Sentimental Stitches

I'm excited about this month's blocks because we're far enough into the quilt that you can only guess which blocks I'm going to present. It's always a difficult decision for me because there are so many wonderful designs to choose from. I think you're going to like February's blocks. There's a nice mix of patchwork, applique, broderie perse and degrees of difficulty.  I'm so far behind on my blocks that I've become a pattern collector on this project, at least for a while. Let's jump right into the blocks.

Block 21

attributed to - Eliza C Rogers / Mount Holly / 1842

I could make an entire quilt using this block. It's all rotary cut and machine pieced. It would be a great "leader/ender" project in any two color combination you'd like.

Block 22

Attributed to - Charles Kemble / Philadelphia

This one will take you a while! I can't wait to see how everyone decides to construct that ring of petals. You could make a single template and sew them together like a dresden plate and then applique it to the background. You could make a swoopy flower shape of just the yellow petals so it's like a flower and then applique only the red wedges onto it before applying to the background or..................I know the Facebook Group is going to be filled with suggestions! No matter what technique you decide on this block is a beauty.

Block 23

Attributed to - Va___ Reeves / Mount Holly / 1842

This one is a fun combination of patchwork and applique. At least that's how I presented it. If you'd rather, you can applique the triangles to the background square. It's your quilt so use the technique you prefer and add some pretty broderie perse applique to the center.

Block 24

Attributed to - 4 Mo 14th 1842 / Albert(a?) Haines

Wow! Just the attribution makes us stop and think about this block. What an unusual way to pen the date of April 14, 1842! On top of that we have to wonder if the block was attributed Albert Haines or made by Alberta. So many mysteries and you'll have plenty of time to think about this one. It doesn't look complicated but you've got four, diamond petal flowers to applique and those point are going to be tricky. The side and corner triangles are appliqued on this block and the double pink flower is as sweet as can be. 

If you're behind in your blocks, having trouble finding the right fabrics or just finding out about this quilt,  you should check out the upcoming offering for the Ella Maria Deacon Quilt at Homestead Hearth.          We're working together so quilters have the option to sign up to receive fabric kits for each block in the quilt. All of the details should be available soon!  Everyone will still get their patterns here but if you don't have a stash of fabrics to work from, this would be a great way join in and make the quilt. If you're like me, sometimes it's more fun to collect those pretty packets of fabric so they're ready and waiting when I want to stitch.  When their program starts,  we'll both have something available for quilters new to the quilt so they can "catch up" and then everyone will be stitching the same blocks as I present them. More information to come! 

Until next month.....................

Ella Maria Deacon Quilt - Month 6