Hello, the size of the background block is 12.50". Most of the bonnet girls that I have done measure about 9.50". That's the size I made them. The tools I use for preparing each block are a light box, steam n seam lite fusible web. I mirror the images to which ever way I want the bonnet girl pointing. I trace the pieces onto the fusible web. Then, I choose the fabric for each piece..Then iron each piece to the appropriate fabric, and then cut out. Then I have my light box again, and an applique mat. I place the pattern on top of the light box, turned the way I want it to be on the fabric..then, after I have cut all the pieces, I place them onto the applique sheet. This helps me for placement. After that is done, I take the applique sheet over to my ironing board and iron them..Then I have my background fabric ready, and I pull the placed pieces that have been ironed together, and place on the background fabric..After this is done, I iron it all on to my background fabric..I usually use a very tiny blanket stitch for most of the stitching on the blocks...However, like places around the neck or hands, faces, i might use a very tiny satin stitch. Then, I sometimes add a fancy stitch for dresses. etc. I use micron pens for drawing the faces..They are acid free and are permanant.
There is a website for all of the patterns I have used, except two, which are my originals. The website for the patterns is
www.bonnetgirls.com...I read on the site that there are 158 designs available, plus there are two aditional books...Not sure if the 158 patterns have been included in the count of 158..They may be just extra designs. The two original designs that I have included in this set are called "Farewell", and "Denise to Market." Hope to see more bonnet girls on the qb...Happy Sewing.