Civil War Fabrics on the Cheap?

Some of you may have heard me mention that I found a fat quarter bundle of Civil War fabrics on ebay (from Frank's Bargain Center) for $1 each.  Shipping was $5 for 40 fat quarters.  Before purchasing, I read some reviews on a few quilting forums that mentioned Frank's Bargain Center that said the fabrics were of good quality.

When I got home from January's meeting, the bundle of fabric was waiting in my mailbox!  Here's what the bundle looks like (I ordered 40 fat quarters):

Not one of the selvages had any identifying information, although I was told that the manufacturers included Moda, RJR, Northcott, etc.  Also, more than half of the fat quarters had the selvage completely removed.  After reading Judy's Civil War handouts (the page about Chain Store fabrics vs Quilt Shop fabrics), I have come to the conclusion that these fat quarters are most likely from the beginning or end runs of a fabric print, where colors may be slightly off or the weave may be crooked.  Is this purchase a complete waste?  No.  I think I will still use these fabrics for either the Civil War quilt along, or even the Saltbox Sampler.

Here are 4 fat quarters out of the bunch that I wonder whether they are really Civil War reproduction fabrics:

Anyway, that's my review of the fabrics I received from Frank's Bargain Center.  CLICK HERE to see the fabrics Frank's Bargain Center has available.  Just remember that you'll probably be getting beginning or end runs of a fabric print.  I'll bring my fabric next month so you can feel it and see it.  

January Round Tuits and Show & Tell

Isn't it "mice" to start a new year?

Beth, Kaye, and Marilyn finally got "around to" finishing a project or two:

 

Many members showed projects they are currently working on or have completed:

Rose, Carla (demonstrating a thread separator), Malia, and Gayle:

(Rose & Gayle are new members!  Welcome!)

Crystal, Sarah, & Katie:

Betty & Kaye:

Good work, everyone! 

We can't wait to see the projects completed next month!

January Meeting in Review

Tooele County Quilters met Tuesday, January 15, at 9:30 a.m., and it was standing room only for our first meeting of the year!  Welcome to all the new members!  We hope you enjoy making friends and learning many new things, as well as sharing your talents with us.

First on the agenda was meeting the new officers and chairpersons (click on the CONTACT US link above, for a detailed list and contact information).

Our librarian, Dianne, introduced two new books about machine quilting.  Many books are available in the Tooele County Quilter's library, and any member may check out a book.

The Bear Lake Quilt Retreat will be held March 25-29, and costs $100.  You'll need additional money for shop hopping all the way there and back as well as for a few meals (lunch on the way there and home, as well as one or two meals out while in Bear Lake).  Be sure to let Kaye know if you plan to go as soon as possible, because she will assign meal preparation groups next month (you'll only have to cook once the whole week!).

We hope none of you felt overwhelmed with the information that was presented.  Remember that all of the projects presented are optional.  Participate in one of them, none of them, or if you're ambitious, all of them! Here are the projects we will be working on throughout the year:

INTERMOUNTAIN RESEARCH

& MEDICAL FOUNDATION

(formerly Deseret Foundation)

Every other year, we make a quilt to be donated to the Foundation, which is then auctioned at the Holiday Quilt Show (November 4-8 at Little America in SLC).  The Foundation has been dedicated to funding medical research for more than 40 years, and we are honored to participate.  This year, our quilt is called "All Things Utah," and Crystal Zierenberg is spear-heading the project.  The paper-pieced blocks (apple, bee, beehive, and birdhouse) and embroidery blocks (variety of Utah scenes) were distributed at our meeting.  The blocks are due no later than the March meeting.  Additional help will be needed throughout the year, and I will post more information as it becomes available.

CIVIL WAR BLOCKS QUILT ALONG

from Barbara Brackman's Civil War Blocks of the Week 

We will complete 2 blocks per month.  The cost is $5 for the entire year for copies of the stories and block instructions.  This is a great project to learn about the history of the Civil War and to sew many traditional blocks. The first two blocks are (both pictures from Barbara Brackman):

Catch Me If You Can

Note:  there is a slight typo in the instructions.  Step 4 says to square up the units to 2" (if making an 8" finished block) or 3" (if making a 10" finished block).  If making an 8" finished block, you will need to square up the units to 2 1/2" (NOT 2").  The 3" measurement is correct for the 10" finished block.

North Star

Saltbox Sampler

from Amy McClellan (Under the Garden Moon)

Mary and Jeanine will be teaching and directing this project. The blocks are grouped into similar techniques.  This is a great project for learning foundation quilting skills. This month's assignment is to complete blocks 1 through 5:

• Off-Set Shoo Fly
• Pinwheel & Greek Square
• Scrappy 16-patch
• Double Framed 4-patch
• Improved 4-patch.