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

Starbucks mini-sling

by Linda Theil A bagmaker from the Kandou Patterns Community on FaceBook posted a bag featuring the Kandou "Mini-Traveler Sling" pattern using a Starbucks coffee bag as part of the fabrication. I am from Pittsburgh, so perhaps it comes naturally that I am intrigued by the use of iconic advertising in works of art, so I asked Alisa to please buy me some Starbucks coffee so that I could sew with the bags. I am also a fan of this slim, six-by-twelve-inch sling pattern that has three pockets and no inside! Alisa was particularly fond of the "Brown Sugar Cinnamon" limited edition bag, so I used this pink and gold bag for my first Starbucks sling. For the body of the bag, I used a cotton from the "Seedlings" collection by Katarina Rocella for Art Gallery Fabrics. The lining is Roccella's "Stacked Stones" design from her "Abstract Art" collection, also for AGF. "Stacked Stones" from "Abstract Art" collection by K. Rocc...
1 comment
Read more

Diane's Archie

by Linda Theil Diane Spencer-Ogg, owner of Spencer-Ogg, Ltd. in Greater Manchester, UK, released a new mini-duffle pattern she calls "Arch Zipper Pouches" in two sizes with printable pattern pieces and video tuturial. Her video introduction can be viewed at the end of this post. As always, Spencer-Ogg has hit the ball out of the park with the elegance of her design and the precision of her process. I have made two of the 10x8x4-inch large-sized Archies -- as her  fans have dubbed the new pattern. The bag shown above is made of Mora Faux Leather in grape from Emmaline Bags of Alberta, Canada. The interior, shown below, is cotton from the "Art History" collection by Marcia Derse for Windham Fabrics. For my second Archie, I quilted a panel from the "Guess How Much I Love You" collection by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram for Clothworks. With this new design, Spencer-Ogg debuts an updated pattern-production method that provides printable pattern pieces and a c...
Post a Comment
Read more

Journey duffle

Mini-camper bag charm by Linda Theil This small duffle is the fourth Weekend Bag from the "Escape Pod Travel Collection" by Diane Spencer-Ogg that I have made. The bag is a gussetted duffle made using a double-birthing method that is, in my experience unique to Spencer-Ogg designs. The small 16x12x6-inch size was designed specifically to fit the carry-on requirements for ultra-low-cost, Irish airline, Ryanair. This "Journey Duffle" was made for a Michigander traveler who needs a roomy stash for haircare products and equipment, The jaunty bag is made from the "Joy in the Journey" collection by Dani Mogstad for Riley Blake Designs. The front and interior pocket panels are from the "On the Road Again" four-placemat panel by Katie Doucette for Wilmington. The straps are 1.5-inch-wide Tula Pink designed webbing. The rumpled look of the bag exterior is due to a mistaken use of a "craft" type interfacing that I mistook for my regular Pellon no...
Post a Comment
Read more