I have had quite a few requests for tutorials since I posted the last one about curvy piecing. I will get to some of the others I promise - especially the colour one, for which I am planning something special! In the mean time though, I have had a few people ask about my method for making Flying Geese blocks, which are featured in my Wonderland quilt in this months Women's Weekly, (UPDATE - believe it or not, I've got two more, extra fabric is coming out of the woodwork from everywhere!)
and also in Jungle Boogie in Material Obsession book 2.
Jungle Boogie from Material Obsession: Shared Inspiration, photography by John Doughty
So here goes! This is a fabulous method of making Flying Geese which is quick, accurate and eliminates dealing with too much bias.
Step 1
Cut a large square 6 1/2" and four small squares 3 1/2". These ratios stay the same depending on what size you want your Flying Geese. This size squares produces Geese 3 1/8 x 5 3/4.
Step 2
Using a sharp pencil and a patchwork ruler, rule a line from point to point in one direction on each square. Then rule a line 1/4 to either side of that line.
Step 3
Place a small square at each diagonal corner of the large square, right sides together. The small squares will overlap in the centre by 1/4".
Step 4
Sew up both of the 1/4" lines that you ruled, but NOT up the centre line.
Step 5
Cut along the centre line, giving you two triangles.
Step 6
Press the two small triangles you have created open.
Step 7
Place another small square in the corner of the large triangle with the lines you ruled running towards the corner.
Step 8
Sew up the 1/4 inch lines as before.
Step 9
Cut the triangles apart along the centre line.
Step 10
Repeat with the other half triangle you have left, and you have created four Flying Geese!
Step 11
I know this is very patchwork teacher-y of me, but PLEASE make sure you trin the "ears" off your geese (and any other triangles you are piecing) before you piece them together! You will have a much nicer and flatter result if you do.
While we're on the subject of triangles, here's a little beauty that Sue in my Wednesday night class whipped up. Flying Geese again, just made a little differently!!
Sarah Fielke Material Obsession
