Choose solids with matching prints to suit the symbolic theme.
Step 2 Piecing and Joining the Blocks
Following the piecing diagrams, make the Y and Z blocks. Press the seam allowances as shown. Join pairs of block Y's and Z's, pressing seam allowances toward the Y's. Referring to the assembly diagram, join pairs to make the center portion and press seam allowances in one direction.
Step 3 Making the Borders
Join red and white border strips to make the border units, with a print for the center red strip. Press the seam allowances toward the red strips.
To make a complete eagle pattern for applique, trace the partial eagle on tracing paper. Flip the tracing, match dots, and complete the eagle. Prepare the applique patches using your favorite method. Fold each border unit in half lengthwise and lightly crease the midpoint. Referring to the photographed quilt for placement, blindstitch an eagle on each border unit.
Carefully matching the center of each border with the middle seam of the quilt center, sew the side border units to the quilt. Press the seam allowances toward the border. Add a Y block to each end of the top and bottom border units. Again matching seams, pin and sew the top and bottom units to the quilt. Press seam allowances toward the borders.
Step 4 Finishing the Quilt
To mark the quilting, start from the lower right corner and make 8 partial circles at about 1" intervals, using your elbow as a pivot. Or for greater accuracy, make a quilting template out of a 1"x 10" strip of clear plastic. Place 9 holes at 1" intervals along the strip. At the quilt's lower right corner, insert a pin through the end hole of the strip to use as a pivot. Placing a pencil point in each hole in turn, draw 8 concentric arcs. Repeat starting from each endpoint of the largest arc until you have marked the whole top.
Layer the lining, batting and top and baste together. Then quilt as marked. Join the binding strips and sew to the edges of the quilt. Make a sleeve and sew it to the lining so all can admire your new antique!
