Monday, December 8, 2014

Digging into the Civil War Reproductions


I have a big bin of civil war reproduction fabrics (well, I threw it in there if I thought it  was a cw fabric) that I need to reduce before I die (which I hope is not any time soon because I have lots of other bins to reduce too). 

While looking around for a pattern I liked I somehow happened upon a picture of a  Blind Man's Fancy quilt. I loved it.  Then I did a search and found more pictures that I loved and then I found  a pattern for a 15 inch block.   So I made a couple of blocks just to see if I would still like it.   And I do. 



And then, since I was in civil war fabric mode I made a few more swapped  6 inch nine patches into 10 inch Sister's Choice blocks. 


And then besides the bins of fabric there's the scraps from previous projects that need to be used up.  This bag is all 2.5 inch scraps. I've kept them separate because I'll probably make nine patches with them.  I don't mix and match my civil war fabrics with other scraps because civil war fabrics are pretty snobby and frown upon those novelty fabrics I seem to use quite frequently. 


This drawer has scraps of sizes other than 2.5.   I think I'll cut the 2 inch, 4 and 6 inch scraps into 2 inch squares.   I don't want to waste any 1/2 inch pieces of fabric cutting 2 inch squares so that's why I'll pick out even numbered scraps.  Yes, I'm cheap  frugal. 



At the beginning of the year there will be a swap on Block Swappers Yahoo Group of 12 inch Sunny Lane blocks.  (Hey, if you have civil war fabrics and/or scraps it's not too late to join in.) At first I didn't really like the block by itself but  when the blocks are sewn together the white (Kona Snow) lanes form a pattern in the background that I kind of like.   Plus I can use up some scraps making my blocks.   For the swapped blocks I'll strip piece. 


8 comments:

Ellen said...

Your blocks look great! I love CW fabrics and you have such a great stash - so much variety.

Sue said...

Your blocks look fantastic and your CW fabrics....Oh mmmmyyyyyyy!!!! They are a firm favorite of mine.

Jeanne said...

Ah, lovin' these CW blocks! I'm going to look into the Sunny Lanes swap. It seems like Quilting Bee is going to expire before it gets going :(

Julierose said...

I am just beginning to collect CW fabrics--they are pretty particular about being paired only with each other or solids!! I like your idea of making BIG blocks...nice patterns, hugs, Julierose

audrey said...

LOVE your fabrics! The blind man block is wonderful with it!

Andee said...

Frugal is okay! Your fabrics and blocks are gorgeous. I love civil war!

TakeMeThereTotes said...

You are preaching to the choir when you speak about reducing scraps of civil war reproductions. I love how you say they are snobby. I agree.
I need to make some of your blocks. I never know how to use them. And I have collected a nice little bin. Thanks for sharing your nice blocks.

Vic in NH said...

Ahh, this post was my very favoritey-mostest one! Thus saith the Chief Fabric snob, LOL! not a people snob, but definitely a fabric snob here.