Fab Farm SAL Chicken Block
Today I get to show you the Fab Farm SAL Chicken Block for the Fab Farm SAL hosted by Kathleen McMusing. She and I were chatting back and forth about the Fab Farm pattern, so when she said she was going to host a sew along, I knew I wanted to be part of it.
Over the years, I have inadvertently developed a cache of chicken figurines. I’m not exactly sure why – I don’t raise chickens (and never have), but I just like chickens and seem to be drawn to them. They even show up in my quilts, like this quilt I made years ago. So when Kathleen asked me to choose which Fab Farm block I wanted to do, it was easy – the chicken!
We sometimes do things a little backwards here at Pieceful Thoughts, so I finished my chicken block before I had started the other earlier blocks! Never fear, though – I am caught up! Here’s proof:
I’m feeling kinda jazzed about that fabric for the strawberry – pretty cool, huh? I decided to try something a little different for my background fabric, and opted for Moda Grunge in Sweet Lavender. I wasn’t so sure about using purple, but it’s working pretty well! It’s tricky to photograph, however, but these photos are pretty close to the actual background color. The rest of my fabrics are all scraps.
Okay, time to get the chicken fabrics cut and labeled!
Well wow, that looks a bit intimidating, doesn’t it? No worries, though. Those little pieces go together easily to make a very cute little chicken. If you are also sewing your blocks scrappy, you’ll find you don’t need much. The body of the chicken (the polka dot fabric) was cut from a strip 6″ x WOF, and I didn’t use all of it.
At this point, I got so engrossed in sewing the block together, I forgot to take any photos! Oops! But here are a few tips:
- Read through the instructions for the block before you begin. Like the past blocks, the instructions will tell you to go to the back of the instruction book to complete the block. Don’t miss that.
- Watch the orientation of those pieces – it’s easy to get the going the wrong direction, and unpicking is no fun.
- One little intersection of seams that might be tricky – right here. Pinning or basting might be helpful. (If you look closely, you can see thread remnants from my unpicking)
And before you know it, you have a chicken block!
Isn’t she just the cutest? Here are all my blocks together.
These blocks go together pretty quickly, so there’s still time to join in if you are interested. You can find all the information over at Kathleen McMusing, just click on this link.
Fab Farm Link Up This Week!
The first linky party for the Fab Farm is up! If you’re sewing along with Kathleen for the Fab Farm Sew Along, please go to her site and link up today. Show us your first five Fab Farm blocks! You can find the link up party here.
I look forward to seeing your Fab Farm SAL Chicken Blocks! Happy Stitching, all!
Wendy
My New Design Wall
30 Comments
Barbara J Stanbro
Well, those are just too stinking cute!! I don’t really want to join in the SAL, but I might look for that pattern. Very cute animals.
LA Paylor
that high kicking chicken is high-larious
Sally Johnson
Looks great Wendy!
Stitchin at Home
Those blocks are sweet, and good choice for the background fabric.
texasquiltgal
Your Grunge choice is really cool! The farm animals are adorable, and I love that kickin’ chicken – really cute fabrics. Are those vintage ceramic chickens?
The Joyful Quilter
Adorable, Wendy! Kudos for getting caught up.
Helen
In my humble opinion… Purple is never the wrong choice!
Karen
have fun with the farm animals, that pattern has not interested me much
Sara Fridley
Those are just the cutest blocks ever! I love how the chicken looks like she is marching.
Vicki in MN
That little chicken looks like she has some attitude as she is strutting her stuff, so darn cute as are the rest of your animals.
Sandra Healy Designs
What gorgeous blocks, Wendy!
Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts
Those blocks are adorable, Wendy! I love each one for different reasons. Yes, the strawberry – but the horse’s mane is really wonderful! The dotty fabric for the chicken is so fun. Looks like you’re having a great time with this QAL!
Brenda @ Songbird Designs
Your blocks are great, Wendy, and I love that chicken block!! I collect chickens too…along with cows! LOL
Kathleen McCormick
Wow! Thanks, first, for jumping in and co-hosting. I do love the lavender background…it is fabulous. The blocks look terrific on the new design wall…so fun! The strawberry fabric is so much fun but your other fabric choices are just as great. Thanks so much for all your great hints, too.
Tracie
Those farm animals are cute! And grunge is a great background, of course. All those tiny pieces came together so nicely for you — great organization!
knitnkwilt
Those blocks will make a bright and adorable quilt. I agree, the lavender grunge works well.
Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting
Love the dots, Wendy!!! And your chickens in your collection are adorable!!!
marissthequilter
These fabfarm blocks are just FABULOUS. It’s hard to choose, but I think your chicken gets first prize. Maybe it’s the spotty fabric for the body that does it. I certainly felt intimidated when I saw the photograph of all those neatly labelled chicken bits
Amusives
Hard to pick my favourite block!
I have a friend who collects chicken figurines too. She doesn’t know why she got started, and she doesn’t want any more now, but she likes her chickens!
Katherine Duquette
That chicken is too darn cute. It is strutting her stuff.
Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
I think the light lavender background is looking great with all your blocks!
rl2b2017
Bawk, bawk, bawk! What does a chicken say?! This block is so dang cute, Wendy. I love that one little leg sticking out, balancing on the other leg. That’s quite a trick. Nice job, my friend. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
Mari
The marching chicken! Or is she high-stepping to some fun music? Either way, the chicken is adorable, as are your other blocks. What a fun quilt along!
weddingdressblue
That chicken is so enthusiastic! I may have to get that pattern, at least it is on my wish list as of NOW.
Cheree Hull
Chickens are just fun! I had to go check your previous quilt—I love it of course! And this is a great block, love your fabric choice for the body esp!
nanacathy2
What fun. Love your chicken.
Sandra Walker
Oh you outdid yourself on this sassy chicken! I love all of your blocks and the lavender Grunge is awesome. I used a mint Kona as the background for a 6” blocks sampler quilt and like you was hesitant but wow, like you am I glad I did!
Laura
The first thing that I noticed was that you have the blocks up on the new design wall! Yay! The strawberry is cute! The chicken has attitude…great fabric choices! I love her! And it is just like you to choose that lavender grunge for the background! It looks terrific! 🙂
Jocelyn Thurston
Wow, these blocks are so intricate and beautifully sewn. I love them all.
Janine @ Rainbow Hare
I love all these fab farm blocks 🙂