Monday 14 April 2014

Modern Block Monday - Feathers

I've loved Anna Maria Horner's Feather Bed quilt for some time. For my OMQG bee, I chose the Feather block. Now what I didn't realize when I chose it, is just how tricky it would be to figure out how to make just one block. According to the free pattern (Thank you, Anna!), one block contains two feathers. A friend gave me this great link that makes the feather cutting simpler. I fiddled with Meredith's measurements and figured out that 10" strips will make two feathers. Here is my practice block:

March OMQG Bee 2 Block

The making of the strip blocks for the feathers is fussy, but otherwise, it's a pretty straightforward block. I really love the look. I can't wait to see what my bee mates come us with.

In case there are some of you who just want to make two feathers (maybe for a bee or a pillow), here are the instructions I gave my bee mates:

Please read through all of the instructions before beginning. 

Fabrics:
1 fat quarter of a background fabric (cream) 
2 - 1" by 19" strips for the feather stem (grey)
Feather edges -  A variety of 10” fabric strips of varying widths between 1.5”-3”. Bright, medium value fabrics work best.

Directions:

1) Print out and tape together the templates from Anna Maria Horner’s Feather Bed Quilt pattern

2) For the feathers, use 10” strips in varying widths of 1.5-3”. You will need enough for your feather template to fit on (12” high is good). Follow this tutorial for assembling and cutting out your feather edges — it's more fabric economical than Anna Maria’s instructions.

3) Using the remaining templates, cut out 4 F pieces first, then 4 B pieces, 2 D pieces, and 2 E pieces from the cream background fabric. 

4) Assemble the feather blocks according to Anna Maria’s pattern instructions on pages 4 and 5

You should now have two feather blocks of approximately 18.5” by 9.5”. 

Clear as mud? Feel free to post any questions or comments below.

9 comments:

  1. I made this block for a bee-mate and really enjoyed it. This will be a fun quilt for you to complete!

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  2. Oh fun! I've only made a couple, and used a tutorial that used the feather pattern piece as a paper piece. Next time I will try your method!

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  3. it will be a great quilt! I've not tried the block yet, although with your directions, I think I will now!

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  4. oh boy. I need to save all this great info! What a cool block!

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  5. I love those feathers! This is going to make a lovely bee quilt with all the print variety.

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  6. Such pretty feathers! It will be nice to see them all together when they come in.
    On another topic, you mentioned recently that you added a Craftsy button to your blog. When I tried to use it, I couldn't find it. Any tips?

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  7. Lovely lovely! Thanks so much for all the tips. I want to make one of these quilts so this is great!

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  8. This one really intrigues me. I'm going to have to add it to my list of techniques, to try. Thanks for the tips and the links. It 's great to have the kinks worked out before I even try it.

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  9. I have always admired that feather block. What a bright and happy mix of fabrics you chose!

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