A Good Start

With the return of small snippets of free-time, I've been more than happy to spend the time in my sewing room working on projects old and new. I'm especially happy to have caught up with my Patriots in Petticoats BOM. We are 3 months in with 2 blocks per month- and I've pretty much completed all six. Block #1 is short one 3" square of fabric so it is 99% finished. I'll be getting a scrap of fabric from Fran when I go down to the shop in the near future. In the meantime, as promised, here are my first 5 blocks in all their glory. I am enjoying the process, and think this is going to be one lovely quilt in the end. I hope the sample is still hanging at the shop when I get to drive down. Blogger was having issues this am, so loading these photos was an ordeal. the order is a bit haphazard with block #6 being first, but it truly doesn't matter, does it?

Here is Block #6:Mary Pickersgill. Mary made the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the poem that is now our National Anthem.



Next we have Block #4: Elizabeth Gilmore, who (supposedly) dressed in men's clothing. She was listed as a "Ranger of the Frontier" and served at Valley Forge.



Block #2 highlights Ann Bailey. Ann became an Army courier and scout, and was nicknamed "Mad Ann". She deserted in 1777, and a warrant for her arrest was sworn out. When it was discovered she was a woman she was fined and given two years in prison for "appearing in men's clothing".



Block #5 is for Sarah Bradlee who some call the Mother of the American Revolution:



Block #3 commemorates Margaret Cochran Corbin, who fought along side her husband and was the first woman to receive a pension as a disabled soldier. She is buried with other soldiers at West Point:



I'm looking forward to the next two blocks and the history behind them. Reading about these brave and distinguished women brings our nation's history alive for me. I've always loved the history behind this "hobby" of mine. So many women came before and I hope so many will come after- quilting is deep rooted in our history. It is a joy to carry on the tradition. Making something that highlights the women who entered the Revolutionary War will be a true labor of love.