We're two weeks into 2020! How is the new year going for you? I'm making slow but steady progress in getting over the nasty bug that invaded my body just after Thanksgiving. I'll admit it's slowed me down a bit but another visit to the doctor yesterday assured me I'm on the mend. I am more than ready to be rid of this! 

Some of last month's blocks were a bit challenging so I tried to take it easy on you this month. I think we need a "breather" month so I selected blocks that aren't too difficult or time consuming. Let's get the new year going!

Block 17

Sweet dream that winds through yonder glade, Apt emblem of a virtuous maid --

Silent, and chaste she steals along, far from the worlds busy throng;

With gentle yet prevailing forces intent upon her (siestinad?) course

Graceful and useful all she does, blessing and blissful where o'er she goes;

Pure bosomed as that watery glass and heaven reflected in her face

Mount Holly 1842

This block is a classic applique and uses the same red print throughout the block. There's nothing extra I need to tell you about this one.

Block 18

attributed to - Sarapta(?) Wills

Mount Holly 1842

You'd think this block could easily be rotary cut and machine pieced but in the end I decided against it. The measurements were just too challenging so I went with a foundation pattern. I've given you cutting measurements for the pieces so I know you'll have it together in a jiffy.

Block 19

attributed to - Samuel J Deacon / 1842

It's a petal month! I could make an entire quilt of these blocks. They're easy to applique and you can arrange them in a miriad of ways. This block uses red, green and brown prints. 

Block 20

attributed to - Ann R Coles

What can I say?? More petals and I adore this block too. The pieced section is easily rotary cut and machine pieced. Applique the red petals in the center and you've got this one ready to go. 

I'm giving you fair warning............next month we'll be doing some major applique. I know you'll be ready. Keep posting your blocks in the Facebook Group. We all love seeing everyone's quilt come together. 

I'm heading out at the end of next week for the Shipshewana Quilt Retreat and Pajama Sale.  Registration is closed for this retreat and the April retreat is already sold out. I've added a retreat in August while the Antique Festival takes place and hope you can join us and discover the charm of Shipshe for yourself! 

I'm looking forward to seeing old friends, meeting new ones and sleeping all night long without taking a puppy out to go potty. It wasn't too bad when the weather was warmer but now that we have snow and cold I'm glad she's just about making it through the night. Gracie weighs 3.25 pounds now and is a little spitfire. She and Lily are becoming great friends and they keep me on my toes.

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

Ella Maria Deacon Quilt - Month 5