I'm glad she found it. I just saw this thread and have a brass stencil that is used for stitching as you described.

Not a sewing machine, but some misc blocks for a sewer / quilter. This is something each of you could do one block and send to one person to put together. I know I have seen an antique sewing machine block somewhere - maybe someone has seen it. I'm sorry she and your family has to endure this horrible disease. Making this quilt will help you all. Here is a link that might be useful: Quilter's Blocks

As a chronically starving artist, I'm always looking for ways to recycle things. I got the tail end of a roll of newsprint, years ago, from our local newspaper office. It's not ideal for patternmaking (tears easily, isn't see-through) but it was free and as I also do a lot of sketches (and like to let my little nieces and granddaughter draw, when they come over) it has been broadly quite useful. I've also used it, lots, for applique--I cut shapes out of it, pin pieces to it, iron the edges over it, sew the applique pieces down, about 7/8 of the way around, and then since it tears so easily, am able to take tweezers, reach under, and pull out all the paper, then sew down the remaining edge. For something also free, this is what I've been using for drafting smaller pieces of patterns (also good for my applique work): I buy those flat, large desk calenders, and when the months have expired (or if there are months I haven't used), I save the sheets and use them, back side up, to draw on. But I'm going to look into getting some Tyvek, for larger, durable pattern pieces. (You can see some of my applique work at my site--along with some of my jewelry designs, and thanks!) Here is a link that might be useful: Heron Moon Designworks, on Etsy :)

Your DH did a great job cutting them out. Love the way you have the pieces fit. The scissors she used are what you use to cut out patterns for stained glass. They actually cut it so that you do have a grout line. You did a great job of keeping the pieces in order and not forgetting like me what piece goes where...