Year of Doubles BOM: August 2022
by Emily Keller from the Block of the Month committee
Dutchman's Puzzle block
In looking for this month’s quilt block I wanted something that had some more technical aspects but also had some fun shortcuts. A nod to my upcoming travels, this block seemed like the perfect fit. The Dutchman's Puzzle Block can be constructed two different ways: 16 half square triangles(HST) or 8 flying geese.
When I made my first HST years ago I cut out two triangles and sewed them together. Don’t be me. For the HST method for constructing this block, the Seasoned Homemaker has a tutorial here. You’ll need 8 of one color and 8 of another arranged like the below. I scavenged these from my orphaned block bin, but Beech Tree Lane Handmade has a good tutorial on making 8 at a time HST in a variety of sizes.
If you’d rather make flying geese you will need 8 geese blocks, 4 of one color and 4 of another. For the flying geese method, Piecemeal Quilts has a 12” tutorial here. I also found a good 4 at a time geese tutorial on Suzie Quilts for multiple sized geese.
Now if you want to get technical, the Dutchman’s Puzzle Variation, with its multiple geese and partial seam construction will scratch that itch. Elaine Huff’s tutorial explains how to do the partial seams very clearly, resulting in a fun twist on the classic. My orphan block box has quite a lot to choose from so I played with the color placement on this block letting the center really shine
Since I’m spending much of the summer traveling, and I’m easily distracted, I decided I desperately needed a new project bag for my knitting and whipped this cute bag up instead of finishing my MIL’s quilt. I hacked the pattern from Kandou Patterns and used one of my Sewing for Social Justice 2020 BOM for the back.
Now that you’ve seen the traditional block and a more complex variation, you can start playing with your fabric to create your second, re-interpreted block.
Committee blocks
Emily Keller:
Traditional block (1st block)
| Re-interpreted block (2nd block)
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Shannon Mitchell:
Traditional block (1st block)
| Re-interpreted block (2nd block)
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Dutchman's Puzzle inspiration ideas!
The Dutchman's Puzzle has been reinterpreted a number of ways so check out the Seattle MQG's "Year of Doubles BOM" Pinterest board to see more!
- With Heart and Hands has a nice picture tutorial on making wonky geese as does Sharon Holland Designs.
- Playing with the angles of the geese would also create a fun effect.
Join the BOM Sew-in:
- There is a sew-in specifically for BOM participants on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, from 7-9pm.
- If you're not already registered, you can find the BOM Sew-in on the Calendar of Everything, and register to attend!
- August's BOM Sew-In is August 17th, and you can register here
BOM 2022 schedule:
| Share your progress!Tag on Instagram to share your BOM progress:
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