One Bad Block Changes the Setting

I'm making a quilt with flying geese blocks.

Originally, I was going to make this pattern, exactly as shown.  But I couldn't figure out how to make their one-seam flying geese, so I decided to paper piece them instead.

That was the first step on my deviation.  I (almost) made thirteen geese blocks, just like in the picture.   I was still OK with the alternating geese and solid blocks, but not too fond of the borders.  So I knew my quilt wouldn't look exactly like this one.

Remember when I said I ALMOST made thirteen blocks?  I made a bad block.  In the two "not" areas, I didn't have enough fabric.  I noticed it on the bottom one first, and thought I could squeak by with a seam allowance of 1/8".  I decided that was a better alternative than ripping out seams, particularly since I didn't notice the problem until after I had the upper white triangle sewn on.

Mistake number two happened when sewing one of the top orange triangles.  You can see that the alignment is way off on the left and the top.  But what you can't see is that it would have left an upper seam allowance of only 1/16".  It was at this point I decided I didn't really need thirteen blocks.  And also, around this time, my percolating subconscious already knew it didn't like the alternating block setting.  So maybe it was subconcious subterfuge.

Now I'm thinking of something like this for the setting.  The inverted V shape looks more like a flock of flying geese.  

You see that peacock fabric peeking out on the left?  It was my focus fabric, but now I don't think I'll be using it on the front.  I might use a variety of white fabrics instead.  If I used the peacocks, the geese wouldn't stand out as much.  

I'm grateful to the peacock fabric because it determined my color palette, which I think is pretty.  I'll probably use it on the back, and have a completely bird-themed and color-coordinated quilt. 

Quicker By the Dozen

Today I started robotic assembly of my flying geese blocks.  I can't really call it chain piecing, because I'm doing paper piecing and the seams don't start and stop at the edge of the paper.   But the concept is the same - faster piecing.

It's working really well.  After several hours, the twelve blocks are half done.

Monday Is Fun Day - Tree Silhouettes

Brass tree from a thrift shop.  Background artwork by Kelli Busch.  Frame from HomeGoods.