Funky Chicken

Funky Chicken
Funky Chicken

Project Overview

Using the traditional Log Cabin Block, make 4 large blocks to create a background for the chickens.

First create 2 large blocks for the top, using graduated lights to darks to create a graduated sky effect. The bottom 2 large blocks will be make from graduated browns and greens, creating a "grassy ground' on which the chickens can rest. Use the Sulky® Solvy-Turn Technique for each applique piece, then each piece will be appliqued down using Sulky® Invisible Polyester Thread or matching Sulky® PolyDeco™ Thread and a blind hem stitch.


Supplies:

Fabric:
  • Blues: 15 shades numbered 1-15 light to dark
  • Greens: 8 shades, light to dark
  • Browns: 7 shades, light to dark
  • Accent border: 1-1/2"
  • Border: 4"
  • Plus assorted fabrics for chickens

Thread:
Supplies:


Prepare Fabric

A  Cut a 2-1/2" center square of sky blue.
B  Add strip #1 (lightest blue) to the 2-1/2" blue center square. Press seam toward strip #1. Trim strip flush with center square at both ends.
C  Add strip #2 (the same color as strip #1). Press seam toward strip #2 and trim flush.
D  Add strip #3 (darker blue). Press seam toward strip #3 and trim flush.
E  Add strip #4 (the same color as strip #3). Press seam toward strip #4 and trim flush.
This is round #1.

Continue adding one strip at a time in a counter-clockwise direction, pressing the seam toward the strip and trimming it flush once it is pressed out.

Make 7 rounds of 4 strips each. Two graduate darker and two graduate lighter out from the center square. Repeat to make a second blue block and 2 green/brown blocks. Trim the blocks so they are all the same size. Stitch the four blocks together. (For color placement, see finished quilt on Introduction Page of instructions.)


Construct It

Trace the Chicken Patterns




The patterns can be downloaded using the link at the bottom of this page. When you trace them with a fine-line, permanent-ink marker, use solid lines for sewing lines, slashed lines for unturned edges that will be under other pieces, and dotted lines for placement.

Lay Solvy over the pattern and trace each component separately. Irregular or small pieces left over from another project are perfect to use for the project as long as there is at least a 1" margin all around each pattern piece. Accurate tracing is a snap if each piece of Solvy is sprayed lightly with Sulky KK 2000 before placing it on the pattern; this will also hold the Solvy pattern onto the fabric when sewing.

Create the Chicken Pieces

Cut apart all Solvy pattern pieces. Select your fabric for each piece and place the Solvy pattern on the right side of your selected fabric. Because you are viewing the pattern pieces as they will appear when finished, simply move and turn the Solvy pattern piece until any design feature on your fabric is within the sewing line, and going in the direction you want.

Straight stitch along all of the solid lines, then trim to within a scant 1/4" outside of the stitching, taking care not to trim off any portion that lays under. Turn right side out. For pieces that are sewn all the way around, carefully cut a slit in the center of the Solvy and gently turn it to the back of the applique fabric; finger press, or press with a DRY iron.

Placement of Chickens

Determine the approximate placement of your chickens on the background log cabin. Spritz BACKGROUND with water to make the Solvy adhere, and gently layer chicken pieces in numerical order; adjust as needed to be sure all unturned edges are covered. When final placement is determined, press down with a steam iron to secure them in place.

DO NOT slide the iron. If a piece is loose, give it a shot of steam, then press dry. With Sulky 40 wt. PolyDeco to match or Sulky Polyester Invisible Thread, applique stitch the chicken as desired. Evelyn used a blind hem with a relatively short stitch length. For most applique methods, no further stabilization is needed because the Solvy behind each piece is sufficient; and it will wash away without a trace leaving no stiffness or added weight.

Add Borders, Layer the Quilt and Bind

Add borders, then quilt using your favorite Sulky Decorative Thread and a free-form or stencil design that best lends itself to the area being quilted.

It's fun using Sulky Multi-Color Metallic Threads in different design patterns to quilt the chicken's feathers. In the green fabric areas, Evelyn used a green 30 wt. Sulky Rayon to look like grass, and a Variegated Sulky 30 wt. for the backgrounds.



Chicken Pattern

The patterns are scaled to fit onto 8-1/2" X 11" pieces of paper. Each piece of the pattern is printed seperately and trimmed and combined with the other pattern pieces to construct the full sized pattern. Total image size is 25-3/4" x 18-7/8"

Download the Chicken Pattern