Welcome to Week 1 of the Hello Geese Quilt Along! This week we will choose and cut out our fabric. I’ve decided to use these fun fabrics to make the Crib sized option.

What do you need to do to get started this week?

The first thing to do is to get the pattern and decide what size quilt you want to make. There are three size options in the pattern: crib, small throw, and large throw.
Next, decide which piecing method you prefer. There are two options: stitch and flip and no-waste. The stitch and flip method is great for using a variety of scraps and the no-waste method is great for using ombre fabric or when you want all the flying geese in a column to be in one fabric, regardless of whether or not it is an ombre. I will be using the no-waste method, but using regular print fabrics.
A number of people have asked about foundation paper piecing the smallest flying geese, so I a made bonus templates you can use. If you decide to use the foundation paper piecing option, refer to the instructions on the foundations. You will need to modify the cutting instructions for the smaller geese. I would recommend crossing out the pieces you will not need to cut on the main cutting page and writing in the sizes of the fabric those pieces will need to be replaced with. We will go over this option in depth in my Week 4 video and post. If you are unsure what to do and want to put off cutting the fabric pieces that make up the smaller geese until Week 4, that is just fine.
Once you have determined your quilt size, fabric, and method, it is time to get cutting.
1. Cut the Background: The Background fabric is cut into width-of-fabric strips and then those strips are sub-cut into the correct size rectangles and squares. I recommend labeling all the different sized squares by writing the size on a scrap of paper and pinning it to the fabric.
2. Cut Geese from Scraps: The stitch and flip method uses rectangles to make the flying geese. Gather your scraps, organize by color and then start cutting. If you choose, you can cut the larger geese out of darker fabric and the smaller geese out of lighter fabric for an ombre effect.
3. Cut the Geese from Yardage: The no-waste method uses a large square of fabric to make four flying geese. If you are using ombre fabric, refer to the cutting diagram to ensure you achieve the ombre effect. If you are using the no-waste method with a regular print, do not use the cutting diagram. Cut out the squares close together to avoid fabric wastage and odd sized scraps.
When you have chosen your fabric and cut out your pieces, take a picture and post it on Instagram. Make sure to put #hellogeesequiltalong and @leila.gardunia in the caption, so I will see it. Quilters who do this Quilters who do this by 6 pm March 4th (Central), will be entered to win a $25 Gift Card from Mashe Modern Fabrics. Mashe Modern has so many fun, modern fabrics, you will definitely find something you like! (I kind of like to cut as I go, so I’m not going to insist that you cut all your fabric upfront, just get a start on it. :) )
Go on Instagram and search and follow the #hellogeesequiltalong hashtag. This will allow you see and comment on your fellow quilters photos. Let’s cheer each other on! Learn more about how to navigate Instagram here.

Bonus! If you are a more visual person or just want to hang out with me while I ramble about this pattern and cutting for 25 minutes, here is a YouTube video where I walk you through all this information. :)

Week 1 Video

Updated Pattern Cover: I designed the pattern cover a few weeks ago in the depths of a cold, dark snap and my seasonal depression was weighing on me. I didn’t like the cover, but no matter how much time I spent on it, I couldn’t seem to make it any better. After two days of warmth and sun, I was able to redesign it and make it 1000x better in 15 minutes. (eye roll) If you want the updated, prettier version and not the generic, depressed version. You can find it here. :)