Clam Shell Owl by Ann Nicolson
The owl pattern that’s been used for quite a few of our Linus quilts comes from an old issue of Patchwork & Quilting magazine, Aug/Sept 1994, by Betty Todd.
To make up the owl, you cut 26 clams all the same size, in suitable colors, then start laying them out from the feet upwards. The pieces overlap, with the exposed edges turned in. Start sewing at the feet, going up a row at a time. Add a nose when you put down the two “eye” clams. Put eyes on last.
It makes more sense when you’ve the bits of fabric in front of you! The key is to start with the feet, not the top of the owl’s head.
Owls by Irene and Maureen
Linus quilt by Ruby
Linus owl quilt with hearts, by Ruby
Skye Quilters 
So cute. !!!
Is there any way I can get the original Owl Pattern from the aug/sept issue of Patchwork and quilting magazine. I would love to make this. thanks
You could try writing to P&Q magazine, which ought to have a copy of every issue they’ve published.
Apparently P&Q don’t have issues going back as far as this one. The key to this pattern is having a clamshell template — one size only is all you need — cut 26 pieces, and arrange as shown in the photo, starting with the two for the feet.
This is so cute!
This week I’m going to have my first clamshell lesson, then we’ll see 😉