Journey - Clue 1

I feel as though our Journey began in March, well that IS when the idea was hatched, but for many of us, life has taken a slightly different path since then and given us several hitches along the way.  2020 has definitely made it's mark, although I'm fairly sure many would like to erase it, it has taught me many things.  I have slowed down a bit --- why hurry?  There is really no place to go.  My sewing has improved as a result.  Yep, it really does work, no matter how much a tease a great friend about it.

Are you ready for THIS Journey?  Did you re-read the intro or see the post about setting aside some of the fabric.  If not, please go do this right now.  Here is the Intro LINK.  It's a good idea to review anyway --- start out mistake free.  I guess that means, let's go.  One step in front of the other -- slowly and with determination - taking many methods of transportation all to achieve the final result.  NOT, one like the picture on the right.

Thus, the Journey begins and this next part you will read so many times over the next few weeks and will want to scream it back at me, but . . . . READ ALL THE WORDS.  I cannot stress this enough.  Those few minutes spent doing more than looking at pictures will save you so much heartache in the end.  With that said, party on!



Journey's begin in various ways.  Today we will soar  in flight with some Flying Geese -

Unit 1 - Make 164

For this clue, I will be using the Easy Angle Ruler AND the Companion Angle Ruler.  My instructions are for this method.  If you wish to make your geese, using a different method, please remember that it WILL use more fabric. Just make sure you have the same unit size in the end.

Typically, when making geese, this ruler combo gives you the body with one ruler and the wings with another.  I am going to mix it up a little but will explain why as I go.

You will need your NEUTRAL and GRAY fabrics for this clue.

IF you are left-handed, here is a LINK that shows how to manipulate the ruler for you.  Basically, you start at the ride side of the strip set instead of the left, but go through the directions yourself for thorough understanding.

With two - 2" NEUTRAL strips, set right sides together, use the Easy Angle ruler and make the first cut as shown.  Notice where the 2" mark is in relation to the strip - they line up AND you can read the words Easy Angle.  This will yield  you ONE pair of wings.  (If I'm being honest here, I will tell you that I have four strips in my stack - two pair of right side together and so my cut nets TWO pair.)  Now, we are not using neutral wings in this clue, but instead of wasting the fabric, just set these aside.  You WILL use them later.

Switch to the Companion Angle Ruler at this point.  You will flip it back and forth, always placing on the 2" line (it is int he center of the ruler, not on the sides).  Due to our earlier cut, we will start upside down. (my ruler is NOT warped --- what a strange picture)

If you have two strips, you will get two each cut, if four then four each cut. These are NOT pairs, you need 164 bodies (centers).

Continue down the strip and when you get to the end, if there is enough for another set of wings, clean it up and set them aside too - as shown.  You will have to flip the ruler over and see that the words are now upside down and vertical, starting away from you.  Notice that the little black triangle is now below the strip.  It's okay --- it's just a dog ear you are cutting off anyway.

Once you have 164 bodies (centers), it's time to cut the wings.  You will need 164 PAIR.  With TWO (or Four as I do) - 2" GRAY strips, right sides together, use the Easy Angle as shown above.  The first cut is shown as above.  You can read the words and line up the 2" mark.

Cut and re-position

Here are your little sets of wings.

Continue until you have 164 PAIR.

Now, gather up those bodies and wings.

Your layout looks like this --- one body and 1 pair of wings.  The pair needs to be mirror images of each other, which is why we cut them right sides together.  (please don't get hung up with lighting -- these are both correct and color really doesn't matter right now, just make sure they are both right sides up, along with the body)

You will take the wing on the right side and flip it over onto the body, as shown, lining up the blunt tops and points in the lower right corner.  It WILL extend over the top on the left.  Set the left wing aside.

I run these in chains.  Each one has a blunt top so it fits right up against the previous one nicely and no tips are eaten by the machine.  Love it.

Soon, you'll have a lovely little stack ready for pressing.

Your unit now -

Clip apart and press to the wing.  You do not need to worry about the dog ears right now.

Lay your mirror image piece on the left side as shown

Stitch ---

I chain these also --- I haven't had an issue with points being eaten as I use a vintage, single hole machine.  If it an issue for you, flip and sew from the center down as we did the right sides.  There is NOT a rule set in stone that the smaller piece needs to be on top.

Now the process repeats itself.  Snip

And press --- again to the wing.

Your unit should measure 2 x 3 1/2" - does it?  Don't count those pesky dog ears.

Units all pressed and ready to move on

Clip the dog ears -

And your finished unit should look like this.

TA-DA ----- 164 little geese.  See ya next week.  OHHHHH -- please join our private online group and share your work.  Hope to see you there -- here is the LINK.