Flying Geese Quilted Stocking

I'm SO excited to show off my project that I've been working on this weekend: this Flying Geese quilted Christmas stocking that I made with the November 2023 kit from ME Time Delivered. Ack, I love it so much. This review is sponsored by M.E. Time, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've always loved the look of Christmas stockings made with traditionally pieced quilt blocks - but would you believe I've never made any? So I was super jazzed when this month's ME (Machine Embroidery) Time Delivered project was making a gorgeous, quilted, heirloom-quality Christmas stocking with a very traditional Flying Geese design.

If you’re new to the Perfectly Pieced system from ME Time Embroidery, here’s a simplified explanation: Perfectly Pieced is a genius system for foundation piecing perfect quilt blocks inside the hoop on a sewing machine equipped with a machine embroidery arm. (I’m using the Baby Lock Destiny II.)

PERFECTLY PIECED SUBSCRIPTION BOX: HOW IT WORKS

Each month there is a new Perfectly Pieced box/block/project available as a monthly doorstep subscription OR a monthly digital subscription. ALL subscribers receive the following digital items through their ME Time Delivered account:

• One new quilt block in four sizes (2×2, 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8)
• Project charts and instructions for making multiple project options
• Digital embroidery files for foundation-piecing the blocks
• Exclusive background quilting files (customized block-by-block files as well as allover quilting files)
• Fabric requirement charts

The Digital subscription is a great option if you don’t need more fabric, and only want the digital files. The digital files alone are such a GREAT value.

The Monthly Doorstep subscription includes all of the items listed above, plus a collectible box delivered to your home that includes:

• A curated fabric bundle (with enough fabric to complete the project)
• Printed, step-by-step instructions for making that month's block
• One coordinating spool of Glide thread
• One notion
• A collectible pin featuring the block of the month

Here's a peek at the contents of the November 2023 box in addition to the digital block, quilting and stocking patterns:

• Curated bundle of red and green fabrics (over 2 total yards)
• Red Glide Thread (Color: Monarch 70703)
• Sturdy Curved Basting Pins
• Full Color Block Instructions
• Collectible Pin November 2023

Here's a look at some of the other project ideas for the November 2023 box:

You can read more details about the Perfectly Pieced system and how it works here. 

Quilted Stocking Pattern from Perfectly Pieced

The pattern for this stocking is still included here in the November 2023 digital pattern. Here's a look at the projects and blocks I've been making with the November 2023 box as well as part of the step-by-step process.

This stocking is made using the 4" x 4" Flying Goose Chase block. The system for piecing these blocks is similar to foundation paper piecing. Traditional foundation paper piecing is a quilting technique that involves sewing fabric onto a printed pattern to create precise and intricate quilt blocks. This method ensures accurate results, particularly for complex designs, by providing a stable and guided construction process.

The process is similar with the Perfectly Pieced system but easier because the printed block pattern/template is stitched directly onto a foundation of lightweight stabilizer in the embroidery hoop. Then, working from the front (instead of having to flip the paper template over every step) you build the block piece by piece.

(Another bonus is being able to piece multiple blocks at a time if you have larger hoop options with your machine.)

The outcome are perfectly-pieced, sharp looking quilt blocks every time - no cut-off points or wonky shapes. The piecing looks especially impressive in the smaller blocks.

When piecing the blocks, two options are available.

1. There is the option to simply piece the quilt block on the stabilizer, or
2. Add a layer of batting before sewing the block pieces on top and then custom quilting each block with a complimentary design

If you choose to quilt each block as you go, you can then piece the quilted blocks together for a finished quilted top. That is the option I took piecing this stocking.

The quilting looks so luxe and detailed in the finished project and the stabilizer and quilting gives the stocking some lovely definition and stability.

To make the stocking back I used the coordinating all-over quilting design and the Clear-Blue-Tiles system to created a solid, but quilted back.

I used the red Glide thread included in this month's box to really let the quilting design pop. Quilting with thread matching the fabric color looks classy as well in a tone-on-tone textured design.

I'm planning to make more coordinating stockings so that I'll have a whole set. As you can see, I've started piecing the 6" x 6" blocks - I think it's cool to see the contrast in scale, using the same block design.

If you want to see a video of this month’s blocks pieced step by step, checkout this quick video from ME Time.

I have so much fun with each of the Perfectly Pieced projects I've made with M.E. Time Delivered.

Here's a look at some of my past Perfectly Pieced projects from January '22, October '22, and April '23.

Using the Perfectly Pieced subscription boxes has really helped me build my skills with my Embroidery Machine as well.

Favorite Machine Embroidery supplies

Over the past year+ of sewing foundation-pieced quilt blocks, I've found a couple of others supplies basics that I can't live without anymore including:

Gingher Knife Edge Applique scissors

I bought a pair for myself for Christmas last year and they are still so sharp and going strong. I tried using a couple of other less expensive options before these and there is honestly no comparison.

Another great find was stabilizer in bulk. I found a 50 yard roll here.

And with that official kick-off, my 2023 Christmas sewing is officially underway!

I'll share the rest of the stocking collection as it grows! You can see the second stocking here.

If your sewing machine has an embroidery arm, I highly recommend the Perfectly Pieced system. And subscription would also make a delightful Christmas gift - the best kind of gift that keeps on giving. 🙂