Sentimental Stitches

Hello August - how did you get here so fast. In Michigan we've had several hot, humid days when all I feel like doing is lounging in the water or running through the sprinkler with Violet. That means there isn't enough time to do everything I want to do but I'm making progress. I'm now only 3 blocks behind on my applique! I'm not worried because once the leaves change colors and the cold weather rolls in I'll have plenty of time to catch up.

I had to be careful this month when selecting blocks because I always want to do my "favorites" and there are some "what were they thinking" blocks we need to tackle too. I've tried to give you a mix of those this month and some are easy, some will take more time.

Block 25

This block isn't one of my favorites but it's growing on me as I've researched it's meaning. The embroidery has partially worn away but I could still make out the lettering which reads: "Touch not - Taste not". Are you scratching your head in wonder? I sure was but have learned with antique friendship quilts if something is written on a block it's usually one of the two S's - Sentiment or Scripture. In this case it's scripture! Colossians 2:21 from the King James Version of the Bible to be exact. If you look at the 2nd chapter of Colossians in it's entirety it talks about staying close to Christ and away from worldly things as you live your life.

The block was made by Helen.

 I think she was concerned about Laura leaving her family in Wisconsin to go live New York as a new bride with all the worldly temptations that would surely come her way in such a big city.

Even though it's an unusual block I think it would be pretty using a larger scale print for the two bottles with solid color goblets in the center.

Block 26

Isn't this a pretty block? I love the delicate stems that were once embroidered. There are delicate little curls on top of the rosebuds.

I've looked at this inked signature every way I can think of and can't figure out who signed the block.

A second color green was used for part of the stem.

Block 27

This simple block is another place where a medium to large scale print would be perfect for your fabric choice. You can see in what remains of the fabric that it was originally a floral.

The block is simply signed - Magy (or was it Magg?)

Block 28

The block was made by Maria Brink.

It was nice to have a name to research but I can only make a guess as to who our Maria is. I couldn't find anyone named Maria Brink living in Wisconsin where Laura was from and found only one Maria Brink living in New York during that time period. She was born around 1817 but I didn't see any direct family relationship to Laura or Alfred so I can't be sure.

What a great design of interlocking circles! There's a little donut shape on the pattern so you can cut all the shapes, make a slit in each one and weave them over and under. I think this is the easiest way to make this work. Just remember, you have green rings and 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and red ones at 3 and 9. Start by positioning those and work in the two rings between 12 - 3 - 6 - 9 and back to 12.

The winner of last month's anniversary prize is Laurie! Congratulations! I'll email you to get your delivery information.

I designed this phone case several years ago and people stop me all the time to ask where I bought it.

It's been one of my favorites and I thought it would be a great anniversary gift. Leave a comment on this post before the 20th of the August and I'll use Random.org to select the winner.

I guess that's it for today. Please keep sharing your progress in the 1857 Album Quilt Facebook Group. There are some stunning quilts being made and I love seeing each and every one. There's a wealth of quilting talent in the group too if you have questions or want technique suggestions when working on your blocks.

The 1857 Album Quilt - Block Set 8