RSC15 Sampler Block 1 - Whirling Geese

The first sampler block this year will be a whirling goose block. There are a lot of different ways to make flying geese, but I'll show you the companion angle and easy angle ruler method.  Here is a link to the traditional method that makes  4 at at time.  Here is link to a youtube video for the same method.  Here is a link to the more traditional sew and flip corner technique.

We'll need 4 flying geese for our block, each one should be 2.5 by 4.5 unfinished (2 by 4 finished).  Start with 2.5 inch strips of background fabric and blue fabric.  Use the easy angle ruler to make 8 small triangles.

Next, use the companion angle ruler to cut 4 large triangles.

You will also need one 2.5 inch blue square, it can be the same blue or a different blue.

Attach a wing to one side of each large triangle.  Press the seams away from the blue.

Sew another small triangle to the other side of each large triangle.  Now you have your 4 geese and are ready for assembly.

Arrange the geese around the center square as shown.  This block uses a partial seam method to sew the geese units together.  You might have tried it already if you participated in last year's RSC, if not, no need to worry, it isn't as hard as it might seem at first.

Start by placing the center square right sides together at the right side of the top goose block.  Instead of sewing all the way across, start in the center and sew to the end. This will leave the left half of the square free and avoid having to do an inset seam at the end.

Fold the square open and finger press the seam toward the square.  Sew the second goose onto the right side of your joined unit.

Finger press again and attach goose number 3 to the bottom edge of this growing center unit.

Getting closer.  Attach block number four to the left edge of the unit.

Almost there.  We are back where we started and just need to join the first goose by completing the partial seam we started with.

Press carefully, the seams should all rotate and face toward the center of the square.  This sampler block should be 6.5 inches unfinished.

Follow the Sawtooth Star directions to add the star points around your sampler square.  It should be 12.5 inches unfinished.
There is a tutorial for the Sawtooth Star points here.

Also check out the RSC15 Sampler Tab for a  list of links to each block tutorial
Not to forget the Pinterest Page of finished blocks as they come out.