Spring Sampler ~ Birdhouses and Bluebirds

 

Welcome back! This week we will work on the birdhouse and bluebird blocks. Go to your Season Sampler Spring pattern and follow along. Remember to save all of your scraps for future blocks and quilts. 

Each block will measure 8" x 8", this includes the seam allowance. 

Gather your fabric, pattern, fusible web, ruler and rotary cutter and let's begin!

This week we will work on the birdhouse and bluebird blocks.

~ Bluebird Block ~

The bluebird block is a lot of piecing but worth the time. You will need to make 2 total. To begin with cut out all of the fabric pieces following the pattern. Make sure to label all the pieces too.

It is very helpful to lay out all the block pieces on a board next to your sewing machine. Use the block layout diagrams to lay all the pieces out. Seams are scant ¼” seams. I use a quarter inch foot on my sewing machine and press the seams to the dark side. Square up blocks to measure 2” x 2” squares.

Start by sewing the C-C sections together. Press. Then sew the C-C triangle to an A triangle. Press.

Sew the A-A triangles together. Press.

Then construct the block following the diagrams included in the pattern.

~ Birdhouse Block ~

The birdhouse block is pretty quick and easy to do. After the bluebird block it's a nice break! You will make three blocks using different fabrics. Following the pattern directions, cut all your pieces out for all three blocks.

Block Layout

        Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the A and B squares corner to corner.

Diagram 1

        Place Square A on top of the rectangle D, right sides together. Stitch just a hair to the outside of this line. (Diagram 1) Trim excess fabric to ¼” seam and press. Press the seam to face to the outside of the unit.

Diagram 2

        Place square B on top of the opposite side, right sides together. Make sure the diagonal line is going in the right direction. Stitch just a hair to the outside of the line. (Diagram 2) Trim excess fabric to ¼” seam and press. 

Flying Gee

       Make 1 flying geese unit using the green, lt green and brown fabric for a total of 3 flying geese units. This will be the roof to your birdhouse.

        Following the instructions provided by the fusible web manufacturer, trace 3 of the birdhouse circles onto the paper side of the fusible web. Iron circles onto the back side of brown fabric. Iron the circle center onto the wrong side of the brown fabric.  Cut the pieces out. Follow the pattern layout for placement. Center the circle onto the 8” x 8” fabric D square. Iron in place. Using a blanket, zig zag or satin stitch on your sewing machine; sew along the edges of all the pieces. Practice on some scrap material if you are new to machine applique. Finished block measures 8” x 8” (includes seam allowance).

Sew the Lt Green roof to the striped D birdhouse square, right sides together. Press.         Sew the Brown roof to the lt green D birdhouse square, right sides together. Press.         Sew the Green roof to the pink D birdhouse square, right sides together. Press.         Sew a 4 ¼” x 8” background rectangle to the top of each birdhouse block, right sides together. Press. Finished unit measures 8” x 15”, seam allowance is included.

~ Birdhouse Block ~

I'll see you next Saturday. We will be adding borders and assembling our quilt top. 

Happy Quilting

Cindy and Josephine

Yardage, Fat Quarter Bundles and Season Sampler Kits can be found on the Quilt Doodle Designs website. The patterns for the quilts are included in the Season Sampler Kits.

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