This 6" Bright Hopes block is one of my very favorite quilt blocks because of its title. It reminds me of the hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," which includes the phrase, "Strength for today and bright hopes for tomorrow." This block contains partial piecing, which is explained very clearly in the directions (for a 12" block) found here: http://quilting.about.com/od/piecingtechniques/ss/partial_seams.htm
In her last diary entry for 1916, Hattie writes about what it has been like to keep a diary for an entire year. Ruth is Hattie's older sister who lives in Washington state. Mary is another older sister, also from Washington, who has been visiting for the holidays with her husband Lester and their two little girls. The entire 22-member Woodbury family, including nine children, spouses, and grandchildren, have had an extended reunion, celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas together. Hester is a friend. Frank is Hattie's beau. He asked her to marry him over two months ago, but she has not given him an answer yet! "League" refers to "Epworth League," a Methodist young adult association.
Sunday, December 31, 1916 -
"This is the last entry I shall make in this diary, and since I am not planning on keeping a record of the 'House proceedings' next year, I shall probably get to bed earlier during the year 1917 than I have in the past. I am really surprised that I have kept this up so well. I didn't dream I would when I began it a year ago tonight. It has been a little hard the last few weeks since the girls came home, and I have had to live in so many rooms with no regularity at all. But I am glad I have kept a record of the past three hundred and sixty six days. Some of them have been blue, but many of them have been very bright indeed. Many acts of the past year I would correct but many I would gladly live over again. Oh, I hope that I may fill this coming year with happiness and joy, not only for myself but for many others. We talked about New Year's resolutions in the League and church tonight, and there were a large number of good thoughts expressed.
"It has been a cloudy, foggy day for the most part but has been a lovely day for all that. Ruth and I went to church this morning - we had communion service. Hester came out home with us and went back with Frank and me this evening. There were twenty-three here for dinner - just our family and Hester. We had a lovely turkey dinner, and they set two tables, so we all ate at once. Hester took some pictures of us afterward, out on the front porch. I hope they're good.
"Mary and Lester and their babies leave early in the morning. My! I sure hate to see them go. I will certainly miss those dear children. We had quite a time with the bunch of them here this afternoon.
"I don't know what to think about Frank tonight. Perhaps he is trying out another method. At any rate, I'll confess he didn't do what I expected. He wouldn't come in to get anything to eat. After chatting a moment upon various subjects, he went, saying goodnight when he was about halfway down the steps. When I wished him a 'Happy New Year,' he didn't say a word - just went on. But perhaps it is just as well. I might have been tempted to tell him something tonight.
"Well, I am wishing for everything to turn out bright in the year 1917, which is less than an hour away."
You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/09/frolic-variation-quilt-block.html
I found this fun 12" Frolic Variation quilt block pattern free on-line at: http://www.mccallsquilting.com/qb/pattern_300/index.html.
In these diary entries, Ruth, Mary, Howard, and Eva are Hattie's siblings. Lester and George are her brothers-in-law. Jesse is a hired man who works on the Woodbury farm. Lesta is a good friend of Hattie's from high school days in Emporia. Frank is Hattie's beau, and Lois is Frank's sister. K.D. stands for King's Daughters, an international non-denominational Christian service organization that began in 1886 and is still in existence in the United States and Canada today.
A reader, Susie Rose, tells me that a hawk-bill broom is one that is curved. Another reader, Joan, commented, "When a broom is left sitting on the straw end it will gradually curve into what is called a hawk bill. My mom always sat her broom on the handle to keep the straw straight. It lasted longer that way and was much easier to use. Imagine using the side of a straw or the point of the straw." Thank you, both, for this helpful information.
Thursday, December 28, 1916 -
"Since we didn't get in until nearly one A.M., I am writing this later in the day. We had a lovely time at the party. We sang and ate fudge, pounded on the piano, etc. until time to go. I wore my flowered flaxen with the net ruffles, and everybody was sort of fussed up. Ruth wore her flowered crepe. We sang every verse of every song in an 'Old Time Song Book' and some of them twice! Mrs. C. sang and played the Victrola, and we had a baby contest in which our baby pictures were on display. Some were sure crazy.
"Mary and Lester and the children went to Emporia today to visit until tomorrow. Howard and Jesse went to Rosemont so our table was not very crowded at dinner. It was wash day, so we didn't mind in the least."
Friday, December 29, 1916 -
"Eva and George came to Minerva's last night and on out here this morning. Mary and Lester also came home on the 5:20, so we are all here again. Lester and George have been buried in books all evening, and Eva has been finishing some Christmas gifts! I received the embroidered breakfast cap from Lesta today that she promised me three years ago. Better late than never. I think it is a very cunning cap."
Saturday, December 30, 1916 (written later as it was midnight, and I was dead tired when I got in) -
"Frank and I went to Literary at Key West. Ruth and Howard were urged to go, too, but did not accept. I certainly enjoyed the ride - just cold enough to feel good, and it was very comfy all tucked up in the car. Frank was on the debate - military training - and his side won. They had a good program besides, although we missed part of it. Lois sat with us after the recess, and I enjoyed myself very much.
"Lester with the 'hawk-bill' broom helped me with the sweeping this morning. Then we had a very nice little confidential chat over the mending this afternoon. He can do almost everything it seems. Sewed a rip in his coat and some buttons on it this afternoon, as well as anyone could.
"Mother and Ruth went to town. Ruth to the K.D. meeting, and they arranged for our party next Tuesday night. They invited about forty guests and spliced the dates!! I imagine this will cause some excitement. We K.D.'s are to have our pie supper next Thursday, and I have to give a reading and be in the Kitchen Orchestra. I foresee that next week will be 'full up,' too."
You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/08/christmas-star-quilt-block.html
