Have you ever had one of those weeks?  A week where everything and everyone else demands your undivided attention?  A week where you just cannot get to your quilting?  Yikes!  Well, that is the week  that I have been having.  Actually, it’s been more like 3 weeks, but who is counting?

Before I forget, I am thrilled to announce that I have been invited to teach at The Academy of Applique again. Pinch me!!

This is block 8 in the BOM I launched 8 months ago.  This is the third time I have made this block and I do love it.  It is not exactly finished, but the Easter long weekend is coming up and we are going away.  So, at least I have something to stitch while I am away and that is what is important!

I started this block like every other block.  I traced the pattern onto the background with a water soluble marker.

First, I started with the flag.  So the off-white part of the flag is one entire piece.  I prepped the end of the flag.  Notice that I trimmed about 1/4″ inch off the sides.  

Next, I traced the stripes and other details onto the this piece.

I prepped the red stripes and glued them in place along with the dark blue piece.  I’m going to embroider little white stars on the blue part…just not right now!

Then I added the pole and the star.

The leaves came next…..

Then the eagle….he really is glorious, isn’t he?  Of course, I forgot his feet.  I got a little excited!  Thank goodness everything is just glued in place at this point:)

The top section looks very overwhelming, doesn’t it?  Well, it’s not.  Just remember, one piece at a time.

And here is the not-exactly-finished block.

As I mentioned, this is the third time I have made this block.  Here is the original block from my Friends of Baltimore quilt.  I think I will leave off the Victory Hat, but I will add the arrows, and of course the tassels.

Here are all eight blocks.  So far, so good!

So, we have only(!) one block to go.  I have started it already….

Til next time…..and Happy Easter!

Kerry