For my Bliss quilting project, I needed 32 flying geese in an odd size: 1 3/4″ x 3″ unfinished. I have several Flying Geese trim tools that I love, the BlocLoc ones in particular, but didn’t have one in that size.
My preferred method for making flying geese is the 4 at a time method, but I make them oversized and trim them down after sewing. I did a little research and found the Deb Tucker Flying Geese trim tool, which comes in two versions: one has the standard half- and whole-inch measurements (Wing Clipper 1), and the other has flying geese in quarter-inch and three-quarter-inch sizes (Wing Clipper 2). I think it was June who also suggested this tool, so thanks, June!
The instructions were clearly written and were for the four-at-a-time method I prefer. I believe that the next time I use this tool, I will cut the recommended sizes slightly larger than stated. I would have liked a bit more wiggle room when trimming the units down to size. It was pretty darn close at times, especially at the center point.
I had to make 32 flying geese for these units, which will be featured in the quilt’s center medallion.
With this setting, there are indeed a lot of flying geese. I have now made 76 of them and have 48 more to make for the border. It goes pretty fast, and I am listening to an audiobook (What Happened to the McCrays?), so I am being entertained while I do something that otherwise would be kind of tedious. Anyway, this setting could lend itself to other quilts featuring 10″ finished quilt blocks. For example, the Riley Blake Challenge always uses blocks that size. I can just see this setting for a Lori Holt fabric quilt, with all the bright primary colors she favors.
The pattern is available on Fat Quarter Shop, but I believe you must purchase the entire pattern, not just the finishing instructions.
I hope your week is going well. The rain is back and so are chilly temperatures, so I’ve been bundled up like Nanook of the North in my fleece and Uggs, and doing lots of sewing!
13 Responses
Yes!!! I love Deb Tucker’s rulers – I made a few hunter’s stars with one – and the flying geese rulers are great! Apart from the long rulers and the squared ones from Creative Grids or Omnigrid, I tend to use her special rulers the most. It took a while to build them up with birthdays or Christmases, but well worth it.
Just curious Kerry – do you like the Rapid Fire Star ruler? I’m eyeing it 😁 TIA
Yes I do Kelli. Recommend it! I made enough for a cushion, but I never stop at that so I intend to make more into a lap quilt. Building work stopped play for a while and now I have a lot to catch up and finish first. I don’t have the Star 60 yet, or a couple of the newer ones. They will have to wait. I’m wanting to do a starburst with diamonds – at some stage! You know how it is – the bucket list increases and the stash doesn’t seem to change much!
Thanks for all ypur info! Happy stitching 🥰
No worries Kelli – have lots of fun with your future projects!
I love Deb Tucker rulers😍I recently made a scrap quilt with 230+ flying geese and her Wing Clipper made it a breeze! As I get older, I like making blocks larger and trimming to size for accuracy- her rulers are great for that.
Oh my goodness – that’s a lot of geese!
Hahaha I was seeing them in my sleep
I like to make flying geese larger to trim down, too. I’m off to search for the Wing Clipper…if for no other reason than it’s such a cute name! 🙃
I struggle with flying geese units. I will be looking for the wing clipper ruler. Also love the swoon blocks!!
I, too, love Deb Tucker’s rulers. Hadn’t heard about this one, so thanks!
Our snow and ice are nearly all gone!!!!!!!!! Off to the library at last!
Hugs!
okay, I have to check this out….
I have several of Deb Tucker’s rulers and use them all. Best way to make flying geese, V-blocks, square-in-square, and half-rectangles.