Basket
The Basket Block is a symbol of the provisions needed for the long journey North.
One of the most difficult things faced by escaping slaves was feeding themselves along the journey. They took what provisions they could carry. They often depended on safe houses or friends along the way. Abolitionists would give them baskets of provisions and tools, such as flint and compasses, to aid them in their flight.
One of the ways the provisions were carried was in a laundry or sewing basket. A story told about a woman who had a safe house where she hid escapees upstairs. She would carry her laundry basket up and down the stairs, filled with food. She could carry food to her charges, looking for all the world like an ordinary woman going about her work.
The Block in the book.
My Block.
Fabric needed:
The Chedder is my Background.
The lighter navy is handle and feet.
The dark navy is my base.
Cutting:
From Background fabric -- 1 - 8"square For handle
2 - 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" For sides
1 - 7"square For bottom
From light navy fabric -- 1 -8"square For handle
1 -4"square For base
From dark navy -- 1 -3 1/2"square For base
Assembly of Block:
Take the two 8" squares, place right sides together and then draw a line diagonally in both directions.
Then sew 1/4" on either side of these lines.
Then cut apart on the diagonal lines and without seprating cut a horizontal line 4" from the bottom and a veritcal cut 4" from the side.
Press seams toward darker fabric.
Lay out to make the Handle, place the 3 1/2" dark navy square in the corner for the base of the basket.
Sew squares together and press.
Now, take the background 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" pieces and the 4" square in the light navy. Cut the light navy piece in half diagonally. Lay out as above and sew triangle to the rectangle piece. Press seams.
Then sew the sides to the Handle block.
Then take your 7" square in the Background fabric and cut in half diagonally.
Now sew one of the diagonal pieces to the Blocks.
You now have your 6th block.
Enjoy.......
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