Santa Fe Trail Sew Along Blocks
When Melva Loves Scraps recently kicked off her Pieces of the Old Santa Fe Trail Sew Along just days before BigJ and I would be driving a portion of that route, I thought about quickly finishing the first block and taking it along. However, I am a procrastinator when it comes to preparing for trips, so I ran out of time and the block didn’t get done. Today I’m sharing the first two blocks I’ve made. I managed to take the second block on a little road trip, but to understand why, you’ll need to read Melva’s posts. Start with this post to get the background of the sew along and read a bit about why Melva is weaving this interesting history into her blocks. Then read her posts for Blocks 1 and 2. It’s early on in the sew along, so feel free to dive into your scraps and sew along!
Block 1 Kit in the Korner
Driving along the Santa Fe Trail, there are miles that stretch on forever, as seen in the above photo. The scenery does change, however, and soon you are trekking through mountain passes or small towns. One of the highlights of this past trip, was driving through the Kit Carson National Forest. Even in the early spring, the views are spectacular.
I found it interesting while reading through Melva’s post on this block that we would be staying in La Junta the first evening of our drive. We arrived late in the evening, driving past the sign for Bent’s Fort, which made me think of the story once again.
One of my favorite photos taken while strolling through Santa Fe is this view by the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. The color of the adobe walls with the beauty of the blossoms on the tree, and that bright blue sky. These are the colors I used for my first block.
I was delighted to find fabrics in my stash that were close to the colors in Melva’s block and this photo.
Block 2 Double Nine
When Melva posted the next block and excerpt from the book, I got just a little excited because the story takes a little twist and brings us to Minnesota and Wisconsin. When the story of Maiden’s Rock was mentioned, I suggested to BigJ that we take my little block for a drive. Maiden’s Rock is just an hour’s drive away, just across the border in Wisconsin.
I knew the colors I wanted for this block, and again was delighted to find just the right ones in my stash. Block done, we took to the road.
The drive along the Mississippi is a favorite one of ours. Usually we drive along the Minnesota side, then cross over in Wabasha, and drive up the Wisconsin side. This time, we crossed over to Wisconsin and headed straight for Maiden’s Rock. If you’re ever in this area, it’s a beautiful drive and one I would highly recommend.
Nestled between the small towns of Maiden Rock and Stockholm, Wisconsin is Maiden’s Rock bluff. During summer and fall, these little towns are often bustling with tourists. There were a few out yesterday, but it’s early yet.
There is a historical marker right at the foot of the bluff, so we pulled over for the photo shoot. You’ll see my block in the foreground, and Maiden’s Rock bluff as the backdrop.
Looking the other direction from the bluff, you have beautiful river views.
A quick photo of the block by the historical marker.
I’m so glad I joined in with Melva and her sew along. I had so much fun making my Santa Fe Trail Sew Along blocks.
I hope you enjoyed this little road trip!
Wendy
Old and New Finishes
21 Comments
Barbara J Stanbro
Oh what great blocks for the theme. Nice work! I missed the Georgia O’Keeffe museum when we were in Santa Fe. I guess that’s a good reason to go back!
Vicki in MN
What perfect timing indeed! Love that purple flowering tree. I have never been to Maiden Rock, did you climb to the top then?
karenfae
I love all the scenery you show – did you ever stop at Bents Fort? we have 2 times interesting!
ROCHELLE SUMMERS
Beautiful blocks both. How wonderful that you got to start you r quilt right after a trip to Santa Fe and that you live close to the Maiden Rock. I read her three posts and this sounds absolutely wonderful just to read the stories even if I don’t get the blocks done. Thank you.
Melva Nolan
I love everything about this post. You fabric choices are ideal.
Janine @ Rainbow Hare
The scenery is spectacular and it’s wonderful to see your blocks against the coordinating backgrounds. This is a fun project 🙂
Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts
Those blocks are great, Wendy, and I love your color inspiration for them! You’re making me want to travel! It occurs to me that I don’t actually know the route of the Santa Fe trail. I’m going to have to do a little research!
Sandra Walker
Oh, I’m the SAME when it comes to procrastinating about getting ready for trips!! I love your first block – you’ve captured those colours perfectly. How I would love to see that Georgia O’Keefe museum! And that second block ‘hero shot’ is just fabulous!
Susan Salo
We’ve driven through there (we lived south of St Paul for several years), but never stopped at Maiden Rock. Beautiful area.
Carol Andrews
What fun that you can take your blocks on road trips. Your fabrics are perfect matches! Your photos really make me wish I could travel there to see these spots that are mentioned in Melva’s Sew Along. 😉
Nancy Bekedam
Love your fabrics and colors, Wendy!!! And that photo of the Maiden Rock block at Maiden Rock is perfect!!!
Cindy Pieters
Beautiful blocks, that first block with the colours you’ve chosen is a beauty!
Quilting is in my Blood
I had a chuckle about the “huge reddish spiders” in Melva’s post. Thankfully I haven’t yet run across a scorpion in all my years in New Mexico! Your Kit in the Korner block is perfection. You really captured the adobe, the blue sky, and the blossoms from your photo by the Georgia O’Keefe museum. I love that museum. It’s not huge but you really get a sense of O’Keefe as a person and an artist after spending time there. Thanks for sharing!
Laura
I am following Melva’s posts, and it was great fun to read about your drives and inspiration! You helped make Melva’s posts more real to me, and your blocks are terrific! Maybe someday, I will be able to visit that area. Thanks! 🙂
rl2b2017
Hi Wendy! It’s lovely when everything falls into place and allows you to use your stash for this quilt along. I think it’s meant to be then. I can easily see the influence from the trail in your two blocks. Nice job! Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos with us. I am happily following the sew along and you. ~smile~ Roseanne
Cindy Berry
Your blocks are so spot on. thanks for bringing this sew along to my attention…. I love sew alongs as they do not seem so overwhelming for someone who works…. I may have 3 or 4 going at one time but that is only a block each week… Have a great trip!
Kathleen McCormick
I love what you are doing and loved that these went along with you. Your stash is working perfectly. This looks to be great one.
kaywelch
I haven’t started my blocks yet – other deadlines. I am enjoying the stories that go with the blocks. I love that you are making your blocks from your Santa Fe trail journey. I live in Santa Fe, and your picture is one of my favorite spots to sit & rest a bit, especially during the big festivals we enjoyed all summer (pre-Covid). I hope to be able to start my Santa Fe trail by June. I seem to always play catch up with sew alongs. Better late than never – right?
thedarlingdogwood
What lovely and appropriate scenery for lovely blocks! I especially love the Maiden’s Rock block and photo. The colros in the first one are amazing!
marissthequilter
Fascinating! I loved both seeing the sights with you on your road trip and the blocks you have made.
texasquiltgal
This is a really neat QAL. It’s fascinating how your area connects with Melva’s story. I like the inspiration behind the colors you chose for your blocks. Melva’s posts are so interesting!