Hi everyone! I don't know about you but I can't believe I survived Block 14 from last month. All the ins and outs and roundabouts of that block were still on my mind as I selected the blocks for May. I hope you'll enjoy the simplicity of two of the blocks so you'll have extra time to concentrate on one of my favorite blocks in the quilt.

If you received this week's newsletter you've already heard that Susan K. was the winner of the pretty Heirloom Embroidery Scissors Pendant. She's sent me her address and the pendant will be on the way to her this week!

This month I'm bringing in the springtime flowers for the May prize with this pretty Laurel Burch Crossbody purse. It'll be perfect for going on shop hops and vacation this summer. Leave a comment on this post and on May 20th I'll draw for the winner!

This block has an embroidered signature of "Auntie" so I wouldn't dare guess who might have made this one.

You can pick out your favorite red print or paisley for this block. It's a nice big leaf that's perfect to show off a great piece of fabric!

This block is signed by Lizzie. The block could have been made by Laura's sister Elizabeth who was born in 1843. All of the petals are the same size so this one should be pretty easy to stitch.

This block is chocked full of the most amazing details. It's one of my favorite blocks and wonderfully stitched!

The little cherries are each about 1/2" in size so you'll get practice making perfect circles. If you need any help, refer to the tutorial HERE.

This block has a tiny cross stitched signature of Amelia. I tried to do some research on this block using both the Ackerman and Griffiths last names. I've found Amelia Ackerman Smith. She was born about 1820 and lived in New York during the time these blocks would have been made. I believe her mother is Cynthia Ackerman (we have a block signed C. Ackerman) and Amelia has a sister named Louisa (we have a block signed Louise A.). It all seems to make sense to me.

The embroidery on this block is fantastic. We've all seen embroidered cherry stems like these but this bird was beautifully done. Most of the very dark brown or black thread has worn away. It looks like quite a bit of it was done using a single strand of thread so perhaps that's why it didn't hold up very well. The cream thread, which may have been a different color thread originally, has held up nicely and you can see the tiny chain and buttonhole stitches perfectly. Does anyone have an opinion on the cream color embroidery thread? I'd love to know if you think there has been a color change. This close up of the bird is included in the pattern along with my notes on the embroidery. If you want a faster finish, use broderie perse for the bird. There are lots of great prints out there featuring our fine feathered friends.