Blockbuster 65 Twilight Zone and Geese of a Feather Technique!

Recently, Studio 180 Design released Twilight Zone, its newest blockbuster. This color play block is made with the Wing Clipper® and Square Squared® tools. The only thing else you'll need is the new Geese of a Feather Technique sheet, depending on how you place the flying geese units.  

As I was working on my Twilight Zone block, I decided to write a tutorial on how to make Geese of the Feather.

What is the Geese of a Feather technique? 

Have you ever wanted four flying geese with all one color on one side and all the other colors on the other side? Well, Deb Tucker has come up with an exciting way to make these flying geese, and it's easy to do. 

Making these units won't be a problem if you know Studio 180 Design's Non-Waste method. Starting with one large square and two small squares of one color and two small squares of color two. The Geese of the Feather Technique Sheet will give you the cut size for these units. Due to the small square sizes being slightly larger than the ones specified in the Wing Clipper® instructions. With them being a bit larger you don't have to worry about them nudging toward the center. 

As soon as you have your squares cut and ready, mark quarter-inch lines on each side of the center diagonal on each small square. Next, you'll cut down the middle of the center diagonal of the lines to make four triangles.

Place your large square right side up on your cutting mat or table. After that, you just need to pick what color you want on the left side of your flying geese. You'll label the left side Color 1 and the right side Color 2. 

Once you decide on your Color 1 and Color 2, we'll put them on the large square. You should start by placing a Color 1 triangle on the top right side with the long edge of the triangle. Next, add Color 2 on the opposite side to make it look like a square. Repeat the process on the bottom half of the square, but this time reverse your colors. Color 2 goes on the right, and Color 1 goes on the left. Once the triangles are lined up, pin them.

Stitch on the lines, cut down the middle, and press toward the small triangles.

Position your unit on the cutting mat or table again. Arrange the rest of the triangles. Pay attention to the colors on the left and right sides. If Color 1 is on your left, put Color 2 on your left. After that, put Color 1 on the left. Repeating the process for the other unit. Pin in place.

Then stitch on the lines and cut in the middle. Press towards the small triangles.

You have four flying goose units with all colors on one side. 

Trim the units with a Wing Clipper® tool, according to the instructions. Set up the unit so the point is facing you if you're right-handed, and to your right if you're left-handed. Make sure you line up the diagonal lines on the triangle seams. You should have plenty of space all around. Then trim the first two sides.

Turn the unit 180 degrees and align the previously trimmed edges of the cleaning guidelines and the "X" with the intersection of the seams. Trim the last two sides. You'll have 4 flying geese. You'll need 6 units to make this block.

You'll also need six Square Squared® units to complete this block. I had a lot of fun playing with the colors and how they should be positioned. Try it out and see what you can do with it.  

Also if you wish to learn more about Studio 180 Design, please check out my online classes, called the Precision Block Academy. The next set of classes will start on February 1st. If you sign up for the Waitlist you get priority registration.