BOW #43 Goose in the Pond

Goose in the Pond looks like a complicated block, but the pieces are all simple, familiar pieces: half square triangles, squares, nine-patches, and rail fences.  It's on a 5 x 5 grid and the measurements for a 12" finished block are more than you want to deal with, so we're going to do a 15" finished block this week.

For a 15" finished block you will need:
(12)  3-1/2" Half Square Triangles, dark/light (Review BOW # for instructions on making HSTs)
(4)  light strips,  1-1/2" x 3-1/2"
(8) dark strips, 1-1/2" x 3-1/2"
(4) 3-1/2" nine patch units, using (5) light and (4) dark 1-1/2" squares

(5) light squares, 3-1/2"

First, use the light and dark 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" strips to create 4 Triple Rail units:

Than arrange all the units into the block, as shown.  You can do this one of several ways, but piecing row by row is probably the easiest.  Lay it out next to you at your sewing table, if possible, to make sure you're sewing it correctly.

You can sew many Goose in the Pond blocks in a straight-forward center.  This blue and white version reminds me of 18th century woven counterpanes, and I like that look but it also seems to lose the integrity of the block, which is a beauty, I think!  

Below is a quilt, from a Miss Rosie's pattern, that takes care of that problem by using sashing. (And you'll recognize Flying Geese in the border.)  This quilt adorns my bed during the holiday season.

(Truthfully,  I decided only this morning that it was time to retire it for the season.  It's hard for me to put it away, because I like it so much, but it will be something to look forward to next winter.)
This is a lovely block--enjoy it!