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Monday, January 20, 2014

Birdie Wall Hanging ~ Tutorial for Quilt Story Christmas 2011

****Adding to my blog from previous publishing on Quiltstory****

 First of all I'd like to say a big "Thank You" to Heather & Megan for asking me to be apart of all of these great Christmas tutorials. I hope I can deliver. All of the projects have been fantastic! For my Christmas Tutorial I am going to show you how I make, and how you can make, a mini Christmas quilt that can be used for a wall hanging or topple topper.


You will need:

Heat'n Bond or a fusible web of your choice (you won't need much of this, 4 x 10 inches should be enough)
Fabric of your choosing  for applique pieces (large scraps are perfect!)
12 inch square of background fabric (I used linen)
1 3/4 inch square for the present.
13 inch square piece of batting
13 inch square piece of backing fabric
Black thread
Darning foot for free-motion sewing (alternative-hand embroidery)
binding fabric and method of choice

Birds, holly leaf, holly berry template here.
 
 Draw or trace your pieces onto the paper side of your fusible web. Cut out your pieces leaving at least 1/8 of an inch around your drawn lines. This will insure that the fusible web has covered all of the fabric and there will be less chance of fraying. You may use the birds, holly and berries that I drew for you or by all means draw your own. The ones for the file are not what I used here. I tried to draw nicer ones for you to use that are in the file. 
Birds, holly leaf and holly berry file here.


Fuse your pieces to the WRONG side of your fabric.


Cut out your pieces ON the drawn line.


Take the paper off of your pieces and place them like this on your background fabric. When you have them in place iron them down.


Use black thread and set your machine up for free motion sewing (darning foot, drop feed dogs).


I start by outlining the Holly leaves and berries on each side.


Next I draw a branch between each set of Holly for the birds and present to rest on.


Then I outline the present and make little loops for the bow.


The birds are outlined next. I like to go around them a few times. Then make eyes, a beak and little bird legs. For all of these outlines I like my stitches to fall on the fabric pieces and the background fabric. I like a really drawn / sketchy look. Now this is where you can decide if you are finished with your block or if you want to add some embroidered words.


 I wanted to embroider a Bible scripture on mine. I just grab a Sharpie and write right on the background fabric.


Here it is embroidered. I know that it isn't perfect. But it has that handmade feel that my mother loves and this is for her so I know it's okay. You can use a ruler and write very neatly on the lines or use a really pretty font, whatever you like. I prefer this method.

Press and square up your block now. There is some shrinkage and distortion from the free-motion stitching and the embroidery.

Now you can add a patchwork border or a plain border or leave your block as is. It's really up to you and I have made these using all of the above and they are all great options.

Next layer your block (top), batting and backing fabric to make a quilt sandwich. Baste.


For this quilt I am quilting some horizontal uneven lines with big stitches. 


Next thing you do is bind your quilt! I chose a bright cream colored fabric with pretty green polka dots for the binding.


 That's it! Enjoy your new Christmas quilt!

I hope my instructions are clear. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday with the people you love! Thanks again Heather & Megan!

12 comments:

  1. This is absolutely lovely" I'm keeping it in my favorites for next Christmas. Thank you very much for sharing!

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  2. Wonderful as ever Erin. Good to see you back blogging!

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  3. So lovely! :)
    Greetings from Finland!
    Hugs, Ulla

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  4. That is such a sweet project. This, the Honey Bee quilt and the crochet edges tutorials were all together in my email and have me full of ideas. Thank you.

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  5. Cutest mini ever! Thanks for writing it up!

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  6. This is so sweet! This gives me a good idea for a Christmas gift for my best friend. Thank you for sharing. I know she'd love this.

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  7. I love this, I love the homey feel of it, love the birds and holly and present - and the outlines. Fabulous binding, just right for this project. Bet your Mom loves it!
    Mary

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  8. So very sweet and thanks for sharing! I have always loved your birdie quilts!! Have a great week! xo Heather

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  9. oops...I must have missed this! I love your little birdie quilts, and the chapter/verse make this one all the more special. Thank you for sharing it with us! xo

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  10. I just love it, Erin! The binding is just perfect, and I love the little birdies. You are so very creative!

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  12. I absolutely love the Birdie Wall Hanging tutorial from Quilt Story Christmas 2011. It's such a delightful project. If you happen to come across any Promo Codes for quilting supplies or holiday-themed fabrics, please consider sharing them with your readers. Thanks for the creative inspiration!

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