February 6, 2011

A Moment of Weakness

In early January I was concerned that I might not have anything to do, ha! In a moment of weakness I joined the Civil War Quilts block of the week. This year is the 150th  anniversary of the American Civil War. Barbara Brackman a quilt historian, and author of Civil War quilts books and a fabric designer kindly offered a free weekly pattern to commemorate this event. At one block a week I thought I could manage that. It was more than just the great traditional patterns that Barbara offered to us; each block has a history to go with it. Block 6 just came out this weekend, so you are never too late to start. All the patterns would always be on the blog. You can catch up at any time. Apart from that there is a CWQ Flickr group for those without blogs to put up their photos. They are surprisingly enjoyable blocks to make. I don't have all the CW repro fabric to make them with. For me it's a challenge to use whatever I have on hand for these blocks. 

(Block 1 Catch me if you can)
I'm so excited to use the red Liberty fabric I found in an op-shop to use as 'F' (feature) fabric. I will have enough for all the blocks when I add other fabrics into it. It's not like other typical Liberty prints that I have seen before, but it definitely has LIBERTY Exclusive Design on the salvage! 

  
(Block 2 North Star)
It's a challenge to see where I can place my 'F' fabric on the pattern. I'm happy with what I have done so far; what do you think? 

(Block 4 Tears for Texas Tears)
I must say I didn't enjoy piecing this block. I had to unpick it a couple of times to get it right. Right no not right, it's a little bigger than 8.5" finished, but I will worry about that when I put them together in a year. I could use it alone as a label! Again the 'F' fabric finds its home nicely in this block too. 

(Block 5 Kansas Troubles)
I was surprised how well this block went together. I actually enjoy piecing smaller blocks. Again the 'F' fabric found its place nicely in this block too.

 (Block 6 Richmond)

Block 6-Richmond only came out last night so I thought I would get it done for this post. When I checked Flickr this morning there were already many completed blocks posted. A lot of very keen quilters out there were ready to get started when the pattern came out. I like the 'F' fabric on this block. I placed it on the outside border instead of inner pieces. It's important for when it comes to joining the blocks to have the balance of light and dark blocks.

Did you notice no block 3 here? Yes block 3 is an applique block and I just started when I was called away on duty as a Grandmother (any excuse, right?), but I'm working on it now, only 2 more stars to applique.  

Hopefully some of you might like to join the fun to make this historical quilt with me. Only one block a week, COME-ON!!! 





29 comments:

Sue-Anne said...

Your blocks look fantastic and having seen quite a few in blogland making them, I am really really tempted.

Suedio said...

Oh Nat, your blocks look fantastic. I really like the idea of your 'F' fabric . . . Well done, indeed.

Regards, Sue

susis quilts said...

dear nat ,your blocks are very beautiful,especially the f-fabric,have a nice week,susi

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Wonderful dear Nat...mmmm, maybe I will join in sometime...I love the repro fabrics and I recently bought a book by Barbara Brackman...We are back from the wedding...fantastic time...very hot...now came back to 14c after leaving in 41!!! Boy what a change...Dzintra

QuiltSue said...

What beautiful blocks. I love how you are using a focus fabric in each one.

Jacky said...

That red Liberty fabric is beautiful...love it for your 'f' fabric. The blocks are coming along beautifully.
Look forward to seeing more of them this year!

Jacky xox

Terry said...

Inspiring Post I've just spent an hour browsing the site. Thinking of joining. Like the F fabric cool op-shopping.

Simone de Klerk said...

It's always good to have a moment of weakness! Love the blocks you made so far! One block a week, with a good description does sound tempting ...

Nedra said...

What great blocks ideas. I know you mentioned you didn't like #4 Tears For Texas Tears, but it's one of my favorites in the group. I will enjoy seeing them all come together.

deanna7trees said...

you're doing a great job on those blocks. i just love block 4, the one with which you said you had difficulty. i don't do much with traditional blocks but i love looking at them.

Anonymous said...

Loved all these Natima.....It will be a fantastic quilt..can't take my eyes off them.. could spend hours on your blog browsing every little corner... feeling very tempted to join will check it out..

Anonymous said...

That last comment on your blog was me Natima.... Maxine xx forgot to add my name at the end getting old !!!

Ann Marie said...

Your blocks are looking good. I am tempted to make these blocks too, and if I do I will keep in mind your advice to balance light and dark blocks.

Kim said...

You do such lovely work Nat.
I saw this free offer and was tempted but have so man others going on right now.....I'll just enjoy looking at yours :0)
But it is now a seed planted in the back of my mind.....

Happy
Sewing

Herm said...

Your blocks are done to perfection and the feature fabric is great! do you have instructions on the styrofoam balls?

Barb said...

your blocks are great, but I'm tryin very hard not to start a new porjct...tempting, very tempting.

Micki said...

I love your Civil War blocks and the fabric you chose made it.
Micki

Queen of the Tea Cosies said...

Oh Nat you are such a JOINER and a LEADER and an INSPIRATION. Beautiful work. Beautiful.

Bev C said...

Hello Nat,

Just catching up with all your work. It is lovely to have a block a week with a bit of history. It would be a great idea to print of the history bit and keep it. Happy appliqueing the unfinished block.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxox

Betty said...

Your blocks are beautiful. Can't wait to see the finished quilt.

Astrid said...

OOH! Those blocks are so beautiful, Nat! I love the combination of the fabrics and the 'F' is just gorgeous! It reminds me I once bought fabrics and the book for "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler", but it is still there... in the shelf! :))

Unknown said...

oh I love them all! they are gorgeous and I am very much in love with your feature fabric as well. you are doing so well Nat. Looking forward to seeing that appliqué block!

Karen said...

You did wonderful Nat!

RG said...

Simply love your blocks and particularly your KT block...divine!
This will be a wonderful quilt... I have it bookmarked and will drag my CW quilt out again sometime.. I have a few more to make too.

Hope you are feeling much better now and are recovering.
Huge congrats on the arrival of your DGS.
Love to you and yours xx

ria vogelzang said...

That looks just lovely, Nat! What a lovely fabric you found!! And ofcourse your third block will be joining the rest soon..... :) ... A new Gchild is a very good excuse! :))
Hope you are feeling better! Enjoy your stitching. Sending you love, Ria.

Teresa Rawson said...

Beautiful blocks! I'm so glad you decided to jump in!

Teresa :o)

Sandra said...

Your blocks are looking very good. I love that red Liberty fabric, great pic.

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Absolutely gorgeous blocks! xo

Kim D. said...

Nat, your blocks are gorgeous, you do such nice work. I love them all and look forward to seeing more.

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