Exactly. Each section (quarter block) could be easily paper pieced with 7 pieces.

Nahhhh, not impressive at all.... I just opened EQ7 and did a search for "signal light" and that's the one that popped up.

I'm insane about EQ - it's a sickness, what can I say? :mrgreen:

I recolored it and made a pdf of the full-sized templates for the 9-inch block shown in the opening post, in case anyone wants to give it a try.

This was a pretty popular pattern during the war (WWII) and afterward. You see these quilt blocks and tops on eBay every week or so, so apparently it wasn't terribly difficult to piece. If you like hand-piecing, this could be a perfect take-along project. But, it would be fine for piecing on the machine, too. :)

I have a Kansas City Star book that has the signal Lights block in it. I tried it and I had a real mess. I think maybe the template measurements might have been off or I was probably doing something wrong. When setting the blocks together they wouldn't lay flat and raised up at each corner. It's a beautiful block and would make a stunning quilt. I would need lots of patience though with all the bias edges and y seams if I should ever try it again

Note that in the directions it says "Nancy suggests", so this may be Nancy Page!

Although the block was probably originally designed for hand piecing, it could be machine pieced by first assembling the four beams of light. Then add the two plain triangles to each, stitch to the center square, then sew the four-patch seams.

Eleanor Burns shows you how to piece this together in "Victory Quilts". It's also on the DVD, which is brilliant if you prefer watching someone show you how.

Almost forgot to add, it's sewn on the machine too.

I am bookmarking this for my next project. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks a bunches. I appreciate being told where and how to do it.

Glenna in WV

The whole of "Victory Quilts" is fascinating to watch/read as well as the quilt being absolutely beautiful.

I know some blocks have many names and have a multitude of places where they originated, so for this block, Eleanor Burns mentions that it was published in 1942 by the Kansas City Star.

One day... it is definitely on my to-do list... Along with all the others!

You can watch the Victory Quilts series on the Media Theater at quiltinaday.com - here's the one for Signal Lights:
http://quiltinaday.com/theater/victory09.html

Thank you. I did not know which end was up.

Glenna in WV