Traditional Tuesday - Block 20

Shoo Fly

Block 20 - Shoo Fly

This month we are going to make all 9-patch style blocks starting with this simple Shoo Fly block. I love it's simplicity - but at the same time it's so interesting to look at! And since it's a new month, and since it's February, I think I'll make all my blocks with red in them somewhere. (Cliche, I know but still fun!)

I chose a red and black print. You can change the center square to add a third color if you choose.

Cutting:

• From the black cut, 4 - 2 1/2" squares AND 2 - 2 7/8" squares*
• From the red cut, 1 - 2 1/2" square AND 2 - 2 7/8" squares*

*I cut mine 3" and squared them up after making the hst's.

The fabrics. I like the red/black pairing - very sophisticated.

First make your hst's. Finger press one of the large black squares on the diagonal. Layer it with a large red square and sew 1/4" from each side of the pressed line. Cut apart on the line, press to the black and trim to 2 1/2". Repeat with the remaining two large squares.

Lay out the units as they will look in the block and sew together in rows, pressing so the seams oppose.

Join the rows and press to one side. Your block should be 6 1/2".

Next week, look for a special block just in time for "you know what!"