Road to Oklahoma is my latest quilt block from issue 16 ‘Art of Quilting’. A grand total of 18 pieces involved in this little one. I think that’s quite enough pieces for one block, don’t you?!
Seems like ages ago that I did one of these and it goes without saying that I am still eons away from the finished article. But these little fellas are always a good filler of time. Today a mini thunderstorm hit to remind us that one should not get complacent with days of glorious sunshine as it is so not the norm! Mini showers did not dampen spirits though, and gave rise to a couple of hours of quilt making instead!
This block is very similar in design and fabric choice to the first block I made, the Double Four-patch, but just involved a little variation. You can see how it breaks down into four smaller blocks here:
It did take a little longer than the others. Wasn’t timing I’m afraid. I try not to clock watch when I’m sewing nowadays. I do enough of that in my day job!
Of course there is always someone who will try and get in on the action. I mostly don’t post photos of Socksy as she is always hidden underneath the dressmaking fabric or the pattern paper but here she is trying to pretend she doesn’t know what the problem is!
Block Facts:
Name: Road to Oklahoma
History: This block first appeared in print in 1897, but it predates that record by several decades. It is also known as Arkansas Crossroads and New Four Patch; the latter name reflects its similarity to the classic Four Patch block. It produces a pattern of stars and squares when repeated and recalls the early days of quilting in America and the pioneer trail towards the west.
Level: Set in seams require experience.
No. of pieces: 18
Progress report:
Block 1: The Double Four Patch
Block 2: The Whirlwind
Block 3: The Sailboat
Block 4: The Shoo-fly
Block 5: The Trafalgar
Block 6: The Windmill
Block 7: The Chequer Square
Block 8: The Diamond Square
Block 9: The Cactus Pot
Block 10: The Sawtooth Star
Block 11: To come!
Block 12: The Windmill Sails block
Block 13: The Basket of Flowers block
Block 14: Susannah
Block 15: Road to Oklhahoma
I like that! It must be something in the air…I pulled out a quilt block to work on today too. 🙂 It’s a nice change from sewing clothes every once in a while.
Thanks Shirley. I just took a look… and that will be one amazing quilt! I’m being tempted by embroidery but I mustn’t go off track. Got a list as long as my arm already! 🙂
It’ cool! And you are so patient! I jus made a queen size quilt top that had 45 pieces of fabric in it in total. i chose the pattern because I knew I’d actually get it finished hehehe.
Thanks MrsC. I will so be following your gameplan once this beast is finished! x
I like the block. I think your quilt will be lovely with all those different blocks.
Thank you Rosyragpatch. I do hope so. Am a long way off yet!
Very clever indeed! I can’t believe you have all that extra information about your blocks. I just adore sewing time…..I just never get enough of it these days. Gorgeous cat x
Thank you Sewandbakeandlove. I am making them along with a magazine course so the info comes from there. But it does make it all the more interesting. 🙂
Omg..as always respect respect respect. Between general impatience and outward triangle hostility, add dyslexia.
There is NO WAY in 80 hells I could do that, or even attempt to try’ you are amazing.
Thank you so much Mrsdeboots. There is a certain obligation that keeps me going! 😉
I really look forward to seeing this quilt finished, beautiful blocks! Love Socksy on the ironing board, my cats are always there too 🙂
MIght be a long wait, Jayne! As far as I can make out, there are 80 blocks in total!
Totally flawless construction, ooobop! I’ve never attempted a quilt before, but have a friend’s baby to make a gift for…so you’ve inspired me to try! Cats always find a way to sit right on what you’re doing 🙂
Thank you Kat. This is all done on the machine which makes it very easy but I am being ridiculously tempted by a tumbling block quilt design which is classic for a baby. This can be done by hand which I really strangely fancy doing. 🙂
Yeah, I’ve got a baby gift to do too soon…might attempt a baby quilt…will be watching with interest!
I don’t think I’ll have time to do one of those anytime soon but here are a couple of great examples http://janetclare.co.uk/blog/?p=128 and http://lexingtonquilter.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/tumbling-blocks.html
Great job; and all the points match too! Love the cat on the ironing board … ours used to try and sit on my hands when I was trying to hand-piece. We called it her ‘seal of approval’ … she couldn’t resist sitting on (and occasionally messing up) my quilt layouts either! =D
Thank you. What is it with these cats? Maybe they were seamstresses in a previous life 😉
LOL to cat on ironing board, I get that too.
Have now subscribed to your blog, looking forward to lots of interesting updates.
Thanks so much Mhairi. 🙂