The third block, Cross Within a Cross, represents Jane's father the Rev. George Austen. I decided I wanted a cross to stand out, and used a high value contrast dark green next to the inner white cross. The larger cross is the red striped fabric. I did some fussy cutting of the prints. But the red fabric has strips going every which way, because why be too formal? Austen may be a product of the Age of Reason, not the Romantic movement, but she had a feel for the ridiculous. So I can't have things too serious!
So here are my first three blocks together.
I am using MODA French General fat quarters I bought from a bargain bin a year ago. I didn't know what I would do with them at the time, I just liked the quiet grey, red and brown colors and great prints. I went on eBay and found some additional yardage so I will have enough fabric for this project. I added the red strip and the off white tone on tone cream from my stash, and also the dark green.
This project makes a nice balance to the Love Entwined applique quilt. Pieced, easily accomplished in a few hours, and a more subtle and sophisticated fabric palette.
Follow Barbara Brackman's blog and patterns at http://austenfamilyalbumquilt.blogspot.com/
