Little Birds (IN)

This original designs, created by Betsy Bauman especially for A Quilters Destination, celebrates the beauty of seasons. The full four-piece Series depicts wreaths for each season surrounding four different birds native to Indiana. Students will choose one pattern to do in class. They will have the opportunity to purchase any of the other 3 patterns in class. There will be simple piecing for inserting the circle into the background, but the majority of the project is raw-edge fusible machine applique. In our 3-hour class we aim to sew the background together and get the applique pieces cut and ironed onto the background. Students will be taught how to set up the machines for the invisible applique and given instructions to finish the project.

Look through your scraps and novelty prints or purchase a kit!

Choose One Of The Patterns Below:

Pattern alone: $15.00   Pattern includes full-size diagram of finished design and all pieces, step-by-step instructions, and a colored picture of the finished sample quilt.

Students will choose any of the four patterns they want to create. The other 3 designs will also be available for students who want the whole set.                  

1 pattern: $15, 2 patterns $30,  3 patterns $36,  4 patterns $40                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Optional Kit: $40.00   Kit includes the pattern, fabrics for bird, wreath, background circle, background corners, and binding.  Outer corners & inner circle ARE pre-cut.  Other pieces are not pre-cut.  Backing is not included.

Pre-Cut Background Kits: $20.00. Students often like the ombre fabric used for the outer corners in the samples, so you may opt to purchase these fabrics.  Includes 4 outer corners in ombre fabrics, and the inner circle, all pre-cut. Get to the sewing steps a little bit sooner!

Supplies needed:

Invisible thread (I prefer “Monopoly” in “smoke”)

Thin bobbin thread (I like “Bottom Line” by Superior. In a neutral gray.)

Regular piecing thread for seaming the quarter circles and inserting the circle into the square.

straight pins, any kind.            

Sharp pencil.

Nonstick pressing sheet and ½ yd. wonder-under fusible web

small, sharp scissors—(to cut fabric WITH the paper on it) AND other scissors to cut fabric only)

If students already have one, a portable “light box” is most helpful.  The instructor will bring one to share.

Tweezers (I like the 6” bent serger/machine style)

Irons & ironing surface (If you choose—but Instructor will bring a set to share)

Fabrics: (unless purchasing a kit or the background kit)

For the large, square background: ¾ yd. (If using ombre fabric to “fussy-cut” the corners, then 1 yd.)

For the circle behind the bird 5/8 yd.

Scraps for the birds—will be different for each bird, But look at the samples and think about breast, wings, tails, feet, beaks, etc. *And remember—there is no reason the birds should be realistic!

Scrap for the branch and for leaves and flowers. ***Look for novelty fabrics that feature motifs of birds and/or flowers reminiscent of the season you are depicting in your wreath.

Sewing machines will be generously provided by BERNINA/ Sewing N Vacuum Authority

Shared cutting mats, rotary cutters and irons will be provided.