Last week, I showed a sneaky peek of the next project on deck in the sewing room.
For this project, I need an 8x10" block, but the Monk Parakeet, the featured August bird block from the FLOCK, is only 8" square. Just a bit too small. Therefore, I need to find another block or find a way to increase the parakeet's width.
I have several options. . . I chose to add a line of 'migrating geese' to one side of the block. Small ones, very small.
Fair warning, I'm not crazy-thrilled by my migrating geese results, so if you're following along with the intent to repeat my process, there was a fair amount of experimentation involved as well as a missing point here and there. . . .
I grabbed some scraps from my scrap bin, trimmed them to 2-1/4" square, then cut them into quarter square triangles.
Then, from a couple bright green strips, I cut 1-7/8" squares, and cut them into half-square triangles.
Then I started sewing the quarter square triangles to the top of the half square triangles to make a bunch of weird-looking triangles-with-hats.
(See the green half-square triangle with the purple hat there on the right?)
I made a bunch of the 'triangles with hats ' - too many, in fact - then I sewed them into a vertical row.
Not sure if it was the size of the triangles, or all the bias involved, sloppy seams, or a fair dose of distraction over the busy holiday weekend . . . things went off track a wee bit. And the strip ended up a little wonky.
But that's okay.
This little bird and its wonky line of geese are becoming a Slicker Tote (pattern by Lazy Girl Designs).
The Slicker Tote pattern and the approved (by the 'other' Joan of Lazy Girl Designs fame) supplemental instructions to add an 8x10" quilt block to the front have only been available to FLOCK subscribers here on the Highway.
For a limited time, the pattern and supplement are available to anyone RIGHT HERE. Keep in mind if your block is smaller than 8x10", then you need to improvise a tiny bit like I did with the row of migrating geese to make it work with the supplemental instructions for an 8x10" block.
You'll also need a package of Stiff Stuff for the tote. Oh, and don't forget, since I'm headed out of town this week, if you decide to place an order, it won't ship it until the week after next.
Next time I make this with an 8" block, I think I'll add a vertical row of mini 9-patches for a similar but less 'biased' result! Or maybe, more simply, an extra border on one side to create an offset, easy-finish look.
But first, I have to finish this project . . . That swirly green stuff peeking out at the top of the photo will frame the bird block panel for the rest of the bag exterior. I can't wait to see the final result!
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
I would like to purchase the quaker pattern
Hi Kathy, you can find that kit here: https://hummingbird-highway.com/patterns-and-notions/monk-parakeet-non/
Or you can become a member and access previously released kits like the Quaker Parakeet at member pricing HERE: https://hummingbird-highway.com/patterns-and-notions/the-flock/
Hope this helps. If not, let me know!