LOUISIANA BLOCK # 12 CIVIL WAR QUILT

Block #12  Louisiana

Another easy one this week!   You can find this weeks pattern here.  I used a different method to make the Flying Geese units, as I don't like working with cut triangles.

Follow the cutting directions given by Barbara for the  A  pieces only.

As our  A rectangles are 4-1/2" X 2-1/2"  this is the measurement we must remember when cutting our B squares and our C rectangles.   All you need to make one flying geese block is one rectangle and two smaller squares.  A flying geese block is always exactly twice as long as it is wide (finished).

Light fabric  "C" pieces ;  Pink squares  "B" pieces  ;  Dark fabric  "A" pieces

So, for our B squares (in my pieced block this is the pink triangles) you need to cut 8 squares at 2-1/2" square.  (our cut rectangle is 4-1/2" long, divided in two = 2-1/4" + 1/4" seam allowance = 2-1/2")

Now cut 4 rectangles 4-1/2" X 2 1/2" in fabric C (this is my light larger triangle).

Take one of the 2-1/2" squares and either draw on the diagonal with a 2B pencil or fold in half and press.  (I like to press in half, open up and press from the other side, this makes for a nice flat piece of fabric still with a creased line to follow)   Keep in mind any directional issues with your fabric choices!

Now place that square on one side of your C rectangle (I always start on the left side).  Your crease or drawn line will be running from the centre top over to the left bottom corner of your rectangle.  Pin and sew in place.  You need to trim the back little triangles away now, before you add the next square.    Now do the same with the other square, this time your crease or drawn line will be running from the centre top over to the bottom right corner.  This second square will overlap the first square in the centre.  Now trim the back little triangles away and press your flying geese unit.

Now check measure your flying geese unit.  It should measure 4-1/2" X 2-1/2".

The next step is to join the flying geese unit to the A rectangle.  Follow Barbara's directions for the layout of each segment.  You will end up with two halves made up of two units each.  (Sorry, forgot to take photo of the joined set)

I use the stab pin method when joining the two halves together. (click on the link to read how I did this on the Kansas Troubles block).

Your completed pieced block will measure 8-1/2" square.  I prefer to press the centre seams open, as this reduces the bulk in the centre point of the pinwheels.

So, that is how I constructed the Louisiana block.  I hope my instructions make sense!

Happy Sewing!!