Skip to main content

Mini-wonky tree

 by Linda Theil

I am completely obsessed by this Christmas tree block I saw on the Shabby Fabrics YouTube channel. Using the info from the video, I made the block with basic colors from the "Grunge Seeing Stars" collection by BasicGrey for Moda. I added a very wonky star derived from the free "Easy Star" at Scissortail Quilting. My finished block with sashing measures 13 x 29-inches.

Wonky tree block and wonky star sewn by L. Theil
 
Since I got some holiday themed, five-inch charm squares in my Christmas stocking, I wondered if I could use a five-inch square to make the wonky tree. I came up with a mini version using five-inch squares, although you will need larger cuts for making the background pieces. This mini version -- shown below -- is seven-inches square. I used the grunge fabric to make this sample.

Seven-inch square mini-wonky tree adapted by L Theil

How to make a mini-wonky tree:

Using a 60-degree triangle ruler, cut two triangles with a five-inch base,
and four inches high, from two contrasting fabrics.

Cut the same sized triangle from larger cuts of background fabric, at least
 8x6-inches; you can't use precut charm squares for your background.
This can be one background fabric, or several backgrounds of similar color. 
Discard the tree shapes from the background fabric, and save
 the backgrounds to attach to trees.

Sew a set of backgrounds to each triangle tree piece.

You need the extra background fabric so you won't loose
 your points when you sew your blocks together.

Complete two triangles with background.

I stacked my two triangles for slicing, but now I think
 it might be interesting to try two different slicing options.

Cut across triangles twice at different angles,
making sure to leave enough space for seams.
With five-inch trees, this does not leave a lot
of room for variation.

Alternate sliced triangle pieces to build tree.

Beginning at bottom of tree, stitch each slice together.





The finished tree is about six-inches high.

Cut a piece of background about 7x2-inches.

Cut the background piece in half.

Insert a tree-trunk piece about 2x2-inches,
or any width trunk you prefer.

Sew the background pieces to the sides of the trunk.

Sew trunk strip to bottom of tree.
Square up your tree to a size you choose.
This one will square up at about 7x7-inches.
Add sashing if you wish.

I like the little wonky tree!

Comments

Cathy said…
So cute and adorable. You are so creative, Linda Lee!
12/30/2022
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Notes on Purl Soho Cross-back Apron pattern

Purl Soho Cross-back Apron, regular sized,  front view Purl Soho Cross-back Apron, regular sized,   back view by Linda Theil This is the Purl Soho Cross-back Apron featured on their website at  https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/11/20/cross-back-apron . Their page includes complete directions for making this one-size-fits-most apron with large, side-pockets and cross-back straps. This retro apron is so nicely made and looks so much like the apron my grandma wore in the Nineteen-fifties that I had to make one for my friend who appreciates the nostalgia and the beauty of this design. Although this apron pattern, as published, can adjust to several sizes from 2-10; I also made a larger option, adjusting the width of the pattern pieces to accommodate up to size 16 and up. Size adjustment may also be made by varying the length of the straps. These notes are a record of my experience with the pattern, and should only be viewed as...
13 comments
Read more

Plover Pouch adaptation

by linda Theil I made several adaptations to Noodlehead's "Plover Pouch" for Emerson's birthday present. I had previously given her a medium-sized "Plover Pouch" that she added a cross-body strap to, so thought I'd make her a larger, sturdier bag with the crossbody strap built in. I modified the zip-end detail featured in the pattern to allow me to insert the strap ends into the top of the gusset. The "Plover Pouch" pattern includes three sizes with the largest measuring 12 x 7.5 x 4-inches. For the large bag, I used "Hedgehog Hollow" cottons by In the Beginning fabrics for the front and back exterior panels and the lining. I machine quilted the front and back panels to increase the stiffness of the bag, and I interfaced the lining with iron-on fleece as well. That was actually an accident, but the fleece interfacing in the lining worked out pretty well. The side-panel and bag-base gusset are made of Mora faux leather. I used a #5 dou...
Post a Comment
Read more

Goodfellows WW II ornament

  Velma Swaddle Theil & Stephen A. Theil, Jr. 1945 by Linda Theil When we were married, Steve's mother gave us an ornament from his first Christmas tree in 1944 to adorn our first Christmas tree in 1969. Steve was almost a year old on his first Christmas, but he had never met his father because his dad was in Europe fighting in the Second World War. His father was over thirty-years-old when he had been drafted into service; and he would not meet his son until another year had gone by. His first Christmas tree ornament was a tiny drum made from a tuna can, adorned with decorative paper decals proclaiming "Goodfellows Drum Corp". Two small wooden drumsticks were attached, but only one remains. Since our granddaughter, Emerson, is a percussionist in her middle-school band, I gifted her the drum this Christmas in remembrance of the grandfather and great-grandfather she has never known. Although my husband's father never spoke of his time in the service, recently Alisa...
Post a Comment
Read more