Cathedral Window Update

Just in case you thought I was slacking...

well, I might be, but I'm making progress.

It is a very slow going piece.

I now have all 99 blocks made 

from the 398 smaller blocks.

Aaaaand...from those 99 blocks,

I am now joining them into pairs,

then onto the main piece which will eventually

end up being the coverlet.

I didn't show all 99 of the blocks as they are

stowed away in a basket so I just took out a hand full.

I am still working at it.

Really I am - here's the needle.

Maybe by fall it will look more like a real coverlet.

A word to anyone who is considering making this pattern.

You need to be okay with so-so.

If you are a perfectionist, you might grind your teeth down

and need to learn wittlin' so you can make some new choppers.

I have been adding beads to distract add to the design.

The design is flawed!

There is no way to fold 4 layers of fabric

into a perfect angle of about 15-20 degrees.

(Side note: I'm so old, I remember degrees symbols on typewriters.)

In order to make the point, 

you must roll the fabric over creating the appearance

of another seam.

Also, in the points, if you do attempt to make them perfect,

there is a very small corner of the raw edge of the window

that will show.

Had I known these things prior to making it,

I might not have committed to a queen size coverlet.

Hubby loves it and thinks it is beautiful.

He likes the effect of the fabric folding and the colors.

So it's his:)

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Really I'm Stitching

Cathedral Window Progress

Just thought I would let you know

I really have been stitching when I can.

I seem to have 2 or 3 hand stitching projects

all going at the same time.

Also, I still have issues showing incomplete work.

I first mentioned it here.

So 396 squares later, I am stitching.

I stitch 4 squares together,

then add the windows.

Next, I will put 2 of the 4-square blocks together,

and add 2 more windows where they join.

I have 14 of 99 4-squares done.

Only 85 more to go:)

Does no-one else question my sanity?

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches 

Cathedral Window Quilt / Coverlet

Good Morning Everybody,

I have began a project I shouldn't be working on just yet.  I have a challenge quilt due by the end of the month, and I started on my 'Cathedral Window' quilt.  Baaad me - shame on me.  I just couldn't help myself.  Our bedroom is in a sorta pumpkin spice color as well as antiqued bronze, and I am making it for our bed.  This will give you a bit of an idea what it should look like.

The ladies in Baker are making one for next years raffle which inspired me.  I love the hand work.  Nothing like having a needle in hand.  Most Cathedral Window quilts I have seen have either a white or unbleached muslin background fabric (of which it takes 25 yards.)  With such a requirement, it is easy to understand why muslin is so popular for the background.  I chose to use a dark for the background then have the 'windows' be vibrant.  I am using several background fabrics all of which are a very dark brown/black.  They start out as a 9.5 inch square. 

That is actually pretty easy - other than the mass quantity needed.  I am somewhere between half and two-thirds of the way with this step.  I think I need about 10 more yards of background fabrics.  Anybody considering making one of these, be advised: there is A LOT of ironing.  Once all of the 9.5 inch squares cut, I fold them up using an iron to become a four inch square that looks like this.

I have 97 of the 396 needed that are completed to this stage.  (that's 1/4 of the way:)  I am stacking them so I can keep track of how many I have.  I had to have some way of organizing them.  Once I get them all ironed, I will have to stitch the 4 corners together - yesss, on all 396 of them.  Actually, I am looking forward to that stage as it will mean the ironing is finished.  Then I will get to ladder-stitch them together side-by-side to create the real background for the windows.  I will probably do this in sections (as I was advised to do.)  After that (we are so in future tense now) comes the making of the windows.  I need 696 2.5 inch squares for the windows.  I have about 3/4 of what I need for those. 

I am using a variety of different prints for these as well - but all in the same color range.  You notice I am using the 'make a pile' organization method for these:)  I will be putting them in a basket here shortly as I don't want them to fray or scatter etc. while the background pieces are being finished.

Then at last, I will get to make the windows. 

They will look something like this.  The 2.5 inch square is placed in each 'frame' and the edge is folded over to create a scallop shape and stitched in place.  I can hardly wait!  I have also learned that this is actually considered a coverlet because of the fact that it has no batting.  I have a feeling that it will be plenty warm enough considering the fact that there will be 25 yards in background plus the windows over us.

Soooo, now I am off to work on the challenge piece - I really am making headway on it and am enjoying working on it.  The UFO's are calling my name.

Until next time ~ Happy Stitches & Many Smiles.