Welcome to the Block 2019 Creative Challenge! We’re exploring different classic quilt block each month all year long. Before we get to the Goose Tracks variations, we want to be sure you get to see the Block 2019 Sampler Quilt!
It’s 72″ x 72″ and suitable for quilt-as-you-go. Get fabric requirements for the sampler or look at the kit. It’s another fun way to participate in Block 2019. Okay, back to Goose Tracks variations!
Last week we met Goose Tracks. This week, we’re going to play with variations of Goose Tracks and learn along the way what essential parts from the Goose Tracks block must exist in its variations. Let’s start by look at the original.
Goose Tracks features diamonds and inset seams well-suited to hand piecing methods dating back to its popularization. According to Barbara Brackman in Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns, the traditional Goose Tracks block was first published by Ladies Art Company around 1895. The diamonds seeming to create a quarter of an Eight Pointed Star are a prominent feature, as is the bar with the center square dividing the block.
Let’s take a look at some block variations and contest quilts from QuiltWeek to learn more about this block.
The Sage Bud of Wyoming
Sage buds come up sometimes in Goose Tracks variations. Sage buds are pointed with two leaves forking off to either side, reminiscent of the shape of the block. To make this block, make four Goose Tracks corner units using your preferred method and then cut a 4 1/2″ square for the center, and four 4 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ gray rectangles. Block measures 14″ finished.
Christmas Poinsettias by Kay & Norman Cox
This beautiful contest quilts features Eight Pointed Stars and variations, vine applique motifs, and Goose Tracks corner units in the border altered to look like baskets. This quilt beautifully shows how related all these blocks are by virtue of the diamonds used to create them.
David & Goliath
Another block variation with the main difference existing in the bars and center square. To make this block, make four Goose Tracks corner units using your preferred method and then cut a 3 1/2″ square for the center, four 3 1/2″ gray squares, and four 3 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ aqua rectangles. Block measures 13″ finished.
Eda’s Lilies by Tone Haugen-Cogburn
If you take the corner units from Goose Tracks, they look like flowers, and you see them all over in blocks named after tulips and lilies, like this contest quilt. It’s not a true Goose Tracks variation, but rather a lovely floral family friend.
Cross and Crown
The Cross and Crown variation dates back to the same publisher and around the same date as Goose Tracks. It doesn’t feature diamonds, but it does maintain the general outline of the Goose Tracks block. We’ve simplified it even more for easy piecing.
Simplified Cross and Crown
Cutting Instructions:
From the gray fabric, cut:
A – (4) 3″ x 3″
D – (4) 2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
E – (2) 4″ x 4″
From the aqua fabric, cut:
E – (2) 4″ x 4″
From the dark teal fabric, cut:
A – (4) 3″ x 3″
F – (4) 3 5/8″ x 3 5/8″
From the coral fabric, cut:
C – (1) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
Split Quarter Square Triangles
Mark the backs of the gray E – 4″ squares in half diagonally once. Layer with a an aqua E – 4″ square, right sides together. Sew a 1/4″ on both sides of the marked line. Cut apart on the marked line to make two Half Square Triangles.
Mark the backs of the dark teal F – 3 5/8″ squares from corner to corner. Layer a marked square with a gray/aqua Half Square Triangle. Sew a 1/4″ on both sides of the marked line. Cut apart on the marked line. Repeat with the remaining half square triangle.
Trim to 3″ square. Make 8 Split Quarter Square Triangles.
Block Assembly
Using the diagram above, assemble the corner units first. Make 4 corner units measuring 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ unfinished. Then sew on the gray rectangles. Sew a row of gray rectangles and coral square. Sew the rows together to complete the Cross and Crown block. Block measures 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ unfinished.
Check back next week, July 17th, for quilt-as-you-go ideas for quilting your Goose Tracks block.
Looking for the rest of Block 2019? Click Here to return to the main post!
Show us your Goose Tracks blocks and variations in the AQS Project Parade Facebook group, or use the hashtag #Block2019 and tag us @aqsonline because we can’t wait to see what you make!
Trying to post currant all finished Block 2019 Photo.
If you keep having trouble, you’re welcome to email them to socialmedia@americanquilter.com to be included in Show & Tell!