Civil War Quilt . . . Re-visited

It's been a very long time since I've done any sort of patchwork. And my Civil War Quilt has languished in the project box - half done, incomplete.

Well I've been inspired by seeing more of the finished quilts of others who started this project way back in January 2011. Inspired enough to start stitching!

I'm going to make some "filler" blocks and decided on the "Shoofly" block. I like its simplicity and that it can really show off the fabrics and blocks of colour.

It was lovely playing with the fabrics again.

Making choices.

Cutting.

Stitching.

My plan is to do some preparation by cutting the pieces as the urge takes me. And then they will be ready when I have some spare moments to stitch. No deadlines, just stitching for pleasure.

And I've made 5 blocks already.

Who knows, I may even finish this quilt this year . . .



Pattern: Civil War Quilts
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Catch Up - Blocks 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28

It's catchup time - I have been sewing, just not blogging! So here they are - the next installment in the Block of the week from Barbara Brackman . . .

Block 24 - "Ladies Aid Album"

Block 25 - "Calico Puzzle"

Block 26 - "Barbara Frietchie Star"

Block 27 - "Irish Chain"

and Block 28 - "Next Door Neighbour"

Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 24 - "Ladies Aid Album"
Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 25 - "Calico Puzzle"
Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 26 - "Barbara Frietchie Star"
Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 27 - "Irish Chain"
Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 28 - "Next Door Neighbour"

Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Blocks 22 and 23 x 3!

Block 22 - "Blockade" - the block with many triangles - is done and I quite like it.

Although there were a lot of triangles to be pieced, it all went together well and kept its correct size.

Block 23 - "Illinois Roads" . . . now that's another story.

A quick and easy block, you might say.

And it was.

Except . . .

It looked boring to me when it was done.

So what's a girl to do? Unpick - that's what.

So I did.

No use wasting perfectly good fabric, right? So I delved back into the stash and choose 2 more fabrics.

And the result was  . . . Version 2

and Version 3

I'm much happier with these than with Version 1. Fabric selection really is everything with this block, that's for sure.

And since it's not too far from half way through this quilt, it's time to lay it out and see what I've got so far. I'm thinking the blocks will be on point, which means I'll have to start thinking about half blocks for the edges. And the colour of the sashing is still open for discussion, but there's plenty of time yet.

So for now I'm feeling happy with what I've done and looking forward to what's still to come. And I'm loving the process. Block of the week - definitely a concept that works for me!


Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 22 - "Blockade"
Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 23 - "Illinois Roads"
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Catalicious Complete

Well you may remember I started stitching the blocks in Red Brolly's Catalicious BOM way back in February 2010 with the intention of making a runner for the end of our bed, where the cat sleeps . . . (looking at the picture I should just point out that the blocks are big - about 18" square - but the cat is not)

It's finally finished!

But . . .

It hasn't quite made it to the end of the bed.

Since it was "just" for the end of the bed and "just" for the cat (sorry Squeaker) . . .

I used what I had on hand to finish it off. So it's got a piece of Minky fabric left over from another project for the lining. And it's backed with chenille (different coloured pieces joined together to fit) and bound with leftover binding too.

But then . . . it's turned out to be the most comfy quilt to use while we're sitting on the lounge - soft and cosy and snuggly! So for now it's the go-to quilt on the cold evenings. The end of the bed will just have to wait!

Pattern: Catalicious Block of the Month
Designer: Bronwyn Hayes
Publication: http://www.red-brolly.typepad.com/

Civil War Quilts - Blocks 18, 19, 20 & 21

Well I had a bit of catching up to do . . .

Block 18 - Union Square

Block 19 - Missouri Star and

Block 20 - New England Block.

This week's block - 21 - is Underground Railroad. It was pretty quick to piece. Once again, the choosing of the fabric took longer than the stitching!!! I've added the pink because the pink in Block 8 - Cotton Boll - still visually dominates, so this is to help balance it up in the overall scheme of things.

Now I'm back on track!



Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 18 - Union Square
Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 19 - Missouri Star
Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 20 - New England Block
Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 21 - Underground Railroad

Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Block 17 Done!

I've been fortunate to have had quite a bit of sewing time over the last few days, which I have really enjoyed.

I worked on Block 17 - Comfort Quilt - over the weekend. This block was super quick to put together and sized up perfectly. I think this is definitely a block I could put to use in other projects.

This week, when making my fabric choice, I was reminded of a friend's comment that "a little bit of pink in a quilt goes a long way".

And indeed it does.

I've really only used pink in one other block (Block 8 - Cotton Boll), but it makes quite a statement amongst the other blocks. So it needed a little something to balance it when the quilt is made up . . .



And because I liked this block, I thought I'd do it twice!



I'm really loving the process with this quilt. By virtue of the fact that it's only one block a week, I find that I can take my time and not feel pressured by a need to "get it done".

I enjoy the anticipation of what this week's block will be and the story that goes along with it.

I enjoy delving into my stash to make the fabric selection - which most weeks is the longest part of the process.

I enjoy the cutting and piecing.

I enjoy knowing that if nothing else, at the end of this year I will have a quilt done.

I enjoy the sense of community that has evolved with this quilt and the inspiration and encouragement that comes from that.

For me, all these things typify what this great stitching sister-(and brother)hood is all about.



Really, I can't ask for more than that!


Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 17 - Comfort Quilt
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Blocks 15 and 16 Done!

I'm pleased with both of these blocks, which turned out exactly to size and easy to make.

Block 15 - Fort Sumter . . .


and Block 16 - White House . . .



The past couple of weeks have gone by in a bit of a daze, so I was pleased to get these blocks done yesterday . . . and I'm ready to get going on this weeks block once it's released. A big thank you to American Homestead for posting alternate cutting instructions for the White House block - taking away the hassle of matching stripes!

I find myself spending more time selecting fabric than actually stitching, but really that's all part of the fun.


Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 15 - Fort Sumter & Block 16 - White House
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Blocks 13 and 14 - Done!

I've had Block 13 - Little Blue Basket - cut out and ready to go all week. But it took me until Friday night to get the time to put it together . . .


I'm quite pleased with the way this one turned out. I'm not sure yet about putting a handle on it. If I think it needs one when I'm putting the blocks together I'll probably add it then. But for now, sans handle it is!

And Block 14 - Fox and Geese - is done, too. This is a block that I could probably do a version 2 or possibly even 3 of.


I found both of these blocks went together quickly and the measurements were spot on.

I'm starting to think about colours for sashings now. I saw an article in a magazine about a group of quilters who had made a similar style of quilt to this one (many, many different small blocks to make up the quilt). They were all holding up their gorgeous quilts and had a variety of colours on their sashings - one had red, one navy blue, one chocolate brown, one caramel . . . They all looked beautiful in their own unique ways.

And it got me thinking about what colour I'm going to use. Luckily there's still quite a while till I need to make that decision!



Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 13 - Little Blue Basket and Block 14 - Fox and Geese
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Quilts - Block 12

Block 12 - "Louisiana" is done - twice!

I really enjoyed making this block. It went together quickly and the sizes were spot on.


I was so pleased with it that I decided to do another one!



They are both my favourites. I really like pinwheels. Hmm . . . I think I see a few more of these in my future!


Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 12 - Louisiana
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Quilts - Block11

Where did this week go?

I have managed to complete Block 11 - London Square. The colours are a bit drab in the picture, the "brown" is actually quite lime. Bad lighting - what can I say?



The weather's become decidedly "autumn-y" this week, and I must say I really like it. I can feel that it won't be too long before scarves and coats make their way back into my morning attire!

And this week has seen many hot air balloons take to the sky over our city . . . and I get to see them on my drive in to work. The morning sky this week has been quite overcast, so you see the lovely glow of the balloons as they burn the gas jets. And twenty-something balloons all floating around is quite a sight to behold. There certainly are some benefits to starting work early!



Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 11 - London Square
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Quilts - Block 10

Block 10 of Barbara Brackman's Civil War Quilt Block of the Week is Lincoln's Platform (or Churn Dash as I know it) . . .



I really like this block . . . well this particular block, but also the pattern. It's a pretty simple design, but it can be so versatile with reproduction fabrics, bright moderns, romantic florals . . .

I took a bit of time with this one making sure all my measurements were right, so it all went together without any fuss this week.

I've had fun delving into this little stash of reproduction fabrics week after week.



And this is how my little quilt is looking after 10 weeks.



I've got an extra block in there. I got a tip from Carrie at Passion for Applique on doing the points of the stars, so I thought I'd have a go at another Seven Sisters block. Carrie's "secret weapon" is a toothpick. So simple, but so effective - her tutorial is well worth a look.



While it's not quite perfect, I think it's an improvement on my first attempt.

And since I was in "do-over" mode, I decided to have another go at the "Kansas Troubles" block, too.


I unpicked this one and started again. The original block was way over-sized and the bias edges of the triangles stretched too much as well. So, with this one I got a hint from Ranette about having the half square triangles over-sized and then trimming them to the right size. This, coupled with a hint from somewhere on the net last week about using spray starch (I've been using Best Press) made for a much better end result. It was more work undoing it than making it in the first place, but I know it would have bugged me every time I looked at it in the finished quilt with chopped off points.

Annette from Sunshine Yellow posted about her "AHA" moment, inspired by La Vie En Rosie making block boards, or design boards. I thought they were a great idea for managing blocks when you just can't leave them spread out on the table. So I made some . . .



I bought some core flute board from the hardware store. It's nice and light but still sturdy enough for my needs. I cut 15" squares and then 8 /12" squares from the left overs, ending up with a set of 12 of each size. I used some cotton batting and some wool batting that I had left over from finished quilts. I used a spray adhesive to both the board and the back of the batting. Then (with the assistance of my trusty helper who helped by keeping the batting taut) I layed the board onto the batting and trimmed the excess to a nice, neat edge.

These boards are great for storing blocks on during the construction process. Or if you are wanting to lay out your blocks, you don't have the issue of fraying with too much handling that you can get when you are auditioning them. I have used a board this week taking my pieces backwards and forwards between the machine and the ironing board and everything has stayed just where I wanted it.

I can't recommend these boards highly enough as a useful sewing aid. So, if you've got a bit of time, a bit of board and a bit of batting, do yourself a favour and make yourself up a set. You won't regret it!




Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 10 - Lincoln's Platform
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Quilts - Block 9

Block 9 - Birds In The Air . . . I really like this block.

Although it wasn't without its challenges!


I did some adjusting on my machine before I began sewing. I decided to use the seam guide, which is screwed onto the bed of the machine. Small problem . . . I was all set up for a perfect 1/4" seam - I thought. But when I had the whole block together, the "birds" half was smaller than the other half, which would have made the block too small. Those tiny fractions of an inch really do matter - even more so on a small block with many seams.

So . . . I unpicked, re-adjusted the seam guide and stitched again.

Second time lucky - the block is now the size it should be! And I've taken the seam guide off. I think just using the plate markings as a guide is what I'll stick with from now on.

I did read a hint about starching the fabric before working with it to avoid the triangles stretching on the bias . . . and it worked a treat. Cutting and piecing was a breeze. Wish I'd thought of that before I stitched Block 5!


Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 9 - Birds In The Air
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Cotswolds - Finished!

It's been not far off 3 years since I started this quilt . . . and now it's finished and on the bed! I wrote a bit about this quilt here and here.


This medallion quilt radiates from the centre in alternating borders of pieced blocks and then plain (or at least large chunks of fabric) borders.


The quilt has a couple of really lovely paisleys in it, so the quilting (by Quilts With Attitude) is a very scroll-y, swirly, paisley-ish design to match.

I've washed this quilt and (look away now if you are a purist or a bit precious about quilts!!!) put it in the dryer to give it a crinkly, vintage look. I must confess to being a little anxious about doing that, but it's turned out just fine . . . although it did shrink a bit (it started at 93", then 92" after it was quilted and bound, then it lost another 2 1/2" in the washing). Still, it's finished and on the bed - ready for its intended purpose. After all, isn't that what quilt making is all about?


Pattern: Cotswolds
Designer: Susan Smith
Publication: http://patchworkonstonleigh.blogspot.com/

Civil War Quilts - Block 8

Block 8 - Cotton Boll. This block went together reasonably quickly . . .


But for a simple block it sure makes quite a statement when you see it amongst the other blocks! Makes me realise the importance of the right fabric choice for future blocks.



When the blocks are laid out, they are starting to look like the beginnings of a "real quilt".

There are some great blocks being shown on the Civil War Quilts Flickr Group. It's well worth a look.

And check out this week's block by BeeCee at Piece and Quilt. Also, if you love batiks, you'll love her "Autumn" quilt. It's is fantastic.


Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 8 - Cotton Boll
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Quilts - Block 7

Block 7, Log Cabin, is this week's block for the Civil War Quilts. It's been chosen for Abraham Lincoln's 202nd birthday anniversary on February 12, 2011.


This was a very quick little block to do. My "creative consultant" saw the various log cabin quilts on Barbara Brackman's blog and thought that one of those might be nice! I do note that there is still no needle or thread in his hand . . .

I thought I'd keep a little journal of this quilt, so I've got a sample of each of the fabrics, the cutting instructions and I'll also put a photo of each block. I always think I'll remember the details, but am constantly surprised these days at how quickly the details seem to fade into vagueness . . .


I find, too, that by sketching out the block and writing down the cutting dimensions, I've already got a very clear picture in my mind of the block going together before I even begin.

This is a little A5 Visual Art Diary, but a little plain with its black cover. I may have to make a little "Civil War Quilts" journal cover for it.

But that's a job for another day!!!




Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 7 - Log Cabin
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Quilts - Block 6

This block is #6 and it's called "Richmond". It's a block which was published about 1915 by the magazine Hearth and Home. They asked readers to send in patchwork patterns for the state capitals. Richmond, Virginia, became the capital of the Confederacy in the spring of 1861.

I really enjoyed making this block. It incorporates my favourite star . . .



And the little 4-patches are really cute, too.



It's amazing how different this block looks in different colour ways. With some blocks I see the star very clearly, with others a cross, some a diamond. Check out the Flickr Group to see what I mean . . .



Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 6 - Richmond
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Quilts - Block 5

Well, this is block 5 done - Kansas Troubles.

The background fabric is quite orange and vibrant in "real life". It's been a while since I've pieced little tiny triangles, and I'd forgotten just how much a little stretch can throw a whole block out!

Note to self: be very, very careful when piecing tiny pieces on the bias.


Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 5 - Kansas Troubles
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Quilts - Block 4

Block 4 - Texas Tears - is done. It may end up requiring some persuasion to be just the right size, but we'll see when the whole quilt goes together. I'm not sure that I love this block, but I'm suspending my judgment until I've done all the blocks. In a quilt with 56 blocks, not all of them need to be the "star of the show", in my opinion.

If you're interested in seeing what others are doing with their blocks for this Block Of The Week project, check out the Flickr Group - there's certainly plenty of variety and inspiration! And if you're not already full to the brim with projects on the go, have a think about joining in. It's a great way to use your stash and the weekly blocks are pretty achievable. Go on . . . have a go . . . what's stopping you?


Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 4 - Texas Tears
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Alison's Puzzle

I started this quilt back in 2008 on a quilt retreat with a group of friends. At a retreat 6 months earlier, we were talking about things we'd like to do . . . and my friend Alison talked about how she wanted to try things that were a bit 'outside the square', or outside of her comfort zone. One of those things was learning needle turn applique. While we were there for the weekend, our hostess/tutor, Carol, designed the centre panel and made it up for us to see if we would like to work on it as project on our next retreat.

And we did.

And it was named "Alison's Puzzle".



The centre panel hung for a long time on the design wall (well, actually it was pinned on the top of another quilt that I could see every time I sat down to sew) until I made up my mind what I wanted to do with it.

Would it be an enormous cushion?

Or a small wall hanging?

A bed quilt?

I decided not to make a full size quilt, but rather I added pin wheels and a plain border to make a wall quilt, which is 50 inches square. I've used a striped binding, the same fabric as the inner border.

I'm glad to see this one finished and hanging on the wall. And I'm also glad to say that Alison finished hers into a single bed size quilt. It's in wonderful blues and browns. And it looks fantastic.

So thanks Alison for being willing to challenge yourself, and taking us along on the journey with you!


Pattern: Alison's Puzzle
Designer: Carol Pasfield
Quilted by: Quilts With Attitude

Snowbound . . . Finished!

I've put the finishing touches on my "Snowbound" mini quilt. I decided to do stitcheries rather than applique as it was in the original pattern for this 2010 BOM. My blocks are only 4 1/2 inches square, making this a cute little quilt to add to our Christmas decorating bits and pieces.

I pieced the 9 patches on my treadle sewing machine earlier in the year and put all the blocks together on Francene this week. I then did simple quilting using the same vintage silk thread that I used for the stitcheries.
I did put the last stitch in the stitchery on New Year's Eve, so 2010 is the date on the block (even though, technically, I didn't finish the quilt until 2011 - but I feel a bit of creative license is OK!!).
I am happy to have this little quilt all bound and labelled, ready to be hung up at Christmas.

Thanks so much to Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs for creating this lovely project . . . and check out her blog to see this year's new BOM.

Pattern: Snowbound - 2010 BOM
Designer: Anne Sutton (Bunny Hill Designs)
Publication: http://bunnyhillblog.com