Monday, August 07, 2006



Reaching back...

deep, deep into my scrap bag to pull of pieces for this first Civil War Diary Quilt block. From the diary entry of Rachel Young King Anderson, written on January 1st, 1963. A block that is known by the name Special Blessings. She wrote about feeling blessed as they were still in their home and had food and comfort. The green background fabric was a gift from a special friend..*VBS*. The goldish yellow is fabric for "staging". I counted today and I have gathered together 27 fabrics so far, most from stash..and feel I am off to a good start on this quilt top. I will need some blues, more rust and brown, but I'm happy for now. I'm not very well acquained with the suggested freezer paper method, but I will read up on it, and plan on giving it a try for this quilt. For now, I'm starting with blocks that I can measure the pieces and rotary cut. I'm very pleased with this block..*S*

24 comments:

Kim West said...

Great fabrics, great block. I like the second layout of the quilt best - reminiscent of a bargello quilt.

Kim

quiltpixie said...

you'll love the freezer paper method when you get the hang of it I bet :-)

sewprimitive karen said...

Wowwww, I love the colors in the block so much. What is the Civil War Diary book about??

Linda C said...

now doesn't that look nice! Refresh my memory--how big are the blocks?

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh Finn! I LOVE that block and the fabric you used! It is perfect! And guess what! I got my civil war diary book in the mail today! That green fabric is to die for!

Joyce said...

Looking great so far!

Patty said...

I really like the colors together. You are so good at getting things done.
Enjoying the summer so far ?

Tonya Ricucci said...

Gorgeous block, Finn. The colors are excellent. Great start for this quilt.

Melanie said...

Finn - it's just great! I love the colors - bright and cheery, I'm going to remember this block, because I love the title - Special Blessings.
I'm off to finish getting ready for work...have a good day
Mel

Eileen said...

That block looks great, Finn. I like your color choices. You said you are rotary cutting the pieces. Are you sewing them by hand or machine?
That TAW is different than I've seen before. I like both layouts, unfortunately.

Carol said...

Outstanding block Finn...the colors are just great. The freezer paper method is great for getting those blocks perfect. You'll really like it.

Lily Mulholland said...

Looks like there are lots of advocates for the freezer paper method. A bit too fiddly for me I'm afraid. A pencil line on the right side of the fabric works better for me. But as a rank beginner maybe I'm just scared of the fp method!!

Those colours look gorgeous together. I know it's civil war themed, but the combination seems very romantic to me. This is going to be one amazing quilt!

Katie said...

Thanks for sharing the info on the Civil War block. It is soooo interesting. The book is on my wish list for now. Maybe you could add info about the blocks on the back. Special Blessings to you this morning!

Susan Tidwell said...

Special Blessings indeed! That also describes you, Finn!

Great start on the Civil War quilt.

Vicky said...

Beautiful block! So far I've only been reading the book! LOL

I'll be watching your progress on the Diary quilt! It will be a beautiful journey!

((HUGS))

Judy said...

I would be pleased too!! Finn, it's a wonderful start! I really like the brighter clear colors and the definaition that the block has...the crispness of the colors make it stand out nice and strong! I just got the book, so I can follow along with your blocks, but it's going to be a wonderful quilt!

Libby said...

Love the block -- love the story, too. I have used freezer paper quite a bit for applique templates. It is a nice methond for getting things just so. I have been practicing needleturn of late. I love removing a couple of steps from the process with this method. It's always nice to know a new way to do things.
Thanks for the info on the WTIL quilts. I will go look at all the photos a little later. You are a busy, busy, gal. *s*

Juliann in WA said...

I bet you are pleased - this is a beautiful block and reading all your posts makes me want to go out and get that book!

MARCIE said...

Hey Finn--We have all the windows open this morning-the fresh air is welcome! Your CWDQ block is great! Lovely to find just what you need in your stash. The Trip quilt is awesome. A different block than I have seen before. I want to make that one too! My friend and I have said for years that we could be locked up in our elder years with all our fabric stuff and live happily ever after. Now it is coming to that! :o)

Laurie Ann said...

You should be pleased with that block. It's great! The colors are just so good together.

Melzie said...

i LOVE THAT BLOCK! beautiful Finn the yellow is awesome! xoxo melzie

Unknown said...

Great old-fashioned look. The yellow is looking very good to me.

Tazzie said...

That is one great block with wonderful fabrics Finn. I can't wait to start on my blocks ... I'm being strong and getting a few UFO's out of the way first ... I mean, I need a spare project box, right?
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Tracey said...

And you should be proud of that block! It looks wonderful!! You are off to a great start on the quilt, Finn...and it's going to look fabulous when it's done. :o)