Love Entwined...

I've had to work at my "real job" but I did get to do some hand applique on Love Entwined, the 1790 marriage coverlet that has been painstakingly recreated in a pattern by Esther Aliu. This block is the center of the entire quilt and must be appliqued onto the large, center block. I have completed the little berries or whatever they are around the edge. Next I have to cut the large block. Here's my center compass block:

Many people are using reproduction fabrics that are true to the era and those quilts are drop dead gorgeous! But I've decided to do mine in my stash colors and have chosen a sea foam aqua/green for the background. The color doesn't show up in this photo but I like it. It's my new favorite neutral.
Here's how the center block looks when finished:

Yes, I love the white background but mine will look different. So next, I have to applique the block to the large background piece. There is a Yahoo group for this quilt and I notice that everyone seems to be putting large, dark basting stitches on their backgrounds for guidelines. I have never done that and thought about using my Frixon pen for that. But that would mean I couldn't press as I go. This quilt requires lots of decisions. So I'll be cutting and pressing the background piece and we'll see how it goes. So far, there's been more cutting than applique. If you want to see the story of the quilt, you can find it on Esther's blog. Her explanations of the choices she makes are so interesting. The people who are working on this quilt seem to study it and analyze the colors. I just grab what I like and go with it.

What are you working on this weekend? Last night was the last episode of Outlander until April. That pretty much sucks. I love that show. The scenery, the costumes, the attention to historical detail is amazing. I gave Charlie and Lola a bath this morning and it wore me out but I've got to get some writing done. Hope your weekend is wonderful! XO and cheery wave from Bev