Another Block Study Done

Another summer project finished.  This one was a block study that gave me a hard time.  Running out of fabric, pieces moved around, my sewing machine breaking, it was one thing after the other. But, I finished it!

The name of this block is Road to Oklahoma.  I first found this block in Carrie Hall Blocks by Bettina Havig (page 61) blocks included in this collection are circa. 1900-1935.  

I then found the same block listed in The Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns by Jinny Beyer.  Road to Oklahoma can be found twice on page 70 with minor construction differences.

Notes list the block as: "Road to Oklahoma in the Ladies Art Company 1897".  "The Road to Oklahoma in the Kansas City Star, June 4, 1947". "Road to Oklahoma, Nancy Cabot, Chicago Tribune, August 16, 1937".

Since neither of the books showed full instructions to make a  finished quilt I was on my own. Using the picture of the block and a diagram of the pieces  I assembled the felt made sense.

I also played with how to put the blocks together in a fun layout.

I really like a few design elements of this layout but as a whole I wasn't totally sold.

So I decided to check Pintress for other ideas.  Sure enough there were several Road to Oklahoma quilts.  I found the order I put the pieces together was different but the results were the same.  However what was more interesting was I found another layout which I really like and believe to be the original intent.

I was excited to see two great designs emerge as I laid out the blocks.  Which I named the stars and the arrows.

The Stars:

The Arrows:

Road to Oklahoma: 56.5" X 56.5", Flannel backing, Meandering quilt design done on my domestic machine.

I hope you enjoyed today's quilt.  Remember to experiment when you use a new block.  It can be really interesting to see the different looks you can get as your quilt grows beyond the one block.  Also, look for ideas on how another block could be added or what impact a different fabric/color might make. After finishing one of these block experiment quilts I'm always filled with new "what if's".  Maybe I might go back and try and make one of the element from my first layout work, with the addition of another fabric? 

Working on a design wall is really helpful.  I'm lucky to have a large wall space but even a small board that you can put a handful of blocks on and then step back from is so inspiring.  

Have a great day!

MaryEllen