Sweet Land of Liberty, May

This is the fifth installment of the Sweet Land of Liberty sew-along hosted by Lori of Humble Quilts.  The pattern was created by Cheri Payne and I love it in all its primitive busyness.  But I feel way out of my element making this quilt.  On the other hand, it's a great learning experience and pushes me to test my abilities and push them along a little more.

I still have a flag to add to the blocks above.  I oriented my dolls differently than in the pattern which might make it a little difficult for one of the dolls to hold the flag pole.  I also need to figure out how to cut and applique a quarter inch strip for the pole.  It may be a chunky, out-of-proportion pole for the flag -- more like she's holding a log, maybe.

I'm far behind on this quilt.  The sew-along began in January and I hesitated, wavered, was indecisive about whether or not to participate.  In February I decided to join in and began with one of that month's pieces, the eagle.  When I finished the eagle, I put it away for safe keeping and promptly forgot where it was.  I searched but couldn't find it.  It reappeared in May and I picked up with the May blocks.  I'll have to spend extra time to finish the January through April blocks, plus keep up with June's.  And I have to give credit to Robin for help with the pattern.  She is very generous!

Here's the eagle surrounded by this month's Economy blocks, flying geese, and the little flag.  It almost looks like the beginnings of a medallion quilt, don't you think? 

The eagle needs a few stars and an eye.  I probably won't do any lettering and I'll let the hand quilting accent the wings instead of adding the suggested embroidery.

Gosh, those Economy blocks are hard to make, especially considering they only have eight seams!  Even though I followed the pattern, and even though I realigned the tape guide on my sewing machine, I couldn't get them right.  I eventually figured out the problem.  I should have made them all while I was on a roll.  If you have any pointers or tricks for Economy blocks I'd be thrilled to hear them.

Many thanks to Lori for this sew-along, to Cheri Payne for creating the pattern, and many, many thanks to Robin for help with the pattern.

I better get back to cutting and sewing!

I'm linking this post to Month 5 Sweet land of Liberty Linky Party! at Humble Quilts.

--Nancy.
.