QMQ Block 1: Delaware

Delaware earned its nickname “The First State” for good reason—on December 7, 1787, it became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Before any of the others, Delaware stepped up and said “yes” to a bold new experiment in democracy. Eleven years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, the United States began with this tiny state on the east coast.

Delaware played a crucial role in our nation’s founding, and the Delaware Regiment fought in nearly every major battle of the Revolutionary War.

Even now, you can still see buildings that date back to the 1600s when the area was part of the Dutch and Swedish settlements. When I think of settlers, I usually default to British colonies, but truth is that folks from all over found their way here from the very beginning.

I haven’t had the opportunity to explore Delaware very much, but I’d love to get back over there and spend some time exploring the history (and quilt shops) of the state.

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Quilt Block

For the Delaware block of the Quarter Millennial Quilt, I used a traditional block called “Delaware Crosspatch.” Normally the block is constructed by cutting triangles and a square, but since it’s such a small state, it makes a small block. To make it easier to piece (and piece accurately), I created the pattern using foundation paper piecing techniques.

If you haven’t tried paper piecing, here’s a perfect place to give it a go. The block is only 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ so even if you have to try it a few times to get it right, you’re not investing a lot in time or materials.

Tips for the Delaware Crosspatch:

• You’ll need four different fabrics, but only a 5″ square of each.
• Use starch or starch alternative before starting to make the fabric easier to work with.
• Print the pattern on newsprint or specialty paper to make paper sewing & removal simple.
• Remember to shrink your stitch length and use a smaller (70/10) needles with FPP.
• Create each section separately then sew them together, matching points.
• Leave all of the paper on the block, except for the seam allowances between sections.

Download the Delaware Crosspatch block and watch the video using the link in this week’s email.
(If you haven’t signed up yet, do that now and then you’ll be able to access the links.)

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Share your block, get inspired by others, and ask questions in our Quarter Millenial Quilt space in the Dream Team, my online community:

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Quilt Shops

Serendipity Quilt Shop in Dagsboro, DE website

Sew What! in Wilmington, DE website

Delaware Sewing Center in Dover, DE website

Do you know of great quilt shops or must-see spots in Delaware? Share it with us in the comments below!

Happy sewing!

P.S. You can find an episode of MAKE with Teresa Coates all about paper piecing on my YouTube channel.