So what do I have to show you today? Well, I really enjoy using these blog hops to try out new things, whether it be a new pattern or new technique. Yes, on occasion this strategy has backfired on me, but in general it seems to be good for me. For this blog hop, I tried out a new pattern AND a new technique:
I made a little paper pieced bluebird using a FREE pattern from Liljabs, available at Craftsy. Liljabs has some amazing free paper piecing patterns at Craftsy. I was sorely disappointed I didn't get to finish the sandpiper looking one she has for this hop!
I've only seen a bluebird once in my life, so it sounded reasonable to make one that I could look at every day if I wanted. So, that's the new pattern I tried out, now for the new technique:
I made this "robin" (it looks more like a really fat finch to me), using a McKenna Ryan pattern found in the April 2013 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting magazine. It is a fusible applique pattern. I've used fusible applique before, but I normally then machine applique around each piece. McKenna skips that step entirely and instead outlines each piece at the quilting stage - effectively securing it in place and quilting at the same time. I must admit, it did go together much more quickly than my old way!
Please don't forget to visit other participants. Here is the rest of the schedule:
Monday, May 13
Tuesday, May 14
Wednesday, May 15
As always, thanks for reading,
Jen
PS. I love owls! Here's a little pic of one of my first quilts:
PS. I love owls! Here's a little pic of one of my first quilts:
Love your blue bird!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bluebird
ReplyDeletePretty birdies! Thanks for sharing the link to the free patterns. I have never made a McKenna Ryan pattern as they look complicated to me and did not know that was how they are stitched. Now I think I may actually try one. Your little owl is sew cute. Thanks for sharing ... :) Pat
ReplyDeleteWonderful work. I like fusible applique to for quick and fun projects.
ReplyDeleteI like the fat robin so much!
ReplyDeleteLove your Mama robin! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCute birdies! Love your mini very much!
ReplyDeleteJen, they are all fab! The paper piecing is amazing, and the robin is lovely - have you done Brinda's tree yet? That would be a great block!
ReplyDeleteOn a different subject, I have a horrible feeling Stanley project finishes this month and my contribution was pathetic. Is there still time to redeem myself? Xxxxx
I love your chubby robin! I had not thought of using just the fusible - and stitching with the quilting, but it makes lots of sense! Sometimes the stitching around the applique shapes can seem a bit heavy and intrusive.
ReplyDeleteLovely birds and thanks for the information on the free pattern!
ReplyDeleteLove the bluebird Jen, will definitely be checking out those patterns!
ReplyDeleteLovely birds you have made. Thanks for sharing your creativity
ReplyDeleteYour birds turned out lovely. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteI have several McKenna Ryan patterns and love how easy they are to do. Your robin is perfect!
ReplyDeleteYour birds are great! One of these days I'll have to try paper piecing lol.
ReplyDeleteAdorable!! I really love the pair in the tree with their nest.
ReplyDeleteLove your projects, especially the chubby robin! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDun birds...I love the owl,
ReplyDeleteThese are all really great quilts - thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery very nice!
ReplyDeleteAll the birds are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLovely birds.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your birds. Love them. Thank you for being part of this hop.
ReplyDeleteBlog hops are wonderful tools for giving us the push to try new skills and techniques. You have created a lovely collection of birds! I love your 'robin'finch'! :)
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a real blue bird, smart thinking on your part, to make one you can look at anytime,
ReplyDeleteGreat projects! Paper piecing is new to me too but it is fun, your blue bird turned out great. Your robin projects looks like it would really be a challenge for me. Thanks for sharing all of your projects.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun projects. The paper pieced bird is beautiful. I love fusible applique and use McKenna's technique more often than not. Lastly your fun owl quilt is just adorable.
ReplyDeleteGreat birds. I don't paper piece. It scares me, but I love seeing the finished product.
ReplyDeleteyour pieces were amazing..I could not capture them on our pinterest board or even save one for our top 3 ...it linked to facebook for some strange reason...if you have a place on a board somewhere I can grab them....let me know...fabulous work
ReplyDeletenot facebook, yahoo...it brings up a yahoo link page..
DeleteYour birds are just beautiful! I'll have to try that applique method...yours turned out so nice. I love that the blog hops make me try new techniques, too. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour bird quilts are fabulous and I love the little owl!!! Well done :-)
ReplyDeleteI love to seeing different birds in different places. I was able to see many bluebirds while in PA. They are very lovely. Your birds are wonderful and you should be proud of them. Thanks for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Tricia
I love your McKenna Ryan piece. Her designs are gorgeous and you did such a nice job on it.
ReplyDeleteYour paper pieced blue bird looks a-maz-ing! I love owls too, cute for a baby quilt.
ReplyDeleteWonderful projects indeed :) We appear to be somewhat birds of a feather ;D
ReplyDeleteJen your birds are wonderful! Great paper piecing. Thanks also for the info on the Craftsy pattern links. I do love that Craftsy.
ReplyDeleteI love your birds - especially the first one!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!!
Love both of your projects! The "fat finch" quilt is stunning.
ReplyDeleteYour projects are both so wonderful! Your bluebird looks amazingly true to color and shape (I used to have quite a few in my yard). Your finch is also very nice!
ReplyDeleteGreat projects! Love the detail in your robin quilt. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove your birds!
ReplyDeleteJen, what wonderful birds you chose to make! I don't know that I have ever really seen a bluebird either. Jays of course, but not one near as vibrant as the one you are sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou know I have often wondered if you couldn't edge finish and quilt something at the same time. I am glad to hear---and see---that yes, it can be done successfully. I may try this on my next button up project since that encompasses pieced and quilted elements.
Love that owl too! You did good
both your projects are lovely thanks
ReplyDeleteOh my, there are many, many little pieces in that paper pieced blue bird. That truly is a labor of love. It is a job well done. Congrats! Your robin ("fat" finch) is great! Thanks for coming out of the closet and trying something new and showing it to the world, too! Your owl is great. I can hardly believe that is one of your first projects.
ReplyDeleteI looked at some of your eye candy at your earlier post. I saw where the lady in blue bumped you when you were trying to get a shot of the quilt (I said a nasty word for 'ya). Most quilters are very nice, but there are a few that just have to have their way! I went to Paduca a couple of years ago. The old ladies on their walkers were very annoying. They would just sit down wherever they wanted. There might be a place they could move over out of the way and they would just sit down on their walkers right in the middle of the aisle. The friend that I went with - she and I each are disabled and it was very irritating to us. We said if we go again, we are going to get walkers and do the same thing. I guess they just get tired and plop down and don't look for a place to get out of traffic. BTW - beautiful pictures
Again, thanks for participating and great job!
I love both of your birds. Your robin does look kinda like a fat finch. I think it's the breast fabric. He's still very beautiful. I've seen several owls along this hop. Lots of inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLove all your bird projects. I am in the middle of a McKenna project and it is an easier way to applique for me.
ReplyDeleteYou are a real artist. The quilt is gorgeous. Very nice site--lots of eye candy.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Thanks for being on the hop!
ReplyDeleteVery nice Jen!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
ReplyDeleteAlways fun to try new things:)
love love love both of your bird projects!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird projects, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFantastic piecing Jen! Both projects look great.
ReplyDeleteYour birds are fabulous. And your paper piecing is so perfect. You must be proud - that is one awesome birdie. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi!!! Love all your birds!!! Very pretty!!! It is fun to try new things!!! Yours look so perfect!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour birds are just lovely. I love that Owl.
ReplyDeleteCheers
maggie
what amazeing projects. Love that owl.....I'm a owl kinda girl.
ReplyDeleteTrying new things is such a great off shoot of these hops. What a great job you've done.
ReplyDeleteYour birds are wonderful. Super job with the pp bluebird. Ohhh, that would have been a nightmare to applique around all those sticks in the nest!
ReplyDeleteI love McKenna Ryan. Great job on your projects!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, trying new things. I would be much quicker to skip sewing things down before quilting and just doing it while the quilting is happenin'. Nice work.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job. Thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteLove your birds! The one in the tree with the nest is very effective for a "bird's eye view". :)
ReplyDeleteLove both of your birds, you did an excellent job on both of them. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDelete