On April 18, 2007, I posted a tutorial on my favorite way to make Flying Geese Units. Any time you are making flying geese units, you can use this technique, which isn't always given in the block assembly instructions. Check it out, by clicking on the link. You make four perfect flying geese in no time flat. Plus, it is FUN.
I recently posted on my dissatisfaction with the cutting instructions for the Toulouse pattern by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. Love the pattern, love Carrie Nelson (the designer), do not love the non-short cut cutting and construction techniques given for that project's nine patch units. I won't say any more about that, having devoted a previous post to whining about it. To her credit, Carrie is the person who introduced me to my favorite short cut flying geese method. This completely puts her in my good graces again, now that I have recalled that.
Some buddies and I are working together on the Web Sampler project. This is a Block of the Month project where participants receive twelve block patterns and the fabric to construct each of the sampler blocks. These instructions do NOT employ my favorite flying geese method, but instead the more common technique you all know, involving sewing two squares onto a rectangle. I will use this opportunity to share a construction technique that you all may find useful.
Here you see two flying geese units with the squares sewn on. You have all done it a million times, right? And sometimes they come out perfect, and sometimes they come out a little wonky. I want to invite you to look a little closer:
Darn, I wish that picture had come out a bit clearer. What I want you to see is that I did not stitch precisely on the drawn line. I stitched about a hair's width on the outside of it. No, you don't measure, you just eyeball it. What this does is to give you just a teense, just a skosh more fabric to flip over so that the edges match up perfectly. Plenty of room at the top seam line so you can't sew over your nice sharp points. All your geese will be happy ones with this technique.
Nicole, you're right about this! Excellent post. Most excellent.
Wise Quilter Love, *karendianne.
Posted by: Karen Lee | March 10, 2008 at 06:21 AM
I've tried both these methods, several times. They both work well. However, I've learned that the old method of using one large triangle and two small triangles work just as well for me and result in no waste. It's the waste of this method that bothers me. I can't throw away the little triangles - which is why one of my scrap project involves hundreds of tiny half square triangle squares!
Posted by: Patti | March 10, 2008 at 08:34 AM
I'll have to remember to add that smidge of allowance next time. I have noticed that this Web Sampler has quite a few flying geese, some of mine come out great, some wonky. Too bad we don't have enough fabric to do it your other method.
Posted by: Beth | March 10, 2008 at 08:41 AM
The fun part about this method is you can quickly stitch up the triangle pieces you cut away and have a happy little stack of broken dishes right before your very eyes. I just love getting 2 for 1 *s*
Posted by: Libby | March 10, 2008 at 10:33 AM
hmmmm, I always sew ON the line....and it's wonky. I'll try just above and see what happens. Thanks for sharing the tip!
Posted by: Paula | March 10, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I'm sure going to give that a try on these WS blocks...it's been driving me crazy! Thanks
Posted by: Carol | March 10, 2008 at 12:37 PM
This is a great tip and the way I do my flying geese and my hsts, when I have a specific amount of fabric I am working with. That tiny difference allows for the fabric being folded back upon itself.
Posted by: Perry | March 10, 2008 at 03:13 PM
I couldn't find your previous post about the other method of flying geese but I am assuming you're talking about the one where you start with a big square, http://www.patchpieces.com/Flyinggeese.html ? I like this method the best and love the sawtooth star block. I like your Toulouse quilt also.
Posted by: The Carolina Quilter | March 11, 2008 at 06:30 AM
I've been making mine the "patchpieces" way for years. It's neat because you get a bunch done really fast. I have a sheet with instructions on the wall I often refer to. Love those fabrics you're using. Very yummy.
Posted by: dee | March 11, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I am going to have a try as this Nicole.Are you receving my emails I am sending to you?.
Hugs Mary.
Posted by: Mary Wood | March 12, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Thank you so much for both flying geese techniques! You are a wonderful teacher, Nicole, and you have made my quilting life much, much easier!
Posted by: Nan | March 23, 2008 at 07:16 AM