Happy Wednesday! It’s my week for block 45, Songbird.
As I mentioned last week, we are in the final round of blocks, so this is the last one you will have from me. This is my 3rd time to participate in Blockheads and I love it. I sincerely hope you have enjoyed the journey, each week visiting our blogs, Instagram and Facebook postings.
Songbird
I have to admit, the real name of this block is Vermont, but I changed it. I like to connect the block and the name. If you follow me, you know I like a good story. I see things in blocks. Vermont didn’t speak to me, but I did see bird beaks. Now the weird thing is, I’m not fond of birds, but I do like to listen to birds sing...in the distance. Yes, I’m weird.
Before you race to download my block, I have a few tips to share, more photos, and information for a giveaway.
I made 4 blocks. One 8”, one 4” and two 6”, to try different fabric combinations, and make notes that I hope will give you the best results. So here are my tips for Songbird:
1. Starch all fabrics before cutting.
2. I suggest adding 1/8” to each measurement given for half square triangles. Make HSTs and trim according to the pattern instructions
3. You will want to select one combination of HSTs and press to the light. Press the other combination to the dark. This enables the seams to nest.
4. The diagonal design poses potential seam allowance issues. I have a way for you to test your sewing before piecing the entire block and discovering that your block is too small, or too big. For example, below is the center section for a 6” block as a check to see that your opposite corners reach 6 1/2” marks on the cutting mat. If the section does not go to 6 1/2”, either too big or to small, this is the time to adjust by either taking a wider seam or a narrower seam by a thread or two in the last seams you made to assemble this section. Assemble the remaining parts in the same manner, according to your adjustment if necessary. Your seam allowance may be spot on, I however have a gremlin in my machine LOL and my 4” was too big.
Use this guide to measure the other sizes, 4 1/2”, 8 1/2”, and 12 1/2” using either a square ruler, or cutting mat.
I love playing with fabrics....
8” block
Plaids are from Elinore’s Endeavor.
4”block
6” block
6” block
Click HERE for Songbird pattern.
Please check on our other designers to see what they have made. Links below.
Now for the giveaway.... Remember I said I like a good story? At a time when we are missing family gatherings, and the decision of whether to gather for Thanksgiving is so emotional, and difficult. I’ve been thinking of funny things that have happened over the years at our family get togethers. I’d love to hear one of your funny traditions or memories of your gatherings. Something that makes you smile or giggle thinking about it. Here’s one of my favorites from Halloween 2012.
We hosted Halloween parties for years. In 2012, Matt was a “serial” killer aka “cereal” as you can see inside his suit coat LOL, and my Mother was a black widow spider. My parents always came in costume. Such a fun memory of happy times. Aren’t you glad I don’t have a photo of my grandfather as he asked my grandmother one holiday why he had on two pairs of underwear. The vision is forever in my memory as is the sound of all of everyone laughing. Smiling as I write.
A layer cake of my lovely Elinore’s Endeavor will be sent to the lucky winner randomly selected from comments made on my post for Songbird in the Moda Blockheads Facebook group. You will need to make your comment there for a chance to win.
I look forward to reading your funny family stories. Winner will be announced next Tuesday, November 24 in the Facebook group.
NEWS FLASH!
A new giveaway!
Go to my Instagram feed @betsy_chutchian to enter a chance to win Barbara Brackman’s NEW Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Blocks. All the details are on my IG post. Good luck!!!
Until next time,
stay safe and well.
~ Betsy
Corey Yoder - https://corianderquilts.com/
Sherri McConnell - https://www.aquiltinglife.com/
Betsy Chutchian - http://betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/
