This month's patterns were fun to draft because I got to bounce around between the top and bottom of the quilt to surprise you. I will admit to my brain being a bit scrambled as I write this. I'm still recovering from my time in Shipshewana. It was a wild, crazy and oh so wonderful time having Bonnie Hunter join us for classes! She'll be joining us again in April of 2021 but please don't email or call asking if you can sign up already. I can say with confidence I won't be opening registration until after the April 2020 retreat but do have some great news about the April 2020 retreat that will make some of you happy. The retreat sold out a few weeks ago but I'm adding a second room and will open registration again next week for some additional places. After the added room is filled, that's it folks until the NEW August retreat taking place during the Shipshewana Antiques Festival. I should have registration for that retreat open next week too.
Let's get to this month's blocks -
Block 9
attributed to H Middleton 1842
There wasn't anything that worked out mathematically for this block so I've given you a foundation paper piecing pattern along with cutting measurements for over sized fabric pieces to use. If you'd rather hand or machine piece the block you can easily make templates from the foundation pattern and put the block together that way.
Block 10
attributed to Ann Whoades 1842
Here's our first chance at some broderie perse. I was excited to see this and even more excited when I realized how familiar that fabric looked to me. I went to my stash and....................
look what I found! I've had this fabric a long time. It's Matters of the Heart by Kaye England for South Seas Imports. To be honest, I don't know if South Seas is even producing fabric any longer but this sure is a great reproduction of the antique fabric used in this block. Kudos to Kaye England and South Seas!
I've given you the outline drawing of the shapes to use for scale when picking out a fabric to use in this block. You really could use any fabric suitable for broderie perse and have a wonderful block for your quilt.
Block 11
attributed to Rebecca of Philadelphia / March 4 1842.
It's inscribed around the block as follows: This block my friend I give to the in token of my regard. It is a smalle affare, but it is all I have to give, and hope the will accept it, and when the looks upon it, remember Rebecca of Philadelphia March 4, 1842
(the word thee is spelled 'the' on the block along with a couple of other spelling errors)
Block 12
attributed to Rebecca Coles
Here's our easy to rotary cut and machine piece block for the month. Pick out some pretty fabrics and have fun!
I hope you're having fun making the quilt. I looked for sashing fabric while I was in Shipshewana, IN but didn't find what I was looking for so my hunt continues.
If you're in the United States you'll be celebrating Thanksgiving soon. In spite of some very sad times in the last year, I have much to be thankful for and count those of you supporting Sentimental Stitches by visiting the blog each month among them. You inspire me with your comments and and bless me by joining in my quilt a longs. I'm truly grateful for each one of you. Thank you for being you!
Ella Maria Deacon Quilt - Month 3
