Pieces of My Life ~ Bow

This sew along, like the Pieces in the Garden, is loosely based on the  tradition and story of "The Bride's Quilt".

In olden days, it was traditional for young girls to make a “Baker’s Dozen” (13) quilts by their wedding day.  The patterns, often handed down from generation to generation, were usually planned when the girl was very young; and, as soon as she could hold a needle, she would start sewing her first quilt.  The last (or 13th) quilt was the fanciest of all.  After a girl became engaged, she would invite her friends to a party to quilt the top of this “Bride’s Quilt” … and in this way she would announce her engagement.

The patterns in this “Bride’s Quilt have been chosen to tell the following story…

“Bride’s Quilt”

Once upon a time, there was a little girl, who wore a bow in her hair.  When she grew up, she began a friendship with a young bachelor.  As the hours and days passed, they began to look at each other with stars in their eyes, and as their love grew, they thought about taking steps to the altar.  So, the young girl got out her spools of thread and made clothes to get ready for their wedding ring day.

After they are married, some of their times together will be bright as noon and others will be dark as night.  But they will try to share their happiness, their miseries and their chores – she grabbing a wrench to help with household repairs and he grabbing a towel to help with the dishes.  Sometimes they will have broken dishes, but they will try to remember that “things” can be replaced, whereas harsh words, possibly spoken about the broken dishes, could chip away love.  They will try to follow the Golden Rule as they are learning to communicate openly with each other.

They will also try to keep in mind the symbolism of Jacob’s ladder – “steps of communication” between themselves on earth and God in heaven.

As I consider the stories and memories of my life, I am choosing to keep the details private since many of the answers could be answers to security questions and such... I would guess that much of it could probably be found easily by those not-so-nice people that like to steal, use and sell such data, but I don't need to serve it to them on a silver platter.

I was named after my Dad, Melvin.  I had an older brother, Kelvin, also named after him.

As a young girl, I had long hair and wore barrettes nearly every day. I had box with an assortment of ribbons and bows that I could choose from as well.

Here's a photo of me at age 5, with a bow peeping over the top of my hair.

I recall my Mom fixing my hair each day.  I always got my choice of style... one ponytail, pigtails, half-pony... but never braids...did I want a barrette or bow?  I'm not sure what the reason for not being allowed to have braids.  Hmmm... 

As I got older, my hair was much longer.  I hated riding in the back of the truck because of my long hair.  It was always in my face and it was a terrible experience trying to get the tangles out... and it would tangle horribly!  I still don't like the wind in my hair.  Don't bother giving me an invitation to ride in a convertible.

As you assemble this block make note that the half-square triangles (HSTs) you will want to pay close attention to the direction that you press the seams.

The units should be pressed 1/2 one direction, and 1/2 the opposite direction.  Pay close attention to your layout so that the seams will nest together, reducing bulk in the seams. Once the block is assembled, you can press the final seams open.

Time for you to grab the pattern!  Head over to my Payhip store to download it.

The newsletter, via e-mail, will have three pages of questions to accompany this block.  I am still trying to figure out the details of the newsletter mailings, so please, be patient.  We will be on our camping trip when the second pattern is scheduled to be released (March 28th).  Unless I get the process of scheduling the newsletter, it will not be emailed until the beginning of April, after our return.

When you have your block complete be sure to come back to share in the block parade.  If you don't have a blog or don't use social media but would like to share your block send me an email.  I'll be sure to link you up.  MelvaLovesScraps@NolanQualityCustoms.com

I don't have any prizes to entice bribe you with this time, but I do hope that won't stop you from sharing. :)

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Put Your Foot Down at The Quiltery 

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Thankful Thursday at Brian's Home

Little Things Thursday at Good Random Fun

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

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