Just Ducky

It is cold and rainy in Minnesota.  So no visiting the ducks at the nearby creek.  Instead I decided to make my own ducks -- using Electric Quilt 8.  These will be super simple to foundation piece.  And are even charm friendly.  And I even have free foundations for you to use to create your own blocks.

Delivered with Love Moda Fabric Collection

To get started, I thought I new fabric collection might be in order.  I went to the Moda website and found this collection that was just released.  I thought it would be the perfect fabric for my little duckies. 

I even figured out how both the Mama and Baby Ducks could be cut from charms.  More on that below.   

Here is the link to the Moda site to download the collection to your computer.

Mama Duck Tracing Image

I was debating providing the tracing image.   But for those trying to match my design exactly, it is the easiest way to ensure success.  It is also easier for me to be consistent between a "recorded" design and the original design.​

Here is the Mama Duck block you can use for tracing purposes.  Download and save on your computer under the My EQ8>Images folder.

Mama Duck Block for Tracing

In the video, I share drafting the Mama Duck block which is 4" finished and the Baby Duck block which is also 4" finished. ​

Mama Duck

Baby Duck

I am curious how you would use these blocks in a quilt?  I also have an idea -- but I am saving it for next week.

​Share your suggestions for a quilt using these ducks in the Learning EQ Facebook group post.  Or post a picture of your ducks using a favorite fabric.

Just Ducky Learning EQ Facebook Group Post

Free Foundation Patterns for the Mama and Baby Ducks

Click on the photo the access and download the free pdfs for each of the foundations.  Note that the foundations should measure 4-1/2 x 4-1/2 with seam allowances and 4 x 4 without the seam allowances.

Mama Duck Foundation Pattern

Baby Duck Foundation Pattern

I figured out that the bodies of the ducks could be cut from 5" charm squares.  However there isn't a lot of excess fabric after accounting for the 1/4 seam allowances (particularly for the Mama duck).  So keep that in mind if using charms for your project.

Placement of Mama Duck Templates on 5" charm Square for Cutting

Constructing the Beak and Eye

I decided to use a folded fabric piece for the beak as I think it is less work than foundation piecing it. 

​If you wish to include the beak in the regular foundation piecing, I suggest drawing it on the EasyDraw tab.  This would result in 2 foundation sections rather than one.  The beauty of drafting in EQ is we get to pick our favorite construction techniques.

For constructing the beaks, I started with a 1-1/2" fabric square.  Folded it in half on the diagonal.  Then folded the two folded edges in toward the center.  The amount of the fold was dictated by the size of the beak.    Before ironing the final piece of the foundation, I would flip the seam as it will lay much better if pressed toward the duck.

For the eyes you could use a small button.  Or embroider or applique a small circle.  The size is a around 1/4" -- so it is pretty small.

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Happy quilting.

​Kari

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