Easter Greetings from the Rose Garden

Just in time for Easter!

Here are some Roses for you, and

some other pretty things,

with a promise of a

Peony Bud for

things to come!

Happy Easter, and

may God Bless You today!

Jan Patek- Miami Valley Album Quilt- Dog Block

Dog Block!

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Below is a photo of my open toe applique foot on my Bernina,

in the process of machine appliqueing the dog to the background

fabric. I found the perfect stitch to use is the #3 stitch on my Bernina 180, which they call a "Varilock Stitch". I select this stitch on the machine, and reverse it, so that the "V" swings to the left as it sews. The Varilock stitch swings over to the left to catch the applique, then it swings back to the edge of the applique shape, sews two straight stitches, then swings back to the left for the next "V". If you don't have a stitch like this on your machine, you can also use a plain 'ol zig-zag stitch. Make it narrow and a little long, so that you're not doing a regular heavy line of applique, unless you want that effect.

 

Jan Patek- Miami Valley Album Quilt- Shoe Block

Shoe Block

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Another block done! Looks like pink shamrocks are blooming!

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I used the stitch and turn method on the shoe and flower petals, and the freezer paper method on the stems and flower centers.

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So where is the "Miami Valley" that this quilt refers to?

It broadly refers to an area surrounding the Great Miami River, and the Little Miami, Mad, and Stillwater Rivers in Southwest Ohio.

Communities include: Dayton, Middletown, Hamilton and Springfield, and other smaller communities.

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So- what's so special about this area as it relates to quilts?

Check the following links to find out and see the quilts:

Sue E. Cummings

Pictures of quilts

They are described as folk art album quilts. To me, they look like kin to the Baltimore Album quilts- but much simpler and a little less formal.

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Hey, while you're in Dayton Ohio, check out the following:

Esther Price chocolates

Miami Valley Quilter's Guild.

The founder of this guild is Sue Ellen Wassem.

And a wonderful designer is/was a member: Janet Miller.

National Museum of the Air Force

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Have a wonderful week!

Jan Patek- Miami Valley Album Quilt - Hands Block

Hands Block

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Another Day-- Another Block done!

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I used my stitch and turn applique method for the larger pieces, and traditional applique (needleturn) for the smaller ones.

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Did I tell you how much I love this pattern?

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To me, Jan Patek's design embody the American Country Style/Spirit, for quilt designs.

Her designs are easy to follow, for the most part have large, easy to work with pieces, with a

folk -art feeling. Her themes are definitely American country- farm life, country life, farm animals, home, early american.

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Love it-- and Love you too Jan! Thank you for your wonderful desigsn!