July's Block ~ Bluebirds

Happy July everyone! The pace of family events has slowed down a little bit. It's time to sit back and enjoy the summer and have some cabin time with the family. I am looking forward to our annual family vacation. I've already started to make some lists and prepack a few things for the cabin. 

 This month's block features a couple of bluebirds. Earlier this year I had a set of bluebirds visit my bird feeders. They were so beautiful!  I had switched up the blend that I usually use in my feeders, and I had so many feathered friends visit. I should have written down the brand and the blend, but I didn't and I haven't been able to find it since. It was a fruit and nut blend that had cayenne pepper in it to keep the squirrels away. I'll keep my eye out!

 So let me show you how I have made this month's block. Go on over to the Website and download the PDF pattern. The links are below towards the end of the posting. Make sure that your email is correct so that the link for the pattern is sent to you. Also, if you don't find it, check your trash or spam folder just in case it ended up in there....

Trace the applique shapes onto the paper side of your fusible web. I use Flexifuse. I then group the shapes using the same color with the fabric.

Go thru your fabric and pull the colors that you are going to use for the block.

Group the shapes with the fabric colors

Following the manufacturer directions, I then iron the fusible web onto the backside of my fabric. Then cut all the shapes out...

Following the pattern placement sheet, position all the applique shapes on the cream background rectangle. Notice how some of the shapes overlap. Iron everything in place.

I like to use an open toe foot for applique stitch. It's easier to see needle and stitch placement. I am using a brown thread to buttonhole stitch around the

 design. 

Using pearl cotton or DMC floss embroider the bird's eyes and flower centers with French knots.

~ Bluebirds ~

Isn't it a fun design? I love it! This would be a cute design on a tea towel too! 

Each month will feature an applique design, I have a stash of basic colors that I use for applique, I bet you do too! You will also need a basic cream or white for the applique blocks. You will need 1 3/4 yards of a cream/white background fabric. It can be a tone on tone or neutral print. This cream fabric will also be used for the top and bottom boarders along with some pieced cornerstones. You can also get scrappy with your cream fabrics! The applique blocks will measure 8 1/2" x 10 1/2" (this includes the seam allowance).

It's an adorable quilt when it is done. The finished size of the quilt is 58" x 65" Each month's pattern is a free PDF instant download. If you miss a month, the patterns are available for $2.50 on my website and also in my Etsy shop.  

If you don't have a printer, you can purchase a PRINTED copy of the pattern

HERE

 There's also a Facebook Group, please join and post your progress! It's also fun to see everyone else progress too! Make sure to post your blocks so far! I will be ending this year's BOM with some giveaways. Make sure to stayed tuned for that!

I hope that you all have a wonderful day and find some time to do some stitching! I'm looking forward to the long holiday weekend. I'm off to make some red, white and blue treats to celebrate the 4th of July!  I'm thinking of making an angel food cake with strawberries and a batch of blue adult snow cone slush. 

Happy quilting,

Cindy and Josephine