A Moment of Weakness

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

(Block 1 Catch me if you can)

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

  

(Block 2 North Star)

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

(Block 4 Tears for Texas Tears)

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

(Block 5 Kansas Troubles)

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

 (Block 6 Richmond)

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

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

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