QAF Block of the Month

July 2008

Louisiana

10 1/2" (unfinished), 10" (finished)

We seem to be 'whirling' a lot here at QAF in the Block of the Month department this year. For July we are offering the Louisiana block, which is an old block, and comes out of Blockbase. This time, 'geese' in the center of the block and flying geese will be a bright TOT, surrounded by a WOW or white fabric. The remaining 'blades' that will make up a secondary pattern will use a black with white dot fabric. These should be small to medium dots, so they will show up well in the quilt.

Cut for each block:

Note #1:(I am not going to reiterate how to make Flying Geese units here, but will give you a link to a website that clearly shows 3 different methods of making them. I recommend the last one, since it will give you 4 from one cutting.)www.quilterscache.com/H/howtomakegeese.html

Note #2:(I also recommend Mary Sue Suit's book "All the Blocks are Geese" in which she shows her method of making 4 geese at once, using two squares, one larger than the other. For this 10" finished block, you will need ONE 6 1/2" square of geese fabric, and ONE 7 1/2" of the sky fabric. If you wish to use this method and do not have the book, there is an exerpt from her book online, or was, when last I looked.)

So, using whichever method for flying geese you wish, cut your fabrics and make your 4 geese. Measure to make sure they measure 3" by 5 1/2". Line each of the geese up with one black/white rectangle, making sure you stitch next to the center point of the goose. Press to the dark. These patches should now measure 5 1/2" square. Lay out your 4 pieced patches, configuring like the picture above. Stitch two by two and you are suddenly finished! Square up your blocks to 10 1/2".

Here is a layout for you: