Second Sat. Sampler - Women of Faith and Courage

We are excited to begin another quilting journey with you.  Thanks so much for participating.  As we were considering this year's sampler quilt Becky couldn't get the idea of Women of Faith and Courage out of her mind.  She finally went with the idea and began designing the quilt.  

The women whose stories inspire this quilt display exceptional traits.  They are wise, dependable, thrifty, energetic and unselfish.  They are faithful wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.  The commonality they all share is their faith and courage.  

The women we have chosen to highlight are a small sampling of the many women whose examples are meaningful to us.  There are sure to be many others who may be more significant to you and your circumstances.  Please feel free to honor those who have the most influence for you personally.

Our hope is to have a meaningful quilting experience as we enjoy learning about the contributions of women who have made all of our lives more purposeful and inspiring.  

Let the journey begin!

Block One - Martha Washington

Martha Dandridge Curtis Washington was born June 2, 1731 on Chestnut Grove plantation in New Kent County, Virginia.  She was the oldest of eight children.  She was not formally educated but learned housekeeping, religion, music, dancing, needlework (including quilting) as well as reading and writing.  

Religion played an important role throughout her life.  She spent an hour a day reading the Bible and praying.  

She was first married to Daniel Parke Curtis.  They had four children, two of which lived past age 5.  At age 26, she was left a very wealthy widow with two small children.  

Martha married George Washington January 6, 1759.  They had no children together but continued to raise her two children and several nieces, nephews and grand children.

When George Washington became commander of the American Military forces, Martha spent time in the military camps with George, risking the possibility of being kidnapped and even killed by British forces during the war.

During the war, Martha copied letters, knitted socks for soldiers, visited hospitals and helped assemble a group of women to raise money to buy shirts and other supplies for the soldiers.  

She became the first First Lady when George became president of the United States April 30, 1789.  

George died December 14, 1799, leaving Martha a widow once again.  

Martha is recognized for her bravery with which she met the deaths of all of her children and two husbands.  She is an example of personal courage in the harsh days of revolution and a fragile new nation.

Martha died of a severe fever May 22, 1802 at Mount Vernon Virginia.

For this block you will need:

2) 6" blue squares
2) 6" background squares
2) 3" x 6" blue rectangle
2) 3" x 6" blue floral rectangles
2) 3" x 6" background rectangles
1) 2 1/2 " x 21" background strip

Draw two diagonal lines on the back of both 6" background squares.

Match these with the 6" blue squares making sure the right sides are together and the outside edges are aligned.  Sew 1/4 on both sides of the drawn lines.

 

Cut the squares in half - vertically and horizontally, as well as on the diagonal lines.  This will yield eight half-square triangles from each set.

Trim each half-square triangle to 2 1/2 inches. We find the Quilt in a Day square up ruler a very helpful tool for this step.  

Trim the points at the end of the seams to eliminate bulk.

Press open.

Repeat with the other set of 6" blue and background to create a total of 16 half-square triangles.

Match a 3" x 6" background rectangle with a 3" x 6" blue rectangle.  Draw two diagonal lines from the bottom center to the top corners.  

Sew 1/4 inch on both sides of the drawn lines.  

Cut the rectangles in half vertically and on the diagonal lines.  This will yield four half-square triangles.  Trim the half square triangles to measure 2 1/2 inches and trim the excess points.

Repeat this process matching a blue floral rectangle with the dark blue rectangle. 

The final set will match a blue floral rectangle with a background rectangle.

Cut 8) 2 1/2" squares from the 2 1/2" background strip.

You are now ready to assemble the block.  Refer to the block photo below as a placement guide.

Happy quilting!