BIRD WITH TAIL FEATHERS

     This block is named, "Bird With Tail Feathers", and is a simple block to appliqué.  Follow the easy instructions given below to make this block.

1. Cut your background square for the appliqué.  The square should measure 8.5" x 8.5" unfinished, and I usually cut mine a little larger to give my appliqué room to "shrink" the fabric.  In this case, I would cut my background square 8.75" x 8.75".

2. Download Page 1, which also serves as the layout diagram.

3. Print Page 1, the 10 pattern pieces.  If needed, enlarge/reduce the size of the image to approximately 8 x 8 inches.  These measurements helps to assure that your pattern pieces fit an 8" finished block.  A very small black border has been placed around this pattern so that you have edges from which to measure.  Most of you are not able to measure in pixels, so simply measure the pattern, using the black border as guidelines, so that it measures as close to the inches given above.  "Close" is good.  If you need to enlarge or reduce the pattern, you have several choices:  1)  Go to a copy store that will do it for you (such as, Office Depot, Staples, Kinko's, etc.), 2)  Do it yourself if you have the graphics software capable of doing it (such as, Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop, etc.), 3)  Or desperately contact me for my address, send me a SASE and I'll mail you back the pattern.  It is also important to note that, depending upon your browser and your settings, you can sometimes left-click on the pattern image and it will enlarge it to it's actual size.

4. Using your method of appliqué, cut each appliqué piece out of your fabric stash and/or scraps, being sure to allow for the area that is to be placed beneath another place (do not short yourself on fabric here!).  If using a method other than button-hole, be sure to remember to add .25" to each pattern for the turn-under.  Also, remember that the patterns should be reversed to get the same directional view as the photo included on the Layout Diagram.  If you do not use a mirror image (reverse), then your block will be facing the opposite direction as the sample shown.

5. To get started, place piece E in its appropriate spot.  Do not sew it down.  Either pin it in place or lightly tack it with a glue stick.  Other appliqué pieces are going to be sewn beneath this piece.

6. Place/Sew the appliqué pieces down in this order:  H, I, C, D.  At this point, you may now sew down piece E.

7. Place piece A in its appropriate spot.  Do not sew it down.  Either pin it in place or lightly tack it with a glue stick.  Other appliqué pieces are going to be sewn beneath this piece.

8. Place/Sew the appliqué pieces down in this order:  F, G, B.  At this point, you may now sew down piece A.

9. Once all of the pieces are appliquéd in place, press the block flat.  Be sure to press (an up and down motion) and not iron (side to side motion), so as to avoid any distorting.

10. Square the block up by trimming it to precisely 8.5" x 8.5".

11. Embellish as you wish!

12. Take a photo of your block and send it to Terry! 

     This block is used in the June 2007 Desktop Wallpaper Calendar and, as such, is being used in a contest.