All of the half-square triangles (HST) in the pattern were made by one of the most time-consuming methods I know. The HST were made by cutting individual squares, then cutting those squares on the diagonal, then piecing the resulting triangles together based on color/fabric. Yes, only four of these blocks were needed for the quilt, but it still would've been faster to use some speed cutting and piecing methods. I was afraid to veer too far from the written instructions, as running out of fabric before completing the blocks would not be a good thing.
Still, I finished all four blocks and added the spacer strips. These blocks commemorated the first battle of Manassas, or Bull Run as Northerners are want to call it. First Manassas was the first land battle of the Civil War. You may recall it from history class as the battle where many of the fine folks from Washington, DC rode out in their carriages to watch and picnic. When the tide of the battle turned against the Union army, many panicked soldiers overran the picnicking citizens in their haste to retreat to Washington. One of New Orleans' native sons, Gen. Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, was the commander of the Confederate army.
