Every time we do one of these, there are some who comment that they don’t like to do “boring, repetitive” sewing. I know . . I don’t either but for me, getting the “boring” sewing done early and having all the pieces made just makes the process fly once I’m past those steps. Also, when doing a quilt along as a group project, it seems that the sharing and competition to stay on track and keep up helps some to finish. So, do it any way you want to do it . . doesn’t matter how you do it . . what matters is that you finish your top!
All of the cuts for this entire quilt will be based on having at least 40″ across the width of your fabric once the selvage is removed.
Today (and for quite a few more days), we’re going to be doing flying geese. Make these any way you like. They need to finish at 1-1/2″ x 3″ which means the unfinished size should be 2″ x 3-1/2″.
For this quilt, we need a total of 72 flying geese using Fabric 6 as the geese and Fabric 1 as the sky.
If you’re making them the way I instructed, below are the instructions and these should take about 1 hour.
NOTE: For Fabric 1, where the instructions indicate cutting 2-3/8″ strips and then cutting those into 2-3/8″ squares . . this is where I make my cuts 2-1/2″ and then trim everything down.
Cutting Instructions:
- Fabric 6 – Cut 2 – 4-1/4″ strips. Cut these into 18 – 4-1/4″ squares. Cut these squares on the diagonal twice so that each yields 4 triangles, for a total of 72 triangles.
- Fabric 1 – Cut 5 – 2-3/8″ trips. Cut these into 72 – 2-3/8″ squares. Cut each of those on the diagonal once to yield 2 triangles, for a total of 144 triangles.
Sewing Instructions:
- Since part of the hour was spent cutting, you should be able to get 12 flying geese made. Get them trimmed if necessary and set them aside.
- Save all the other pieces you’ve cut because you will continuing making flying geese tomorrow.
Margery says
I love the stage where there’s loads of repetition – by the end of this stage I feel as if I know what I’m doing … and then, as you say, the next stage flies along, with my brain in a different gear. All stages are fun!
SarahB says
I think chain stitching take a lot of the “pain” out of repetition! You don’t have to stop each time and press it. Also, I think Margery has it right! Something about having that stack of flying geese done at the end really motivates me. Where as the more difficult blocks take longer and you have less to show for all the time.
Barbara says
Would it be possible for you to post a single block picture?
joanne bates says
I’m signing in to receive your posts since viewing for the first time today. Got ‘caught’ on your Flying Geese sew along project. FUN !!