BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Quilting Washington, DC quilt block

I am planning to make a quilt for my granddaughter of the states we visited on vacation with her. Does anyone know of a Washington, DC quilt block or does BellaOnline plan to include that in the 'Quilt Blocks of the States'? I've contacted a DC quilt club without much success. Thanks, curlytop

I have a book that illustrates 5500 quilt blocks. It does not include a DC block. It has White House, WH Rose, and WH Steps. There are also a few Federal ones - Chain and Square. Also shown are several Presidental blocks. There are a few Washington blocks that are not the state block, but I get the feeling that are George Washington blocks??? I have not checked online.

We'll have to wait for Judie to reply if she has thought to include one with the states. I'm working on the the 50 blocks and didn't even think to 'think' about this one. But since I don't want to make a 51 block quilt, I doubt I'll do it. Can see why you'd want one however.

GrannyH

Thanks--would you mind to share the name of the book? I may have to try various DC buildings or look for fabric with the same. Curlytop

Hi Curlytop, Sorry I didn't respond right away. I've been away for a few days. The book is called "5500 Quilt Block Designs" and it is by Maggie Malone. I checked a few websites for you that offer free 'Quilt Blocks' as opposed to free 'Quilt Patterns'. Many of the blocks I mentioned above are available, a few I didn't find in the books are also available - but I still did not find a DC block.

I'd try these (you'll have to add the www. etc.)
mccallsquilting.com/qb
quilt.com/blocks/AlphaBlockList.html
quiltblocklibrary.com
blockcentral.com
alexanderson.com/blockparty
and
quilterscache.com

quilterscache had the most choices

I hope you find one you like. I think I liked the "Road to the White House" the best. GrannyH

Hi everyone and Curlytop! I haven't found a block for DC either, but I'm thinking I might hold a mini competition. I'm happy to design the block but I need your imput for the content. You know much more about DC that I'll every know (being an Aussie), so how about telling me about DC and what sort of things might go into a block.

I'll put your ideas to work on my quilting computer program and we'll see what we come up with?

What do you say?

Cheerio for now

Because so many landmarks in DC have so many details to them, I've been thinking about a DC block and which landmark would best serve. Of course, there's the capital building, the Smithsonian, Lincoln, etc. But frankly, I think the Washington Monument would be perfect ... no horribly small pieces and a basically easy long narrow block. (At least that's the way my mind sees it)

Because there are so many monuments, I don't think 'one' should be used. Unless it's one that Curlytop would like to include in her personal memories of the trip.

The District of Columbia is the land set aside - not part of any state - for our federal or national government to operate separtely from any of the states. The three divisions of government are the Executive (President and Cabinet - White House and other buildings); Legislative (Senate and House of Representaive - US Capitol and other congressional buildings); and the Judicial (Supreme Court - Supreme Court Building). One branch is not to be any more important than any other so a DC block should show all three or none.

If none, then the theme could maybe be unity of the 50 states. The national symbol is the eagle. Cherry blossoms have meaning to DC. The residents of DC have no representation in our national government, so that may be a suitable subject. Stars and stripes are a part of our flag, but should not be duplicated as they appear in the flag.

Good Luck to you, Judie. You may have asked a question that could set off a national debate.

This subject is along the lines of the one which brought me to BellaOnline so many quilt blocks ago, so I am doing the kind of searching I did last summer.

Curlytop, a few more possibilities: One quilt I found had a block to represent the US. The 'American Beauty Block' was used. Some more patriotic blocks are at www.dlstewart.com which also has state blocks.

Judie: I began to wonder if our national capital was in the publication you have of our state capitals. That would be the city block and not the district block, but it may be acceptable to Curlytop.

I'm going to keep looking.

This will take you to a Matha Washington Block that would look good in my quilt, and maybe you'll like it as well. http://www.dlstewart.com/images/clipartdawn/clipart5/z-mwashington-z.jpg

Thanks to all for the info & suggestions. I think searching for just the right pattern/fabric is part of the fun! Curlytop

I definitely agree with you; I'm sure that's why I mostly do sampler and BOM types.

Let us know which block you decide upon. How many other blocks will go into your quilt for your granddaughter?