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Horoscope Quilt - Pattern No. 01

October 13, 1932
Detroit News Quilt History Project; Michigan State University Museum; Harriet Clarke
Detroit, Michigan, United States
A pattern leaflet for the Aries quilt block. This is the first in a series of pattern leaflets for The Horoscope Quilt. Aries Mar. 21 to April 20
Aries
Mar. 21 to April 20


The horoscope quilt which we are about to make has 12 large blocks using the zodiac figures found in grandmother's almanac.

These blocks are 12 inches square when finished. Each consists for an inner square cut 6 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches.

This small square is of plain blue. It might be of a small patterned material in blue and white or each square might be of the color characteristic of the month. This is not advisable, however, because a quilt has beauty only as it repeats certain colors or shapes over and over again.

Blue Is Appropriate
Being a quilt with a pattern which has to do with the stars and the moon, really blue is the most appropriate color to select.

Of course, the connecting bands could act as binding units since they will all be of the same colors.

After the six and one-half inch square is cut the design given on this leaflet is transferred to it.

Transfer the design so that it centers in this square and includes the word "Ares" and the dates just as shown.

We must remember that the beauty of any quilt is enhanced by the exactness of the work. Hence all the squares must be true to make the work acceptable. Inasmuch as we are making a quilt with patterns taken from grandmother's almanac we must remember one of her old proverbs - that "Haste Makes Waste." Work slowly and carefully until you are familiar with the method and the result is certain to be satisfactory.

After the entire design as shown has been transferred to the square of cloth, transfer just the zodiac sign which is in the center onto stiff cardboard. Cut this out and lay it on white goods. Mark carefully around this and cut out one-quarter inch from the line. Baste this quarter inch under, press and then pin in place on the place marked for it on the blue square.

Now applique this, using a fine slanting hemming stitch. White thread, No. 70, is suitable for this.

Six-Strand Floss.
Use six strands of white embroidery cotton and outline or etch the name "Aries" and the dates. A chain stitch may be used in place of the outline stitch. Three or four strands would be sufficient for this, six probably making it much too thick and bulky appearing. Be sure to do the work slowly enough and keep the stitches small, making all curves and markings clear cut and distinct.

Next week you must not fail to watch for the announcement of the leaflet having the diagram of the whole large block and the pattern for the star. Four of these are appliqued. We suggest blue for the zodiac block stars and color prints for the others. Be sure the design on these materials is not too large and the color is fast.

A plain rich yellow may be used for some of the stars. So may figured greens and pinks. If you have some scraps from summer dresses or aprons, nothing could be better.

Hunt For Scraps.
Hunt through your piece bag before next week so that you will be ready to start work on the odd stars.

To make this entire quilt you will require for both the back and the front about 15 yards of white and five yards of blue material. The amount of print for stars need not be computed since that is material on hand.

Have you sent for the leaflet telling you how to make a scrap book to keep your patterns in? If not, do not hesitate any longer, for there is a leaflet waiting for you and the Beauty in the Home Department will be gald to have a note requesting it. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Club women, too, find their interests well provided for in the columns of The Detroit News. For, in addition to the Club Page which is published each Sunday and which furnishes the calendar for the week, numerous items, notes and articles relative to club activities appear in the daily issues of The News. Watch for them each day.

1031-10-13-32

Courtesy of The Detroit News Archives.
6119.81.7

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