Shoo-fly

by Steffani McChesney

In the 1940s there was a popular song containing the refrain, “Shoo-fly pie and apple pan dowdy, makes your eyes light up and your stomach say howdy.” Maybe not too grammatical, but certainly accurate. Shoo-fly pie is a sticky, rich pie made with molasses, eggs, cream and butter. Legend has it that the pie was named Shoo-fly because the pie was so rich that the flies showed up during the mixing process. They didn’t even wait for it to be baked.  Of course, the song refers to the dessert, but if you say Shoo-fly to a quilter, she or he will immediately think of the quilt block by the same name.

Unlike the dessert, Shoo-fly is a simple block to construct, merely an embellished nine-patch. Its simplicity belies its graphic impact. The block is also known as a Fence Row and has been used extensively over the years by Amish quilters. The strong, simple block is very effective when made in strong Amish colors. Setting it on point with plain blocks in between leaves plenty of room to show off fancy quilting.

Congratulations to the lucky guild members who won the Shoo-fly block of the month in October. They have an interesting and colorful challenge ahead of them to create a beautiful Amish style quilt. When you get your quilt done, ladies, be sure to bring it in so we can all enjoy it.