Show Your Wings Blog Hop

Published on by Bumbleberry Stitches

Thanks so much Carol of Just Let Me Quilt for being such a great hostess.

When Carol first announced this hop I knew right away what pattern I wanted to make and with what fabric. Feathers by The Pattern Basket and Sequoia fabric line by Edyta of Laundry Basket Quilts. I had both in my stash. I bought the pattern last year with the idea when I was feeling better I would try to piece it.

The only problem is, I suck at piecing. It’s the honest truth. The only quilts I’ve finished were paper pieced. I love paper piecing. You don’t have to be accurate in measuring, cutting, or the 1/4″ seam. It’s very easy compared to piecing.

So the other concern for me was could I finish in time. Stinking at piecing and dealing with my health issues, then the emotional effects of my father’s recent passing, I knew the odds of finishing weren’t on my side.

Well, I decided to go ahead and make the quilt. Because of the title of the hop. It’s Show Your Wings. Kinda the same as spreading your wings. So I am, with a bird quilt that is pieced. It’s time that I learn to accurately piece a quilt.

I’m happy with myself. I measured my pieces better than I ever have in the past. I learned that the blue cutting mat I have is good for when I’m cutting light colored fabric. But, when I’m cutting dark fabric it helps to put white paper/fabric under the dark fabric. For some reason I can’t distinguish between the dark fabric and the blue mat. So I’m going to be looking for a white cutting mat to set along side my blue mat.

My new Bernina Quilters Edition helps with the 1/4″ markings and that’s good. But, when I have seams crossing I can’t sew a straight line to save myself. This makes for a wonky block. I know there are tips out there, so when I have some time I’ll have to research.

What this all means is some of my block are are wonky. There are points that don’t line up. My birds beaks are not lined up correctly either. I think it might have something to do withe the head block.

I only had 2 that look normal.

Standing back I can’t see my mistakes. So I’m good.

I finished 17 out of the 30 blocks so far. I’ll get there it’s just going to take me more time. Some nights I mess up so bad I can only get one or two rows of the birds body done. But, that’s okay. I’m learning. I’ll get there.

Just to let everyone know, for the next to hops, I’ll be paper piecing. I want to finish my quilts. lol

What are you doing this year to Show Your Wings?

Thanks so much for stopping by. Please all the other blogers who are showing their wings today.

Ā 

February 20

Creatin’ in the Sticks

MooseStashQuilting

The Joyful Quilter

Home Sewn By Us

Selina Quilts

Websterquilt

Beaquilter

Cynthia’s Creating Ark

Ms P Designs USA

Bumbleberry Stitches

Mageez Room

27 thoughts on “Show Your Wings Blog Hop”

  3. I like your birds. I am not a perfect piecer either, and it’s ok. For the most part things quilt out or don’t show like we think they will. I quilt for pleasure, and if it isn’t a pleasure I don’t want to do it. Would love to see a picture whenever you get it finished – bet you’ll love it.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I love your quilt. That birdie pattern caught my eye as well and I’m so glad to see your quilt coming together. No matter how life gets us down, being creative always improves the day. Thank you for sharing and best of luck to you.

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  13. Those birds are incredible, but wow…with those tiny pieces, I can see anyone getting things wonky. There are some days that it just doesn’t pay me to sew, I make so many mistakes. I find that wine can help with that. LOL!!!! Keep at it, your too far into it to quit, but I’m with you…paper piecing rocks for accuracy!

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  17. Hi Michelle! First of all {{{hugs}}} a bunch for you. I’m sorry you recently lost your father. I know how hard that is; truly a piece of you is missing. I think you did a marvelous job piecing these birds. And the fabric you chose!! It is just beautiful and perfect for this project. I’m wondering if you couldn’t paper piece this pattern though. Since that’s your comfort zone and wheelhouse – it seems like the basic outlines could be converted to PP? Just a thought. Keep on with this project – I look forward to seeing it finished. Perhaps it can be a fond remembrance of your dad. I’m sure he would be proud of you for trying something new and that you don’t really enjoy, and rocking it! ~smile~ Roseanne

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  18. Your bird blocks look beautiful and will make a beautiful quilt. I have been sewing forever and I still have problems with my points so don’t stress out a lot about them not being perfect. It just gives the birds more character. Hang in there and keep sewing. You are doing great! Thank you for sharing today.

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  19. You are doing fantastic with your birds. I think that the slightly off set beaks give them a slightly whimsical look. That is fun with winged critters. I too love paper piecing. Seldom go wrong with that. Thanks for sharing and for inspiring today. Stay warm.

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  20. I can’t wait to see your next paper pieced project, but these birds are pretty darn cute. With so many of them in a quilt, any “whoops” with seams not matching won’t even be noticed. It will be gorgeous, I’m sure! Just seeing them laid out is really a sweet picture. I hope you finish it and share it with us. Thanks for hopping with us and sharing those sweet birds!

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  21. They are so cute. I recently had to disassemble an entire baby quilt. It was alternating blocks, my irish chain blocks did not line up as planned. Bet I don’t do that again.

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  25. I love your birds and can tell you from experience that practice and repetition are really what you have to do, So easy to say and so hard to do. Its why I still don’t FMQ. I have to laugh that you are a wonderful paper piecer because I feel the same way about paper piecing as you do about the other. The amount of fabric I waste each time I try to paper piece is appalling. I give it a shot once or twice a year and give up. :-}

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