Monday, October 5, 2009

Civil War Bride Block 9

Two blocks finished and eighteen to go! As you can see, I am not piecing them in order. Just selecting them by what catches my eye at the time. And, what caught my eye were the beautiful feathers on this bird. The pattern suggests sewing the eighteen feathers together, then appliqueing them on as one piece. I decided to applique each feather separately. I think it gives it more dimension. Isn't she beautiful! Her feet are pretty small, but I think, twice as large as the bird's feet I stitched on a Red Delicious block.

Suminagashi Japanese Maple

The long storm was followed by a north-west gale, and when it was over, the hills took on their first umber tints, the sky grew more densely blue, and the big white clouds lay against the hills like snow-banks. The first crisp maple-leaves began to spin across Miss Hatchard's lawn, and the Virginia creeper on the Memorial splashed the white porch with scarlet. It was a golden triumphant September. Day by day the flame of the Virginia creeper spread to the hillsides in wider waves of carmine and crimson, the larches glowed like the thin yellow halo about a fire, the maples blazed and smouldered, and the black hemlocks turned to indigo against the incandescence of the forest.

~ Edith Wharton's Summer

I hope to see some of what Edith Wharton described above, in the next couple of days. Early Monday morning, my sister and I are heading off on a road trip. It will take us seven hours to drive to Pennsylvania. This will be a second visit and yes, quilt related. My little black book is updated and in my purse. We plan to return to our favourite shops and visit a few new ones. To keep my hands busy, when not driving, I will work on basting about 400 hexagons for Karen's Flower Garden.

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

25 comments:

Nat Palaskas said...

Hi Karen, I have to come and leave you a comment on your blog. You do such beautiful work on your CWBQ block 9. I can't even begin to think where you start on the tail. I love your version of it a lot and it might have to be my next after the groom - Hugs Natima

Unknown said...

She really is an elegant fowl! We done Karen

Cathi said...

That is an absolutely gorgeous bird!! I love the tail feathers!! Have a fun trip!

Unknown said...

WOW what a stunner - you really pick out quilts with a LOT of hard work in them - great job so far

LeKaQuilt said...

What a stunning block! She is wounderful :o)

Ruth's Place said...

Stunning block.

Deb said...

Karen I just love the progression on this quilt!! the patterns are lovely and I so am itching to do this quilt!! I have been following a few ladies with their wonderful renditions thanks so much for posting your beautiful quilt journey

Betsy said...

Karen wow is all I can say!

Unknown said...

The block is just gorgeous!! I hope you have a wonderful time in PA. I know you will if it is quilt related. Basting hexies in the car is just perfect.

Carrie P. said...

Karen,
Your bird is absolutely stunning.
You and your sister have the best time ever. Look forward to seeing what you find in the quilt shops. Drive safe.

Crispy said...

Oh WOW Karen, I love this block!!! Doing the feathers one at a time was a wonderful idea.

Crispy

Karen said...

Your block is so good! Great fabric choices. I thought you were over the top on speed when I read "block nine". I thought you had completed nine blocks. LOL! I have purchased the pattern. Does that count? I don't know when I will have any time to start it. Too many projects.

Paula said...

Karen What a beautiful block, and I love your fabric. Have a safe journey.

Janet said...

This quilt looks like a lot of fun, picking your fabrics and adding your own touches. It's similar to the Mary Mannakee I'm working on. Looking forward to seeing the blocks as you complete them.

Vivian said...

That block would be a fantastic centerpiece for a medallion Q. It's gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

The bird is just gorgeous and I envy you the trip to Pennsylvania - one my favorite travel destinations. Have fun.

Anonymous said...

The bird is simply gorgeous and I envy you the trip to Pennsylvania - one of my favorite travel destinations. Have fun.

Teresa aka MarieSews said...

As others have commented, the bird is gorgeous. Your craftsmanship is admirable.

Because I enjoy reading your blog and seeing the beautiful creations you share, I would like to pass on the Blog De Oro award to your blog. You can check out the post on my blog:http://sewingtrials.blogspot.com/2009/10/i-would-like-to-thank-all-little-people.html To accept the award, just copy the image, paste it in a blog post, and select the 10 blogs you think should receive it next. Thanks for some great reading and wonderful inspiration.

Dena said...

You did a beautiful job on CWBQ block #9.

http://quiltsbagsgardens.blogspot.com/ said...

Ohmygosh! Sooo beautiful.
http://quiltsbagsgardens.blogspot.com/

Purple Pam said...

What a beautiful block. Your quilt is going to be awesome!

Satu said...

It's a stunning block. I even thought about it next morning at the work;) It really touched me! I'm dreaming of purchasing the pattern too...

Deb said...

Karen..your block is awesome this quilt is going to be another favorite of mine. have a great trip to Pennsylvania...can't wait to see what the trip brings back. It's a perfect time of year..the quote was perfect..thanks

Within A Quarter Inch said...

I think I'm in love now...

Robin said...

Your bird is just stunning! And you chose the perfect fabrics. Beautiful!