Today was my day off and I was able to make several more of these blocks. My routine is to take several blocks apart in the evening while I’m watching television, then let the pieces soak overnight in a mild soapy solution. The next morning I rinse several times and roll them in a towel. When I have some sewing time I starch, press, patch the little pieces, draw and cut my templates, and finally sew the block together.
This original block was pieced incorrectly with the center 9-patch colors reversed. I thought about keeping it that way, but I just knew it would bother me, so I changed it. The colors in this photo are just not quite right — it’s actually much prettier than this.
What a LOT of work – but they’re so pretty! I think the blue and white stripe is my favorite.
I love seeing each and everyone of these blocks
the fabrics are great!!!!
this quilt is going to be a true labor of love.
a family heirloom, its beautiful
Kathie
Beautiful blocks, Martha. So much work towards them.
It’ll be a gorgeous quilt in the end 🙂
The blocks are looking GREAT, Martha! I like the top one very much. Are those little acorns in that fabric? It looks like it’s got a little red and gold in it. Do these older fabrics have a different feel or heft to them than modern fabrics?
So you soak the pieces overnight. Does that help even if the fabric smells a little musty? Or do you discard those? I soaked some crochet blocks a couple weeks ago. I didn’t realize they had been starched because they were kind of misshapen. Would the starch come out with a prolonged soak?
Five question marks in this comment – I must be going for a record… or just have an inquisitive mind… 🙂