"Baltimore Rhapsody" Block 21 - the C clef...

The next block in the "BALTIMORE RHAPSODY" quilt odyssey is the C Clef.  The block measures 15 inches square, finished. 

Depending on which line of the staff that the clef's middle encompasses, this clef can be called the Soprano, Mezzo soprano, Alto, Tenor, or Baritone clef and the note centered on that line is middle C.

(from www.method-behind-the-music.com)

These clefs were used to identify "middle C" and to keep the notes of the musical passage from appearing off the staff on ledger lines, either above the staff or below the staff.  Reading music from ledger lines is harder to do and can really slow you down as a musician! 

Ledger line notes (from www.answers.yahoo.com)

C clefs are not used much any more.  The Alto clef is still used for some viola music.

Alto clef (from www.mrscheiber.com)

Music for cello, trombone, and bassoon is sometimes written in the Tenor clef when the notes become too high to fit on the bass staff.

Tenor clef (from www.nationmaster.com)

The clef is a sign placed at the beginning of each musical staff to indicate the pitches of the notes - this key unlocks the staff so that the music can be read and played/sung.

The C clef is a beautiful symbol and certainly more symmetrical and easy to design a block around with than the treble and bass clefs were.

I used the liquid Elmer's Washable School Glue (in my own bottle) instead of the Roxanne's Glue for the glue-basting.  When I soaked the block to remove the glue, it dissolved really fast! 

But, I was reminded by this soaking that I need to make sure each and every little thing has been hand stitched with silk BEFORE I soak...I found one leaf, connected at the stem, "flapping in the breeze" after I had gently squeezed my block between layers of a clean towel after soaking.

Ugh!  I basted the leaf in place on the damp block and was forced to do needle turn applique...my hat is off to all you people who do this applique method all the time!

I am working on another musical symbol block now...when finished I will have four blocks to make into a small quilt...the three clef blocks plus the current mystery block.  It's fun to think about possible settings for the smaller quilt...sashing? no sashing? pieced sashing? appliqued borders? pieced borders?

Which symbol will it be?!?  Stay tuned!

In stitches,
Teresa  :o)