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!