Feathers. I've always enjoyed making the Anna Maria Horner feather using woven stripes and thought it was a worth another visit. You can get the free PDF pattern here: Feather Bed Quilt. I've made these feathers many times and really enjoy the simple process of piecing them together. For my table runner I reduced the size from 9" x 18" to approximately 10" x 6". That size varies depending on what I'm making with the feathers.
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| FEATHER RUNNER 15" X 49 1/2" |
I have a stack of woven stripe strips in various lengths that I used for my feathers. It's a good way to use some scraps and make each feather unique. The AMH feather pattern has you sew long strips together and then cutting the sides by flipping the template as you go. If you are doing a large quilt, then this might be the best way to go. I like each of my feathers to be different, so I generally make my sections large enough to be able to cut half of a feather from.
I'll use the same color stripe several times in each feather, except you won't see any repeat sides...I don't know if that makes sense!
Before I started I had to make sure I had enough background fabric on hand for the front. There is nothing worse than being just a tad bit too short, or having two dye lots of the same color yet they are just 'that much' off from each other!
With the front finished, it's also a good time to use some scraps for the back.
This Espresso brown has been hanging in my stash for years! It wasn't big enough for much, but paired with a strip across the back of stripes...it works! It does feel good to use what I have on hand.
And so, you know how this story goes. I was on a roll, my stripes were already out and strewn across my table, so I may as well make something else!
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| FEATHER WALL HANGING 11 1/4" x 17 3/4" |
I just think the feathers are gorgeous!
Of all the times I've made something 'feather', I've never used a black binding to finish it off! After I did on this wall hanging, I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner. I really like how it frames the piece! Next time I revisit this pattern I'll be sure to keep that in mind for the binding!
Each feather was quilted in a different thread color and in between each feather I did a little match stick quilting.
If you think this is the end of those pesky stripe projects...you'd be wrong!
One last...and I mean last...project was using some of the scraps that weren't long enough for a feather. Pot Holders. I made log cabin blocks to start with and pieced four together for each pot holder. I know what you are thinking. I think the same thing! Overkill. Over achiever. Enough is enough. Get a life!
What the next while has in store for me I can't say. My daughter is moving home and it'll certainly change the every day dynamics of my life. I'm staying positive! I also know she hates living at home and loves her independence, which means she won't be here long!! I'm just happy were able to help her out. Hopefully I'll still be saying that after week one!!
LINKING:
That fabric is the perfect way to showcase those feathers. Loving it! Had to laugh about your daughter returning home. Ours returned home after college and asked to stay three weeks. Turned into three years! (But we, of course, were okay with that!) So you just never know what's down the road. Enjoy her while she's home!
ReplyDeletelove your feathers! and what a perfect use for your peppered cottons. the ones you forced me to buy (hahaha) are still neatly piled on my shelf. I pet them now & then when I walk by. cherish your time with your daughter (not saying it will be easy!)
ReplyDeleteExcellent, Jayne! I can understand how one project can lead to another, which can lead to another. When you find a pile of fabric that goes nicely together, it's hard not to get as much mileage out of that fabric pull as you can!
ReplyDeleteThe feathers are really amazing with the woven fabrics!
ReplyDeleteHi Jayne! Ooh-la-la. I just love these feather projects - all of them. It looks very Arizona-ish to me just based on the color palette. And that brown backing paired with the pretty strips looks so cool too. Not that anyone will likely see that side too often, it is definitely a table runner and wall hanging that I would love to have in my home. Happy Mother's Day and Happy Friday!! ~smile~ Roseanne
ReplyDeleteAmazing feathers make an amazing table runner, wall hanging, and pot holders! I think having a number of projects and using up scraps all at once is a good use of time, materials, and focus. I really like the black binding -- it just seems to set it all off. Hope all goes well with Britt moving home. Nadine W. N. Cali rnwillis@velotech.net
ReplyDeleteI can see I am about to go down your rabbit hole!! I've had that pattern marked for ages and even have some background fabric with feathers on it selected. Now to just get on with the project!!
ReplyDeleteThose peppered cottons really capture the iridescence of a bird feather well! I have that pdf but pattern but haven't made anything yet. Making a small mini like your four feathers might be fun, and just the right thing for my bird scientist daughter. Hmm. Thanks for sharing! Enjoy the time with your daughter too!
ReplyDeleteThe feathers were an excellent use of the fabrics. Using the stripes really gave it endless variety. I love all the finishes, even the potholders.
ReplyDeleteLove your feather quilts and mats!
ReplyDeleteThat feather pattern is so great! I made a few and really loved how they turned out. Your stripey ones are especially interesting. Are those Kaffe Fassett woven stripes? The colors are so rich!
ReplyDeleteYour feather wall hanging really sings out to me;) I think I just love the bigger feathers. Good luck with DD moving home. We went through that after they came back from the army(Her DH and her plus a dog for 4 months).
ReplyDeleteYou sure made the most out of those stripes! Not one but three lovely projects. I have always wanted to try those feathers. Hopefully one day I will get to it.
ReplyDeleteLove each and everyone of these projects!! I got the pattern and am inspired to follow your lead!
ReplyDeleteI love how you've made the table runner, and ALL the other projects; they're all beautiful. I like the feathers so much I'd like to download the pattern, but unfortunately the link leads back to this post! How did you manage that?!
ReplyDeleteForget that last bit: the mistake was mine in not noticing the download!
DeleteThose feathers are great! The striped fabric makes them so interesting! I also like the Kona Khaki background, and haven't used that before - might have to try it. :) I love seeing all the different things you do with the scraps from a project - even the littlest bits can make something fun!
ReplyDeleteAll the projects look great. Using up all the fabric at once is a great way to reduce scraps. Well done with the quilting. Thanks for linking up with Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool feather technique -- I've never seen that before. I think it's great to revisit projects from the past. The pattern may be the same as the last time you made it, but YOU'RE different -- your tastes in colors have changed, your skills have improved, you have new ideas and inspirations. I think there may be one or two projects in my own past that are worth a 2.0 version... Thanks for sharing!
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