I used fabric purchased out of town to make foundation pieced blocks. I didn’t notice until all was cut, and all but the last tiny bit was sewn – that I missed a corner! I didn’t have enough fabric to redo the piece.

I couldn’t find any matching fabric here in town, and couldn’t go out of town to get more. So, decided I would patch, but because it is batik, with a cloudy variety of shading across the fabric, I cannot completely hide the patch.

I had hoped that maybe the FMQ would seal the edge of the patch, and help disguise it. But, if I try that and it doesn’t work, I would have to rip out the FMQ to do the next option.

I thought of adding an appliqué to hide the patch. My DD (who I trust in all things fashion – style – etc, but who doesn’t quilt) thinks it will not be masculine enough for the soldier I am sending it to.

My thought was a cup of coffee and a “to do” list that shows the first thing on the day’s agenda is to pray for him. I am writing a long letter to him, and would explain that is how we start the day.

What other options do I have? What do you think about the appliqué?

Below is a sketch of the quilt. It really is made in different colors.

Wow! I'm glad you told me the story because I never would have guessed. You are a talented quilter. I love your quilt and think it's gorgeous!

Can you point out the mistake? ;)
I think it's awesome!
And whoever receives it will be very appreciative of it.

Can you show us a picture of it, so we can get a better idea of what you can maybe do? how big is the missing fabric? Are you sure none of us here doesn't have the piece you need,or close enough?
I have some batiks, not a collector, but do have a few...
would really love to help you! And it is a beautiful quilt, with a beautiful message!

Depending on the size, fabric markers come in so many colors now - a little camoflage can go a long ways!

If you added the same patch in all of the blocks, could it become another design element?

Brilliant amma!

and i have used perm. markers to hide a flaw..hehehe

These are all great ideas. I should have asked earlier.

Unfortunately at this point I have finished the top, so would be hard to take some up on the offer of looking through their stash.

I will try to take a pic tonight of the real quilt, with close ups of the patch.

OH, and what do you think of applique for a guy soldier? Too feminine?

I think it's perfect.
I don't see why they wouldn't like it.
Would remind them of home, maybe.
I asked my son in law (the Marine) and he says he likes it and the people in the desert are very appreciative of anything they get.
I say send it. If it goes to a guy and he doesn't like it, maybe he would trade with a female soldier or even bring it home for his mom/sister/wife.

I am going to go out on a limb here and say that I am just not totally in love with the applique. The sentiment is so sweet, but I do not think it adds to your gorgeous quilt.

If your are going to do an applique, have you thought about appliqueing something Americana? A flag?

I am anxious to see a photo of your quilt. I think we could come up with more ideas if we saw the actual quilt.

I do know that whatever you do, your quilt will be appreciated.

I'd say it is not too feminine. That said, are you making it for a specific soldier or will it be handed out? I was just thinking if it is being handed out then you'll likely get both the male and the female soldiers fighting over it. I can't wait to see a close up!

This is for a specific soldier - someone from my church.

I made a label as part of the design of the back, it has his name, and I thought of putting a note to him on the "to do" list applique.

I love the applique idea!! And I think that will make it even more special!

Absolutely gorgeous!! I personally would put some kind of "masculine" applique.

What do you think would look good with the style of the quilt blocks? The name of the block is Clasped Hands, and I titled the quilt Circle of Prayer.

I like the title of your quilt and the design, too. Hmmm, an applique, wish I could help.

why not integrate praying hands as the applique?? out of a batik already in the quilt that you DO have extra of?

Great idea!!! Now, why didn't I think of that???

I was thinking the same thing. Praying hands would really go with the name of your quilt & let this young man know we are all praying and pulling for him and the rest of our troops.

As you probably already know, the Amish always deliberately include an imperfect block in their quilts, because to make something perfect would compete with God, and only He is perfect. I know your church friends would agree with this.

Although I'm somewhat of a perfectionist, I have no problem getting at least one imperfect block in any quilt I make - and it's not deliberate either!

If anyone queries why the block is different, tell them it's the "Amish Block".

Since this is a quilt for a soldier, how about an eagle applique?

Here's one I made for my husband: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-19362-1.htm

If you pm me your address I will send you a photocopy for the applique if you want.

It's wonderful. what mistake?

I actually HATE that saying by the Amish. It sounds way too much like an excuse, or snobbish! Personally, I've read the bible through many times and God encourages us to do our very best. No where does it say to purposely make mistakes so we aren't "competing" with God, as if that were even possible. Heck, I make enough mistakes without adding in any on purpose.

Okay, I'm stepping off my soapbox now.

I started a new thread with pics. See what you think.
[url]http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-34194-1.htm[url/]

What about a spoon=for a spoonful of love to him/her?
Or a spoon with white crystals of sugar in it?

But to be truthful, I could not spot the mistake. Why assume
that this soldier would see it and not love the quilt because of
that? I think that he will be moved to tears knowing that so
many people "back home" were thinking of him.

Could you add a picture of a coffee pot, or would that take
up far too much space? A doughnut on a saucer?

But I, myself, can not find that "flaw" so I'll bet the serviceman
will accept it with the love that went into making it, and cherish it
all his life.

I believe she switched the applique and made it open hands all around. It's in another thread, which I can't find at the moment. :roll: