Earlier this year, Karen and I were talking about doing a "challenge/quilt-a-long" together and it took us awhile to figure out what we wanted to work on. We finally decided to use our Civil War fabric stashes and stitch on Barbara Brackman's Civil War Sampler blocks.
There are 50 blocks in the book but we aren't sure if we're going to do all 50. We'll just play it by ear for the time being. Our plan is to post our progress on Sundays....the keyword being "plan"!
The first blocks are quite easy but I can see some challenges as we get farther into the book. I even noticed TEMPLATES, God forbid!
I love scrappy Civil War quilts, so am excited to see how this all plays out. Now head on over to Karen's blog and see her interpretation of the blocks.
In other quilting news, last May I joined a Block of the Month thru my LQS, Sew Many Quilts. The project was The Quilted Village by The City Stitcher. I've actually had the pattern for a few years ago but until they offered it as a BOM, the pattern just sat in the box with all the other patterns I have. I figured the class would be the motivation I needed, so off I went to sign up!
So, here it is...one year later...FINISHED! I actually kept up and it feels so good!
The pattern has directions for paper piecing and applique. Most of the ladies that signed up did the paper piecing technique. While I do enjoy paper piecing, I LOVE applique, so I was one of the few who chose that method.
There was quite a bit of embroidery on the blocks and the pattern called for an embroidered clock on the front of the Town Hall. I wasn't too excited about embroidering those tiny numbers, so chose to just embroider the words, "town hall", after a suggestion from one of the ladies in class.
Sturdy Brick House
Apartment House
Cottage with Birdhouse
Three Story with Dormers
Fixer Upper
Row Houses
The Church
The Schoolhouse
Dutch Duplex
Petite House with Pickets
Saltbox
I can't wait to get to get it off to the quilter for her to work her magic.
Now that it's finished, it's time to round up another applique UFO and get busy. I'll share that with you soon.
Till later,
Hugs, Anne
I have the same pattern set for the Village. And it has just sat on the shelf for ages. I would probably choose the applique method too. I like how yours turned out. Good finish!
ReplyDeleteI also have the Civil War book but have not made even one of the blocks.
WOW your village turned out great - I know you felt like it was a quilt that would never end - but it did - wonderful job. Your blocks look great as well. I just used that little gold patterned one today in another block for down the road :).
ReplyDeleteHugs - Karen
Your quilt is beautiful! I also have the BOM that continues to sit in a cupboard...I did two blocks, so you have inspired me to get it out and keep making those blocks!
ReplyDeleteI just love your quilt blocks, but more than that I love, love your Village! That one has been in my stash bin for at least 10 years (yes, it was a BOM). After seeing yours, I have to pull mine out! I love it!!
ReplyDeleteI really love your quilted village. Your blocks are beautiful. Hugs
ReplyDeleteYou have been holding out on us! What a wonderful finish. I prefer the appliqué to paper pieced too.
ReplyDeleteI started that CW quilt but never finished. It is an official UFO. I have 20 blocks done. Maybe when you two get to 20 I will join you to finish. ;)
Gorgeous Village quilt... that's a lot of applique!
ReplyDeleteMAGNIFICENT!! And not one peak while you progressed along!! It is absolutely gorgeous!! I too have this pattern waiting for me to do...love it!! You may have just provided me with the inspiration to get 'er done!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Must be a wonderful feeling to have it finished!
P
Well done excellent beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteLooking great, Anne. I wish I had the book and I'd join in from the sidelines. I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines.
ReplyDeleteI L-O-V-E your village and I can't wait to see it quilted!
Love your village and gonna love seeing you BB blocks every week.
ReplyDeleteYou just have to spur each other on.
I have made a quilt using these blocks but only made 25 .
I eyeballed the Village pattern a few years ago but passed. I really love yours!! I could almost hear the gasp over the templates LOL. Those could be the ones you don't do :0)
ReplyDeleteCrispy
Oh, you too girls and your challenges! Love your blocks -- it will be fun to see your different versions.
ReplyDeleteAnd your Village blocks are fantastic Anne. What a pretty quilt!
Look at you go! Wonderful blocks! All of them! I love house quilts. And the CW quilt will be fabulous. Fun to have a buddy to work with.
ReplyDeleteYour work amazes me! Thanks for always sharing such wonderful inspirations!
ReplyDeletewhy is it I always want to do what your doing????
ReplyDeleteomg how I wish I lived closer to you and Karen although I think that might be trouble :)
LOVE the Village OMG just love it
Kathie
I am working on this project now.. doing a mix between hand applique and machine applique.
ReplyDeleteYours turned out wonderfully... can't wait to see it quilted.
Anne, I love seeing the houses up close! What a fantastic project!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the sampler quilt. What size are the blocks?
Fantastic finish and I cannot wait to see your civil war sampler!!!
ReplyDeleteWow - both quilts are going to be stunning, Anne! I tried saving all the posts for the Civil War Sampler, but should just buy the book like you did! Love, love, love the Quilted Village and can just imagine it in your new home!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Darn! Not sure how I MISSED this BOM last year as I would have signed up for it! I love it.
ReplyDeleteM