By mid-October we had left the 6 applique blocks that didn’t include any piecing and the 3 (3″) blocks that each include multiples of the same pattern. We decided to intersperse the applique and pieced blocks so that we didn’t go crazy with all the machine applique. We did #37 Mexican Rose and began by choosing fabrics, tracing, and cutting one week along with choosing and cutting fabrics for the 3″ triangles.
I really should say that I was involved in the choosing but not any of the other tasks because I spent the day helping our new member cut the rest of her blocks. We have a mutual friend who is an accomplished sewist but has not pieced a quilt before so we have all been having a grand time being her personal tutors. We helped her choose a pattern, took her shopping twice for fabric, then took turns during one week starting her off with her cutting. She had her pieces sorted into piles and the next week we took turns teaching her about sewing the block together. So this has slowed down our 1930’s work but been tons of fun, especially since she has been talking for a long time about joining us. So I helped her cut the remaining squares and ShaRee and Terry did all our work. Then the next week we did the ironing and blanket stitching on Mexican Rose. It’s interesting that in the photos some of the blanket stitching just matches so well it doesn’t show, but is prominent in real life. And our individuality really shows up in these blocks as they are all differen
ShaRee Mexican Rose
Sue Mexican Rose
Terry Mexican Rose
Due to medical procedures we couldn’t all be together one week so two of us met and worked on our own projects and helped our new member. I worked on squaring up two quilts I had got back from quilter and needed for Festival of Trees, then made the binding and sewed that on the quilts. Terry worked on the quilt she’s making for their new 5th wheel trailer. The next week we did some charity sewing, helped our friend and chose fabrics for #38 Martha Washington’s Wreath. We did the tracing and pressed it on Heat ‘n Bond, then sent home the cutting and first section of pressing on the background for homework. It took us the whole next session just to do the blanket stitching on this block. We forget how long it takes to stitch, tie off in the back, change threads, etc. But Martha turned out pretty awesome! What is the same: the flower centers, stems, and outer leaves. Our flowers and inner leaves are variations.
ShaRee Martha Washington’s Wreath
Sue Martha Washington’s Wreath
Terry Martha Washington’s Wreath
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