The Bird Quilt

What do you think about quilt panels? This quilt was made from a fat quarter bundle that, when I opened it, included a small panel. For a moment I was at a loss for what to do as the bundle was quite small and I would need to use all the fabric for a small lap quilt I had in mind when I purchased the fabric. How could I work the panel elements into a quilt?

I started by taking some time to look at the panel and really see the opportunities for the individual pieces within the panel. On closer inspection, the panel had sections with a bird in each section. There was a possibility of cutting them into individual patches and seeing how much taking off the seam allowance will effect the designs.

Then came the challenge of fitting all the pieces together using blocks and sashing pieces ot make a quilt in the size I had wanted. It was a lot of work but also a lot of fun to complete this project. I decided on a bird quilt theme and started making pieced bird blocks in 2 sizes to complement the bird panel pieces. It turned out great in the end.

The next challenge, as always, was how to quilt it? This one definitely needed Custom Free Motion quilting. I used an outlining embroidery style technique to really make those birdies pop! The backgrounds of vertical and horizontal straight lines made a nice contrast with the fluid nature of the free motion quilting. And, of course, what kind of bird quilt wouldn’t have feathers!

This quilt has gone on to life with a very special little niece who I have been told does love it very much. I am glad she has been allowed to use this one as some of the others have been ‘put away’ for her future self.

That a wrap from me, I will update the gallery as usual with a few more images of this quilt. It was challenging but, although I am obviously bias, I do love the final result. If you are a subscriber, please let me know if you’d like instructions for the bird blocks.

Have a great day, why not try something you think might be a bit too difficult this week, and most of all — happy quilting!