm too tired to lug the project there. I found some cheddar colored cotton last Saturday for a song, and added some borders. Afterward, I trimmed the top and bottom. 

I think I'm starting to believe that cheddar is a neutral. I think it looks beautiful with all those diverse colors. Don't you?



There was enough of one burgundy fabric to do a top and bottom to the center, and then I added side borders with another. I had to do some creative piecing to  make those sides long enough, but there are 2 vintage fabrics that are all used up now. Hurrah!

Tomorrow I'll finish out the other two borders I have planned, and this will be ready for the longarm. It's about 50" x 70" right now, and needs to be at least 60" x 80". 

This gal is heading to bed now to be up nice and early. There are several quilts that need just finishing touches, and then I can start some new ones. I've got a list going with ideas, but if there are any good patterns you make for charity and would like to share, I'd love to hear them. Variety is good!

Come on, Doxie girls.
Let's snuggle up, and dream of quilts.
Tomorrow we need to sew.


8 comments:

Angie in SoCal said...

I don't know how big your fabrics are. I've found that if they're about a fat quarter or larger making a big block quilt goes fast.

Julie said...

It just depends what I have, but I definitely agree with you. Larger pieces means few seams, less sewing, and a quicker top. I've started limiting my design options to nothing under 5", but 10" makes even more sense. Knowing your finished dimensions can help you decide what size blocks you want to use, too.

The other thing I'm finding, Angie, is if there is a row with a lot of seams, don't put it next to another row you need to line up seam allowances. It's much easier to move quickly with a solid border, row or block beside it.

Sue said...

I love the colour combination in this quilt - the cheddar is genius!

Unknown said...

I agree, the cheddar color is wonderful - a real 'go-to' color. I also like light gray for a neutral. You are bringing some great designs to light....for charity comforters! Yeah!

Stitchin At Home said...

Love this Julie the cheddar is perfect and something I never would have thought of.

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Looking great!! I have to remember you can make flying geese with HST's. So much easier.

kupton52 said...

The cheddar looks wonderful with the burgundy and the pinks/browns in your "flock". What a great fabric find. Blessings from southern WV....

Kate said...

The cheddar makes for a nice contrast with all the red. You are really moving along.