I started reading about Pieces of the Santa Fe Trail Sew Along on Wendy's blog several months ago, when Wendy posted some photos of a recent trip to New Mexico. (It's a great post - read it right here!) Melva at Melva Loves Scraps started hosting this SAL in April, and the blocks are inspired by the book Land of Enchantment, written by Melva's distant relative Marian Russell.
At first I just admired Wendy's blocks, but then I began reading the excerpts on Melva's blog. Marian's memoirs of traveling the Santa Fe Trail as a young girl are evocative and memorable, and I don't use those words lightly. I liked the excerpts, which Melva manually types into her posts, so much that I bought the book. As I read more SAL posts I would occasionally save a pattern (they are free for 6 weeks), and this morning I downloaded the rest of them at Melva's Payhip shop (a bargain at $2.00 each!)
Back in 2019, I ordered several fabrics from the Elizabeth's Dowry line by Marcus Fabrics with the intention of making a quilt inspired by an original Mariners' Compass quilt from the 1800s. I never got around to making it, but when I was looking for fabrics for this SAL I was so happy to find this stash from which to pull!
I even have a panel from the same line that should work as part of the backing!
I'm planning to finish the first eight blocks by the time Block #9 becomes available on September 23. If I can catch up, then you know it's not too late for you to join in the fun!
That fabric will be perfect for this quilt. I love Melva and Wendy’s blog too and have been so tempted to join in on the blocks. I do love quilting and history being tied together. And the mariner’s compass on the back will just be so much fun too!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to see this, and your first block looks great! Those fabrics will be perfect for the blocks, and yay for the panel as backing, too. You just reminded me that I need to buzz downtown and take some photos before the weekend, so I'm off to do that. Will be watching for more blocks!
ReplyDeleteI really love this pattern. I don’t quilts, but the more I read your blog, the more I want to.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you see a quilt pattern or inspiration on a blog, and just know it's one you have to join in on! Looks like you have a great selection of fabric to work from, too. I'll enjoy seeing your blocks as you work on them!
ReplyDeleteNeat panel! Hugs
ReplyDeleteWhat a great new project. And even better you found the perfect fabrics in your stash.
ReplyDeleteCat lover that I am, I really liked the reference to the kitten in the corner of your blocks. Your old fashioned Mariner’s Compass panel will be a perfect backing.
ReplyDeleteI was drawn to that story too! I'm eager to catch up my blocks and see what's next.
DeleteWelcome aboard, Linda! I'm having a great time with this SAL! It's spaced out perfectly so keeping up is fairly easy. When I fell behind, it was a breeze to catch up - and I'm making two quilts! Love your block! :)
ReplyDeleteHi again! I just had to see what fabrics you planned to use for the sew-along. I think you'll have no trouble catching up in a week and a half. Good luck! ~smile~ Roseanne
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