The Civil War Bride Quilt

2012-01-27T00:20:00.002+11:00

Question about block #1.

Dear ladies, I am confused about the 'leaves' in the upper left and upper right corner of block #1. Are these leaves? Or birds? I have seen several different possibilities, and would like to hear from you which you have choosen.

The same shape of applique appears to be in the upper left corner of block #7, the one with the two peacocks. It is not that I cannot decide for myself, but I am interested in your choice of shape and color.

Hope to hear from you
Sylvia Kaptein

A small question

2012-01-22T22:01:00.002+11:00

Hi. I have not published here in a while, mostly because I find myself struggling a lot! with the current block. So I have decided to let it rest for a little while, and attack another block. I have one question, though. Does anyone know what kind of birds the pinkish are, the first one on the fourth row? I am not familiar with the type, and frankly... they remind me of vultures with their weird beaks.... I am wondering about replacing them, but might keep them if I knew what they are. Anyone who can help?

In all her splendor.....

2012-01-21T07:20:00.007+11:00

Happy New Year to all! Looks like there are a bunch of newbies working on the CWBQ. Welcome and have fun sewing up the blocks! I've been working on the blocks since the year the blog started....and still working on it! This is block 9 which I name "Bird of Paradise" showing off in all her glory!

2012-01-19T20:56:00.002+11:00

My first applique block for this project...

Hi there, quilters. My name is Sylvia Kaptein. Great to be joining this group: I have purchased the CWB pattern a while ago, always wanted to start, but never had the time, because I had my own quilt business (had to stop for health reasons), Now I have just started on my first block. I am not a novice concerning applique: it was always my first love, but time consuming, so I had to have a lot of time available before starting on such a project.

I have choosen for warm colors, because I am giving this quilt - when finished - to my sister: she is a widow for 1 1/2 years now, and has trouble coping with this. I know she would really love this quilt, and in a way giving this symbolically to her as a widow, because of the lack of a husband in the quilt. She was married for 42 years, when her husband died very suddenly: with this quilt I hope to give her some solice: the symbols represent everything in her life she had (except for the race horses and the elephant of course), and everything she loves. I know she likes the original colors.

I have drawn the outlines of this block with water erasable pen, and appliqued the first leaves on the background fabric. I hope the next picture will be of a finished first block.

Sylvia Kaptein
The Netherlands, Europe

Full blog....

2012-01-18T08:24:00.001+11:00

Hi everyone, yes I'm still here, things have settled down somewhat in the last few weeks and this year I'm hoping to reclaim my life a little....anyway...it seems we have a full blog roll...! Blogger will only allow 100 authors on a blog but I'm still getting requests from lovely ladies that want to join us. Baukje was the lucky 100th member last week.

So what I need to know is if you ladies that have finished your quilts would mind being taken off the author list? You will of course still be able to comment, encourage and mentor as usual but you wouldn't be able to post. Your blog will still stay on the side bar, nothing changed except you wouldn't be listed as author's...!!

I really would like to be able to add new 'brides' as they request an invite this year, if you are listed and aren't going to make/continue/finish your bride quilt could you let me know please so that I can open up a space for someone that is keen to start...?
If I don't hear from anyone then I will have to go through and see who hasn't participated since the beginning and send out some emails to see if you're still joining us or not.

I've had a couple of emails about a new book in the last two weeks, a new adaptation of the 'bride' quilt, thanks to Helen for this one..
http://sewprimitive.blogspot.com/2012/01/bountiful-life-goes-bom-and-jigsaw.html
I did get a link from someone else and I'm sorry I just can't find the email. It came right in the middle of Mum's move into the care home and life was a blur for a while there..but thank you to whoever it was, I'm sure it was the same book..!

Hope you all had a good Christmas and the new year is being kind to you, I'll be back again soon I hope...
Lizzie
XXX

Quilting, quilting ....

2012-01-17T21:18:00.004+11:00

Dear brides, it is winter in Holland, so ideal to do some quilting and some more quilting. Just two borders left to do. Is is really coming to life now, and also I found a few bits I forgot to blanket stitch! so they are done by hand.

This is the first quilt I am quilting which does not get bored, every block is something new. Hope you all enjoy working on your own CWB quilt.

I am new here....

2012-01-13T20:23:00.004+11:00

Hi everyone, I am Baukje, a Dutch woman who lives in the French countryside.
I started quilting about two years ago and I am VERY enthousiastic.....Already several times I came upon the Civil War Bride quilt, so beautiful and I love reproduction quilts. (I have to confess that I have more favorites....)
I don't have the pattern yet. I saw that there were for sale on the web two kits with Fat 1/16 for making the kits. Reproduction fabrics sells a kit and Threadbear sells a kit. I want to make the pattern with reproduction fabrics, I already have about 50 different repro fabrics but most of them are in reds and brow.
I have two questions:
Is there anyone who bought one of these kits and where you satisfied?
Do you advice me to buy a kit or to start with my own repro fabric.

Thank you for reading and hopefully, answering my questions;
And thank you Lizzie for introducing me to this wonderful blog that I visited already many times

My first block

2012-01-10T04:02:00.006+11:00

I am glad to join the group , so let me introduce myself :

I am Claire, french, living few kilometers from Paris, and I intend to do one block each month with two others french girls who perhaps will join the group.

If not, I will post their blocks.

I chose for my background a fabric from Lecien, I am afraid, perhaps not bright enough.

I selected fabrics from my (big!) stock and as I cannot resist to buy new fabrics, I bought some reproduction fabrics ...

Here is my first block :

I have a blog where I post photos of my others work (embroidery, crazy, etc ..., knitting, crochet) . My "blogger name" is Bricolos du Lundi .

Block 4 Completed

2012-01-08T10:14:00.003+11:00

I have been working on the blocks since last February. For some reason I was not keeping up with completing them in a timely manner. I finished the 4th block in November or early December and forgot to post the pictures. I am going to try very hard to complete many more blocks in 2012. Mari Linfesty

Finally...

2011-12-31T23:14:00.000+11:00

after a loooong period of procrastination and other projects, I have come around and picked up my Bride again. Today, I finished my last block (as I'll only make 12) and can now turn to the borders. Here's my last block.

After being done with the horses and tree, I counted the apples/fruit I wanted to insert in between all the leaves - 54 all together - and I remembered the tedious process for the few grapes block, so I cast all plans overboard, went into Ebay and auctioned 2000 mixed buttons of all colors and sizes, picked out 54 small ones of varying size and yellow to red color and sewed them on just now. I think it works really well and adds another splash of embellishment, color and shine to my blocks.

Now for that border....

Greetings from the Rhine,
Britta

My finished top!

2011-12-27T14:23:00.002+11:00

I am so excited to have my top finished. It has been a wonderful one year journey. I plan to baste it later this week and begin the quilting.

2011-12-25T00:57:00.002+11:00

It's been about a month since anyone posted, and i have nothing to show neither. Just want to wish all of you a very very merry Christmas and an extremely happy new year, with all the things that make up a good life along with a lot of sewing time. Enjoy,

My 12th block

2011-11-27T13:21:00.001+11:00

This block was fun to do.

For previously completed blocks please check out my blog http://quiltingbycelia.blogspot.com/.

2011-11-24T02:28:00.003+11:00

Hi, Here's my almost finished first block. I think i'll hold back on the table until i figure out what colour is needed there. And I will replace the berrie-like thingies by green. Yes, i managed to buy 2 more metres of fabric, thank you guys for your answers on my previous post, so now i feel secure about my amount of green since i'm using the same one on the wholequilt. Fingers crossed. I already started block 2 but forgot to take a picture. I really love working on this quilt, i think it has to do with the appliqué method i chose, shown by Teresa (fabric therapy blog). Enjoy whatever you're doing!

Side borders done...

2011-11-15T02:55:00.008+11:00

I was hoping to have finished all the borders before now but life had gotten in the way again .... I finally have the two side borders complete with some changes. I really liked the children riding the dogs from the original quilt and wanted to include them. After some debate with myself, I ended up with just the dogs on the left border. I also added another larger red wing blackbird on the bottom of the border ... too many butterflies andflowers ...

I had thought of adding the racing horses (which I also liked from the original quilt) on the right border but thought they were "too energetic" for the rest of the quilt where other animals seemed to be at rest. So I added two morning doves instead, something common in Oklahoma and a bird I really liked. They seemed to balance out my dogs and compliment the other birds in the quilt. So they are done and I liked they way the borders look.

I am now working on the top border...

Judy E in Oklahoma

Fixed I hope...

2011-11-10T08:37:00.001+11:00

Hello everyone, I saw Jane's post about being unable to comment on Ann's quilt post...seems it was only that particular post that just wouldn't allow you in, I've been in and fiddled around with it and hopefully you can all now say wonderful things about Ann's lovely blocks and quilt...
Lizzie
xxx

Finally (Ann)

2011-11-10T01:05:00.000+11:00

I have been trying to comment on your quilt, Ann, but the comments link does not seem to work. Has anyone else had this problem? I think your blocks look wonderful, especially the white ponies. The whole thing looks very inspiring and colourful. I love it!
Jane in Wales

Finally

2011-11-08T11:59:00.006+11:00

Until now I have been unable to post any pictures of my brides' progress, hopefully today it will work. I am in awe of all the needleturn blocks people have done, mine is done by machine, else I would still be on block one. Now it is all sewn together I will probably unpick and swap over the blocks with the white horses and the house, as for me, yellow was quite hard to include in the quilt and it would be better to spread it out. Mostly I followed the pattern, the strawberry block is one I really like, made from fabric bought off trade me, they look real enough to eat. My other great interest is carriage driving, so I decided to include my black pony pulling his red gig in front of the brides' house. Especially dear to me are two white ponies, so I stood them under a tree made from Michele Hills William Morris fabric, using one of her cushion patterns to make the tree. The table block didn't inspire me, so I made another vase which meant one in each corner. I would have liked to include my persian cat, but she didn't look right anywhere, instead I will applique her on the back by the label. Now I am ready to start the borders, and hopefully have it ready to be quilted for an exhibition next March. I am hoping the borders are faster to sew than the blocks. Phew, the photos seem to have succesfully uploaded! Ann in Gisborne, N.Z.

For better or worse....

2011-11-08T06:25:00.001+11:00

.....the bride is done.
But she has struggled every inch of the way. I am sure it is because I have changed her so much. And I am still not sure what happened to the pink dress I was going to give her. Somehow I changed it into a yellow one, and I do not like it at all! I may start all over again...!

Have a nice day
Jane

I'm still here

2011-11-04T20:54:00.003+11:00

Hi Everyone, Greetings from a super great warm Holland! No, I have not given up on this quilt. But other things have put this on the back burner for a while. I have finished the middle blocks and am working on the left border. I wanted to have this done by the end of this year, but that's not going to happen. So I have set my sights on spring 2012. I'll be going to the states in february and want to finish the borders then. great to do while catching up on the family gossip! I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the great photos of all the progress we have been making on this great quilt!

Third Set of Twins.....

2011-11-04T10:43:00.010+11:00

This is the third set of twins that I've done for the CWBQ blocks. I wanted to show off the fabric that I used on the birds. It's a William Morris print. The other photo is of all the blocks I've done so far. Now, I'm at the half way mark, I'm deciding whether to do all 20 blocks or stop at 16 blocks plus borders, because I do not have a big wall to hang a large quilt. I'll have to think about it a bit more, but that won't stop me!

another table block

2011-11-04T07:12:00.004+11:00

Here is my table block. Mine is more like the pattern but I did change the legs a bit to make them easier. I also had to have red apples :0) so I sat them on a pink tablecloth so they would stand out. I should get out some embroidery thread and try stitching the stems - they don't look too hard.

Awhile backI finished my blackbird block but forgot to post about it here. I enjoy the bird blocks so much but I sure don't enjoy sewing their feet on :0)

Happy Quilting!

Table Top .....

2011-11-03T06:52:00.006+11:00

I'm really happy how this CWBQ table block came out. Love the fabrics! I changed the shape of the vase to suit the fabric that I chose for it. I've finished 11 CWBQ blocks now (including another bird block, Blk 16). However, I'm having trouble loading up more than one photo at a time on this blog, so I'll post at a later date. I also wanted to show the set of 11, but again the photos wouldn't load up. Enjoy the fall weather! It's cool out, but the sun shines through!

starting

2011-10-25T19:35:00.005+11:00

Hello every one, My photos are not where I wanted them, but you can see them so that is the most important I suppose. I finally started this quilt (been aching over a year) and so far I absolutely love every minute of it. I changed my background again. First I twice wanted to use a relatively plain background in different shades, but I decided on this small print by Jo Morton. I also decided (I had a year to think) that I wanted the same green (Bonnie Blue) all over the quilt, as I think was in the original (or maybe she used 2 different greens) because I think I will be using a lot of different fabrics and this will tie the whole thing and make it less chaotic. It is also easier to find 1 good contrasting green I think. But here is my question : how much green do I need? So far I bought 2 meters, which is a little over 2 yards. Will that be enough or should I buy more now that I can still find it? Usually I use different fabrics in 1 color, so this is the first time I have this problem. Can some one help me out please? I am using the glue hand applique method from Teresa (Fabric Therapy) I found in one of her tutorials. Teresa, if you are reading this, thank you very much for that, I truly think it is the perfect way for me to do this quilt. Happy sewing to all of you, Françoise

My 11th Block

2011-10-22T22:37:00.000+11:00

Still working on the quilt aiming to complete a block a month... so far so good.

Another set of twins.....

2011-10-22T06:47:00.006+11:00

I love the fabric by Jo Morton on the ostrich body! I'm hoping I can use the fabric somewhere else in the quilt. I don't know why, but it seems to be that the blocks that have double birds end up being twins! I have another block cut up and ready to be appliqued that have double birds and so looking at it, I realized that they were twins as well! Oh, well, that's the way it goes!

AQS Des Moines Winner

2011-10-17T12:01:00.004+11:00

Karen was a WINNER at AQS Des Moines 2011 show, 2nd place. They did call her the night before the show opened but she didn't hear her cell phone and never thought to check it until she called her husband at home on opening morning after the announcement. She was very surprised and shocked. I told her she could be a winner and she had to enter this quilt, she's glad she did! Posted a close up showing her beautiful embroidery work. I heard many great comments about her quilt at the show. All the winners will be in the next AQS magazine.

Going to post mine next on Glorious Applique blog

Julee

Top finished!

2011-10-03T23:10:00.004+11:00

Dear brides, the top is ready, ironed, just saw one thing which is not appliqued, can you spot it. Well I ironed it for the picture so now it is back to the sewing machine for the last few blanket stitches. I enjoyed every minute of this quilt so far, I started in december last year, so all the seasons are in this quilt, the easter eggs with the birds, fall colours and the light greens of spring.

I loved your comments and through this blog I met a great friend Lorene, who is also busy on this quilt and it is almost complete. We are already thinking about a new project!

Today in Holland we are enjoying the last sunny days, it is already fall, a good time for some quilting. I will be quilting by hand, just outlining, the quilt is busy enough, don't you think?

We need someone new....

2011-09-24T19:24:00.001+10:00

Hello everyone, I haven't been here for ages have I. There is a huge amount of stuff happening in my life right now and time is just so hard to find. It's over two years since I bought Corliss' gorgeous pattern and started this blog and the time has come for me to hand it over to someone else to administer.

If you're a regular reader of my personal blog A House in the Country you'll know that my lovely, adorable Mum has Alzheimer's disease. She is 82 years old and I'm losing her slowly to this insidious disease. My time has to be for her and to support my Dad. I will keep my personal blogs so I'd love it if you would come visit me there from time to time..

Right now, I need one of you to take over the admin here. If you think you might be able to do this shoot me off an email and we'll sort it. I'll stay here as a sort of silent partner, just give whoever takes over admin rights. I'm sure that there is one of you lovely brides just right to do this..........

Blocks 7 thru 12

2011-09-11T06:50:00.000+10:00

I have all the blocks finished but will show right now blocks 7 through 12. They were fun to work on. I'm already thinking about the quilting. Since this is all hand applique, I'll hand quilt it. I'm wondering have those of you who have finished your quilts, if you outlined the appliques and then quilted between the blocks next to the seam line. Or perhaps the blocks and appliques are so close together that they do not have to be quilted alone the seam lines. What do you think.

Red Wing Blackbirds

2011-09-03T23:02:00.000+10:00

I finally finished another block. I really like these red wing blackbirds and their little nest but I had more trouble than usual with their feet. I don't think a glass of wine goes with the really tricky applique bits!

Twins Get a Make-Over.....

2011-09-02T01:44:00.009+10:00

The larger photo is the after block and the smaller photo is the before block. The first of Sept was our 32nd wedding anniversary.....are we due for a make-over too?! He, he!

Here Comes the Bride.....

2011-08-30T08:18:00.005+10:00

I'm back....it's been awhile since I've posted because we've moved from California to Oregon, so with a big move, it's taken me awhile to get back on track with this quilt. Am now discovering awesome quilt shops here and in Washington since I'm in close proximity. I rearranged elements differently than the original bride block. The only tricky parts were the "layering" of her hands holding the vines.

At the Halfway Point

2011-08-25T07:22:00.003+10:00

As different as each block is from one another, I'm amazed that they all look so good together. Unfortunately, the colors are very washy, not all like their true vibrant selves. CWB #1 took six weeks to make, second guessing and agonizing over every little decision. Since mid-July I've finished five blocks with the sixth, CWB #11, shy one leaf from completion. Fabric choices do get easier.

Civil War Bride Block #10

2011-08-25T06:57:00.003+10:00

Every bride needs strawberries to share with her intended.

Civil War Bride Block #9

2011-08-25T06:53:00.003+10:00

A recent purchase of grab bags from Cherrywood fabrics were the building blocks for this fanciful bird, whom I've named Freddie. He is very colorful and rich looking, singing his joy at being given a place in this quilt.

Civil War Bride Block #8

2011-08-25T06:47:00.003+10:00

None of the other blocks I've made so far have as many different types and styles of fabrics. Batiks, checks, reproduction fabrics, hand dyes, Kaffee Fassett fabrics, and more all work well together in this block.

Civil War Bride Block #7

2011-08-25T06:37:00.003+10:00

The peacocks were a joy to make. Though the topknots are different from the pattern, I don't think the peacocks mind. A picture of a Zebra moth inspired the black and white butterfly. Who knew such coloration existed in the butterfly world?

Civil War Bride Block #6

2011-08-25T06:09:00.004+10:00

The red and green polka dot fabric was the starting point for this block. While the applique was fun, selection of fabrics to coordinate with the polka dots was mind bending. The purple flowers at first seemed a wrong color but ultimately were an excellent choice.

Bird of Paradise block

2011-08-16T08:33:00.002+10:00

I am so happy to have this block finished! It took me a long time to work up the courage to make that tail. In the end I used an overlay to place and applique the feathers. I was pleased with the results :0) I really liked Lurline and Teresa's birds so I tried to draw mine to look like theirs. Thank you so much to everyone for all your inspiration! Am I the only one having trouble leaving comments on this blog?

Block #14

2011-08-15T10:38:00.004+10:00

So after doing the first two blocks, I got adventuresome, and really wanted to do the Pea Hen block. I modified her a little bit, and I'm still not sure what her crown should look like. I found a bit of fabric for inspiration (or appliqué?), and it's pinned on in the lower left. I made those pesky feet out of ultra-suede, and still need to stitch (glue?) them down. Oh, and she needs an eye! Poor thing can't see where she's going yet! I'm currently working on my Bride, the ostriches, the elephant and the table with the vase. (yes, all at once! LOL!) But, mostly the Bride. Hope to get her flowers finished and post her soon for you to enjoy! ~Vicki in Connecticut

Fourth Block

2011-08-15T10:35:00.003+10:00

I'm still have some detailing to do on this block...but it was fun. I love the bird swooping in on those grapes! and, OOPS! There's my needle in the lower left! LOL! ~Vicki in Connecticut, USA

Second Block

2011-08-15T10:31:00.003+10:00

Well, phew, that went OK, as far as uploading is concerned. (Can you tell that I'm new to blogging and posting!) So here is my Block #2. Oh, my! All those leaves! ~Vicki in Connecticut, USA

My First Block

2011-08-15T10:19:00.003+10:00

Hi Everyone! I've been enjoying seeing all your blocks, and have finally gotten up the courage to post my blocks. This is the first one I did, and actually the colors are more vivid than my camera would allow. The red of the apples is very red, not murky and dark. I'm using different backgrounds for each block, and having fun going through my stash for the right fabric to use! I'm also using the plastic template/magic sizing method and even though it's time-consuming, I find it's easier than needle-turn for me. So, here it is....I hope you all like it! (and there will be more to come...if this post goes smoothly, I'll post my others shortly) Vicki in Connecticut, USA

2011-08-11T22:25:00.001+10:00

Strawberry Block - My Third Block

2011-08-11T15:17:00.002+10:00

I finished the Strawberry block a little awhile ago but just took a photo. I liked making this block until I had to sew on the tops. I thought about doing ultrasuede but I ended up fusing the tops on and then machine stitched a blanket stitch around each top. It actually looked better than I thought it would. For my 4th block I started on the one that has two birds that are pale pink with lots of leaves. I am most definitely not using pale pink for my two birds. The brighter the better in my book.

Block 20

2011-08-10T05:39:00.000+10:00

Block number 20 is my ninth. I liked working on this block.

I have only been using fabric from my stash, and I think maybe my blocks are a bit monochromatic.

I better go shopping soon.

Fruit salad anyone?

2011-08-09T00:55:00.003+10:00

I recently completed this block while on a long road trip. I just love picking the fabrics for the fruit, so fun to play with the shading. The brownish pear is one of my favorites yet!

Vase on the table

2011-08-06T09:04:00.002+10:00

I really enjoyed picking out the fabrics for this block. I have a collection of Blue and White pottery from when I lived in China and was going for that look with the vase. I didn't do the embroidery for the tablecloth fringe but thought that this fabric worked well and was thrilled to find the perfect table leg fabric in my stash.

Blocks four, five and six

2011-08-05T14:24:00.000+10:00

I've enjoyed making these blocks. There sure are a lot of leaves. I got more green fabric. I'm trying to stay with the civil war era fabrics. On with more blocks. It is fun.

it is not easy being green ...

2011-08-05T03:12:00.003+10:00

Is it not funny my center block looks the same color as the wall? or is it just my favorite color?

well it is finished, now I have to find courage/energy to start working on the borders. Luckily for me there will be not much space left for quilting the CWB. Just some outlining I think. Enjoyed working on this quilt so far, I used as much as Kaffe Fassett fabrics as possible. It has been a treat.

Question

2011-08-04T02:18:00.002+10:00

Now that I have the center blocks finished I am starting to think about quilting. I am wondering if those of you who have completed your blocks did any cutting away from behind of the larger pieces. I made a Baltimore Album a few years back and I think I cut out from behind some of the larger pieces. When quilted it seems to emphasize those pieces a bit more. Any thoughts on that?

Ta-da!

2011-08-04T02:12:00.002+10:00

I have been busy for the past few months but have not been posting individual blocks. I have all of them done and sewn together. I have just started work on my borders. I love this quilt so much I know I will be sad to be done. Long way to go yet!

Half way there

2011-08-04T00:47:00.004+10:00

I too recently finished my Bird of Paradise block. His little head looked naked so I added a little topknot. And now I am a little over half way done the blocks. Yay. Here are the first 10 blocks as they will be set though this block is not quite complete in the photo.I think that it is really starting to come together and I must thank Susi (hope I got your name spelled correctly) for her inspiration for moving the blocks.

Another without legs!

2011-08-03T04:26:00.004+10:00

I had fun with this:) A little fiddly, but it was fun. I pieced the tail together first, as a unit, then appliqued it to the background. This bird has a beak, as it was a part of the body, but the legs are left out... for now:) The colours looks darker than it is, though. I started the ostrich block, but got waylaid by summer, vacation and knitting. Cold evenings seems to be more conducive to handsewing. I will return!

2 more blocks completed

2011-07-31T16:33:00.000+10:00

These 2 blocks make a total of 10 completed blocks...
I'm on target with the goals I've set for myself and still managed to progress other quilting projects.
At this stage not sure what block to do next...

In the midst of it all

2011-07-30T17:39:00.002+10:00

It's been a week and a day since someone decided his views were worth the lives of 76 people here in Norway. It takes a while before you feel you can focus on everyday life again. It all feels so unimportant. But, we Norwegians are pragmatic, if nothing else, and life has to go on. With a slightly more grey lining for a while yet, but still. So, here's my plunge into life:) Block #3. I am NOT a fan of pink. At all. But I decided to use it on this one. It brings more depth to the whole quilt, I think.

Robin's nest

2011-07-28T22:20:00.003+10:00

Here is my next finished block. The nest was fun and I loved finding just the right stripe for the acorns. I am really enjoying this quilt, each block more fun than the last.

block 12

2011-07-23T05:57:00.002+10:00

I finished block #12. I have to confess it's not my favorite. Perhaps the orange I used for the flowers should have been brighter. I guess I could always change them... I have block 15 prepped and ready to sew. I have so enjoyed the new people who have joined the blog and are posting pictures of their blocks. I love to see how everyone can make these blocks their own. :0)

Getting there

2011-07-21T05:25:00.002+10:00

Hello Brides, It's been a while, but as you can see, I've not been idle. All of the sudden I've been inspired to work on this quilt, so Dear Jane, Tweets, Roseville, and Henrietta Whiskers, have all taken a backseat while I work on this great project. These are the blocks that I have finished. I've got 5 more prepped and ready to finish when we go on vacation this Sunday. We'll be gone for 3 weeks and I really hope to have those finished by the time we get home. Pray for bad weather and I'll be in my tent trailer stitching away! LOL, nice weather and I'll be stitching outside next to the pool! Take care friends and see you in 3 weeks! Lorene

Block # 10

2011-07-19T22:20:00.002+10:00

I really enjoyed this block. I love the fabrics for the strawberries especially the ones that fade from light to dark and the one with the little seeds. I am trying not to buy anything for this quilt and to just shop from my large stash so it is thrilling to find just the perfect fabric.

Another Bride

2011-07-18T04:01:00.002+10:00

Here is my bride, finished at last. I changed her hair as I liked one that I had seen on the blog. I also changed her shoes a bit - I just didn't think she wanted to wear boots to her wedding! It was really fun picking out the fabrics for this one and fussy cutting the cherries and her little belt. Looking forward to my next block!

Block #2

2011-07-17T18:17:00.003+10:00

My birds don't have feet yet. Or beaks. I dread them. I tried, but .... how do you keep the fabric from fraying too much while struggling it into the little shapes? I might not be doing myself a favour, skipping the little stuff till the last end, but it makes my sanity last for a little longer:)

A 'Bride' from the north

2011-07-16T17:16:00.004+10:00

Hei! I am new to this blog, all the way from Norway. I came over this blog a while ago, and started seeing the original quilt several places suddenly. It grew on me, and after finishing DJ flimsy, I realised I wanted to do more applique. I gave up trying to find enough fabric and got the starting package from Threadbare. Soo many lovely fabrics! Here is my first block. The background is more golden than I can get the photo to show. It's called Willow from Timeless Treasure. I have more to share later. Thanks for letting me be a part of this.

Blocks one, two, three

2011-07-15T15:54:00.001+10:00

I am new to this group but have been watching it for quite sometime. I finally decided to add my blocks so everyone can see. I enjoy hand applique so decided to do this project. When I saw it on threadbear web site I sent off for it and started collecting fabric. Here are my first three blocks.

The color of the background is really a yellow gold color. It's looks a little dark in this picture

The seam lines show through on these white flowers. I tried to make the seams fairly even.

I changed the brides hair. I like this better. Before I put all the blocks together I'll put blush on her cheeks. I think shes kind of cute.

Peacock block

2011-07-13T21:09:00.003+10:00

This was a really fun block, despite those tricky feet. I fussy cut the feathers on the head and found that much easier than trying to figure out what the pattern was suggesting. And this time I remembered to add the eyes. With each block I feel that I am departing more from the reproduction prints but I am sure having fun.

Another one

2011-07-12T08:45:00.004+10:00

So here is another block that I have completed. Posting these blocks has got me interested in resuming work on this quilt. Like many quilters I tend to have several projects going on at once cause I never know what I will be in the mood to work on in any given day. Blogging certainly causes lots of distractions and inspirations but having lots of "Works in Progress" means I rarely get bored with a project, instead I just set it aside until I hear the siren call again. I really enjoy seeing everyone's progress on this quilt and it is so fun to share mine.

Two more blocks

2011-07-10T23:01:00.006+10:00

Here are a few more blocks. I am not a big fan of the color purple but somehow feel that this quilt needs a bit. I wish I had turned this bird around like some others did but instead just flipped the whole block.I really love realistic shaded applique and in doing the grapes and the peaches (I now live in Georgia so changed the apples into what are supposed to look like peaches) I just couldn't resist. So here is the top row in the order I plan on using. I think I borrowed some setting changes from Susie's quilt as well as others. I hope there are others still out there working on this quilt and willing to post. I don't want to take over the blog!

Block 2, Block 14

2011-07-09T23:38:00.003+10:00

Thanks for the nice comments about my first block. Since I already have several finished I will post 2 this time. As you can see I am following the colors of the original pretty much and while I do have several reproductions in the mix as well as other fabrics that I just thought looked good. I have the most fun picking out the fabrics for this quilt and each block is more fun than the last.Looking at the peahen I see that I still need to add the eye (oops) but I love the wing/tail fabric and the little head thingy. Those little feet are quite a challenge but I kinda find them fun.

A new begining

2011-07-08T22:56:00.004+10:00

I have been lurking on this block for about six months and steadily working on my blocks, however I am just learning to post so here is my first block. I enjoy looking at everyone else's blocks as I plan my own and as you can see I was inspired by earlier posts to change the upper corner leaves into birds. Ok they don't look too much like birds but I like them anyway.

Ribbons for the Bride

2011-06-26T11:35:00.006+10:00

This weekend was my local quilt guild's annual show and my Civil War Bride won three ribbons. A second place ribbon for it's category and then two special ribbons:

A viewer's choice ribbon, voted on by the show attendees, and a President's choice ribbon voted on by past Omaha Quilter's Guild Presidents. The quilt generated so much positive feedback and interest. I told so many people about the Civil War Bride Quilt, the blog, and how helpful and encouraging it is to do this quilt and share every step of the way on the blog.

The fun of this quilt continues,

Cheri

My blocks are done!!

2011-06-25T00:47:00.002+10:00

Well, I finsihed the last of my blocks, modifing the bird into a cardinal - one of my favorite birds. Yeah!!! Happy dance!!

The next step was putting the blocks on my design wall and seeing who wanted to go where. I decided not to put the bride and groom side-by-side. I liked the bride above the groom arrangement better ... maybe something about women over men? Only joking. I think it had more to do with empty space. Most of these blocks are VERY full of things. With a handful of them having more open spaces. It seemed to off-balance the quilt when they were too close together. Then there was the butterflies and leaves that reached over into the neighboring blocks to consider. I didn't want to hide one block element for another one from the adjoining block. I thought about 3A being in the 4A position but 3A has leaves that hang over and that didn't seem quite right Hannibal's block. Same with 3B and that butterfly. Yada-yada-yada ......so this is what I came up with at last.

Then I did the "glasses off" test which then blurs the wall and things looked okay to me. But now, I send it out to everyone for their comments, suggestions and input about placement.

Now it's on to the borders .... and more leaves ....

Judy in super hot and dry Oklahoma

It's a boy and a girl

2011-06-20T19:30:00.004+10:00

My two birds (of prey?) have become a boy (blue) and a girl (pink). The ostriches have feathers from a tulip fabric, and a body from another flower. The elephants have dots. It is going to be a strange circus around town. My theory now is: our sturdy bride is fallen in love with the handsome man from the circus, in fact he was the groom to be. Or he has left her for the elephants.

Only a few blocks to go ....

2 totally different civil brides

2011-06-16T17:16:00.003+10:00

Hello Ladies, Yes, Ineke and I are still alive en appliqueing, (is this a word?). Anyway we got together and laid out our blocks next to each other and lo and behold what a difference. Ineke used Kaffee Fassett fabric and I used reproductions. Eash is great in their unique way. I love her bold colors and great fuzzy cutting. My timid birds and smaller leaves don't reflect my personality at all. I should actually have the bolder colors and shapes. Guess that I'll have to make a bold quilt next! Ineke is almost done with the middle blocks, I have 5 more to go. We;ll keep you posted. Greetings from a wet and not so great Holland! Ineke and Lorene

Block #5

2011-06-07T14:38:00.002+10:00

I enjoyed making this block, especially the vase. Plus there weren't too many leaves in this block, compared to many of the other blocks, so it went fast too. I decided to make a few minor changes to the block. I left out the small apples on each side of the vase and changed one of the flowers to a 5th rose bud. I think it still has the flavor of the original block so I'm happy with it. Now on to the next vase block..........

Block #1

2011-06-01T04:44:00.000+10:00

I had a fun weekend sewing and got a couple of projects finished. One of them was block #1 on the Bride quilt. I was happy that there weren't so many leaves to applique on this block. I tried to get the blocks with tons of leaves off my list first, so this one went together a little bit easier for me than some of those did. Ten more blocks to go, so I'm half way there with my blocks. Yeah!

My 7th Block

2011-05-31T18:49:00.000+10:00

This block was simpler to execute than I antecipated and this time I decided to use blanket Stitch around the toes and the circles in the body of the bird...

Finished

2011-05-27T23:38:00.009+10:00

I am finished with my Civil War Bride. This has been such a fun quilt and the blog has just increased the fun. A little recap, I applique by back basting and then needle turn. The quilt is finished with machine quilting on my domestic machine, invisible thread on the top and aurifil on the back. I used a wool batting for the first time which gave the applique a wonderful "puff".

I got such wonderful advise on this blog, like from Judy in Oklahoma who told me how her sister sews a thin ribbon around the edge of the quilt to keep the borders from waffling (just barely seen in the upper corner of this picture before the binding was added).

With encouragement from the blog I dared trying new things, like adding some inking.

I must say this totally scared me to write on this finished quilt and I ended up going over the inking with some machine embroidery stitches.

I will still be watching for new blog posts, all of your Civil War Bride blocks and applique inspire me.

Happy Stitching,

Cheri

Made the deadline !

2011-05-21T06:22:00.003+10:00

I'm posting for Karen, as she has made her deadline, May 20th. We went together to the post office and had them postmarked today's date. Yeah !!! I also sent an entry in for my Roseville Ablum quilt. If you want to see it look at Glorious Applique blog site. We both work many long hours to get them ready for competition. She used one spool with 400 yards and probably close to half that amount on the second spool for hand quiting. She done diagonal lines, going different directions on alternating blocks plus outlined all the pieces. This quilt is made close to the original and used reproductions fabrics. She started this August 2010 and finished May 2011. We both didn't sew last night as it was such a relief to have them finished and both needed a break from quilting ! It has been a fun journey for both of us. Enjoy! Julee

Counting down on the blocks ...

2011-05-16T02:36:00.002+10:00

Well, this block getting completed means I have only two more blocks to go before the interior of the quilt is done. Then it's on to the borders. This block was fun and easy to do. I find I am partial to the ostrich on the right, but I do like the way the two blocks work together on the left side bird. And once again, wool came to my rescue for those darn toes.

Judy in Oklahoma

halfway finished the blocks!

2011-05-12T02:32:00.003+10:00

I finished block #6 last night. I started on the Bird of Paradise block but got up to making the tail for the bird and chickened out. I made this block instead - fun and easy. Now back to that tail... :0) Happy Quilting!!

oops

2011-05-10T11:28:00.002+10:00

sorry I posted to the wrong blog and I don't know how to delete! but heres what I am working on

I've been busy

2011-05-08T19:01:00.006+10:00

And yes, I'm still alive and kicking here in Holland. And I have not been sitting still. Here are the last 3 blocks that I have been working on. Just finished the bird in the tree last night. I thought that I'd put all 9 blocks together to get a feel of my quilt and I have to admit that I really love it. I'm really terrible with colors and combinations and such but I think it's because I've been using the same fabrics for all of the blocks and the neutral backgroundfabric that makes this a whole. I have to have a definitive amount of fabric to chose from, I can't say I'll just check my stash, because if I do I'm sure that this would be utter chaos. Anyway I'm really glad with my blocks and will start the tablecloth one tonight. Greetings from a super hot Holland, yesterday we had the warmest day here in all of Europe! Can you believe it?

Birds with easter eggs

2011-05-01T20:46:00.006+10:00

Yesterday I finished block 15, two birds with a nest of eggs. Somehow it became easter eggs, maybe it is the time of year. I do not know if there are chocolate eggs with little chicks in it, but we have to wait and see. I am really looking forward to the next set of blocks, the elephant, the ostriches. Can't wait. Love to read your comments, you are all a great supporting group.

Block Ten

2011-04-28T10:25:00.002+10:00

I'm happy to say I'm back making blocks for the CWB quilt. After we moved I crashed for several months and couldn't seem to get with it. The last month or so I've been appliqueing again and the last few days I've also gotten caught up on reading the Blog. What wonderful blocks you gals are making. A special congratulations to you, Cheri, for finishing your quilt top. It's amazingly beautiful! I'm also impressed that you got it finished in just a year. And I just noticed that Karen's is finished too. Way to go. It is stunning!

Here's my block number ten, the strawberry block. I decided to embroider the strawberry tops after reading about the struggles some of you have had appliqueing the pointy tops. I also decided to add some strawberry flowers.

I haven't made blocks in any particular order and this makes the ninth block I've made so far. Here's a shot of them all together.

Block 6

2011-04-25T11:07:00.000+10:00

This block was straight forward and I'm getting better with the feet of the birds.

Block ten

2011-04-20T04:34:00.000+10:00

Hello dear friends, at last I finished block 10, which is my 7th block.

It is not perfect but it is the best I could do,

there were some difficulties with the top of the strawberries,

but it is all over now.

Second Block Finished

2011-04-18T04:24:00.004+10:00

I have completed the second block which is the one, I think with the most leaves. Could be wrong. I have also put the feet on my bird from the first block. I am starting on my third block which will be the one with the Strawberries. Much simpler to do so far. I haven't cut out the tops to the strawberries yet, I may wait and make a few and if they're hard to do I'll make them in ultrasuede like the birds purple feet in my first block.

"Here comes the groom..."

2011-04-16T02:27:00.010+10:00

Well, I finally finished my groom block. My friends have viewed it and gave their approval also. They were critical in helping me get him designed and "in fabric" so to speak. My inspiration for him came from so many different places .... a 2009 post from Lizzie on her groom, a 2009 post from Teresa on her groom, pictures from the American Folk Art Museum and what they thought might have been the groom for this quilt, some research on line of colonial men, and my own family. Thank you Lizzie and Teresa for your inspiration!

My family was still in Europe when the CW raged in the states, but my husband's family was already here. I thought I would introduce you all ... the first photo is Adam Sliger (1820 - 1926). He is my husband's great great grandfather on his father's mother's side. We have photos of him in his confederate uniform but some other family member has it. The second photo is of Riley Hasrial Mc Donald (1821- 1895) and his lovely wife Mary Jane Holloway McDonald (1851 - 1889), my husband's great great grandparents on his father's father's side. Notice the age difference ... he was 30 years older than her and she still died earlier ... life was not easy in the 19th century.

As vintage quilts frequently included lots of symbology in their images, I thought I would carry on the tradition .... so my thought on my groom ...the musket is for my husband's family members that fought during the CW. The peanuts (and squirrel) are for the family generations that homesteaded in Texas after the war as peanut farmers. (The squirrel is also for the ones that keep terrorizing my dogs in the back yard. .... And yes that squirrel looks very similar to Kim McLean's ... I am also working on her princess feather quilt and belong to the glorious applique blogspot so borrowed from her design.) The pear is for my father-in-law, who has wonderful pear trees in his front yard. People come for miles to get pears from him for pies and canning. He always gives them away for free as that is the sort of man he is in all things. It also helps us remember all the times he has fallen out of the trees while reaching for "that perfect pear" ... the man is 6 ft 4 but can't be content with the "low hanging fruit". My husband is a man of similar fiber and I thank God every day for my luck in finding him. I actually redid my bride's face - making her smile. How could a bride not smile while contemplating her future with her groom? I think they make a lovely couple.

So, sorry about the weird layout of the pictures but I still have not conquered the art of posting things the way I would like them.

Judy

9 blocks made

2011-04-13T03:07:00.002+10:00

Seeing 2 tops finished in the last few posts has been very inspiring! I finished my 9th block last night. I'm almost halfway! I should be in no rush - I am enjoying making this quilt so very much! I thought I'd lay out all 9 blocks to have a look.

I wonder what block I should make next... :0)

Ready for Hand Quilting !

2011-04-09T14:10:00.003+10:00

Posting for Karen. We had a busy day yesterday as I helped Karen layer and baste her quilt top together and in return she helped me baste my Roseville Album quilt top. We left an open area on the border so she could finish sewing the men on the dogs. Karen also made hers close as possible to the original quilt. She has done beautiful hand workmanship with both the applique and embroidery. Now she has to decide how she wants to quilt it, probably grid work.

More birds ....

2011-04-06T07:05:00.003+10:00

Celia and I must have been thinking alike. We both finished the same bird block.

I did mine to resemble red-wing blackbirds, one of my favorite birds. I love to see the color on their wings when they fly. We had a house in Texas where they were more common than the sparrows. It was wonderful!

I still need to add their eyes. I was thinking yellow eyes but my family thought that would make them look "possessed". I thought having red eyes would make them more possessed than the yellow. Sigh .... I may have to experiment with different colors.

Judy in Oklahoma

Block 5 of my Civil War Bride Quilt

2011-04-03T06:58:00.000+10:00

Here is my 5th block. Once again the feet of the birds was the biggest challenge. Also looking at the picture the eggs seem to disappear but the actual block it looks fine.

Just cut out the pieces for the 6th block and that one also requires dealing with toes !!!

Top Finished

2011-03-30T13:06:00.005+11:00

One year and a week ago I posted my first block, this evening I finished the last few leaves on the bottom border!

I hardly believe I have all the applique finished. This has been such a fun journey. The blog has been the best. I am on to the quilting, I am going to machine quilt this quilt. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, for all of your comments, suggestions, and encouragement.

Happy Stitching,

Cheri

My third block finished, block 2

2011-03-28T22:44:00.001+11:00

Yes I know it is over the top, and it is the weirdest plant ever. I wasn't really looking forward to making this block, which is why I did the strawberries first....
Then I got the idea of using whatever colours I would like, and this is the result. A totally new type of flower for which they haven't yet invented a name....:o)))
Anyway, I'm happy and ready to prepare the next block!

Enjoy your day!
Jane

A Newbie

2011-03-27T12:37:00.000+11:00

Thank you for allowing me to become part of this group. I have been quilting for over 30 years - there are not many places you can go with 3 small children besides "practices and games" for soccer, ballet, piano lessons, Camp Fire Girls, etc!
I have my pattern and hope to make the trip up to Mary Jo's to purchase the background in the next few months. I want a tan since my bedroom is a wheat color. It has been breathtaking looking at all of your beautiful blocks and if mine can just be half as good I can ask for no more.
Janet

Block # 17 Hannibal and his horses

2011-03-23T03:02:00.003+11:00

I was pleasantly surprised that this block went faster than I had expected. And it posed less problems than I thought it would with all those little tucks and pieces. I did change my horses slightly ... I did them in wool so they would look "sleak and black" as my husband calls it. Plus I didn't have to do those skinny legs with narrow spaces between. (yeah!) I also used wool for Hannibal's tusks - I couldn't find a fabric that I really liked there so the wool won out. The rope was made with varigated embroidery floss, braided and then couched done.

I have block #15 well on it's way. And after much debate about his pattern (my friends have given me the thumbs up finely), my groom is being prepped. I'm getting excited about finishing him up.

Judy in Oklahoma

2011-03-23T02:23:00.001+11:00

Just finished block 5. Lookinf forward to the next block!

the bride

2011-03-22T13:52:00.003+11:00

It took me awhile but I finally finished the applique for my bride block. It's definitely my favorite so far! I couldn't resist changing her hair color and style - my daughter informed me that I do not have orange hair but it's the closest I could get to my color of red. I can't say I "finished" the block because I haven't embroidered her face yet. Ask me if I've done a stitch of embroidery on any of my blocks? I have to confess to being an embroidery slacker. I'm a bit afraid of it...

I'm also a bit afraid of some of the blocks I have yet to make. (like block #9) I've started #20 next - I'm just a big chicken! I'm having lots of fun though :0)

Awakened from Hibernation

2011-03-22T02:13:00.000+11:00

Hi Brides! I have come out of hibernation and started to work on my Bride Quilt again. I have almost finished block #15 with the two birds and the nest. Since the feet were too traumatic for me, I have decided to scrap then and am now stitching them with embroidery floss and, as you can see, I'm not completely done yet, but I think I could show it to you nevertheless. As you can see, the tree will have - in between each leaf - a fruit/berry/apple to add some red color:

I have also begun with my 16th and last block, block # 17. The town I live in is called Gaulsheim, which loosely translated means "horse town." Therefore, I felt that the two horses made perfect sense for me, but, since I have already bent the bride's block motifs to suit my own purposes, I didn't really want to include the elefant, although I love it and think it would make a nice wallhanging by itself. I really loved Teresa's solution of coupling the horses with a tree and came up with my own pattern, which, I hope Teresa won't mind and the rest will approve of:

Although # 15 and # 17 are not yet complete, since I know I only want to make 16 and not 20 blocks, it was just too tempting to arrange them yet again to see how they look together and here's the result (although I think I will most likely rearrange them again for the final constellation:

What do you think? Greetings from the Rhine, Britta