It has been six months since I last visited the CWBQ. It was in my mind to get back to it since I put it away before Christmas, but I just had many other projects I want to do as well. Anyway, not all is lost. I'm back to visit it again working on the table block I started six months ago.
To get myself motivated I even took a drive to see the original CWBQ at Threadbear in Castlemaine. It was raining all the way and most people would say it was a terrible day, but Mr Notjustnat and I love driving in the rain so for us it was a lovely drive. We stopped for lunch at Kyneton and visited a few shops on the way (sorry no photo, rainy days are no good for photographing). Be sure to scroll down to see the original CWB quilt.
My table block is finished, washed and pressed. I changed the shape of the legs from the original design and changed a bit on the vase too just to make it easier for appliqué. I don't think I will put the tassels on the table cloth as on the original block. I don't think it needs it.
Here it is the original quilt I saw in person at Threadbear. I was the last visitor yesterday afternoon. Corliss was busy preparing for the quilt show next week in Melbourne. You wouldn't have known it because the shop was immaculately tidy. It is a beautiful shop in the middle of a country town of Castlemaine in Victoria. I will drive from anywhere to get there again.
Mr Threadbear kindly offered to take a photo of Corliss and I in front of the quilt. You can see I was rugged up from the rain and cold. Yes I did a bit of shopping while I was there. I got myself a pattern pack of The Morrell Quilt. Inspired by Janet again! I have no plan to start it any time soon though.
My next block is the bird of paradise block. The templates are cut and ready to go. I added purple and orange fabric after I took this photo. It will be a very bright feathers so watch this space.
I hope everyone is keeping well and warm for those of you in Australia, and those of you in North America and Europe are keeping yourself cool and away from the severe heat you are having at the moment. The climate is changing I'm sure. We can help our environment by re-purposing and recycling. When I start a new project I make use of what fabric I have on hand. My quilts don't have to look exactly the same as the originals. They are my quilts and they should have my own personal stamp to show that it's the one I made. I look into my stash before I go out and buy new fabric for every project. You would be surprised to know that the background fabric I use for the CWBQ came from Reverse Art Truck. I have a feeling that I don't have enough for the whole quilt, but I don't mind adding other similar fabrics to it. I'm sure that the ladies during the Civil War wouldn't have the same background fabric for the whole quilt.
I feel strongly about our environment and what little I can do to help. I hope you are all doing what you can to help - Thanks for sharing my passion in protecting our environment ...!
20 comments:
Your block is fabulous! I wish I could go to Threadbear but it's a bit far. I think the old quiltmakers felt the same about the fabrics they had on hand, we should learn to make do too, they did and look at the quilts they made.
Hello dear Nat! What a lovely posting. Your wonderful altered quilt block and philosophy towards making your quilts your own is truly the way quilting is supposed to be. We are in for more heat this week here in our Canadian area and today were are installing a solar powered attic fan to draw out the heat build up to help cool the house. Doing what we can. Take care.
Hi Nat!
Your first block is so beautiful! You applique is amazing. Do you do needle turn or machine applique?
Thank you for mentioning the environement. I also try to use whatever fabrics I have at home. In fact, I have grown to love scrappy quilts the most. They seem to have more personality. And whatever fabrics I don't use or want anymore, I try to pass on to someone else.
Anyway, I am sending you warm wishes from my corner of the world!
Stefanie
How wonderful that you could go back and see the original quilt that brought such inspriation. I remember you stitching on the table before, and it's nice to see you have the time to be back working. It's an amazing quilt.
Your block looks stunning! And how very clever, to change the design a bit. I must think of that one!
I agree with Simone...your block is stunning!
Micki
What a lovely block.And the quilt will be beautiful.
I agree with everything Janet wrote on using what you have,,,The block looks lovely..
Julia ♥
I'm so jealous that you got to go to Threadbear! Your block looks fantastic and I am dying to see your Bird of Paradise block with those fabrics.
I certainly agree with you that the planet is changing and we need to be more conscious of our footprints.
Revers bArt Truck was a great excursion when I was there and the backing fabric for my wool quilt was from there. I'm sure the Ladies of the Civil War bought their background one square at a time. Lots of variation.
The block is beaut. Glad you are back to it.
looking forward to the bird of paradise
I love your version of the table block. I don't know how you have the patience for something so intricate though.
Gorgeous block you've done, Nat, and I'm sure the others will be as gorgeous as this one. Lots of work on that quilt. Do you needleturn the applique? Very neat done!
Nat ~ Your block is to die for gorgeous!! I am always amazed to see the creations you make ... AWESOME, sweet lady.
Have a lovely week.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon
Lovely work you are doing! And it's super that you don't always buy new fabric everytime you start a new piece. Good for the environment and also means your work is more creative and unique.
Beautiful table block Nat! Have fun stitching the bird!
Your block is gorgeous Nat. I love those table legs, good job! My friend Linda is working on her Civil War blocks as well. Her blog is sewmanyjoyousthings.blogspot.com if you want to check out her blocks.
Natima,
This is just beautiful. I love the vase fabric. And your tablecloth is beautiful. I am now inspired!!!
Beautiful!!!! Your work is wonderful, thanks for sharing. Carolyn from Des Moines, Iowa USA
Your table block is lovely; looking at it makes me want to make the CWBQ. Sigh! So many beautiful projects, so little time. Happy Stitching, Marci
I am anxiously awaiting my CWBQ to come in the post. I live in California, how long do you think it will take? It was so great to see the actual Threadbare shop, thanks for sharing. I am new to blogging so can anyone tell me why the CWBQ blog is closed? I "spoke" with the lady in charge just before I ordered it and she said to let her know when I started and should would invite me. But now I see it is closed. Oh well, it does not matter as long as I can find someone to share the experience with. I am so excited to start! Have a great day!
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