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/

"Girl On A Tree Swing" Mini Quilt

I absolutely love love loved working on this little mini quilt! It's my first time with raw edge applique and free-motion embroidery . . .

This quilt is from a tutorial by the very talented Aneela Hoey at Comfort Stitching. I fell in love with the imagery of Aneela's quilt, but thought that it was not something I'd probably do. Well, after doing a bit of mending with the darning foot on Francene, I thought I'd give this free-motion thing a try . . .



and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I found the whole process so relaxing - I felt like I could lose myself for hours in just stiching. While this technique is not for every project for me, this is definitely something that I will do again. I love finding new ways to be creative with fabric and thread and I love it even more when they joy takes me by surprise. Ahh, the possibilities!



Pattern: Girl On A Tree Swing
Designer: Aneela Hoey
Publication: http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/comfortstitching/

Cross Stitch Finishes

This little (red) blackwork Angel is from the Stitching By The Lake day hosted by Sylvia and Fiona last year. I've had the stitching done for a while and now I've made it into a hanging ornament / pin keeper.


And this little Snowman is a gift for a friend . . .



I enjoyed putting these two together . . . choosing the backing fabrics . . . twisting the cord . . . and finishing a project (even if they are little ones). Sometimes the sense of achievement in finishing the little things can be just the motivation you need to keep going with the bigger projects.


Pattern: Blackwork Angel
Designer: Fiona - Peaceful Threads By Fiona
Publication: http://peacefulthreads.blogspot.com/
Fabric - Aida,18 count
Thread - DMC 221 - 1 thread

Pattern: Snowman's Quaker Christmas
Designer: Midnight Stitching
Fabric - Linen, 27 count
Threads - DMC 4045, 4124, 4210, Blanc Neige, Coates 7403 - 2 threads

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/

Cross Stitch Table Cloth

Talking of (almost vintage), back in Year 10, we had a major project that we worked on all year in Needlework. I can't remember now if we had to do a table cloth or if it could be some other stitchery item, but this is what I did.

It's a 25 count linen. The stitching is 20" square and the overall cloth is 51" square. I don't know where I got the pattern from or any other specifics of the designs, but the four scenes represent . . .

England


Ireland


Scotland


and Wales.


It was all counted thread work, including the zig zag border


and the hem.


I've only used the cloth a couple of times. But the other day I decided to use it while we enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea. After all, what's the point of having these things if not to use them? Why save things "for best". I mean, if my family and I aren't "for best", then what is?

What is "Vintage" to You???

I only ask because I was browsing on Etsy (I love Etsy) in the "Vintage" category and right before my very eyes were a couple of pieces of jewelery just like some I'd owned in my younger days! Vintage!! I think not!!!

So, I asked around . . .

Husband (after some consideration) thinks vintage is about 30-40 years.

Daughter (with no hesitation) says 10 years! Oh to be so youthful! (While looking at my school photos she declares that she just loves those vintage photos!!!)

Me - I'm thinking my lovely teapot and plates are vintage. A gift from my great grandfather to my great aunt as a wedding gift. Then a gift to me. Sorry Aunty Shirl, but this is vintage to me.


And maybe my trusty old ironing board - made by my great uncle for my mother when she was married and then passed to me when I left home (and still as good today as ever) . . .



But something I've had from new? Not quite vintage yet, I say.

The www declares that vintage (while previously referred to the age of a wine) is now commonly used to "describe almost anything that is or can be old-fashioned" and "of old, recognized and enduring interest, importance or quality."

OK, so very dear teapot - Yes.

My school photos - No.

Jewelery from my youth - No.

From my mother's youth - Maybe.

Fabulous old cross stitch sampler patterns - Yes.


So, what is "vintage" to you?

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/

Mystery Solved!!

I was sent this the other day . . . all has now been revealed!!

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/