Block of the Month -- June, 2009
“Canadian Gardens”

Diagram: Fabric: Cutting Directions: Yellow Light tone-on-tone, hand-dye or batik (1) 4½" square (2) 2 7/8" squares Multi-colored print Medium colorful batik (12) 2½" squares Light green Medium green tone-on-tone or batik (4) 2½" x 4½" rectangles Dark green Dark green tone-on-tone or batik (2) 2 7/8" squares

Assembly Instructions:

Note: Although this block is a bit more complex than our recent BOMs, it’s not hard to make, using the “squares in the corners” method. If you made the May BOM, you already know how to piece the center diamond/square! Use the cut-away half-square triangle units for another project, or consider donating them to the BVQ Scrap Bag!

1. On the wrong side of each 2 7/8" square and each light 2½" square, mark a line connecting opposite corners. Pair each light square with a dark green square, right sides together. Stitch a scant ¼" on each side of the marked lines and then cut apart on the marked lines. Press seams toward the darker fabric, taking care not to stretch the bias seams. Trim to a 2½" square if necessary.
2. Place two of the 2½" squares at opposite corners of the large light square (right sides together), matching raw edges and positioning the smaller squares so that the diagonal lines meet the centers of the large square’s sides. Stitch along the marked line and then stitch another seam ½" away, toward the corners of the large square. Cut away the corner triangles midway between the two seams. Press seams toward the darker fabric, taking care not to stretch the bias seams. Repeat for the remaining two corners. (You will have four half-square triangle units left over.)
3. Align a 2½" square at one end of each rectangle; chain-piece these units, sewing on the diagonal marked line. Sew another seam ½" away from the first seam (toward the corner) on each unit, then cut away the corner triangles midway between the two seams. Press seams toward the darker fabric, taking care not to stretch the bias seams. Repeat with remaining squares on the opposite ends of the rectangles, making sure that each seam is oriented correctly to create the “flying geese” units. (You will have eight half-square triangle units left over.)
4. Following the diagram, assemble the units into rows and sew the rows together to form the block.

• Use 100% cotton fabrics for the block. Wash fabrics before cutting. Do not use fabrics that bleed or run!
• It helps to arrange the patches on a piece of felt, flannel or batting before sewing to aid in assembly.
• Stitch all seams using a scant ¼" seam allowance. Please try to be accurate!
• Unless otherwise specified, press seams toward the dark fabric if possible, taking care not to stretch any bias edges.

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