by Linda Theil
I designed this easy bird block that would be cute on a baby quilt or placemat. I used the quilt-as-you-go technique to fill out my bird block with log-cabin style stripes to make fabric for a quilted tote. I used the Spencer-Ogg "Forever Shopper" pattern by Diane Spencer Ogg to make my tote. As a special feature, I added a swivel clasp and D-ring to secure the contents, or to use as a key leash.
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| This photo shows the back of the tote with quilt-as-you-go stripes. I added diagonal quilting before construction. |
This is a photo of the quilted fabric before tote construction.
How to make an E-Z Bird block
This is the E-Z Bird block with log-cabin sashing. The beak is a prairie point inserted in the seam between the bird body and the first row of sashing. This block as constructed according to these instructions is 15.25 x 14.25-inches.
For one E-Z Bird block you will need: scraps of four contrasting fabrics. For the background, you will need scraps for snowballing the bird body, and 52-inches of 2.5-inch-wide background strips for sashing.
Cutting instructions for 15.25 x 14.25-inch E-Z Bird block
From four different colors, cut:
Head: 11.5 x 4.5-inches
Breast: 3.5 x 6.5-inches
Body: 8.5 x 6.5-inches
Beak: 3.5-inch square
From background fabric, cut:
2.5-inch square
3.5-inch square
4.5-inch square
6.5-inch square
53 inches of 2.5-inch wide sashing
Directions
Fold the 3.5-inch square for beak in half, diagonally; fold in half diagonally, again. Baste across raw edges. Set aside. The beak will be inserted into the seam between the bird's head and the left-hand strip of sashing.
Snowball 2.5-inch square background fabric to upper left corner of bird's head.
Snowball 3.5-inch square background fabric to bottom left corner of bird's breast.
Snowball 4.5-inch square background fabric to bottom right corner of bird's body.
Trim and press open.
Sew bird's breast to body, as shown.
Sew breast/body section to bird's head, as shown.
Place 6.5-inch square on top right corner of bird block, as shown.
Snowball, as shown. Trim.
Press open.
Place bird's beak along left side of bird block with raw edges even, and point of beak pointing toward back of bird. Place where you would like to see the beak. The bird on my tote has his beak even with the angle of his head. The demo bird has beak placed further down on head.
Secure with pin or basting.
Stitch a piece of 2.5-inch wide sashing along entire left-hand side of bird block, enclosing raw edges of beak in seam.
Press seam open.
And press beak toward outer edge of block.
Stitch another piece of 2.5-inch sashing across top of block, in log-cabin fashion. Press open, and continue around other two sides of block.
The finished block measures 15.25 x 14.25-inches. For a placemat or tote, continue log-cabin strips, or striping to desired size. Embroider, applique, sew on a button, or pin jewelry or tie tack to indicate bird's eye. Add a pom-pom, or another prairie point for a tail, if desired.
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