Just In Time of the 4th! #1

In preparing for a big 4th of July celebration this year, I'm making a wall hanging or table throw.  My theme is "Freedom" which, to me, the eagle represents. 
I will be posting my progress in several stages along the way and if you'd like to join in on the fun find a picture you like of an eagle (you can google image it and there are dozens) and let's begin.

• Once you've chose a picture, you will need to think about whether you want to have it enlarged or reduced (I go to Office Depot or Max).   Once that's decided, the next step is to take the picture apart.  Meaning trace the head, beak and talons onto a separate sheet of workable paper (tracing paper or freezer paper). Make sure you use a permanent marker. It's easier to see from the back.  A great tip is to print off a color copy of the animal you are working on. I usually copy/paste different color images of the profile, frontal view, wings outstretched, swooping, etc.
• When dissecting the wings and feathers, work from the tail feathers up to the shoulders. Each wing or feather section should be labeled making it easier to find later.  I do no trace each feather but a group of feathers or wings.  Again these tracing should be placed on workable paper. You can easily see the sections of colored feathers on the eagle above.
• The head and eyes are drawn last on another sheet of workable paper.

Using your color images of the chosen eagle, chose several  fabrics from your stash to work with.  I usually pull more than I'll need and sometimes chose a whole other group before I'm satisfied. Remember, if you are not sure about colors, use your color images as a guide. 

As you can see, I am leaning towards brown tones for the wings and feathers; white for the head and tail feathers and yellow for the beak and talons.  A small amount of black will be used as part of the eye and claws.

I am leaning towards a gradual changing fabric similar to the one I used in the eagle pictured above as a background. But, on matter which background you choose just make sure that your eagle body fabrics are distinct.  Small prints or fabrics that read solid are often popular in these types of quilts but geometric and batiks work well.  I think, it's really up to your own tastes in fabrics that will give you the best results.

Eventually, you will need to use a lightbox. I usually use my glass top coffee table and I have used one of those transparent wide bottom storage boxes turned upside down with a light source beneath (usually a bar shaped light). You will also need an adhesive (Steam-a-seam); a pressing mat that works with said adhesive which means the steam-a-seam doesn't stick to the mat and a #60 machine needle. 

In a couple of days, I will post the next steps.