I am actually a bit embarrassed to show you my dismal progress on my Civil War Bride Quilt. Many who had started on the quilt a couple of years ago when the pattern launched have already completed the quilt – 20 blocks plus a heavily appliqued border. And here I am, being giddy over my first completed block… it just seems a bit juvenile.

This is my first ever hand applique endeavor. So, I want you hand appliquers out there to critique my work so that I can improve on my skills. Erin, Janet, Carrie – I really want to hear from you!

I don’t really have a collection of Civil War fabrics to speak of, so this quilt will not have the Civil War era color palette. I am determined to only use the fabrics I have on hand for this project. So far, 13 fabrics have been used for this block that comprises of 44 patches (if my counting is correct).

I have thoroughly enjoyed doing hand applique. My verdict: Hand applique is addictive! But I have to put this project down for a while to work on Miss Baby’s Easter Dress. Will have pictures on that project for you later!
Glad you stopped by – have a wonderful day!








Wendy:
You did an outstanding job. It is so neat and just like a professional. I love the look of this quilt.
The blocks look gorgeous as always. Lucky Miss Baby, will love to see her Easter Dress. Maybe by then it will be warm enough to wear it. You’re a great Mom and a great quilter.
I agree. When I decided to try hand applique earlier this year I was surprised to find out how much I enjoyed it! Your block is beautiful.
Hey, I’m cheering for you—that’s an awful lot of stitching for one block ! Now, pat yourself on the back for finishing
. I imagine it took some time for the Civil War era ladies to get any quilting done, in between the hand washing of clothes, cooking over a hot stove, carrying in water, feeding the chickens…you’re doing just fine ! Sue
Ha! I think you should be giddy! Well done especially in light of all the other projects you have going at the same time.
I love your choice of fabrics. Stick with your rules and you will have one of a kind. Don’t rush to finish. Do you ever feel bad when a quilt is completed because it was such fun? I have learned that’s it is really about the journey and not having another quilt. Although when I see my quilts I remember the fun- especially if I have learned something new or conquered a problem. Your daily posts are a “breath of fresh air” for me! I look forward to them everyday!
Donna, NC
Nice fabric selection for the pink flowers!
I’m a hand applique-er – wish I could say my first project looked that good! You did an excellent job! Now you’re ready for block 2…
This is just beautiful Wendy, and I think you should be very proud of it! Good job!
I think you must be a natural Wendy. The hardest parts like inner curves and pointy points are executed beautifully. You can be proud of this lovely block. If you have any problem areas that you’re not happy with, just ask and appliquers’ are only too happy to help out. I love the choice of fabrics too, the flowers are particularly lovely.
Very nice work Wendy! Your pattern and fabrics are just gorgeus.
By the looks of your fotos you should be proud. ITs beautiful. I will enjoy seeing your completed quilt. Take care and keep up the good work.
Thanks for the kind words, Jaan!
Wendy
For a newbie applique person…ya done good girl! But then, all your work is spectacular. I love your fabrics, which are current with the time it is being made. They didn’t have a lot of choice back during the civil war.
I am also making a little girls dress…for my granddaughter which I hope to have done by Easter also.
Oh Wendy
This is wonderful. Welcome to the world of applique!
Hugs
Erin
I don’t think you have anything to be embarrassed about — you’ve been very busy with other things!
Wendy, it looks like you’re off to a great start. Oh, I can’t wait to see Miss Baby’s new Easter dress. She’s such a cutie!
I think your hand applique is lovely, Wendy. I’ve tried hand applique, several times, and have learned it’s something I really don’t enjoy doing. But gosh, you’ve asked THE BEST people to critique your block! I know Erin, Janet and Carrie, and can vouch that you’ve asked for expert guidance. All the best as you continue (albeit slowly ) on this endeavor.
Wonderful block – and lucky Miss baby
You should be very proud. It turned out great and what a block to take on for your first project. Most beginners would not have tried that but you did and it worked. Well done. Can’t wait to see the next block. I really like the fabrics you are using especially the flowers.
It’s beautiful, Wendy! The only appliqué I’ve ever done was stems on maple leaf blocks a few years ago. I agree; it was very relaxing and more appliqué work is definitely on my quilting do-list!
Your applique looks good to me! I have a couple of hand applique projects in my UFO closet, maybe I’ll have to drag one out and get something done. You know, one block at a time is how it gets done!
Welcome to the world of hand applique! You’ll find it to be so relaxing and soothing-just you and your needle.
I like your color choices-they may not be CW but they do look old-fashioned to me.
We only know it’s your first effort because you told us-I’d never be able to tell otherwise.
Hi Your block is very nicely done, beautiful!!! can’t believe it’s your first try…GOOD JOB! great colors…I want to make this quilt too but I cannot find the pattern ANYWHERE, any
suggestions?
Your lovely project was featured on the C&T blog – thanks for being part of the Creative Troupe!
Wendy..thanks for your interest and help with getting the pattern for “Bride” I had gone to this site and just got confused with how to do the ordering process. It is different, and I figured it out!!! duh It will be awhile before I can start this quilt but would love to to share with you. thank you Judy
I HAVE MY PATTERN!!!!FINALLY! your lovely work on your
blocks really inspired me to do this beautiful quilt. Next–
picking my background. thank you J
I have my background now..a real nice cotton in a mottled,
darker, muslin look, a tea dyed Civil Warry look! really nice. Now to pick which block to start with. I like the vase with flowers and apples on the table. I have tried to join this group but it won’t let me. I wonder if this site is gearing
down now? I’m probably doing something wrong.
thanks Wendy………………..
Wendy Just got off the CWB site. I went to the 12-31-10 blog by Lizzie.She must be the organizer of this site. She
advised that if a person wanted to join they probably should hurry as they could only take 100 members and at
that time they already had over 70!!!! I think this is the
answer to my question to you. Thanks Judy
what!!!me start a blog. Wouldn’t even know where to start.
not sure if that is my thing. I’ll think about it though. To share would be a for sure reason to keeping it moving and
get that beautiful quilt done. Thanks for your interest and
answering my questions. Judy
Love the block. You did a nice job. I have tried to find the Civil War Bride Quilt Pattern for purchase to no avail. I love it. Keep on stitching. Marci
You did a great job! I am so jealous, I would love to have this pattern, and I do not know where to find the pattern. Keep up the good work you are doin.