Today's the day! It's time for the second block in the Just Takes 2 - Benjamin Biggs quilt! Doesn't it seem like it took a long time for this month to pass? Maybe it's the season, all the snow or just the fact that we're used to getting together twice a month instead of once.
At any rate, I'm thrilled to bring you today's block.
Block 2
Isn't this a sweet block? The name on the block appears to be Mary P. Gilson. I think it's really interesting the way the name is reverse appliqued into the center of the block. It makes me wonder if the quilter wasn't happy with her fist signature and appliqued one that looked better into the block. It's sure something I can see happening to me! Â Maybe someone else made the block and the signature was added later. Was this a type of fundraising quilt for the Biggs family and you could buy a block, having your name added? Â So many questions........
In this picture you can see the signature a little more clearly and also the quilting of a circle around the signature square in the center. The little teardrops coming out from the circle are the perfect compliment.
I love this unique feather design that's used on all four sides of the block. I've never seen it before. Individual feather teardrops were used as fillers. Actual size photos of the center design and this feather design are included in your pattern in case you want to use them on your quilt.
Have you been wondering why you haven't seen my Ben Biggs blocks? I haven't been intentionally hiding them. Having permission to go wild and crazy has overwhelmed my brain with possibilities.  My first instinct is to use my Kaffe Fassett fabrics but I'm working on the Roseville album quilt (another long term project) and didn't want to have two applique quilts going with the same fabrics so I gathered quite a basket full of beautiful, bright, non-reproduction style fabrics and then the biggest decision of all -  What background am I going to use?  -  We need 10 yards remember?
I'm going to let you help me decide!
What do you think? Which one would you use? My love affair with polka dots is pretty obvious isn't it? I think I've got a favorite after backbasting three of these blocks but I'm waiting to hear what you have to say. Â I'm making my blocks in a 12" size and I have enough of each background no matter which one I decide on so it's just a matter of picking one. Then I can take my Swatch Buddy shopping with me for even more fabric! Â You probably noticed I haven't added the rosebuds to the corners. If I use them I'm going to move them closer to the corners so they almost meet with the blocks next to them.
I also thought about putting a four petal flower design at the intersection of the blocks. It looks different doesn't it? I can decide on that in the next couple of months but if I don't make the background decision pretty quickly I'll be in real trouble so voice your opinion!
We know this is a fairly simple block and you'll have it done in no time at all so we decided to do something special this month. When you get your block finished, take a picture of it and post it on the Just Takes 2 Facebook page. At the end of February we'll draw a name and the lucky winner will get a copy of Quilts of Indiana. There are people,(Gay) who shall remain nameless,(Gay) who have the uncanny ability to buy the same book not only once or twice but three times! I now have a copy for home, one for the cottage and am happy to share the third one with one of you so get those pictures posted.
And now what you've been waiting for................
Just Takes 2â„¢ Benjamin Biggs Quilt Block 2 - Click here
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