Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Month 6: Mary Fielding Smith

This month's pioneer sister is Mary Fielding Smith. We introduced this block at our work meeting last night, and several sisters brought their first 5 completed blocks and got a prize! If you weren't able to join us, be sure and pick up her story and pattern on Sunday.  We will try and have another work meeting so stay tuned, and hopefully you can join us next time.

Her block is Duck & Ducklings:

                 

To make this block, cut your squares as directed, then cut most of them in half diagonally, except for the center square.



Make four units using one dark triangle and one light triangle like this:


Then add another triangle and stitch along the straight edge of the dark triangle, make four. Press this triangle out, then repeat the process for the other side.




Your finished triangle units should look like this: (the left is sewn together, the right one isn't which is why it looks bigger)


Sew these units to the large triangle, forming a square.


Follow the diagram in the instructions to put the block together. Call me if you need help!  I always have a sewing machine out and ready if you want to come by and have me help you.











Wednesday, February 4, 2015

A peek at the finished top!

This top was made by Kathryn L.  This is one way to set your quilt, notice that she has made two of some blocks in order to make it a decent size. The duplicate blocks are made in different colors so they are tricky to spot, and you don't notice that there are actually two the same! This quilt top is approximately 50" by 62.5" and could easily be made larger by adding a border or two. I hope this inspires you!


Patience Loader

Patience is one of my ancestors, one of Amy and James' many children. She emigrated from England with her family and joined the Martin Handcart company in 1856.

Her block is the Patience block:

 


This is still your basic 9 patch construction.  After you have cut your pieces, assemble your flying geese units like this: layer one 3" square on top of one rectangle and sew corner to corner as seen in the photo below (top piece).  Flip the corner back and press, then trim out the excess fabric.  Repeat for the other side of the rectangle, also shown below.  Make four of these flying geese units.


Assemble your block and sew together in rows and press:


Sew your rows together and press to complete your block!  Email me or call if you need help. It has been suggested that you may want to make 2 of each block because this will make your quilt large enough.  Making two at a time is really no more difficult than making one, trust me!