The April A to Z Challenge is in its tenth year, I’ve now participated for 6 of those years, and this year will be my 3rd quilt theme. It’s my first quilt using only patterns from the Kansas City Star newspaper archives. Welcome to my blog!
The Dutchman’s Puzzle is basically 8 Flying Geese units arranged in the above style. First published in the 1930 Kansas City Star, I’m pretty sure the method I used from this book was not thought of back then. Thanks to the Star Quilt author for this quick and easy method! Working full-time? This may be a great block for you.
Unfortunately there’s one more sewing step in the above method that I neglected to photograph. In the last step before fully assembling the motifs, you must place one more light block on the top dark corner, draw a line diagonally down the center and sew point to point a 1/4 inch each side of the drawn line, then cut. It gives two more flying geese units- total of 4 with the above method.
Tidying up the block or “squaring it up” is the final step in block making. This gets rid of those ‘dog ears’ (little points on the edge) sticking out and creating unnecessary bulk when you are giving your finished quilt the top stitching of your choice.
Did You Know?
During the 1930’s, the onset of the Great Depression created a revival of sorts in a puzzle craze. Libraries and drug stores offered puzzle rentals for 3 to 10 cents per day.
Come back here tomorrow for another quilt block for the A to Z Challenge! Also be sure to visit the home of the A to Z here and see other entrants challenge posts. There are excellent writers participating every year with topics in whatever you’re interested in.
Katy Trail Creations 
This is a really pretty pattern – I wish I could sew!
Debbie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It’s never too late to learn 😊
LikeLike
Puzzle rentals??? I’m puzzled. Did they ever manage to return all puzzle pieces?
https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/2019/04/under-arrest-d-is-for-death-penalty.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure? I’d guess they had a system like movie rentals today ?
LikeLike
That’s an interesting pattern. I am intrigues by puzzle rentals. What’s that??
LikeLike
It’s boxed puzzles 🧩 During the Depression years money was tight and it was a cheaper way to spend an evening with friends or family
LikeLike
I love flying geese, and this block too! Great and easy way to make it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My early quilts had a lot of those flying geese 😊 watched a bit too many quilt shows I guess lol
LikeLike
My group has Dutchman’s Puzzle as well! Love your color combinations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exhausting day here with the kiddos! I’ll be catching up tomorrow visiting your site. Thanks for the compliment 🤓
LikeLike
Huh! I wonder why puzzles…
The Multicolored Diary
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was most likely an economical past time with the Great Depression in full swing.
LikeLike
Oh, that’s nice, I love geometric patterns
https://seal-of-melchizedek.blogspot.com/2019/04/edmonton-alberta-temple.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for dropping in!
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing this! I just learned a new term referring to Dutch frugality. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! It is a part of my heritage I embrace. Obviously since I can’t part with scrap fabrics lol
LikeLike