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August Bitty Banner by Lily Anna Stitches. Kits $16.00.

Underground Railroad Block 10

Now that I'm back from vacation and back in full swing of things it's time for Block 10 of the Underground Railroad Quilt.  I know some of you have already finished your quilt, and I love that. It is hard to do blocks of the month when you are anxious to see more. Well congratulations are finishing would love to see your quilts.

Now let's get back to the Railroad.

Block 10 Bow Tie

The Boe Tie Quilt was the seventh quilt displayed on the fence to teach slaves how to escape to freedom. It was a directive for them to dress in a formal manner.

When slaves first escaped, they wore distinguishable garments that eventually became tattered and torn along their journey.  Free blacks would often meet them in a safe place as a church, and give them fresh clothing. In "satin bow ties" , runaways wouldn't stand out among city folk.

On the final leg of their journey, slaves could walk through town undetected to ships waiting to take them across the Great Lakes to Canada and freedom.

The triangular quadrants on the Bow Tie block indicate morning, midday, evening, and night. It's also known as Broken Dishes.

This is the block in the book.

You will need (5) 51/2" squares for background 

                      (5) 51/2" squares of 5 different colors

My background will be done in cheddar and will be uses 5 different blues for my colors.

This is my block.

You should have 5(51/2" squares) for background fabric.  And 5 different prints for the bow ties.

Put right sides of one background square and one bow tie square. Then draw a line diagonally and stitch 1/4" on either side of the line. In my picture I use a 1/2" ruler and draw my stitching lines, that is why you see 2 lines in my pictures.

After stitching your 2 lines cut down the center.

Press seams towards the darker color.

Then get the 2 haft squares and place right sides together, with opposite prints together. Draw your diagonal line and stitch your 2 lines.

After stitching cut down the center.

Press seams to one side. Now you have your Bow Tie.  Repeat these steps with the other 4 bow tie prints.

You will have 10 Bow Ties, you will only need 9 to make your square. Lay out your Bow Ties as shown in the picture. Then sew your 9 patch square together.

This is your square. Square to 12 1/2" x 12 1/2".

Have fun, until next month.

Carol