I pray this finds all of you quilters healthy, virus-free and getting lots of stitching done. My family is still healthy here in Michigan but facing the challenges of a job layoff and an extended and intensified stay at home order. I do my best to focus on all of you and find things to keep all of our spirits up. I've got a new set of Ella Maria blocks for you today. These should keep you busy for quite a while.
Block 29
attributed to: Hannah Anne Reeves
This isn't a terribly complex block but it will be time-consuming. I did simplify it just a little but nothing that takes away from the design. I'd cut your background fabric square and a square of green fabric the same size and then do the applique around the edge all in one piece.
Block 30
attributed to: This little emblem of _____
I'll give my youthful friend to thee
And often in some lonely hour
Use them and think on me
Lydia Ann Horner
I really like this block. It's just as sweet as can be. I thought about making templates for the red, green and yellow pieces and sewing them together in a circle like you would for a dresden plate block before you applique them to the background but do whatever works for you.
Block 31
attributed to:
Acrostic on Ella Maria Deacon
Ella, may this to friendship devoted
Live in thy album quilt, tho little noted;
Let its come corner have near its composers,
And there with them rest, through the long lapse of years.
Me things as they eye, o'er thy quilt warms with pleasure
Amid these mementoes, thou'll hold them a treasure.
Remembering the doners as time wings apace
In his rapid flight onward his entering race;
Any may we dear friend, while to suit is given;
Depend not on earth, but on Father in Heaven;
every proper enjoyment O'tis His to bestow
And great is His goodness to mortals below,
Calling us kindly, that when time is over,
Our home, if but faithful shall be on that shore
Nigh Him, in His glory, in bliss evermore.
Susan B. Haines
Rancocas
This is an important block in the quilt. It's at the bottom of the center row and carries with wishes of all those who made blocks. It's even more charming because of the formal way things were written and the spelling errors.
Here's a little information about the town of Rancocas, NJ
Rancocas NJ - Humble Beginnings
After completion of the Centerton Bridge and public road in 1832, several local men began to sell lots and build homes. Joseph Lundy, Samuel Wills, and Ezra Haines were all instrumental in the growth of the Village, which had only a few buildings prior to that time.
Commerce was an important facet in shaping Rancocas as an independent town. It eventually had a post office, stagecoach service and a lamplighter. There was a gristmill, blacksmith shop, wheelwright shop, a candy store, and two general stores. A butcher, a barber, a carpenter and builder, a cigar manufacturer, a dressmaker, and two doctors all found their way to the Village.
Block 32
attributed to:
William G Deacon
Petals, petals, and more petals. You'll probably be tired of stitching them by the time you finish this block. This one makes me wonder if the maker was using this same design to make a bed size quilt of this allover pattern. Enlarge the petal a little and it would be stunning!
Until next month.....................
Ella Maria Deacon Quilt - Month 8
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