Political Threads

The blocks in this quilt were made between September 2007 and August 2008 as part of the Quilts Etc. free block of the month class. The the kits came with instructions for both 10” and 6” finished blocks. I thought the 6” blocks would be more interesting, and they were. But interesting isn’t always a good thing. The first few months went smoothly because the early blocks were relatively easy. Coxey’s Camp, Philadelphia Pavements, and Martha Washington went together without much trouble. But when we came to the White House Steps, Lincoln’s Platform and The Alamo, it became a struggle. I’ve since learned a few tricks that really help with fussy little blocks. First, swirl press to get the corners to come out with pinpoint accuracy. When a block is finished, press it flat with a hot iron; then let it completely cool under a weighted flat surface at least as large as the block.