Stars & Swirls Summer 2020 Quilt Along - #2, cutting units and Large Flying Geese

It's Step #2 of the Stars & Swirls Summer 2020 Quilt Along. Let's get started right away.

I've had a complaint....actually a request to post the blog on Fridays so you have the weekend to sew. Since this post is ready, I'm posting today, Friday.

I've got a few videos of the Flying Geese process. Watch them as well as read and follow the instructions. I don't say it in the videos, but you may just want to cut units for the Large Flying Geese only. See how you get on and then do more cutting as you need it. I will be honest, I often rush ahead and make mistakes! Take it slow, one step at a time and you'll do fine.

Print off the pattern and you'll see that I've set up the cutting instructions with the largest size units first. There are times that I find that even though the pattern says to cut 2 strips, I only need to cut 1 or 2 units from the second strip. Use the leftovers of the strip for cutting smaller units. I'd suggest cutting the 7 1/2" units and the 4" units for the large flying geese first. Put the rest of your fabric aside till the next step and concentrate on these larger flying geese units first.

Take the time to mark the size quilt you are making and check off as you cut. I've used the Quilter's Glow Tape to mark in pink the pieces I need for the light flying geese and the orange for the dark flying geese.

Watch the following video explaining the paper plate and post it note trick!

Now on to the Flying Geese. This week we are focusing on the large geese sections of the stars. Each set of fabrics (1 large and 4 small squares) will make 4 flying geese units. Each block is made up of 4 flying geese units! Easy Peasy!!!! You may want to just cut enough for 1 block or pull out some scraps to try the technique before starting on your quilt, especially if you are making a bigger quilt.

Haven't got your Wing Clipper 1 tool yet? I have some in stock and can always get more, so order today!

We've done some stitching, now on to trimming. I've moved the camera so you can pretend you are standing right beside me.

Next time we'll be working on the smaller flying geese units AND completing the Star blocks.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Subscribe to the blog so you get notifications when I post and I'll look forward to sharing this fun quilt with you this summer.