Thanks for coming back for another chapter of the Little House Sampler Quilt Sew Along! This chapter of the sew along is all about the book By the Shores of Silver Lake.
The Ingalls family had many challenges while in Plum Creek, Minnesota. They were in debt because of the grasshopper invasion destroying their crops. Mary was now blind. Pa had to leave his family for work in Dakota Territory where he could make as much as $50 a month. He sent for his family. They traveled by train to meet him. They became the first settlers in the new town of De Smet.
I have chosen the Rails Block to represent this fifth book in the Little House series. This is a "new" block for me... meaning, it has not been a part of any previous sew along.
The Rails block is another beginner friendly block and will be pieced quickly.
The math calculation is simple. Remember, the finished block is to be 6" square.
The Rails block is made up of four equal units that will measure 3" square (finished). Each unit is made of up 3 strips... this means that each finished strip will measure 1" wide by 3" long.
Be sure to add your seam allowance of 1/2". This means... your will be cutting strips 1-1/2" wide.
You can strip piece this block and then sub cut the four units.
Color/value placement may play a part in your fabric selection. Since I wanted the units to reflect the railroad, I wanted the outer strips of the unit to be darker... ultimately, I planned on using the same fabric for both rails.
However, when I laid out the 4 units I ended up with a very defined swastika design. I certainly did not want that! So, I switched out one of the fabrics... it was better.
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| 4 units |
It was a special treat and memory for Laura and the family to be able to travel by train. A mode of transportation that was so much faster than she had experienced in a wagon.
I recall riding the train from Durango to Silverton, CO as a child. It was all of the family. My family, my grandparents as well as my aunt & uncle and three cousins. I remember the cinders from the engine getting in my eye and my cousin pushing me off of my Grandma's lap. Not much else. LOL!
I also remember taking the Southwest Chief from Chicago to La Junta after Christmas in 1987. We were brand new parents traveling with a 6-week-old baby. We were in a lower-level compartment and had our baby laying on the floor between Dave and I as we faced each other. She slept the majority of the way! I don't recall much about the return trip...
Another special train ride that I remember is from just a few years ago when we took the grand daughters from Trinidad to Raton, NM. Also on the Southwest Chief. Two of the three were very nervous and didn't know what to think. The 3rd had the time of her life!
Do you have a train trip that is memorable?
Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!
The time has come for you to head to Payhip to get the Rails block pattern. When you have the Rails block pieced be sure to come back and share in the block party.
Keep Piecing,
Melva
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