Jaybird Quilts – Nebula – Spirit Bear Quilts

Size

97 ” x 96 “, Queen

Options:

King, 111″ x 108″
Large lap, 78″ x 90″

Method

Standard Piecing
No Y Seams

Special Tools

Hex N More ruler
Super Sidekick ruler

Needs both rulers from Jaybird Quilts

♥ Challenging myself with new rulers and bright colours

After watching a video about Nebula block of the month quilt from Tula Pink, I knew I wanted to make the quilt designed by Jaybird Quilts . Tula explained that the bold, vibrant coloured quilt was made using 78 different fat eights from her fabric line. Having never made a Jaybird quilt or use her rulers, I thought it would be fun to learn. Who doesn’t love triangles and hexagons?

I joined the Nebula Block of the Month program and bought my rulers from Quilting From the Heart, in Camrose, Alberta Canada. To help build everyone’s ruler skills and confidence, Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts came out with a free, fabulous “Journey to Nebula” program. She guided people through small projects such as table runners, pillows and table toppers so that they would feel prepared for the Nebula Block of the Month quilt. I really appreciated the program even though I only had time to watch the tutorial videos.

First impressions?

At Christmas, I received my first set of Nebula blocks, rulers and patterns! Each block came as a well packaged bundle of Tula Pink fat eights. This pattern is the most visual, intuitive and easy to follow pattern I’ve ever used.

After trying the first couple of blocks, I can say that this is not an quick quilt, nor is it a beginner quilt. Prior experience with the Sidekick and Hex N More rulers is an asset, but not required. This quilt requires precision cutting and consistent, scant 1/4 inch seams. If you know your tools and your machine, you are good to go.

Because I had no prior experience with the rulers, I made some “tester” blocks with scrap fabric before I used the actual quilt fabric. So far, I’m loving everything. The sturdy rulers, beautiful fabrics, easy to follow, visual pattern… Love it ALL! ♥

This article below documents my work and helpful videos, where available, from the designer for each block.

Tips and Tricks Sew with shorter stitch length (1.8). Glue the ends and matching points with a glue pen to prevent shifting. Cut the triangle tips for precision alignment. Watch Julie's videos below and use the hang pin technique.

Tips and Tricks Press seams open or to one side? All Julie Herman's videos press the seams open. After testing and sewing her patterns so many times she truly knows what is best for her designs. But I'm just so used to pressing to one side that pressing open seams didn't work for me. I really tried! For my blocks I pressed to one side and had more accuracy than pressing open, but that's just me (and maybe you?).