It's for the Birds

Doves in the Window quilt block

Lame, I know, but I couldn't resist since this featured quilt block is called Doves in the Window. This seven patch block (so named because it is built on a 7 x 7 grid) is not difficult because it contains only the most basic of patches -- the rectangle, square and half square triangles. And ... although the block is constructed on a 7 x 7 grid, it does not contain 49 pieces. Whew!

Doves in the Window

Like many quilt blocks, you will notice similarities to other blocks -- in this case to Bear's Paw. The only difference I can see between the two blocks is what direction the half square triangles are pointing.Take a look and compare for yourself.

The next step is deciding on what kind of layout to use for your own quilt.

Download  the free quilt block patterns:

• Doves in the Window
• Bear's Paw

Ancient Chinese Proverb

• "A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song."

_{'Doves in the Window' images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com}

Hovering Hawks

The Hovering Hawks quilt block is a an excellent choice for those who are new to quilting. This four patch block is created using two different sizes of half square triangles. It looks wonderful if you choose to raid your fabric stash and use up some of your scraps, but looks equally great if you use just two different fabrics. The key is to have good contrast between the two parts of the half square triangles.

Hovering Hawks

When I created one of the sample quilt layouts, I was surprised to see that the quilt (shown on the left in the pattern) looks very much like another quilt, called Ocean Waves.( You will have to bear with me until I create that pattern so you can really compare.) You can use the blocks as individual units, or use four blocks together with rotations of the four parts, (as I did in the illustrations) to create your own personal, fabulous heirloom.

Download the free quilt block pattern.

Quotes about Birds

• "Did you ever see an unhappy horse? Did you ever see a bird that had the blues? One reason why birds and horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses."
  ~ Dale Carnegie


• "A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song."
  ~ Chinese Proverb


• "I don't know if it's animalistic or what, but men become like peacocks with their feathers up when women are around."
  ~ Bradley Cooper

_{'Hovering Hawks' image © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com
Hawki mage courtesy of Tina Phillips at FreeDigitalPhotos.net}

"What is sauce for the goose ..." - Who said that?

 Goose Tracks

Goose Tracks

The Goose Tracks quilt block is a wonderful introduction to quilting as it contains only the two most commonly used quilt patches -- the half square triangle unit and the square. But, don't let simple shapes fool you into thinking simple equals boring. You can create many a different and fascinating quilt with just these two patches. Download the free quilt block pattern.

Now, for you bird lovers out there -- test your knowledge using the title of this blog post. Can you name the author?

 Bird Quotes

Male white-rumped Shama

• "A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song."
  ~ Chinese Proverb


• "Did you ever see an unhappy horse? Did you ever see a bird that had the blues? One reason why birds and horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses."
  ~ Dale Carnegie


• "What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander."
  ~ William Shakespeare


• "If you feel the urge, don't be afraid to go on a wild goose chase. What do you think wild geese are for anyway?"
  ~ Will Rogers

_{Goose Tracks quilt block © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com
"Male white-rumped Shama" bird image courtesy of panuruangjan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net}