Hello everyone! This is one of those months when I have mixed feelings about the blocks. Three of them are almost the same but they are very important blocks within the quilt. Two of them were made by Sarah's parents and have such loving sentiments for their daughter as she begins a new chapter in her life. 

Block 21

Block 21 was lovingly made to honor Gertrude Dunham who passed away in 1848 and make sure she was included in this special quilt for Sarah. You can tell from the verse on the block that Gertrude was treasured by her family. 

Prepared for my Mother, who died Dec 31, 1848.

Brothers and Sister:

Let us ever remember. Remember the walk of a pious Mother.

Marvin Dunham

Block 22

To Sarah one of my dear daughters -

Pray without ceasing and regard the words of your Mother. 

From your Father James A Dunham

Ill Fulton Co 1850

All of the bands on these blocks were appliqued on a background square with the corners mitered as the strips were sewn down. Some of you are piecing these blocks and they look wonderful. I think either technique is appropriate. 

Block 23

This block is your key to the title I selected.

Dear Daughter.........

Dear Daughter

When you think of us away

When your thought to Illinois stray,

When in prayer, you bend the knee,

Then Dear daughter, Remember me!

From your Mother Sarah Dunham

Ill. Fulton Co. 1850

We get so used to our "connected" world I don't think we can fully imagine who far the distance between New Jersey and Illinois must have seemed in 1850. I'm so lucky as a mother to have my children close to me. We're struggling with the thought of retiring just two hours away so my heart goes out to all those mothers of the past who watched their children marry and go across the United States to build a life in unknown places.

Block 24

Runyon Blackford

87 years of age

1852

I love this block! It's just as sweet as can be and I can see an entire quilt using different prints for the red to make it scrappy and more interesting. I even like the little leaves quilted on each side. I can't help but be puzzled by the date of 1852 - why was this block not dated in 1850 like so many others. Was the quilt not quilted until 1852 or was it made in 1850 and some of the blocks signed later. Oh, the mysteries of antique quilts. If they could only talk!!!

That's it for this month's blocks. I hope you'll enjoy them and if you want to skip some of the square donuts blocks you can always use a few from the alternate block set.

Click on the link below to get to the 5dollarbom.com and look for the listing for this months blocks. You can purchase the blocks for $0.00 (FREE) until September 1, 2018

Dear Daughter Blocks 21 - 24