There's lots of stitches

in this block but it was worth it because now I only have a couple of less complex ones to do for the Baltimore. Here's another one I'd like to do, the Mary Mannakee pattern was faithfully reproduced by the Baltimore Applique Society from the original in the DAR museum.
My dream is to do a series of these magnificent red and green quilts and so this will definitely have to be the next one. Anyone want to join in?

One part of doing these blocks I'm not fond of and that's those bitty little circles that get stitched over the bulk of seam allowances. I like to use these mylar templates with starch.

When I do really small circles, I don't cut it out until after I have done the running stitch around the shape, it's so much easier to handle.

I got some great mail this week, I won a giveaway on Ruth's blog, country log cabin. Look at the goodies I got, how generous is this? I love the sign which I'm going to find a special place for. The magnetic pin keep, in pink, and the gorgeous fabrics and just look at that pouch with it's special zip pull! Thank you Ruth.

I've only just caught up on my pies and tarts blocks and this next lot of fabric arrived. Aren't they a good mix? The fabrics I've been sent have been fabulous. I'll have to get busy because I have a few things I want to get caught up on.